32 S&W Questions...

[creeky]

My son shot an old S&W (forget the model) in 32 S&W (short) in a 3" barrel.

He is 12 and absolutely loved it! (Needless to say he would really like to have one now.)

Here are my questions...

(Ammo)

1. If I bought a 32 S&W Long, could I also fire 32 S&W in it?

2. If I bought a 32 HR Magnum, could I fire 32 S&W, and 32 S&W Long in it?

(Firearms)

3. Are used ones, S&W, H&R, or old "Owl Heads" able to be found at pawn shops and such?

4. Are there enough out there in decent mechanical shape that are under a hundred bucks? (Wouldn't mind finding him one that he could reblue as well.)

I know the ammo is high, but I reload and thought if he was interested this would also be a good way to introduce him to reloading as well.

[oldogy]

Just be careful what you buy. A lot of those old guns were made for low pressure black powder loads and the use of modern ammo is generally not recommended in them . I have an old Iver Johnson 'Owl Head' in 32 caliber that my dad carried many years ago. It is third generation I J and suitable for modern ammo. I see various brands and types out there and cheap. Just make sure what you get can be used. I can not answer your ammo questions with any authority so I won't go there at all.

Good luck, have fun with your son.

oldogy

[creeky]

Thanks!!

I told my son I would read up on the ammo and how to tell the different models apart while he starts saving some money.

[Motasyco]

I just got a Russian Nagant revolver from AIM Surplus for $79.95. It shoots 7.62 Nagant, 32 S&W Long, or 32 H&R Magnums. It would make a great beginner's revolver. Not to mention the history that comes along with it. Here's a link:

AIM Surplus and Used Handguns Surplus and Used Handguns

[creeky]

WOW! That is pretty cheap!

How do you like yours?

Is it heavy?

I'll show my son this thread tonight!

[Guest pjblurton]

had a good discussion on 32 long / Short / auto a while back.

Good data...

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/ammunition-reloading/18504-32-s-w-long-32-auto-interchangeable.html

[Guest 70below]

One concern I would have regarding the Nagant is the heavy trigger pull. For an inexperienced shooter, such a heavy pull may not make it enjoyable/safe/or accurate. Last I heard there wasn't really a way to lighten the pull much.

[creeky]

had a good discussion on 32 long / Short / auto a while back.

Good data...

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/ammunition-reloading/18504-32-s-w-long-32-auto-interchangeable.html

THANKS!!! That link is awesome!

For the benefit of others...

OK, the run down is that you can always DOWNGRADE .32 revolver ammo from what is labeled on the gun/frame. IE:

a .327 Mag will shoot .327 Mag, .32 Mag, .32 Long, and .32 short.

a .32 Mag will shoot .32 mag, .32 long, and .32 short.

a .32 Long will shoot .32 long and .32 short.

a .32 short will only shoot .32 short.

Now this makes me wonder if I shouldn't get him to save up a little more money (With "Dad-Matching" funds.) And try to find him a "pre-enjoyed" single action maybe in .32 magnum, or a double action.

I'm afraid with the .327 magnum being so new, a reasonable used one might be out of the question. Hmmmmm.... going to have to ponder on this one a bit.

[Motasyco]

One concern I would have regarding the Nagant is the heavy trigger pull. For an inexperienced shooter, such a heavy pull may not make it enjoyable/safe/or accurate. Last I heard there wasn't really a way to lighten the pull much.

It is a pretty heavy pull if shooting DA. If you cock the hammer and shoot it SA it shortens and lightens the pull. Also, I weighed it. Just under 28 ounces. One other plus is the way the cylinder moves forward when shooting, effectivly eliminating the escape of high pressure gasses from between the cylinder and barrel. Helps keep fingers safe.

It must be considered pretty reliable as it's the third longest serving sidearm in modern military history behind the Webley Service Revolver and the Colt M1911. Yes, I've been to the Nagant revolver wikipedia page. Interesting reading:

Nagant M1895 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I just think it's a cool little revolver.