Good self protection 32 S&W Long ammo

Status
Not open for further replies.
I just stick with MagTech 32SWLA (LRN) at 705 fps for a 98 grain bullet in my Colt Cobra .32 NP.

I could use much bigger handguns because I have them but the Colt is the most concealable and at the very least the most dependable to go bang every time.

For "home defense" it is easy enough for many to use a long arm or have one around that makes more sense--but when your doorbell rings you can't very well answer it with an AR 15 in your hand without appearing minus a happy meal.

The Cobra fits into one hand and is out of sight.
 
"Magtech list an HP for this. Not a barn burner but I wouldn't care to get shot with it."

Agreed! Light recoil, accurate and I wouldnt want to be shot with it either. Emphasize shot placement,
.
 
I disagree with Pepper Spray in the house.

If it gets in the carpet, I heard it's very hard to remove. It also could get in her eyes incapacitating her to shoot the gun. Also is she suppose to hold the spray with her strong hand, and the gun with her weak hand, or vice versa?

Another aspect is, she might not be able to push the button down.
 
All you you anti - .32 guys must have forgotten what Charles Bronson accomplished in the first several 'Death Wish' movies.
:D
 
All you you anti - .32 guys must have forgotten what Charles Bronson accomplished in the first several 'Death Wish' movies.
Click to expand...

Perhaps you are being sarcastic but in reality yes the .32 LRN will kill like the movie Death Wish.

It is all about shooting bullets into the mark.
 
Yes, I was being a bit sarcastic, just for fun.

I will say that during my LE career, I responded to, and investigated a number of incidents of shootings with various .32's.
As usual, shot placement made alot of difference.
No, they are not the ultimate stopper, but they beat using a broom all to pieces.
 
Last edited:
Wow, 20-something posts and no one recommended the good old 12 gauge shotgun for the old woman with arthritis? :D

If she's going to shoot 32S&W Long, stick with FMJ or LRN for penetration. The cartridge's energy is around that of a 32ACP and that's what I would recommend for it.
 
Wadcutters are what you want in a 32L. Hollow pts will not expand at 32 velocity, LRN makes puncture wounds, but WCs will cut their way through flesh just like a WW Ranger-T and I've never heard of a wc that didn't penetrate very deeply.

This reminds me that I need to get my mom a box of these for her 32.

God bless.

BTW- Natchez Shooter's Supply will have what you need in WCs or other.
 
Last edited:
Wadcutters are what you want in a 32L. Hollow pts will not expand at 32 velocity, LRN makes puncture wounds, but WCs will cut their way through flesh just like a WW Ranger-T and I've never heard of a wc that didn't penetrate very deeply.
Click to expand...

I'd tend to agree with this. The problem with these little cartridges is that if you manage to get them to expand it's like opening a parachute and they won't penetrate enough.

I'd get some of these and load them to ~800 fps. Resist the temptation to load them backwards.
 
i would suggest a small .22lr revolver. no slide to rack and it's easy to shoot. there's a 22 out there loaded with gold dot hollow points if you can believe it, i thinks its called the velocitor. it's a good round.
 
I'm in retail gun sales . The problem we see with .22 DA revolvers is that the trigger pull is excessive and most females have considerable difficulty pulling the trigger .

If we're talking .22 , maybe a Ruger 22/45 with the 4" bbl or one of the light weight S&W's or Brownings . Easy to manipulate and a great trigger pull for the weak handed .
 
That's true - I had a SW 317 LS and it was very stiff. Ditched it.

The 22 semi isn't a bad idea. I've also seen the Ruger Bearcat recommended if one can cock it. Yes, stopping power, blah, blah but we are going for deterrence and the probability being highest that a gun is better than none vs. the Zombie Meth biker odds.

I would prefer to have my Buckmark or Bearcat in my hands than a fryingpan.

Also, let's not go down shotgun is God land.
 
natman

Quote:
Wadcutters are what you want in a 32L. Hollow pts will not expand at 32 velocity, LRN makes puncture wounds, but WCs will cut their way through flesh just like a WW Ranger-T and I've never heard of a wc that didn't penetrate very deeply.

I'd tend to agree with this. The problem with these little cartridges is that if you manage to get them to expand it's like opening a parachute and they won't penetrate enough.

I'd get some of these and load them to ~800 fps. Resist the temptation to load them backwards.
Click to expand...

I would have to disagree. Look at the OP's location. Mountains of Colorado in winter is cold - i.e. layers of clothing. A 32 L WC doesn't have the energy to penetrate in that type of environment. I'd rather stick with the LRN or FMH for this scenario. Now if you're talking about Miami then I would definitely stick with the WC.
 
I always hear about people who have this problem or that with a gun, but where is the line between where a gun is not for everyone?

A gun is not the right way to go for many people, they don't have what it takes to even be thinking of trying to use it as such.

Through the years I have had dozens of people come to me for advice about what gun they should buy for self defense. More often than not my advice is to not get one at all. A gun in the hands of an inept person who does not have the mental mindset and fortitude to actually kill someone will get them hurt worse than if they weren't introducing it into the equation.

With the physical inabilies of an elderly woman not proficient with a gun at all why would you even go through the motions of "preparing" her to ineptly handle a situation?

Get her a good police grade mace in a dispenser she can use, advise her of panic alarms that she can push with a remote control button. Neighbors will help look out for her and they can be made aware of what their and her options are if they hear an alarm. Nothing would interrupt a would be assault scenario and freak out the people involved quicker than an alarm that would wake the dead. It leaves the thief with no option but to flee the scene, more likely than not without touching the old lady first because they are panicked.
 
I think the OP stated that the woman in question wished to master a firearm. Thus, she should be given the chance to do so. Mace (or really OC) is a closer range option. It doesn't have the deterrent value. Trusting the neighbors who may not be the paragons of caring one suggests or may not be home is not that useful. Alarms are ignored at times.

Since she has the motivation, it seems - let's not decide for her.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top