32 H&R Magnum. What do you think?

[Mom T]

Hello eveyone,

Along with all the other guns on my list of stuff to get, I was thinking of adding another. I've read a lot of favorable things about the 32H&R magnum as a caliber. I read that it is a decent round for self defense, a good round for small game hunting, and an accurate round for informal target work. Now I realize the limitations of this round for defense as I prefer a minimum of 38 special in my CCW gun.

I am considering the purchase of a Ruger SP101 with 4" barrel in 32H&R mag for my girlfriend to have as a self defense gun in her home. I realize that the factory ammo selection is a bit lacking for this caliber but there are a few decent defense cartridges out there. When I finally get into reloading, I can extend it's duties to small game and plinking.

The defense gun idea is based on the fact that my girlfriend can handle my .22 4" small frame revolver very well but she has difficulty with the recoil of my larger caliber guns.

I was just wondering if anyone has had experience with either this gun or caliber and what you think about it for the uses I have described.

All input is welcome and will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

I've also read several articles on the .32 H&R mag. Evrything that I've read states that the .32 mag is at least as powerful as a non +P .38 special. If she's recoil sensitive, this could be the caliber for her. Some articles which I have read say the .32 mag recoils about as much as a .22 mag. (And that is hardly at all.) Federal makes a good hollow point for pistols chambered for the .32 mag. Sometimes I even think about getting a .32 mag snub for myself. I've looked for the Taurus Total Ti model 731 (about 14 ounces) for quite a while. I can't find one anywhere. Smith & Wesson makes a 11.9 ounce snub in .32 mag (model 331 and 332) that looks good, but I have a problem with S&W. (And you all know about the "agreement".)
So choices are limited, however I do think the .32 mag has merit.

Will

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Mendacity is the system we live in.

[This message has been edited by WLM (edited September 19, 2000).]

 

[Mom T]

I've toyed with the idea of the Taurus revolver but don't like the idea of a ported barrel on a defense gun. Too muc chance of the ports blowing hot gas and powder residue into the shooters eyes.

The Ruger with a 3" barrel wouldn't be bad though. A three inch barrel is no harder to conceal than a two incher and is easier to shoot due to the longer sight radius.

The hot ticket for concealed carry would be to find a nice used S&W 632 centennial. I see them on the auctionarms and gunbroker websites from time to time.

I am personally interested in the 4" ruger because it won't be used for concealed carry and will also serve as a plinker/hunter.

Good shooting.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

Mom T,
My wife carries and loves a Taurus Total Ti in .38 special. It is ported. I've never watched her fire it at night, but in the daylight I can't see anything come out of the ports. Im sure that the ports are workng, but I really don't give them a second thought. However, I have read accounts where some unlucky person had some flesh too close to the ports. When the gun was fired the ports "cut like a knife". Care must be taken whe firing a ported weapon.

Will

 

[glockdoc]

Suppose you want a new revolver sized small, for small hands, with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights. Until recently there was one excellent option, the __&__ model 60. Well, we know the score there - find a used one. Meanwhile I've read too many posts about problems with Tauruses. That leaves the Ruger SP101. A nice gun, but to get adjustable sights you have to get it in .32 H&R magnum. It is a nice round, and you get six shots instead of five, but some may find it hard to get ammo and you don't get much "knock down power." For a small person, maybe a novice, a 3" SP101 with adjustable sights and chambered for .32 H&R magnum would be a great gun. Hey Ruger! Revolver people are looking to you to fill the gap made by __&__. How about a 3" SP101 with adjustable sights in .38/.357? Better yet. How about a 3" GP100 with adjustable sights!?!? Oh, sorry...this started off as a discussion of the .32 H&R magnum...