32 S&W Long

[SouthNarc]

I scored a S&W Model 31-1 square butt pretty much new in box in .32 S&W Long. I don’t really know much about this gun or the caliber. Seems like a solid J frame and I’m wondering about running the Buffalo Bore 100 gr hardcast wadcutters in it.

Anyone run this caliber or give me some general deets on it?

[Hambo]

I scored a S&W Model 31-1 square butt pretty much new in box in .32 S&W Long. I don’t really know much about this gun or the caliber. Seems like a solid J frame and I’m wondering about running the Buffalo Bore 100 gr hardcast wadcutters in it.

Anyone run this caliber or give me some general deets on it?

I bought a .327 Fed revolver, but mostly shoot .32 H&R and .32 S&W Long in it. I load my own ammo, and when looking at data, .32 H&R often isn't that much hotter than .32 S&W. I wouldn't feel bad carrying a 31 with Buffalo Bore, or if you could get Lost River to load you up some ammo.

[Jamie]

I have a couple of .32's. An old (it was my father's) K frame .32 and an LCR in .327 and I carry the Buffalo Bore 100 gr in it as far as SD ammo goes.
I choose the BB based on writings by Daryl Bolke, Wayne Dobbs, Rob Garrett and Bryan Eastridge et al and I am seriously hoping they or someone can influence Georgia Arms into making a good carry round for .32 S&W or .32 H&R Mag like they did for .38 spl.

Like Hambo, I reload. It's the only way I can afford to shoot this, or any, revolver caliber. I don't know if you have the time for such Craig, but .32 is a remarkably versatile caliber to handload for.

Congrats on the Model 31! You're building a fine collection of wheelguns! :)

[SWAT Lt.]

Although it sees limited use I also have a S&W model 31-1, 2 in squre butt. It is the only 32 S&W Long revolver I have ever owned and it is a lot of fun to shoot. I paitned the front sight, put a Tyler T on it, and installed a bobbed hammer (keeping the original hammer stock). I have fired several types of ammo including Fiocchi, Magtech, Winchester, Remington, and Buffalo Bore. The only issues were with a specific box of Magtech that seemed to have hard primers. Other boxes/lots were fine. If I were to carry it, I would definitely carry the BB 100 WC and the BB 115 SWC for reloads (although not my favorite, I have HKS sppedloaders as well as Quickstrips) as the BB displayed the most penetration in my impromptu testing.

I think it is a great choice for those who no longer can or want to tolerate the recoil of a .38 J frame as the recoil is super mild, it is accurate, holds 6 rounds, and fits in existing J frame holsters. I know .22 snubby revolvers are in vogue now by many for defensive use and understand the reasoning, but I would rather have the 31-1 with the BB WC over a .22 snubby if I ever actually had to use it to keep someone from killing me.

I wish I had found one with a round butt though. The square butt precludes the use of CTC grips and the current day grip selection is lacking. I have a set of Pachmayr Compacs made for J SQ from back in the day that see occasional use. I would love to see S&W make a no-lock 432 in 32 H&R Magnum.

[SouthNarc]

Although it sees limited use I also have a S&W model 31-1, 2 in squre butt. It is the only 32 S&W Long revolver I have ever owned and it is a lot of fun to shoot. I paitned the front sight, put a Tyler T on it, and installed a bobbed hammer (keeping the original hammer stock). I have fired several types of ammo including Fiocchi, Magtech, Winchester, Remington, and Buffalo Bore. The only issues were with a specific box of Magtech that seemed to have hard primers. Other boxes/lots were fine. If I were to carry it, I would definitely carry the BB 100 WC and the BB 115 SWC for reloads (although not my favorite, I have HKS sppedloaders as well as Quickstrips) as the BB displayed the most penetration in my impromptu testing.

I think it is a great choice for those who no longer can or want to tolerate the recoil of a .38 J frame as the recoil is super mild, it is accurate, holds 6 rounds, and fits in existing J frame holsters. I know .22 snubby revolvers are in vogue now by many for defensive use and understand the reasoning, but I would rather have the 31-1 with the BB WC over a .22 snubby if I ever actually had to use it to keep someone from killing me.

I wish I had found one with a round butt though. The square butt precludes the use of CTC grips and the current day grip selection is lacking. I have a set of Pachmayr Compacs made for J SQ from back in the day that see occasional use. I would love to see S&W make a no-lock 432 in 32 H&R Magnum.

That’s great info. I’d like to get an extra hammer for mine and have it bobbed too. Did you find a factory one or just get an extra and do it yourself?

I have a nice set of Spegels for this one.

[Sal Picante]

1.) This thread is useless without pictures...

2.) I have a ratty "hand ejector" in 32 S&W Long. The gun is freakishly accurate.
I've got a bunch of brass saved up to reload, but just haven't gotten around to it...

As a gun, it is just way to small for my hands in a too old caliber ... That said, it was just too cheap not to take.

p/CTDTeOAr4et

3.) The older HE's and Mod 30's were on the iFrame - I'd be leery of launching anything but the mildest loads from it.
The 31 were based on the j-frame and use some better metal. That said, is there a compelling reason to launch hotter loads out of it?

[SWAT Lt.]

That’s great info. I’d like to get an extra hammer for mine and have it bobbed too. Did you find a factory one or just get an extra and do it yourself?

I have a nice set of Spegels for this one.

Congrats on the Spegels, very nice!

I bought a standard OEM case hardened J frame hammer and had a friend, who is MUCH better at that type of shit than me, bob it. It turned out great.

[Borderland]

I have a 4" square butt. I reload for it. I'm using 100 gr lead bullets which I believe are pretty common for that cartridge.

IIRC there was also an I frame 32 long before the 30 and 31 came along. Commercial ammo shouldn't be a problem for any of those models. It isn't a high pressure cartridge to start with so nothing has changed over the ages. BB should be fine.

Really nice little shooters but you may have to put larger grips on it. The problem is not many manufactures make a J frame SB grips. Not sure what mine are but I can look if you want.

You'll like that revolver a lot. You got lucky finding one in that condition. Congratulations.

[SouthNarc]

Congrats on the Spegels, very nice!

I bought a standard OEM case hardened J frame hammer and had a friend, who is MUCH better at that type of shit than me, bob it. It turned out great.


Yeah I’m not very handy either and lose all of my superpowers if you place hand or power tools close to me.👍🏽

[SouthNarc]

3.) The older HE's and Mod 30's were on the iFrame - I'd be leery of launching anything but the mildest loads from it.
The 31 were based on the j-frame and use some better metal. That said, is there a compelling reason to launch hotter loads out of it?

Nah….not really. Maybe a slightly better people round?

[Up1911Fan]

No experience with the gun butI shoot nothing but .32S&W Long in my .327 LCR. I like the idea of a 6th round in a snub and the two BB loads seem to do pretty well. I just wish I could get one on the lighter 38/rimfire frame.

[okie john]

The problem is not many manufactures make a J frame SB grips.

Sometimes you can find Herrett's Shooting Stars on eBay.


Okie John

[Borderland]

Sometimes you can find Herrett's Shooting Stars on eBay.


Okie John

I don't look at ebay much. Seems lately just about everything is over priced like Gunbroker. I've only won two things on an auction site because nobody else bid. :(

[SCCY Marshal]

I scored a S&W Model 31-1 square butt pretty much new in box in .32 S&W Long. I don’t really know much about this gun or the caliber. Seems like a solid J frame and I’m wondering about running the Buffalo Bore 100 gr hardcast wadcutters in it.

Anyone run this caliber or give me some general deets on it?

You willing to listen to Skeeter Skelton? Some of his handloads were equivalent and the verdict seemed to be caution and moderation with the Js.


Handloading redeems the .32 Long. In strong guns of modern steel, it is a great, smooth-shooting number on all small game when put together with cast bullets. It has been some time since I’ve loaded this shell, but my old notes indicate good results with the cast Lyman No. 313226 96-grain bullet and the No. 31133 105-grain HP, both over four grains of Unique, giving around 1000 fps velocity.

These are heavy loads and should only be fired in late, top-quality Smith, Colt, and Charter Arms revolvers. My choice would be the four-inch revolvers from Colt in the Police Positive, Police Positive Special, and Cobra, all discontinued. Smith & Wesson still makes the Models 30 and 31 for this round. They are a bit on the light side at about 18 ounces, so these heavy loads should be worked up to.

- http://darkcanyon.net/What's%20The%20Best%20Trail%20Gun%20For%20You.htm

[Brian T]

Give Jeff Lee of Lee's Gun Parts a shout. (972) 790-0773

He's only open Tuesday-Thursday 9-5.

But he has parts. For everything. For days.

[SWAT Lt.]

3.) The older HE's and Mod 30's were on the iFrame - I'd be leery of launching anything but the mildest loads from it.
The 31 were based on the j-frame and use some better metal. That said, is there a compelling reason to launch hotter loads out of it?[/QUOTE]

My 31-1 is definitely a low mileage gun. I shoot factory WC or RNL or equalivant handloads for fun, if I carry it I have BB WC in it. I have only fired enough BB to vet in the gun and confirm POA/POI (it's expensive). However, BB states their loads are within SAAMI spec of 15,000 PSI and safe in any solid frame gun.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=345
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=344

[SteveThePirate]

I've been shooting a good deal of Magtech 32 Long wadcutters out of my 432PD, and I've been eyeing some 32 Long steel guns as well. Keeping a close eye on this as the BB 32 rounds combined with the heftier weight of the steel 32s looks like a great combo.

[SouthNarc]

I've been shooting a good deal of Magtech 32 Long wadcutters out of my 432PD, and I've been eyeing some 32 Long steel guns as well. Keeping a close eye on this as the BB 32 rounds combined with the heftier weight of the steel 32s looks like a great combo.

Yeah my thoughts too as I dropped my Amex on this little gun.

[Outpost75]

In the post-1957 S&W Models 30 and 31 you can load 3 grains of Bullseye or TiteGroup, 3.5 grains of 231 or HP38 or 4 grains of Unique with the Hornady 85-grain XTP for 900 fps from a 3-inch barrel. Treat these as +P not for steady use if you want the gun to last.

In your sturdy revolver chambered for .32 H&R Magnum you can load 7 grains of Alliant 2400 or 8.5 grains of 4227 in .32 S&W Long brass with the 85 XTP to approach .32 H&R ballistics. These are " full charge" loads which should not be exceeded in the H&R Mag. guns.

[SouthNarc]

Interesting reading on the Blue Forum:



My 31-1 has been reamed (by one of the members of this forum) to take 32 H&R Magnum, which allows it to shoot Buffalo Bore 32 H&R Magnum +P rounds that have energy slightly above 158g +P 38 Specials. (Buffalo Bore advised that their +P 32 Magnum round is safe for unlimited use in a reamed 31-1, although at ~$1.25/round I'm not going to test that statement.) So it can be turned into a small but potent defensive weapon.

That said, with "standard" 32 Long ammo, a Model 31 could be the most fun you'll ever have with a centerfire handgun. Painless to shoot and (all of my 32s are) incredibly accurate, within the limits of their sights. So if you can find ammo for it, get some, and go shooting with your wife. I'll bet both of you come back with huge smiles on your faces.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/647410-model-31-1-a.html

[lwt16]

I’m unsure of the model number, but my step father had a S&W in .32 Long that was a tack driver.

We would have a hard time finding ammo for it but I could hit anything with that wheel gun. I wonder if my mother still has it?

Regards.

[LJP]

I would love to see S&W make a no-lock 432 in 32 H&R Magnum.

You and me both. I have a search set up on GB for the 432PD, but I can’t justify the prices they fetch and I despise the lock, although I realize that’s not a rational concern. Maybe someday…

[Outpost75]

In the older I-frame S&Ws and Colt Police Positives of the same era you can improve upon factory LRN ammo by loading a 98-100 grain SWC such as the RCBS 32-98 SWC, Saeco #325 or the NOE clones of same with 2.5 grains of Bullseye or TiteGroup, 2.7 grains of 231 or HP38 or 3 grains of Unique. These slightly exceed the SAAMI MAP of 14,000 psi, but don't exceed 16,000 psi and are within safe design limits for general use, giving about 830 fps from a 3" barrel and 850 from a 4-inch. Very effective and accurate small game loads.

I also use these loads in a relined and rechambered Army & Navy Cooperative Society rook rifle which had originally been a .300 Rook.
Velocity is about 1000 fps from a 25-inch barrel and the report is like firing standard velocity .22LR.

[BobM]

My grandma found one loaded under the bed weeks after grandpa passed. We thought we’d already taken care of the guns. It was loaded with his SWC hand loads.

[R89074]

I acquired 2 S&W 32 revolvers. The 3 1/4 is a prewar gun and the 2 inch is an early post war gun with leaf. I took the 2 inch to an indoor range. The lighting was poor and the front sight was hard to see. I was tipping the gun to see the front sight better causing the rounds to go a little.
https://i.imgur.com/OA4qdkJ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ICoY0EU.jpg

[Borderland]

In the post-1957 S&W Models 30 and 31 you can load 3 grains of Bullseye or TiteGroup, 3.5 grains of 231 or HP38 or 4 grains of Unique with the Hornady 85-grain XTP for 900 fps from a 3-inch barrel. Treat these as +P not for steady use if you want the gun to last.

In your sturdy revolver chambered for .32 H&R Magnum you can load 7 grains of Alliant 2400 or 8.5 grains of 4227 in .32 S&W Long brass with the 85 XTP to approach .32 H&R ballistics. These are " full charge" loads which should not be exceeded in the H&R Mag. guns.

I tried Bullseye in my 31-1 and had lots of unburned powder everywhere. Might have something to do with my crimp, IDK, but I gave up on that powder. I think a slower powder like TG would work better. I'm using IMR 7625 which I had left over from my shotgun loading days. No longer available.

[Sal Picante]

My 31-1 is definitely a low mileage gun. I shoot factory WC or RNL or equalivant handloads for fun, if I carry it I have BB WC in it.



Interesting reading on the Blue Forum:

That's what I'm talking about the 32 is just stupid accurate and fun to shoot... But as a self-defense gun, might just be better to leave it well enough alone and reach for something else in your vast reserves. Like that copy-cat "Les Pepperoni-style" MR73 :cool:

p/CkavCONL1FR

vs

p/CaUy4ZCLnX8

[Outpost75]

I tried Bullseye in my 31-1 and had lots of unburned powder everywhere. Might have something to do with my crimp.....

My Bullseye is older, purchased in 1990. Burns whistle clean and completely, even in short barrels and with light crimp.

Are you sure your powder is Bullseye and not Bullseye86?

[Borderland]

My Bullseye is older, purchased in 1990. Burns whistle clean and completely, even in short barrels and with light crimp.

Are you sure your powder is Bullseye and not Bullseye86?

I'll have to look at my notes. It could have been 2400.

[Outpost75]

I'll have to look at my notes. It could have been 2400.

Alliant #2400 burns completely in full case capacity charges around 7 grains in .32 S&W Long brass for use in .32 H&R Mag revolvers, but that exceeds safe design limits for the S&W Models 30 and 31. Is fine in the Rugers.

[Biblethumpncop]

I bought a Taurus model 761 6" last year in 32 mag, and a S&W model 31-1 3". I think I paid $225 for the Taurus (like new with box and factory target) and about $375 for the S&W. I only shot a couple of cylinders out of both but hope to take them out for exercise this year. Fun rounds. I put the Magtech 32 S&W Long SJHP in the 31-1 after watching a report online. Neat guns.

[SouthNarc]

Finally got this pistol in hand along with some others that have been waiting for me while traveling.

This is an elegant snub and square butt J frame Spegels feel FAR better in my hand than the RBs that I have on other Js.

[Biblethumpncop]

Finally got this pistol in hand along with some others that have been waiting for me while traveling.

This is an elegant snub and square butt J frame Spegels feel FAR better in my hand than the RBs that I have on other Js.

Gorgeous!

[Biblethumpncop]

I bought a Taurus model 761 6" last year in 32 mag, and a S&W model 31-1 3". I think I paid $225 for the Taurus (like new with box and factory target) and about $375 for the S&W. I only shot a couple of cylinders out of both but hope to take them out for exercise this year. Fun rounds. I put the Magtech 32 S&W Long SJHP in the 31-1 after watching a report online. Neat guns.


105199

[Moped]

Finally got this pistol in hand along with some others that have been waiting for me while traveling.

This is an elegant snub and square butt J frame Spegels feel FAR better in my hand than the RBs that I have on other Js.

WOW! Nice looking pistol!!! Congratulations!!!

[Jamie]

Beautiful revolver Craig.
Love those grips! Nice!

[Biblethumpncop]

105205

Those grips look awesome. Here is my 3" model 31-1 with Herrett Shooting Ace square butt grips, and my model 15-3 with Herrett Shooting Star grips.

[SWAT Lt.]

Those Spegels are gorgeous!!

[SteveThePirate]

Just ordered this little guy on GB. I've been looking for an all steel 32 for a couple months, and after losing out on a round-sight pre-30, this one really caught my eye.

Does anyone happen to know if J-frame T-grip adapters fit I-Frames?

105234