what happened to the .32?
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Revolver Ocelot
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the s&w 431pd & 432pd are both 32h&r magnums.
Stainz
Member
The 431/432, 4" SP101, and SSM's are gone. I have never seen a Taurus .32M, but my pusher has a 5-shot .32M Charter Arms 'Coverette'. Davidson's still had 3" SP101's - which are still in the '07 catalog. You have to reload - commercial .357M ammo is cheaper/easier to find. I bought a new BHG SSM last year, and a LNIB 4" SP101 this year - and I reload. Great plinkers!
Stainz
Stainz
I heard that Ruger was going to drop the chambering period so it is news to me they still have the 3 inch SP101's . Glad to hear it.
S&W stopped producing them as has been mentioned. I have a Taurus M731 Titanium which is no longer made, but they still produce the M731UL with a alloy frame.
The caliber didn't go over as well as it should have (IMO) . I have bought the personal defense loads from Federal at about $10 a box of 20 so yes that ammo is high. I shoot mostly .32 S&W Longs for plinking and bought a bunch from Natchez for $8.15 a box of 50 delivered to the door. That was last year about this time so I suspect it has gone up.
I like the .32 H&R Mag. Sorry to see it struggling.
S&W stopped producing them as has been mentioned. I have a Taurus M731 Titanium which is no longer made, but they still produce the M731UL with a alloy frame.
The caliber didn't go over as well as it should have (IMO) . I have bought the personal defense loads from Federal at about $10 a box of 20 so yes that ammo is high. I shoot mostly .32 S&W Longs for plinking and bought a bunch from Natchez for $8.15 a box of 50 delivered to the door. That was last year about this time so I suspect it has gone up.
I like the .32 H&R Mag. Sorry to see it struggling.
Ammunition cost is part of the problem, and that's related to limited demand. Another thing is the perception that many have that their snubby must be loaded with the hottest most hairy .357 Magnum load available or they won't win next week's big gunfight. The fact that most of them can't hit a bull standing broadside at 10 feet doesn't enter into the picture.
A longer barreled .32 should have a place. I go out of my way to find older Colt Police Positive .32's with 4 to 5 inch barrels. Yes, they can be rechambered to .32 H&R Magnum if that's what you want, and the revolvers tend to sell for a song. You used to be able to say the same about S&W 1903 Hand Ejectors, but those have been going way up. You'd think some manufacture would notice.
A longer barreled .32 should have a place. I go out of my way to find older Colt Police Positive .32's with 4 to 5 inch barrels. Yes, they can be rechambered to .32 H&R Magnum if that's what you want, and the revolvers tend to sell for a song. You used to be able to say the same about S&W 1903 Hand Ejectors, but those have been going way up. You'd think some manufacture would notice.
sargenv
Member
I picked up a small frame S&W 31-2 a few years back in 32 S&W long. It came with fixed sights and amazingly with the 2.5 or 3" barrel that wears it was surprisingly accurate at 25 yards firing wad cutters and semi-wadcutters. It printed into about 4 inches at that distance which I thought was fantastic given the tiny grips on it and the fixed sights. I think I paid $200 + transfer fees, so after all it was like $240. I still take it out occasionally for plinking.
Revolver Ocelot
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I saw some 431 and 432 smith & wessons on gunsamerica with and without hammers yesterday, though they are out of make they can still be found, and from my understanding from speaking with ruger I was lead to believe sp101 in 32h&r isn't out of make they just do a smaal run of them every other year to keep up with demand like they do with the 9mm, it is possible that they have changed this since I last spoke with them.
One of my favorite rounds, unfortunately I think Charter Arms, Heritage Arms and Freedom Arms are the only ones chambering it right now. I've got an SP-101, a Single-Six (adj.) and a Marlin rifle in the chambering and love them all. I think they are well worth looking around for as you'll be rewarded with great accuracy and it's dirt cheap to reload for.
Sargenv- anytime you want to sell that little Smith, give a shout.
Sargenv- anytime you want to sell that little Smith, give a shout.
coelacanth
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a lot of the older Smiths and Colts were. . . . .
chambered in 32-20 as well. The ones I have handled have been exceptional shooters. The modern equivalent is the Ruger Blackhawk chambered in U.S .30 carbine. Hamilton Bowen seems to do a pretty good business converting K frame .22's to fire the 32-20 and highly recommends them as an ideal walking around gun. Read about the process in his book " The Custom Revolver " or at his website www.bowenclassicarms.com
chambered in 32-20 as well. The ones I have handled have been exceptional shooters. The modern equivalent is the Ruger Blackhawk chambered in U.S .30 carbine. Hamilton Bowen seems to do a pretty good business converting K frame .22's to fire the 32-20 and highly recommends them as an ideal walking around gun. Read about the process in his book " The Custom Revolver " or at his website www.bowenclassicarms.com
Last edited:
ugaarguy
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For those interested Ruger did make a small run of Single Sixes in .32 H&R magnum as well. These are a neat little SA entry. In the recent past, Marlin also made a run of their 1894 rifle in .32 Mag which would pair quite nicely with any of the .32 revolvers previously mentioned.
Here in Georgia, the .32 handgun is not legal for small game hunting . . . since you must use a .22 rimfire.
As a centerfire handgun it isn't a big game centerfire handgun round either.
Neither is the caliber the best for defense.
In sum . . . it is a tremendously fun-to-shoot centerfire revolver round that ain't much good for anything except sheer fun!
Last I checked . . . having fun IS legal!
My ol' '69 S&W is definately a LOT of fun to shoot . . . albiet expensive in relation to what it should cost. They can be fussy about ammo . . . but are also very accurate when you find the right ammo!
Here's a typical 1" square black target . . . with those little .32 cal round-nose bullet holes in it, and yes, there ARE six holes in this target if you look closely at the "black" hole too:
Mine is "only" a .32 S&W Long, but you can also shoot .32ACP ammo in the revolver (but not the .32 H&R Mag load). As you can see by it's well-worn condition . . . LOTS of fun has been had by this wonderful little wheelgun!!!
EVERYONE needs a .32 . . . just in case you ever encounter a situation requiriing the fast need of having fun!
As a centerfire handgun it isn't a big game centerfire handgun round either.
Neither is the caliber the best for defense.
In sum . . . it is a tremendously fun-to-shoot centerfire revolver round that ain't much good for anything except sheer fun!
Last I checked . . . having fun IS legal!
My ol' '69 S&W is definately a LOT of fun to shoot . . . albiet expensive in relation to what it should cost. They can be fussy about ammo . . . but are also very accurate when you find the right ammo!
Here's a typical 1" square black target . . . with those little .32 cal round-nose bullet holes in it, and yes, there ARE six holes in this target if you look closely at the "black" hole too:
Mine is "only" a .32 S&W Long, but you can also shoot .32ACP ammo in the revolver (but not the .32 H&R Mag load). As you can see by it's well-worn condition . . . LOTS of fun has been had by this wonderful little wheelgun!!!
EVERYONE needs a .32 . . . just in case you ever encounter a situation requiriing the fast need of having fun!
tinygnat219
Member
Quite simple, they didn't sell. Cowboy Action Shooters are mostly keeping this round alive.
If .32 H&R is supposed to be equal to a .38 SPL. Why not just get the .38 SPL? .38 SPL ammo is also available from near magnum offerings, to mouse fart cowboy loads. In fact, I can't think of another round that has more offerings. Price is also much more reasonable. I can pick up a box of wadcutter / reloaded .38 SPL for 10 bucks. If I can find .32 H&R, it's usaully a cowboy load and sells for double the price.
Just for the record, I own two older Revolvers in .32 S&W Long and they are most fun to shoot. My first is a Charter Arms Undercover Snubby in .32 S&W Long. The other is a Colt Police Positive made for the NYPD in 1922 in the same cartridge. I have found both of these revolvers to be excellent training tools in getting newbie shooters used to centerfire cartridges. Especially with the Wadcutter loads, these revolvers are just fun to shoot. As a self-defense tool, they are relegated to defending me from oncoming paper targets, that's all.
My .02
If .32 H&R is supposed to be equal to a .38 SPL. Why not just get the .38 SPL? .38 SPL ammo is also available from near magnum offerings, to mouse fart cowboy loads. In fact, I can't think of another round that has more offerings. Price is also much more reasonable. I can pick up a box of wadcutter / reloaded .38 SPL for 10 bucks. If I can find .32 H&R, it's usaully a cowboy load and sells for double the price.
Just for the record, I own two older Revolvers in .32 S&W Long and they are most fun to shoot. My first is a Charter Arms Undercover Snubby in .32 S&W Long. The other is a Colt Police Positive made for the NYPD in 1922 in the same cartridge. I have found both of these revolvers to be excellent training tools in getting newbie shooters used to centerfire cartridges. Especially with the Wadcutter loads, these revolvers are just fun to shoot. As a self-defense tool, they are relegated to defending me from oncoming paper targets, that's all.
My .02
CMcDermott
Member
The 32 Magnum cartridge and guns for it have been cyclical since it's introduction over 20 years ago. It has an almost cult following that demands guns, and this fools the marketing people at the gun makers into making a bunch in many different models, which then mostly sit on the shelf causing the gun makers to discontinue all models again. We are currently in the "discontinue all models" part of the cycle, and will have to wait 5-8 years while demand once again builds. This happened when the cartridge was first introduced in 1985, H&R made the first guns and Federal made the ammo, then Ruger made the first runs of the SSM with adjustable sights, Bisley models and the the "fixed" drift adjustable sights, and then added 32 Mag SP101 models while S&W introduced the Model 16-4, 631 and 632 guns. The market saturated, and all of these models were discontinued by 1995. Then a few years back S&W brought out the 331 and 332, Ruger brought back the SP101 and introduced the "Cowboy" fixed sight SSM models and S&W finished with the introduction of the 431 and 432 models. Now all of these guns are discontinued or being phased out.
Hopefully the gun makers will finally get their act together and introduce a low volume single model changing every year plan (similar to the S&W Mountain Gun series) to just meet our demand for guns instead of this feast & famine cycle that has been happening. I would love for S&W to make a single model run of a 1000 guns every year. This would give the collectors something to buy every year and keep guns continuously available without having them just sit for years on the shelves. Just a good mix-up of the models, from K-frame to snubby to kitgun, stainless, blued and airweights. Something like a Model 16, then a Model 331, then a Model 432, then a Model 631, then a Model 31, then a Model 332, then a Model 616, then a Model 431, then a Model 632; over nine successive years.
It's a great fun caliber, good only for small game where legal and only just adequate for self-defense; though the SP101, SSM and 16-4 can handle loads that move it well above the 38 Special cartridge. The limitations of the 32 Magnum cartridge will always keep demand low, the extremely high "fun factor" of this cartridge will ensure that there is always some demand for it.
Hopefully the gun makers will finally get their act together and introduce a low volume single model changing every year plan (similar to the S&W Mountain Gun series) to just meet our demand for guns instead of this feast & famine cycle that has been happening. I would love for S&W to make a single model run of a 1000 guns every year. This would give the collectors something to buy every year and keep guns continuously available without having them just sit for years on the shelves. Just a good mix-up of the models, from K-frame to snubby to kitgun, stainless, blued and airweights. Something like a Model 16, then a Model 331, then a Model 432, then a Model 631, then a Model 31, then a Model 332, then a Model 616, then a Model 431, then a Model 632; over nine successive years.
It's a great fun caliber, good only for small game where legal and only just adequate for self-defense; though the SP101, SSM and 16-4 can handle loads that move it well above the 38 Special cartridge. The limitations of the 32 Magnum cartridge will always keep demand low, the extremely high "fun factor" of this cartridge will ensure that there is always some demand for it.
I find the 32 mag is very controllable and this is critical for the elderly, or people y afflicted with arthritis. I swear by them, I have amassed several, my daughter in law, who is only 22 has trouble with most pistols and revolvers could handle and hit accurately with my S&W 631. My son recently bought a 332 (see my post on BATF 4473 problems). We will mount a CT 405 grip and it will be their house mouse gun!!!
Peyton
Peyton
tinygnat219
Member
Peyton,
This is one reason I haven't advocated for the dismissal of the .32 H&R as I feel it offers a good platform for the recoil sensitive and for those with arthritis. I always preach fire the biggest cartridge you can control. If .32 H&R is it, then that's what that particular person can control. If not, there are always 2 smaller centerfire cartridges that can be fired out of the same platform: .32 S&W Long, and .32 S&W. I would advocate these over the .22 LR, or 25ACP rounds because .22 LR is not reliable enough for a self-defense weapon, and 25 ACP is anemic at best. While I personally would not want to use a .32 S&W Long cartridge to defend myself, it's one of the best choices in a sea of lousy ones.
This is one reason I haven't advocated for the dismissal of the .32 H&R as I feel it offers a good platform for the recoil sensitive and for those with arthritis. I always preach fire the biggest cartridge you can control. If .32 H&R is it, then that's what that particular person can control. If not, there are always 2 smaller centerfire cartridges that can be fired out of the same platform: .32 S&W Long, and .32 S&W. I would advocate these over the .22 LR, or 25ACP rounds because .22 LR is not reliable enough for a self-defense weapon, and 25 ACP is anemic at best. While I personally would not want to use a .32 S&W Long cartridge to defend myself, it's one of the best choices in a sea of lousy ones.
bestseller92
Member
I don't see the .32 Mag. listed in either the Single Six or Sp101 on Ruger's current web site.
The .32 Mag. Single Six was a fine revolver. Skeeter Skelton did a write up on it in the mid 80s wherein he used some very heavy handloads in it without problems.
The .32 Mag. Single Six was a fine revolver. Skeeter Skelton did a write up on it in the mid 80s wherein he used some very heavy handloads in it without problems.
Stainz
Member
My two Ruger .32's - an SSM - 4.6" SS BHG and a 4" SP101. The former was bought new, on closeout (~$300 w s/h) a year ago last Feb, while the LNIB 4" SP101 was found in my local pusher's used case ($265 + s/t!). It pays to be vigilant.
I put the Bisley hammer on the SSM - and spent an unreal amount of time cleaning up manufacturing slop & burrs. Less time was spent on the really LN SP101 - but I did change the springs to Wolff's lowest effort variants and swap the OEM grips for the slightly longer, thank goodness, Hogue rubber monogrip (I am thinking about the wood ones...). That light hammer spring pops all of the Win and, of course, Federal primers I have used. These guys aren't as ultimately 'cool' as the S&W 631/2 variants I've seen - but total cost was LESS than the only decent one I've seen for sale - and I have them now anyway! The Rugers are around - Davidson's, at least, still has new 3" SP101's, too.
Stainz
PS The adjustable rear sight on the SP101 is cheesy - windage only. Thankfully, my favorite load - 115gr LRNFP over 2.4gr Titegroup in Starline .32 H&RM brass making 730 fps - hits close enough vertically at 12-15yd to say it's on target - in both guns.
I put the Bisley hammer on the SSM - and spent an unreal amount of time cleaning up manufacturing slop & burrs. Less time was spent on the really LN SP101 - but I did change the springs to Wolff's lowest effort variants and swap the OEM grips for the slightly longer, thank goodness, Hogue rubber monogrip (I am thinking about the wood ones...). That light hammer spring pops all of the Win and, of course, Federal primers I have used. These guys aren't as ultimately 'cool' as the S&W 631/2 variants I've seen - but total cost was LESS than the only decent one I've seen for sale - and I have them now anyway! The Rugers are around - Davidson's, at least, still has new 3" SP101's, too.
Stainz
PS The adjustable rear sight on the SP101 is cheesy - windage only. Thankfully, my favorite load - 115gr LRNFP over 2.4gr Titegroup in Starline .32 H&RM brass making 730 fps - hits close enough vertically at 12-15yd to say it's on target - in both guns.
DWARREN123
Member
I have a Ruger 4" barrel 32 H&R mag. They don't make them anymore but they are still some new ones out there in distributors warehouses.
The Federal 85 gr Hornady HP-XTP round is good but expensive. Reloading is the way to go and you can do some amazing things to the 32 mag.
The Federal 85 gr Hornady HP-XTP round is good but expensive. Reloading is the way to go and you can do some amazing things to the 32 mag.
Joe the Redneck
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- Aug 10, 2006
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I feel they never made the right gun for it. A five round cylinder made for the 32 makes for a nice little revolver that doesn't "print" when you carry it. Sadly, the makers always use 38 special parts. So you end up with a gun that is identical in size to a 38, the only difference is the 32 holds 6 instead of 5 in 38.
I also wanted a nice little single shot in 32 mag, that would have benn fun.
Joe
I also wanted a nice little single shot in 32 mag, that would have benn fun.
Joe
Steve in Merritt Island
Member
Don't know if this thread can be brought back to life, but I too have a thing for the .32 H&R Magnum. I have the Flattop Ruger Bisley 6.5", the Single-Six (from about 2003 or so), and a Smith M432. I seldom shoot anything but handloaded .32 S&W longs (assembled from an ancient Ideal .32 Colt New Police tong tool. The last two are simply fun guns, but the Bisley I carry in a Bianchi shoulder holster afield for squirrel and crow while tromping around a forsaken property my boss owns in the hinterland part of the county. While I am not sure of the actual niche that this handgun fills, it fills this niche rather nicely, I think. I avoided the Bisley for awhile originally, as just too ugly, but, now I can't imagine being without it. The egonomics are fantastic. It does look rather cartoonish though, as the grip frame of this revolver is the same as you'd find on the larger New Model Blackhawk.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
"What Happened To The .32"~?
My Smith & Wesson 2" barrel 30-1 is in the safe; and doesn't get shot.
It is chambered for the .32 S&W Long cartridge; and was my deceased
fathers carry gun~!
My Smith & Wesson 2" barrel 30-1 is in the safe; and doesn't get shot.
It is chambered for the .32 S&W Long cartridge; and was my deceased
fathers carry gun~!
weregunner
Member
The .32 H&R magnum has not gone away or near dead. There's a quiet group of users who are not noticed because the .32 calibers are not either He-man enough or other cartridges have taken some of the .32's missions away from it.
Things are quiet for the .32s and get no notice by most of the handgun society.
There have been many recent articles in various gun magazines and journals that show what the .32 caliber guns and cartridges are capable of.
Not being a big bore blaster kind of puts the .32s on the back burner. Until know.
With the spike in CCW permits, get a gun while you still can mentality, and the spike in people buying subcompact and compact guns, the .32s and .380s are back.
The new somewhat big blaster in the neighborhood is the .327 Federal cartridge. It's a powerful little number.
The good news is the .327 Federal handguns are selling like hotcakes at a International House of Pancakes. Trying to find these little numbers is difficult.
The nice thing about the .327 Federal guns is that they can shoot .32 S&W Longs and .32 H&R magnum rounds as well.
Most online stores do not have them and local gun shops seem to be having problems keeping them in stock or getting them. That could all be changing as this is being put on virtual paper.
Ruger has just introduced the GP100 as a 7 shot .327 Federal model and a Blackhawk that holds 8 rounds.
Couple that with the Ruger SP101 already out there in that caliber, add in the other brands in that caliber as well, and things have taken off.
The GP100 and Blackhawk are already in the pipeline but are not to be released until supply is enough according to Ruger personnel. Yes, I talked with them for a short period of time. Customer Service and the supervisor say so at least.
Trying to find .32 H&R ammo can be tough, but you have to know where to look, and yes, there is somewhat of a shortage for know. Not so for .32 S&W Long if you know where to look.
Lack of ammo is not because the caliber is dying for lack of interest. Just the opposite.
Here's a link from THR on the .327 Federal and the 32 calibers.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=493968
I own a Ruger SP101, with the 3 inch barrel and a Taurus snub revolver and both are in the .327 Federal.
There is a link within the link provided that might prove beneficial.
Ballistics of the .327 Federal are also in the link provided.
Reasons for anyone to consider the .327 Federal and it's stable mates are also on the link.
Things are quiet for the .32s and get no notice by most of the handgun society.
There have been many recent articles in various gun magazines and journals that show what the .32 caliber guns and cartridges are capable of.
Not being a big bore blaster kind of puts the .32s on the back burner. Until know.
With the spike in CCW permits, get a gun while you still can mentality, and the spike in people buying subcompact and compact guns, the .32s and .380s are back.
The new somewhat big blaster in the neighborhood is the .327 Federal cartridge. It's a powerful little number.
The good news is the .327 Federal handguns are selling like hotcakes at a International House of Pancakes. Trying to find these little numbers is difficult.
The nice thing about the .327 Federal guns is that they can shoot .32 S&W Longs and .32 H&R magnum rounds as well.
Most online stores do not have them and local gun shops seem to be having problems keeping them in stock or getting them. That could all be changing as this is being put on virtual paper.
Ruger has just introduced the GP100 as a 7 shot .327 Federal model and a Blackhawk that holds 8 rounds.
Couple that with the Ruger SP101 already out there in that caliber, add in the other brands in that caliber as well, and things have taken off.
The GP100 and Blackhawk are already in the pipeline but are not to be released until supply is enough according to Ruger personnel. Yes, I talked with them for a short period of time. Customer Service and the supervisor say so at least.
Trying to find .32 H&R ammo can be tough, but you have to know where to look, and yes, there is somewhat of a shortage for know. Not so for .32 S&W Long if you know where to look.
Lack of ammo is not because the caliber is dying for lack of interest. Just the opposite.
Here's a link from THR on the .327 Federal and the 32 calibers.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=493968
I own a Ruger SP101, with the 3 inch barrel and a Taurus snub revolver and both are in the .327 Federal.
There is a link within the link provided that might prove beneficial.
Ballistics of the .327 Federal are also in the link provided.
Reasons for anyone to consider the .327 Federal and it's stable mates are also on the link.
notbubba
Member
I have a Ruger single six birdshead in .32 mag.
Neat little gun, I like it a lot.
I have the dies, now I need to get bullets to start reloading.
Neat little gun, I like it a lot.
I have the dies, now I need to get bullets to start reloading.
Kernel
Member
Steve, You'll always have a home at THR. That's the perfect mindset. Welcome.
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