S&W 32-20 Ammo ?

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mrlittlejohn

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Brunswick, GA
A good friend gave me a S&W 32-20 a short while ago. I have figured out some good info on it, but can't find ammo for it. I know it is tough these days with the gov't buying so much, but how about our 32's?

Can someone point me to where I can buy some ammo for this gun to take out and shoot? Nothing special, but just want to shoot it for some enjoyment and to let my friend know that I am using his old gun.

BTW, here is a thread when I was gathering data on the gun... http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=713268



Thanks in advance,
Mike
 
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I've seen a lot of less common ammo for sale, including .32/20 and .25/20. Price ? $50-$60 for 50 rounds.
 
.32-20 is the reason I started reloading. Paying $0.60/round and up (a year ago) for CAS ammo with the punch of a hot .22LR is crazy! (One brand cowboy brand claimed 1200 fps, but I shot it side-by-side with another rated 800 fps, and could tell no difference in recoil, so I was very skeptical of that velocity claim. It did come in a nice box, though!)

And if you believe the government is buying up .32-20, I've got a bridge in Arizona to sell you at a very fair price. :cool:
 
I personally do not think that the government is buying 32-20 ammo. I believe the government is giving good reason to not produce 32-20 rounds, as they pay better than resellers. Therefor, who will you sell to ?


Mike
 
I have a model 1905 3rd change HE in 32-20 with a 50*** SN and a 4th change with a 100*** SN .. my 3rd change is not heat treated but my 4th change is as S&W started heat treatment around 80**** SN

So you have to be careful with your power level of ammo.

006-5.jpg
 
Factory .32-20 ammo tends to be a little high, just because it isn't as mainstream as some calibers. I reload for my old S&W .32-20 and it is a lot of fun to shoot. I am sure you will enjoy yours.
 
Hello friends and neighbors //Nice of your friend, I hope you enjoy shooting the S&W!

I shoot the .32-20 Ultra Max Cowboy loads @ 1050 in both my 1914 Colt Police Positive Special and an 1885 DOM Winchester 1873, with no problems.

For the first time out I'd recommend the Blackhills .32-20 @800 ,,,, linked by RC Model.

Enjoy the search
 
That is exactly what I purchased. 3 boxes. I will look to get reloads done affter that for a while until the brass is no longer usable. I understand that rifles get 3 to 5 reloads, what about these cartridges?

I understand that I should have the heat treated cylinder, but want to use caution to not damage the gun. I am not concerned about speed, but want to enjoy the gun.


Thanks,
Mike
 
Being where you are at, it would not do justice. But, thanks for your willingness.

If you happen to be in the area, check what the prices are at just for kicks.




Mike
 
Heat treatment of cylinders began at serial number 81287 on May 7 1919.
Serial number 87900 shipped in 1920, so your gun has a heat treated cylinder and probably dates to late 1919 or early 1920.
 
Thanks Radagast !

Nice information to know and great to understand better of the date of shipping. I found a site for S&W guns that shows that the large medalion grips ended in 1920. My gun must be right at the end of this era.

I really like this old gun. The patina it has is amazing, and every person I have showed it to really loves it. I can't wait to get out and shoot it.


Mike
 
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