Introducing my latest... My Model 30-1.

M

Mike Irwin

Staff
A pretty typical example of an S&W handgun from the early 1970s.

Nice condition, too. It's been fired, but not a lot.

Trigger pull is heavy, but that's to be expected.

I think I'm going to have a lot of fun with this one.
 

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Mike,

Certainly a nice firearm! You know, that very same firearm
was my late fathers choice for a CCW piece. I bought him
a 2" model 30, NIB back in 1971 from the infamous Aero-
Marine Supply Co. here in Birmingham; and I gave $92.00
+ sales tax, out the door. Serial on his little gem started
like so: H530XX

*FootNote- Just case you are not aware of Aero-Marine
Supply Co., they sold James Earl Ray the .30-06 used to
kill MLK! Kind'a put 'em on the map.:eek: :(

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
It is a nice piece.

But....from a practical standpoint, what good is the cartridge that it shoots, except for plinking?

Collector value, I'm sure is great.
 
One of my back up guns is a .32 S&W Long. Not a .357 by any means but definately not sumpin to get hit with. And the inherant accuracy of the cartridge is great.

Sam
 
What sort of velocity, and bullet weights are available?

What about factory ammo?

Where does it stand in comparison to, 380 and 32acp?
 
Georgia Arms loads a 100gr JHP @ 750fps. Not a barn burner, but I wouldn't want to get shot with one.

I was unaware that all my handguns needed to have a practical use apart from plinking. Anyone want to buy some Vaqueros?
 
Tamara, don't be gettin' all testy........

I just thought that the 32 S&W long was pretty much obsolete, and was asking what it was good for.

I wouldn't care to be shot with a pellet gun :D
 
Sorry, forgot my smilies. What I get for trying to read two things at once, I guess... :o

What's it good for? A reason to buy boxes of ammo in an obsolescent caliber and go plink with a sweet old sixgun. :D
 
No, the Vaquerito is chambered for .32 Magnum, while the Model 30 is chambered for .32 Long.

.32 Long is currently loaded by Federal, Winchester, Georgia Arms, MagTech and others; usually in a 98gr LRN or LWC loading. It is very popular as a target round and is available in some semiauto competition pistols.
 
Mike,

What a beautiful 32! :D

I've looked at S&W 32's a couple of times, and Jim W. keeps bugging me to buy one, but I haven't really found the one I want, at least at the right price.

Have you shot it yet?

Bill
 
Later tonight I want to post a picture of my Model 30 with its Great grandfather, my Regulation Police.

I'm trying to get the lighting issues worked out. I installed halogen track lighting in the area I use for photographing my guns, but I'm still getting NASTY hotspots.

I need to come up with a better "softener."
 
Where does it stand in comparison to, 380 and 32acp?

In loadings for old guns...bout even or a hair hotter.
Bout dead even with .30 Luger starting loads. (Lyman)

In modern guns like Mikes, a bit more punch is available.

My hideaway .32 Long has a 4 1/4" barrel, which gives it a bit of leg. And great 25 and 50 yd target gun.

Sam
 
Bill,

I shot it this afternoon with some of the Fiocchi wadcutter ammo shown in the picture.

Jesus, what a lead mess. I'm going to have to clean it very well before I shoot it again.

No more Fiocchi, I don't think.

No, the .32 doesn't have a lot of punch.

But I didn't exactly get it for a carry gun. I've got my Model 042 for that purpose.
 
Mike--VERY nice piece! I own several of the lil' .32's...all the way back to a "Model of 1903, Fourth Change"...my "Newest" is a FLAT-LATCH square-butt with four-inch barrel...They are a HOOT to shoot! Leading is a MAJOR "PITA" in mine, too...since they're almost "Local", I've gotten in the habit of shooting LOTS of the "Georgia Arms" 100-gr. JHP...except in the "1903"...haven't had the guts to fire it--YET! That MAY change, since it's really just a "Shooter Grade" gun--not a "Safe Queen" by any stretch of the imagination...BTW, my FAVORITES of ALL the lil' .32's are the THREE-inch-barreled ones...I try to buy every one I come across, PROVIDED the seller doesn't think it's "Gold Plated"!!!....mikey357
 
Mike,

You sure that model 30 has been fired? It looks brand new to me. :D

I usually expect leading in a new barrel, and try to run at least a couple boxes of jacketed bullets through first, just to smooth out some of the burrs.

I'm not sure it really does any good, but it makes me feel better, and it's fun! :)

Bill
 
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