For those .32 fans.

Darryl Bolke is a proponent of smaller calibers in wheelguns for self-defense. In this episode, he shares why he thinks the .32 caliber hits the sweet spot in power versus controllability.



I've got mine.

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You might as well suggest a .22 at least it’s cheap to be proficient with.  May be little but it hurts.

Actually .22 is one of the calibers he talks about in the video.  The gist of his argument is shot placement with penetration (heart/lungs & brain hits).  And most people will shoot a .32 lightweight revolver more accurately over the same revolver in .38 spl.  Hence shot placement.

I thought a 32 was a joke until I bought a 32.

The 32 makes a j-frame really fun to shoot.

Adorable mouse guns…..Walther TPH!


18Z50

Since .30 Super carry is a .32 caliber, someone should make a revolver in that cartrige, and set it up to use with moon clips.  

Would be a sweet spot between the .32 H&R Mag and .327 Fed Mag.

i have killed big midwestern deer with

357mag
44mag
45ACP
45 SUPER

my experience mirrors Elmer Keith’s

bigger bullets let more blood out, and more cold air in

FUCK A BUNCH OF MOUSE GUNS

( i didn’t watch the video)

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Darryl Bolke makes some good points. Few with any degree of arthritis will shoot an airweight snub .38 Special well, and they're sure not going to regularly practice with it.

I'd love to have a Colt D-frame revolver such as a Detective Special in .32 Colt New Police (.32 S&W Long). It would be more reliable than a .22 rimfire and economical to shoot with reloads.

I have a Sig Sauer P365X ccw. At age 63, I have some hand trembles after a box or two of the carry ammo.

The title of the podcast is misleading. Brent Wheat did that for marketing reasons, I guess.

The Ruger LCR is another option.  The original S&W 6 shot 30 series in .32 S&W Long have been around for years in the $400-$500 range.  A .32 S&W Long WC will get you the penetration you'll probably need. I've heard questionable QC issues with new Taurus' with horrible customer service, but no personal experience.

.327fed mag isn't anything to sneeze at.

Is it better than .44 mag?  Yes and no.

Yes, it's better in smaller guns.

No, it's not better in the roles .44mag is most competent at.

It's more competitive against .357 mag in small revolvers than anything else.

GD thread b/c I forgot OP led me to the video:

https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/42-minutes-of-why-32-is-the-superior-carry-caliber/5-2746622/

Look hard at Ruger's 101 in .327 as well.

I have a .32 Long S&W Model 31 from the late '50s that I like to carry. I keep Buffalo Bore .32 wadcutters in it. 6-shots, good penetration, 3inch barrel and I/J-frame concealability. Rides in a SideGuard IWB appendix holster.

I have attended all the gunsite round ups ( sold out this year before I could get in) and the info is solid. I totally agree with Darryl’s conclusion and opinion.

A small gun you carry always beats a big gun that gets left behind

Solid consistent training with small caliber or small capacity guns you can shoot really well beats larger caliber or capacity guns you do not a
Shoot well.

I carry a JFrame whenever I can ( work is one of those annoying gun free zones) and practice with one a lot.

Shot placement is number 1 without question

Adequate penetration is number 2

Nothing else matters

I have been known to carry a Heritage Barkeep in .22 WMR and not feel undergunned in low threat areas.

As a “gun guy”, I’m not quite there yet to carry just a J, but my 432 does serve as my dedicated backup gun.  Or a second gun I can hand off to my wife.  I still like to carry a 1911/2011 or poly gun as a primary.

I think it’s sound advice. A gun to get you away from trouble, not run towards trouble.  He’s got a few more interviews on that channel discussing this concept.  Daryl also uses a wheel gun as his travel gun due to all the different State laws.

Eh, I'd maybe suggest the following, in order?

1) Reliability - hence the development of the .25 ACP back in the day, not so necessary today w/ Eley & CCI;
2) Shot placement;
3) Penetration;
4) Enhanced terminal effect, whether hollowpoint, fragmentation, this screwdriver tipped bullet theory, tumbling, or significant permanent wound cavity - ie, hollowpoints, fragmenting rounds (M193), 5.7x28mm over 2300 fps, etc.

All handguns are essentially portable spears - absent a pocket rifle in .22 TCM or 5.7, we're just poking holes in our target.  If we can get 1, 2, & 3, #4 is a nice bonus - we're now using a thicker spear.

Rapidity of fire is in there somewhere, which argues against carrying .44 Magnum & .50 AE - unless we have effective muzzle brakes, and are willing to practice w/ em.

1, 2, & 3 get you .22 WMR, .32 rimmed, .380 ACP FMJ, 5.7x28mm basic.  When we ask for #4 we get all the popular carry calibers - .357 Magnum, 9x19, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 10x25mm Norma.

I am, or at least consider myself, a "gun guy."  My usual carry mode in low threat environments is two small revolvers, one AIWB for right hand draw, one in my front left pocket for left hand access.  Right now those small revolvers are either 2 9mm LCRs or a .38 Special LCR and a .38 Special 442-1.  I just got one of the 442UCs and I have plans to get a 432UC as well.  Once I get the 442UC tested to my satisfaction is will probably replace the regular 442-1.  I have a LCR in .327 and a 332-1 in .32 H&R Mag that would work well with that 432UC when I eventually get it.  

I live in a pretty low threat (by today's standards) place, and not in the same county where I work.  So, my day to day is usually spent carrying one of the combinations above. When I travel, or go somewhere that is an unknown threat, I usually replace the AIWB revolver with a G19, G48, or G49 with an optic.  I just don't go places that are "known threats" outside of work hours.  

I know carrying a couple of small revolvers it outside the norm and will definitely get me "killed in the streets" if the internet is to be believed.  However, I am comfortable with it and comfortable doing it.  My hands are sore for a day after practicing, that is the biggest downside.

consise

I appreciate this write up

I'm a huge fan of the 327 federal. I've owned from Ruger a standard 2" LCR, a 3" SP101, a 4.2" SP101 which I had modified to a 3" with fully adjustable sights, a 5" GP100, and a 7.5" Single 7. From Henry the 16.5" big boy rifle.

I could never warm up to the SP101's. Unfortunately they are nerfed by garbage grip options. I'm sure someone right now is typing about how great their grip is. That's fine, everyone has preferences. I have a full box of SP101 grips, none of them good, and I failed to get a custom maker to make one for me. I ended up selling both my SP101's. Without a good grip, there's not one thing they can do as a concealed gun, that an LCR can't do better. With a good big grip, there's not one thing they can do for a hunting type gun that both the GP100 and Single 7 do better.

The Single 7 is kind of cool. I've never been a huge single action fan. It is with a family member now, but it's a solid gun, especially if you want to shoot longer range with it. Out of that longer barrel 100gr bullets can be going north of 1800 fps, it's a real laser beam.

I own two nearly identical Lipsey special GP100's, the 5" blued models. One a 7 shot 327, and the other a 6 shot 357. I love both of them, but between them, the 327 has very likely become my #1 favorite handgun. It's a little big for what most people conceal carry. It's been used to take 3 deer so far. Unfortunately I haven't got an opportunity to try it on turkey yet. I love the thing. It's one of those guns that doesn't make a ton of sense until you try it.

The standard LCR 1.9" or whatever the barrel length is, is a phenomenal concealable handgun. A 357 magnum in an LCR or J frame is quite the handful. Even if you practice with lighter 38 special ammo, you still have a less controllable handgun with full power ammo, and you have 1 less round capacity. In a gun that only holds 5, 1 is a factor. The 327 federal holds 6, and while the recoil is no joke, 100gr Gold Dots are quite a bit nicer to shoot than a 357 magnum 158gr gold dot. You can use lighter loads, but then what are you gaining? All you are doing is giving up an extra round to the 327.

For some numbers, My LCR with Speer 100 gr Gold Dot ammo does about 1275 fps, call it 1300 fps at the muzzle. The same ammo in the 5" GP100 is about 1625 fps. I also found the federal American Eagle 100gr shoots really well (the 85gr sucks in everything I've tried). The AE 100gr in the 5" GP100 is about 1650 fps, I've clocked it up to 1700 fps on hotter days. This round isn't playing around. A lot of my shooting has been with heavier cast bullets. Some of my favorites have been a 137gr and 147/142gr bullet. The 137 I like a more moderate load which does about 1225 fps in the 5". The heavier bullet I always load hot, I mostly load it as a 142gr hollow point to about 1300 fps. That same load in the 16.5" Henry rifle does about 1650 fps. I have killed deer with that load with both the 5" GP100 and the 16.5" Henry.

More on the LCR. If you want more of a SP101 type handgun, there is the LCRx. It's lighter than the SP101, and the grip options for the LCR's are miles ahead. Even the sight options are better.

I grew up when you had two choices of handguns, .38 or .45acp.
Years down the road I stopped into a friend's gun shop and while we were talking I happened to ask him what he carried since he had some very nice handguns in the store. He looked at me and said that he carried a .32, the look on my face made him laugh.
He said I've been selling guns for over twenty years. I know when someone comes in to look at or buy a gun and I know when you come in to rob me.
When you start to pull your gun to rob me I already will have shot you in your nut sack at least 4 or 5 times. You will then stop thinking about robbing me and start worrying if you can get to the hospital before you die or pass out. I don't care which of those two things happens, I will simply stop and reload and get ready for the next one.

Now I had about 80 miles to drive home and I thought about what he had said all the way home. Now I understood what mouse guns were for, and about two months later I picked up a Keltec P32  and over the years I have bought a few more "mouse guns". You see it's very simple, if you rob me I will simply put your nut sack on the sidewalk as your trying to pull that big bad hogleg out of your pants, and as you bend over in pain I will put one in your stupid ass head.

Some people learn that you don't have to be big to be bad, some don't.

Rabbits, Yes
Bears, No

I am a weird person. One of my favorite handgun calibers is 32 ACP as it is so fun to shoot. Have been a fan of the 327 fed magnum since it came out because of my love of 32s and how versatile it seems. But have never owned one or even a revolver for that matter. But reading all this and watching really made me want one again for a lot of the reasons listed. Figured the Ruger LCRx would be the perfect mid ground for something for carry work. But i noticed Ruger doesn't seem to list a 3 inch model. Did they ever? I swear they did but i am a old fart i cant remember shit. Would hate to have to settle on the stubby version. I can put smaller grips on the 3 inch, cant add over an inch of barrel to stubs. Plus better sights.

Maybe, but I've not seen one. The 3" SP101 with a simple windage adjustable rear sight is the original gun the 327 federal released in. S&W put the 327 federal shortly after in their J frame with a 3" barrel. It was a few years later the the LCRx came out, and the 327 federal was, probably still is offered in both the LCR and LCRx with the short barrel. They had it in the SP101 in all barrel lengths. They had it in the Single six/single seven in multiple barrel lengths. They had it in the GP100 in multiple barrel lengths. There was even a Blackhawk in 327 federal. Why Ruger hasn't offered the 3" LCRx in 327 federal is insane to me, in my opinion that is THE gun that it should be in.

This is the only evidence I've seen of them existing. I really want one, but none have come up for sale.

https://www.lipseys.com/itemdetail?itemno=RUKLCRX-3-327

Edit: I just called Lipseys. They have ordered that model, but they have never received any, and there is no date on when they will get them. So the model exists, the order is in, but as of yet no actual firearms have hit the market yet.

I find it interesting that everyone always wants a 3” gun, but  S&W and Ruger rarely make them.  Maybe they don’t sell when they are actually offered?  How awesome would a 3 inch, 7 shot 327 Fed Mag K frame be?  But everyone wants small guns.  And that size gun would be the same size as a Glock 19.  I think most people would opt for the 16 rounds of 9mm.  But as a gun guy, I like to shoot and carry different guns.  So something like that would interest me.  Maybe something like a 3” model 13?

I think it is like the long slide/short grip guns that everyone always says they want.  However, whenever a company offers that configuration it tends to disappear pretty quickly from the catalog because people don't actually buy them.  On the other hand, everyone shits on the short slide/long grip configuration (Colt Commander configuration) and those sell like hotcakes.  See Glock 45 as an example.  I have several LCRs and LCRxs, including both 1.87" and 3" 9mm versions.  The 3" is really significantly bigger than the 1.87".  It seems like it shouldn't be, and part of it is the larger grip, but there really is a meaningful difference when it comes to carry.  I like shooting the 3", but I always carry the snub.  

I think the 3" guns are awesome.  However, what does one really do with them anymore?  Back in the 90s before police had all made the switch to semi-autos I thought something like a S&W 681 with a 3" barrel, big dot front night sight, and fixed Novak style rear sight would be the perfect duty revolver.  Hell, I still think it would be.  I think the reason we see so many LE shootings with huge numbers of rounds fired is that they were available, not that they were necessary.  I think all cops should start with revolvers and those that can master them can transition to autos if they so choose.  That same 681 would be a great choice today, perhaps with the additions of a light rail and optic mount.

To be honest I could not care less if it is 2" or 3". It's the real sights I want. The groove in a frame passed off as a sight is bullshit. There's no way it costs any more to just cut a dovetail and use novak sights. But traditions are often stupid.

Honestly, that is one of the biggest things for me. I like real sights. Would love Ruger to do more stuff like the sights on the Wiley Clapp GP100. I like adjustable sights on revolvers as their loads can vary so wildly. But if it has to be fixed sights I want good sights.

Honestly, I get what you are saying. I just feel that the 3 inch revolver tends to be the best middle ground for an carry revolver. Plus that is the length when they tend to put real sights on the revolver.

I absolutely LOVE 3" rollers and I like nice sights.  For most self defense situations however it is my opinion that great sights aren't needed.

Finally handled the 32 and it was magnificent.

Thanks for calling

I plan to pick one of those up as soon as I see it

Huh. You could probably make a 9 shot .32 N frame work



Typo: 375 mag should be 357 mag

And my latest purchase is a larger .32ACP with target sights.

I too am a shot placement fan, and with modern bullets you can do good work at realistic pistol ranges.

That's the kind of gun they should have that new 30 SC in.

My acquaintances say I have gone gun hipster, because I often carry a 327 revolver loaded with 32 HR.

I think the 30SC is disqualified from being in a tiny blowback gun. 52k max PSI vs a measly 20.5k for the .32ACP. I think the slide would be very Hi-Point in size. But go up one size to subcompact and it starts to make sense...more ammo in the magazine.

Now that I'm not wedded to 9x19mm in my triple EDC - primary 26, secondary SP101, & SUB-2000, I'm starting to consider things like .32 H&R, .327, .30 SC, & 5.7.

If I could get a G17 in it and ammo didn’t cost more I’d shoot 30SC exclusively.

As it is I’m working on a trade to get two 432UCs.

That could be, I just mean it should be in a tiny gun like that, not a 1911 or Shield EZ. The M&P Shield plus is the only handgun out there right now that makes any sense for it. It's been treated like a 9mm, when they should have treated it like a modern 380 acp.

I just recently bought a SP101 in .22LR. yeah, the grips are fucking tiny, it's like kid size. Bought a cheap house extended grip, haven't put it on yet, but I'm honestly disappointed in the lack of larger options.

I run the Pachmayr Diamond Pro on mine for my large hands.

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I have that same grip in my box. Yes, it is the largest grip on the market, but that grip angle completely wrecks it. You have to break your wrist all the way down until it almost hurts to see down the sights.

I have fun with my revolvers.   First was a .32 S&W long that was made in the late 70’s.   Second is a Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal that I only shoot .32 H&R in.

I have been eyeing a compact .32 ACP like a Walther PP or PPK or a Beretta 82.

If the factory SP101 grip was 5/8th inch longer I wouldn’t have bothered replacing it.  I bought a 4” gun, I wasn’t looking for a 3/4 size grip.  It was just too short for a trail belt gun for me.   I bought Hogues to lengthen the grip.  For me it’s ok.   Certainly not fancy but it’s very shootable.

I own two revolvers with gutter rear sights, the model 64 .38 and a model 31 .32 S&W long.  The stainless one is more problematic.  

I have resolved to never buy a revolver with a frame sight unless it’s a snub I want or I find the need to play cowboy with a SAA.

I like my adjustables for the much nicer sight picture!

If Ruger made the LCRx big grip to fit the SP101, the problem would be solved. Ruger doesn't seem to care about the SP101 at all. They put longer 4" barrels on them, and chambered them in 327 federal, both about 15 years ago. And they haven't touched them since then. The LCR and LCRx came out, and are great designs. All the components are there for Ruger to make sweet 357 and 327 trail guns if they want to. I'd just as well have them put a 4" barrel on an LCRx at this point though.