Why Do You Like .32 v. 38?

[Blaine]

I know there is no such think as "need", but really? Why?

[Chuck 100 yd]

I have no preference. I like both. If they made a .34 I would probably have to have at least one.
.34 special, .34 magnum ?

[Blaine]

I have no preference. I like both. If they made a .34 I would probably have to have at least one.
.34 special, .34 magnum ?

[Ray Newman]

Are we talking rifles or pistols?

[Blaine]

Are we talking rifles or pistols?

I was thinking handguns when I posted.

[Ysabel Kid]

In general, I like bigger bores. The .32 is interesting though. I picked up the Ruger Single Seven a couple years back. Not based on a "need" but a want - and interest in anything that could digest 5 different rounds without any modification (.327 Federal Magnum, .32 H&R Magnum, .32 Long, .32 S&W [a.k.a., "short"] and .32 ACP).

Now, if it could also shoot the .32-20 WCF? That would make it the cat's meow!

It is just a fun little round.

[Ray]

Deleted.

[Ysabel Kid]

I also read that the .327 Federal Magnum is a good choice for recoil-sensitive shooters. I'm not in that camp, though I will admit the days of me hot-rodding handloads and pushing my guns and my wrist are well past!

[Ray]

Deleted.

[Old Savage]

Well in the interests of the general understanding you should have both .31 and .35s if for no other reason than to be able to fire the various cattridges of both calibers. The 327 operates at 45,000 factory .... too nasty for my enjoyment. There are many, my 80 yr old gunsmith friend included, that have enjoyed the 32-20 for many years in both rifle and pistol. Hot 32-20 loads no bueno in his 1907 Smith. The 327 can fire all the other "32s" including the semi rim auto. I am loading down the 327 but accuracy and reduced recoil for velocity are decided advantages. Those who have not experienced these characteristics in person would do themselves a favor to give it a try.

[Old Ironsights]

I love my 1911 and my SP101...

But my everyday/swimsuit/underwear carry gun is my .32 ACP NAA Guardian...

(Yes, I've carried it while swimming... In Lake Michigan... Off the coast of Gary Indiana..)

[ollogger]

I like shooting the 32 H&R, it likes the Lee 90 gr. swc with tite group the best, if I was to take up shooting rabbits again the 32 would be top pick, the stub 38 air weight beats it hands down for a pocket gun & 2 rounds of snake shot in it, its my buddy this time of year & so far 2 rattle snakes
this year


Brad

[Griff]

Frankly I'm partial to the .36... which is actually a .375, but who cares? It's the balance and good looking package that one shoots!

[cshold]

Sir Sig

https://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/7-thin ... -sig-sort/

[jhrosier]

I always say that I would really like to have a good quality .32 revolver.
Then I remember that I've had one for more than twenty years, and never got around to even firing it?????

I burn up more than a little .38/.357 tho.

Jack

[M. M. Wright]

Been shootin' quite a bit of 32-20 in both rifle and SAA. Oldest at home son has a pair of them so we keep a bunch loaded. But, somehow I ended up with a Colt Officer's Model Match that is really nice so I'm thinking there'll be a lot of empty 38 cases going through the tumbler. The 32-20 sure is a sweet round though.
My pocket guns, that I usually carry one or the other are both 38. Model 51 Remington in 380 or the Colt Cobra in 38 Special.

[marlinman93]

When it comes to .32's I always think of my favorite .32-20 cartridge. I love the .32-20 in both rifles and pistols. Compared to many other .32 pistol calibers, the .32-20 was the hotrod of it's day. It's still no slouch compared to all the modern .32's that have come out later.

[Pete44ru]

.

I got a .32 gun, in my pocket for fun........ Big Bad Leroy Brown .



I once had a blued 4-5/8" Ruger Single Six .32H&R, and have been thinking about the 2015-released Ruger Single-Seven .327 Federal.

The only thing that gives me pause (besides the $$$, of course) is that it's only available in stainless - IMO, okay for SD, but not for a classic design Trail Gun.


.

[Pisgah]

A nice little .32 Long revolver makes a very nice trail gun, sort of a Kit Gun on steroids. My current one is an old but very sound Charter Arms Undercoverette. Slips right in a pocket, accurate enough for 10-15 yard shots on small game targets of opportunity, plenty enough power to use for close-up finishing shots when needed on deer and such, super easy and cheap to reload for. If I were ever to run across a small-frame .32 Long with adjustable sights and 4" bbl. I'd hop right on it.

[FLINT]

accurate and controllable are what I like about our .32s - though that doesn't mean that .38s couldn't also be.

All of my .32s are very very accurate with most loads tried. My wife has a S&W j frame in .32 H&R that is scary accurate - impressive for such a short barrel. I have a 3" ruger sp101 in .327 and it is a beast for its size. When I take it to the shooting range, all the guys shooting 9mm stop to come see what kind of cannon I'm shooting. Also have one of the original 6" H&R revolvers chambered for its round. it is also very accurate and has out shot friends with much more expensive guns.

[AJMD429]

The 32's are sort of like 'big-bore rimfires' in the sense that if you like the mild recoil and low noise of a 22 LR or 22 WMR, why not 'big-bore' them, and go up to a reloadable cartridge...??

These days, you can reload 32 caliber straight-wall cases for less than you pay for disposable rimfires.