awp101
.401 Bobcat
They call me…Andrew
Posts: 2,757
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Post by awp101 on Jul 2, 2024 15:56:03 GMT -5
Occasionally I get the wantsies for a .32-20 revolver of some flavor. For a single action the easy button is probably a dual cylinder Cimarron Model P Jr.
For a double action revolver it appears my choices are limited by my budget to Colts and Smiths that are pushing 100 years, if not older. I've had my eye on a handful of 1905s and Army Specials but after accumulating collecting milsurps for years, I've reached the point where I'm no longer interested in having to source (or have made) out of production parts. "Simplify, simplify, simplify" is my mindset most days now.
As a thought exercise, what are the viable options to get a modern K/L Frame size .32-20 DA revolver with a 5-6" barrel? I realize it would probably have to be a custom project and I also realize a bottleneck cartridge might turn some 'smiths off of the project. Start with a K/L frame or new Cobra/King Cobra and have a new cylinder and barrel made?
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Post by bcelliott on Jul 2, 2024 16:45:02 GMT -5
I would think the easiest way might be to get a 7-shot GP100 .327 Fed Mag and have a smith make a new 6-shot cylinder and pawl.
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Post by 45MAN on Jul 2, 2024 17:13:28 GMT -5
MY 7 SHOT GP100 SHARES VIRTUALLY THE SAME CYLINDER WIDTH AS MY OFFICIAL POLICE 32-20 REVOLVERS. IF RUGER MADE ANY 6 SHOT 327 GP100's THAT MIGHT BE THE WAY TO GO.
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Post by LeverGunFan on Jul 2, 2024 18:47:23 GMT -5
How about a SP101 in 327 Federal or 32 H&R? 3 inch or 4 inch barrel, six shot. Only need a new cylinder. Doesn't meet your barrel length, but might be easiest way to go.
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Post by bushog on Jul 2, 2024 18:57:13 GMT -5
Here’s a K-frame .32-20/.327 Federal that Bowen built for me. Not an inexpensive prospect but it’s a wonderful revolver using a rebored .22 jet barrel and M17 cylinders.  |
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sharps4590
.30 Stingray
I'm a Christian first, husband and father next then a patriotic, veteran, firearms aficionado.
Posts: 360
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Post by sharps4590 on Jul 2, 2024 19:11:27 GMT -5
What's wrong with an Army Special? I've been using one for over 30 years and used it pretty heavy for 20. All I've had to do to it is runa patch through the barrel & cylinder.
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strawhat
.30 Stingray
Posts: 155
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Post by strawhat on Jul 2, 2024 19:44:58 GMT -5
It is not hard to rechamber a smaller cartridge cylinder to 32-20 but it should not be all that hard to sleeve a Model 19 barrel and cylinder to handle the 32-20 cartridge. I would cut “inserts” slightly larger than the 357 chamber, freeze the inserts, heat the cylinder and shove them in. Then ream the chambers. Sleeving the barrel is straight forward and cut the forcing cone.
Kevin
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Post by 2 Dogs on Jul 3, 2024 1:15:14 GMT -5
Here’s a K-frame .32-20/.327 Federal that Bowen built for me. Not an inexpensive prospect but it’s a wonderful revolver using a rebored .22 jet barrel and M17 cylinders. It’s exquisite. My absolute favorite caliber. The sights look like they are cut for precision. Best that you keep both eyes on while a Ladron like me is about. That’s Spanish for “thief”…. |
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awp101
.401 Bobcat
They call me…Andrew
Posts: 2,757
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Post by awp101 on Jul 3, 2024 15:56:33 GMT -5
How about a SP101 in 327 Federal or 32 H&R? 3 inch or 4 inch barrel, six shot. Only need a new cylinder. Doesn't meet your barrel length, but might be easiest way to go. I love SP101s but it's too small for what I'm envisioning. If I just wanted a modern .32 as a kit gun I'd get a 4" .327 SP, stoke it with .32 Mag and drive on. What's wrong with an Army Special? I've been using one for over 30 years and used it pretty heavy for 20. All I've had to do to it is runa patch through the barrel & cylinder. Truthfully? Nothing at all other than the sights and my eyes don't get along very well. The one I've been looking at would probably be perfectly sufficient for how little it would be actually used vs just fondled and admired. But what I see in my minds eye is a modern version of the S&W 1905 or Army Special with better sights and possibly stainless. It is not hard to rechamber a smaller cartridge cylinder to 32-20 but it should not be all that hard to sleeve a Model 19 barrel and cylinder to handle the 32-20 cartridge. I would cut “inserts” slightly larger than the 357 chamber, freeze the inserts, heat the cylinder and shove them in. Then ream the chambers. Sleeving the barrel is straight forward and cut the forcing cone. Kevin That thought crossed my mind but I don't know if a gunsmith would be willing to do that. Seems like there's multiple potential points of failure BUT I've never asked anyone if they would or would not do such a conversion. More than likely this is going to remain just a thought exercise for a very long time but should I fall into a vat of lottery winnings or somesuch, it will be nice to have some of the research done ahead of time. |
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Post by bushog on Jul 3, 2024 17:50:13 GMT -5
How about a SP101 in 327 Federal or 32 H&R? 3 inch or 4 inch barrel, six shot. Only need a new cylinder. Doesn't meet your barrel length, but might be easiest way to go. I love SP101s but it's too small for what I'm envisioning. If I just wanted a modern .32 as a kit gun I'd get a 4" .327 SP, stoke it with .32 Mag and drive on. What's wrong with an Army Special? I've been using one for over 30 years and used it pretty heavy for 20. All I've had to do to it is runa patch through the barrel & cylinder. Truthfully? Nothing at all other than the sights and my eyes don't get along very well. The one I've been looking at would probably be perfectly sufficient for how little it would be actually used vs just fondled and admired. But what I see in my minds eye is a modern version of the S&W 1905 or Army Special with better sights and possibly stainless. It is not hard to rechamber a smaller cartridge cylinder to 32-20 but it should not be all that hard to sleeve a Model 19 barrel and cylinder to handle the 32-20 cartridge. I would cut “inserts” slightly larger than the 357 chamber, freeze the inserts, heat the cylinder and shove them in. Then ream the chambers. Sleeving the barrel is straight forward and cut the forcing cone. Kevin That thought crossed my mind but I don't know if a gunsmith would be willing to do that. Seems like there's multiple potential points of failure BUT I've never asked anyone if they would or would not do such a conversion. More than likely this is going to remain just a thought exercise for a very long time but should I fall into a vat of lottery winnings or somesuch, it will be nice to have some of the research done ahead of time. If you get serious, I have a number of k frame barrels already rebored for .32s that I might let go… |
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awp101
.401 Bobcat
They call me…Andrew
Posts: 2,757
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Post by awp101 on Jul 3, 2024 19:52:06 GMT -5
If you get serious, I have a number of k frame barrels already rebored for .32s that I might let go… Thanks! If/when I decide to jump I'll give you a shout. |
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Post by 45MAN on Jul 3, 2024 20:19:02 GMT -5
bushog: MIGHT YOU HAVE A REBORED 22 JET BARREL?
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strawhat
.30 Stingray
Posts: 155
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Post by strawhat on Jul 3, 2024 20:33:21 GMT -5
It is not hard to rechamber a smaller cartridge cylinder to 32-20 but it should not be all that hard to sleeve a Model 19 barrel and cylinder to handle the 32-20 cartridge. I would cut “inserts” slightly larger than the 357 chamber, freeze the inserts, heat the cylinder and shove them in. Then ream the chambers. Sleeving the barrel is straight forward and cut the forcing cone. Kevin That thought crossed my mind but I don't know if a gunsmith would be willing to do that. Seems like there's multiple potential points of failure BUT I've never asked anyone if they would or would not do such a conversion. More than likely this is going to remain just a thought exercise for a very long time but should I fall into a vat of lottery winnings or somesuch, it will be nice to have some of the research done ahead of time. A talented machinist should be able to handle the job. Kevin |
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Post by needsmostuff on Jul 3, 2024 22:44:09 GMT -5
Dan Wesson?
If you get really lucky you might find a factory 32/32-20. There is a couple out there.
If not rechamber a 22lr. cylinder, pick a shroud length (or two) and have a barrel turned.
Yup, they come in stainless.
Also, looking at 45MAN's measurement thread it appears that hypothetically a 32-20 Army Special cylinder MIGHT drop in a 38 officers model frame giving it adj. sights. Then the barrel could be sleeved, or the AS barrel installed, and some kind of front sight figured out.
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Post by 45MAN on Jul 4, 2024 6:44:37 GMT -5
What's wrong with an Army Special? I've been using one for over 30 years and used it pretty heavy for 20. All I've had to do to it is runa patch through the barrel & cylinder. awp101: IF YOU DO NOT MIND FIXED SIGHTS THE COLT 32-30 ARMY SPECIAL OR THE UPGRADED COLT 32-20 OFFICIAL POLICE WILL WORK JUST FINE CORRECTED 7/5/24 TO SAY FIXED SIGHTS RATHER THAN OPEN SIGHTS - 45MAN |
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