ANy good rifles in .32 Special caliber besides the Model 94?

T

tkglazie

New member
I already have a great pre-64 Winchester Model 94 in .32 Special that I shoot and love. I also have 700 rounds of Hornady 170grain FP Interlock bullets to use up.

Anyone have any suggestions for a fun, inexpensive rifle that I should keep my eyes open for to help me use up some of these bullets? (single shot is fine).

If I understand correctly, this gun will have to be a used model because no one makes rifles in this caliber anymore. If I am wrong about that, please correct me.

Thanks,
Tony
 
Yeah, used, for sure. :) I sorta doubt that anybody but Winchester ever chambered for that cartridge, and then only in the 94. Although, maybe the 64?

Check Wikipedia...
 
If you're just talking bullets you could look at a 8mm Mauser. I believe some of them take .321" bullets and 170gr would be about right.
 
Hey thats a great thought Sport45. I will look into that. I am indeed just looking for an inexpensive rifle to help use up 700 rounds of projectiles with. There is only some much barrel wear I am going to be comfortable with on the "good" gun.
 
I am going to have to do more research but it sure looks like at least on a barrel-by-barrel basis there are plenty of 8mm Mausers out there with a .321 groove diameter. The funny thing is I have been also looking for a good bench rifle project for the 100yard range at the club.

My local LGS told me they just sold 2 in the last week at a discount because they couldnt move them. The last Turkish Police model went for $150, sporterized with a synthetic monte carlo stock. I guess price wont be a problem.

Thanks again Sport45. I am in no hurry but at least now I have something to keep an eye out for once I do my research.
 
.32 Special was well-respected as a bear and deer cartridge when it was introduced, and for a number of years after that (obviously before the advent of modern ballistics tables). It was chambered by Winchester, Marlin, and Savage. Unfortunately, since the manufacturers chose to keep the same twist as the older .32-40 (1:16"), you probably cannot get heavier bullets to stabilize. Even if you could stabilize them, it would be risky to stuff .323" spitzer or round nose bullets into the .321" bore feeding through the tube magazine. Just enjoy it for what it is, a turn-of-the-Century deer rifle.
 
For whatever it might be worth a little casual research in my library turned up Winchester models 1894/94, 55, and 64 in .32 Special, also Marlin models 1893, 36, and 336. I did not find a mention of Savage rifles in .32, but don't rule it out.
To the best of my knowledge (not very good) the Standard rifles were made only in the Remington series of rimless cartridges (25, 30, 32, and 35).
 
.32 Special is a round with a lot of myth about it, both positive and negative. The two main ones are about its power, and its origin and accuracy. I have often heard the story about how it's a much bigger stick than the .30-30 Win. Its not, really. But that notion is stuck in a lot of heads.

The other myth is about how it was intended to be reloaded with black powder, so the twist is made for that, to reduce fouling buildup. While that may be a benefit, I doubt that was what Winchester had in mind. Certainly they never claimed that in the marketing advetisements.

As to the myths and stories, "I can't say its true, and I won't say it's not, but there's been talk!" :D


Something you might consider, as a "project"m (but not cheap) would be a T/C single shot. You can get a barrel in .32 special made, shoot up those bullets, have fun, and have a good action just waiting for its next caliber barrel!

You could get a .30-30 barrel rebored, finding an H&R Topper (or whatever they call them now) in .30-30 and having it rebored would be another option.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top