Tell me about the 32 S&W Long Cartridge

[Ala Dan]

I've got my deceased fathers S&W model 30-1, .32 S&W Long "Hand
Ejector" revolver. It has the "H" serial prefix, and dates back to 1971.
Its in solid 95% condition, and has only been test fired; but carried a
lot by my uncle (dad's brother) to whom I gave it too upon his death.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[scbair]

I'm about to play with some .32 S&W Long handloads, myself. I picked up a Model 30, 3" barrel, with significant finish wear (but pristine bore, and action as tight as new; apparently carried much, shot seldom; go figure!! ). I'm actually considering it for use by my wife. Its small frame/short trigger reach would benefit her, but she just can't acclimate herself to the recoil of my .38 snubs.

I've been poring over my manuals, and picked up some 95 gr. cast LSWcs and some lighter (85 gr.???; I'll have to look again) JHPs, that I think were intended for the .32 H&R magnum cartridge. I think (although I've not yet worked up any loads) I can accommodate a 95 gr. LSWC at approx. 850 fps; maybe 900 if I'm lucky (I've handloaded other handgun & rifle rounds for about 30 years, & haven't "blown" anything, yet; I'll start low & go slow!). Not as "monster-ish" as a hot .38 Special, but . . . I'm thinking the LSWCs could by a good bet.

Here's my take: I've never had to use a firearm on a human being (thankfully!! Close calls don't count!), but I have hunted large & small game for most of my life. I've seen deer, taken completely unawares, hit solidly through the heart/lung area with premium high-powered rifle bullets, run for hundreds of yards before dropping. I'm not really confident any handgun round will drop a drug- or adrenaline-soaked human assailant like Thor's hammer. I favor the theory of directing a deep-penetrating projectile toward the central nervous system (e.g., head or centerline of body) & (rapidly)repeating until desired effect is achieved! I would be about as confident with a .31 bullet at a decent velocity as in a .36 projectile at similar velocity. I'd give serious thought to a .22WMR 8-shot snubbie, if I were to find one at a good price.

Heck, if my handloads penetrate some old pine boards on a par with my .38, I may carry the old M30, myself, on occasion!

 

[Dale Taylor]

Havingbeen given a Rast & Gasser revolver as a teenager I fired it many times with 32S&W Long and colt New Police cartridges. At the same time my brothers received a 1911 and 9mm Luger. I came out in last place.. Never shot anything bigger than a rabbit which dropped in its tracks. I'm going to get the revolver out again. Does anyone have the American Riffleman reference where this revolver was reviewed?? [email protected] THANKS

 

[Hammerdown]

"OPTION'S"

Hey Fullof lead:
The caliber is a bit slow.. I have one and took it to the next level.. although this will bring sneer's from serious collector's I had mine reamed out so it could shoot the newer .32 H&R Magnum.. It really gives this revolver the punch it deserves and is as safe as can be.. The other problem I had with the S&W .32 Long is if you do not handload most companies that load it just offer a round nosed lead bullett...Hope this help's. Regards, Hammerdown.

 

[280PLUS]

Coincidentally,,,

I went to Georgia Arms myself thinking that they had a .32 ACP load and wanting to check it out and it turns out its a .32 S&W Long load. Here is the link to the page. It has some facts and figures. REMEMBER their claims are for coming out of a 7" barrel !!

http://www.georgia-arms.com/pistol.htm

And while I'm at it, I think I've been shooting some .32 longs made by Federal that were full wadcutters. I don't recall seeing them in LRN. But that doesn't mean anything. The Georgia Arms round is the first Ive seen in JHP.

Federal makes a lead semi-wadcutter in .32 Mag.

FWIW - The .32 Mag has been gaining popularity as a cowboy round. There are some manufacturers who've recently started making cowboy action pistols and rifles in .32 Mag.

Put a decent .32 Mag round in a lightweight snubbie and don't worry, you'll know you're shooting something.

There's a few people around here who've tried mine and won't shoot it again,,,

LOL

 

[JMLV]

I have 2 32 caliber guns I like a lot

The first is a pre turn of the century H&R topbreak 6 shot 32 S&W long. It locks up tight as a drum and is my cowboy snubby for pocket gun matches but is just small enough to quality 3.5" barrel and a square but grip but a round but frame. its a fun little gun and i genually shoot 32 s&w shorts in it mainly to prolong its life span. I do shoot the longs in it on occosion through.
The second is a H&R lady ultrs with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights in 32 magnum. Since magnum ammo is so pricy(the last 2 boxes I bought were $17 each!) I shoot 32 longs almost exclusively. I don't use this as a carry gun just a fun plinker and target gun. I enjou both of my 32s and have no plans on ever getting rid of either.
Jim L

 

[BOB D]

32 Long loads

Speer has some updated loadings for the .32 Long at http://www.speer-bullets.com/default.asp?s1=5&s2=15