awp101
.401 Bobcat
TANSTAAFL
Posts: 2,634
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Post by awp101 on Jul 30, 2019 20:42:49 GMT -5
In my quest to start replacing quantity with quality, I find myself wanting a nice small bore revolver so I feel a .32 of some flavor is in order.
SA or DA and I'd like to keep the base price under $600. Primary uses will be punching paper and ringing steel (50 yards max with the vast majority being 15-25 yards), not hunting. Adjustable sights are strongly preferred but replaceable fixed sights aren't off the table. Barrel length should be between 4" and 5.5" but a 3" or 6-6.5" might be considered if it better meets the other parts of the wish list.
Where I'm having the biggest problem is deciding if I will be perfectly happy with a .32 Mag or do I really NEED to step up to the .327. I don't need (or want) the added blast and horsepower of the .327 but according to AmmoSeek I can find .327 for $0.42/rd vs $0.63/rd for .32 Mag and reloading isn't a high priority for a number of reasons right now.
I've been thinking about this post for a couple of days and due to interruptions it's taken me a while to get it typed and posted, I think I've talked myself into a .32 Mag in either a SP101 or Bisley SSM. Both are light and handy and the 3" and 5.5" barrel lengths don't seem to be a realistic hindrance to carrying, velocity or accuracy at the ranges I plan on shooting. I've re-sprung and slicked up a GP so I figure I can do the same with a SP or SSM. Later on I can send it out to be prettied up more and new grips or better sights (looking at Zane and Fermin...) are an easy solution.
These threads are sort of like me asking someone else to pick my favorite color but I still find the input useful. Is there anything I'm overlooking in my thought process?
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erich
.30 Stingray
Posts: 393
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Post by erich on Jul 30, 2019 21:05:18 GMT -5
Depends on whether you're ever likely to want to stretch your legs with Handloader for it. I've grown to really like .32s: accurate, pleasant and easy to load. Been using Phil Sharpe's data in the solid frame short barreled Longs for a while ... and I've been thrilled with how the .32 H&R really stands up out of a Ruger's 6.5" tube (115-grainers at over 1400 fps at this altitude using data from a Handloader article). If you're ever likely to want to see what it'll do, might as well buy long now. Just a thought...  |
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Post by sixshot on Jul 30, 2019 22:25:34 GMT -5
Seems like everyone is loving the 32's & 327's right now & there are quite a few choices to pick from. It all comes down to which one you think fit's your needs the best. You really need to consider handloading for it to really get to know your gun, you can cut those prices way down by saving your brass & buying a good cast bullet. Load them up or down, your 32 magnum will treat you right.
I would go with at least a 4" barrel & adjustable sights, you won't be sorry because you can shoot several different loads & accuracy is easier to come by with a little more barrel length. 5.5" barrels are very popular & makes for a nice plinking or range gun with accuracy to spare & recoil is like kissing your girl friend.....
Dick
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Post by msauter on Jul 31, 2019 7:44:27 GMT -5
Love my .32’s ... I agree with sixshot, stay with 4” or longer barrel. There are 5” GP100’s out there, as well as 4” SP101’s. The Single Sixes come in many configurations and barrel lengths, although you have to hunt them down. There is also a Blackhawk that was made in .32. I am still searching for a 6.5” Single Six to add to my collection of .32’s  |
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awp101
.401 Bobcat
TANSTAAFL
Posts: 2,634
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Post by awp101 on Jul 31, 2019 13:14:02 GMT -5
Yes, I know I should be reloading. Not just .32s but .38s and .45s as well. Just too many other commitments and not enough time or me to go around for the foreseeable future..
Seems like I need to give the 4" SP another chance. I picked up the one I used to have with the plan of using it as a .32 ACP plinker like I had done with my S7 and was very disappointed to find out I couldn't. Since I didn't have any .32 Mag on hand it never occurred to me to just go that route with it. DOH!
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 31, 2019 14:32:30 GMT -5
If limited to one (Heaven Forbid) I'd opt for the 5" Half Lug Ruger GP-100 327 Federal.
It weighs about the same as a Single Seven, but has a much longer cylinder. This is very advantageous to the Handloader.
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Post by jimtx on Jul 31, 2019 15:01:24 GMT -5
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Post by wheelguns on Jul 31, 2019 15:41:57 GMT -5
I agree with encore. I have 2 single sevens, a .32 h&r, and the gp100 that encore mentioned. The gp is my favorite.
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Post by squigz on Jul 31, 2019 15:44:01 GMT -5
I have a original run of a Ruger Single Six in 32H&R from 1984. I need nothing else and I see no need to push it to no end, I also see no need to have a 327 federal as for my purposes, I don't need that extra power that is given with that cartridge.
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Post by wheelguns on Jul 31, 2019 15:46:31 GMT -5
I have a original run of a Ruger Single Six in 32H&R from 1984. I need nothing else and I see no need to push it to no end, I also see no need to have a 327 federal as for my purposes, I don't need that extra power that is given with that cartridge. I don’t have any reason either, but they are alot of fun |
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Post by squigz on Jul 31, 2019 15:48:45 GMT -5
I have a original run of a Ruger Single Six in 32H&R from 1984. I need nothing else and I see no need to push it to no end, I also see no need to have a 327 federal as for my purposes, I don't need that extra power that is given with that cartridge. I don’t have any reason either, but they are alot of fun And I'm having the same amount of fun with the 32 that I'm sure I'd have with the 327! and squirrels and rabbit's don't know the difference when the GTBullets HPs hit them.. |
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 31, 2019 15:54:47 GMT -5
I look at this a bit differently. Buying a 32 Magnum (I have several...) is like buying a 38 Special. It makes little sense when a similar gun is available in the longer cartridge.
After going thru all the shortages during the Obammy Reign of Terror, I opt for versatility. It simply offers twice the options if useable brass.
While I love the 32 Magnum, the 327 Federal shoots it just as good.
Just my opinion...
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Post by z1r on Jul 31, 2019 17:44:45 GMT -5
The notion of the GP cylinder being longer certainly makes sense if you are wanting to shoot heavy for caliber bullets. I like the longer cylinder in my Blackhawk for that reason.
While I appreciate the versatility of being able to fire shorter cartridges in a longer cylinder, I've found that there is usually a tradeoff in accuracy. To that point, I've found it better from an accuracy standpoint to down load the longer cartridge rather than to fire the shorter cartridges. That said, for general purposes, firing something like a .38 special in a .357 usually produces "good enough" accuracy.
Everyone has different preferences, for me, if I could keep only one of my .32/.327's it would be my original 4 5/8" Single Six in .32 H&R. It's light, easy to shoot, and packs a real wallop for such a handy little gun.
I like and appreciate the extra punch that the .327 packs in the Single Seven, but it is a heavier revolver. I prefer carrying the .32 H&R as it is hardly noticeable on my hip.
For busting pigs I prefer the 327 Blackhawk. It likes heavy bullets.
I'm hoping to acquire a Single Six Bisley in .32 H&R this weekend.
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 31, 2019 18:00:34 GMT -5
Well, it's far beyond heavy bullets. The long nosed 115 grn GT Hollow Point requires the longer cylinder.
I do agree it's a sometimes thing with loss of accuracy when shooting the shorter cartridges. But, I was referring to an absolute necessary thing in a shortage as opposed to common practice.
However, I do own and love both rounds. Ditto on the old 32-20 WCF.
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awp101
.401 Bobcat
TANSTAAFL
Posts: 2,634
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Post by awp101 on Jul 31, 2019 21:35:08 GMT -5
I look at this a bit differently. Buying a 32 Magnum (I have several...) is like buying a 38 Special. It makes little sense when a similar gun is available in the longer cartridge. After going thru all the shortages during the Obammy Reign of Terror, I opt for versatility. It simply offers twice the options if useable brass. I understand and appreciate having multiple options from 1 firearm. That's why I like the convertible Blackhawks and also why I went ahead and picked up a .40 M&P. When 9mm was scarce and spendy, .40 could be found at a reasonable price. I can pick up a 9mm conversion barrel or a complete top end since the .40 and 9mm use the same frame. A full lug 4" or half lug 5" GP is a possibility but they tend to be just above where I'm wanting to keep the budget for this. Not a deal breaker but it's going to require more thought. |
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