.32 S&W(short)?

S

Sum1_Special

New member
Hey everyone, I have been stressing over the the idea of getting rid of my iver johnson revolver and getting something for powerful. I have have been researching this caliber for quite a while now but can't find much information on it. 32 Smith & wesson short means an 85 grain bullet traveling at 680 FPS out of a 3 inch revolver. Does anyone have(or can perform) any ballistic tests or comments on this caliber? This is what I keep loaded in my drawer next to my bed, It is a very nice little revolver but I am very skeptical about the round it is chambered in...
 
It was never officially called "short" by S&W. Many people think it is, though, because there's a .32 S&W Long.

Anyway, the round started out as a blackpowder round, and it never got much more powerful than the original loading.

In my opinion you'd be better off with a modern .22 than with an ancient .32 S&W.
 
I have used up a few boxes of this ammo in my .32 H&R Magnum. They are not very good for anything much. Try a S&W Model 10 in .38.
 
Beware! The later models are safe to fire usually. The early models are not. The value is something to consider. $300.00+ is not out of line for a solid example. Subject to condition and brand. CAS has driven the prices up. I paid $35.00 for one a few years ago. A nickel S&W 1st model with excellent hard rubber grips. I traded it for a S&W M10-7 38 Special even.
 
On the flip side, .32 S&W long is really not much better. it shoots a 98 grain bullet at 705 FPS. 32 short colt does 80 grain at 745 FPS. These 2 round were very important in history. hell, the police used them at one point. S&W also made revolvers from them, Have any of you ever seen those old Smith & Wesson lemon squeezers?

Anyway, I'm just talking. I've don't know what a 32 S&W could actually do... :o
 
You didn't say it was a lemon squeezer! Amend the price up to $400.00 value if in good condition. Mine is blued and has perfect black hard rubber grips. The sights aren't the best. I would rather have a 22 Magnum for home defense. I would put that lemon squeezer in retirement.
 
If you like the .32 concept, get a .32 H&R Mag that shoots all three. Taurus, Ruger, S&W all make or have made DA models and Ruger made (recently discontinued) an SA. Great round (.32 Mag) and gun(s). Close to .38 (non Plus P) performance in a J package, esp for CCW, shooting 6 that in all other centerfire calibers can only shoot 5. Otherwise, ditto the Model 10 .38 comments.
 
For a good bedside gun look for a good quality, used S&W K-frame revolver in .38 special. I'd suggest looking at J&G sales for a Model 15 in the best condition you can find. A Model 10 is a good second choice, especially with the "heavy barrel" option.
 
This is what I got from a 4" Colt Police Positive Special
32colt6.jpg
 
Georgia Arms load of .32 SWL and .32 H&R Mag specs (don't know specification/shooting conditions):
.32 S&W Long: 100gr Jacketed Hollow Point 124 ft lbs 750 fps
.32 Mag: 100gr Jacketed Hollow Point 268 ft lbs 1100 fps
 
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