S&W 30-1 .32 S&W L, keep or move?

Bull Durham

Bull Durham

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CE73EC51-4DC0-4B8B-B144-3A85256951BC.jpeg 3CC05BA3-217E-414D-B4E0-11E82EAA5B7D.jpeg E0DB9D73-F2EE-4B91-B8A9-123062BA0B42.jpeg This afternoon, I picked up a nice little Smith 30-1 in .32 S&W long. It is a flat latch, 6 shot j frame (?) with very faint turn line. I have never had a .32 Long. Is it a decent defensive round or should I trade/sell it and go bigger? What say y’all?
JD
 
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I don’t reload so I am a bit curious Iabout good defensive load availability.
 
I’m flattered to have been put in that company. Honestly, I got abbaluuly no biniss in that group. I’m still trying to learn to recognize the difference between wheel guns and bottom feeders. :eek:

In addition to Billy and Mac, I’d nominate @Have gun-will travel and @Cocked & Locked for worthwhile comment.
 
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Thanks for the replies so far gents.
JD
 
Jeppo said:
I’m flattered to have been put in that company. Honestly, I got abbaluuly no biniss in that group. I’m still trying to learn to recognize the difference between wheel guns and bottom feeders. :eek:

In addition to Billy, I’d nominate @Have gun-will travel and @Cocked & Locked for worthwhile comment.
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It's not a discussion about revolvers without @Prosecutor.
 
Assuming the grips are original, that gun was made between 1961 and 68. Notice that the side plate screws look “un-Bubba’d”. Overall, it looks amazing to me! What are the first few of the s/n?
 
Beautiful little snub. I would prefer to carry a larger caliber for defensive purposes but will be very pleased to have something like that in my collection. I would definitely keep it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Thank you Sirs.
It’s 718. I went to buy a mod 60 from the gentleman but he was mistaken about the model. It was this one. I wasn’t really in love with the caliber but the little thing was in such great shape that I couldn’t leave it there.
 
Assuming it’s 718xxx (6 digits), that’d put it much closer to 1961. I wish I’d looked that good at 58. :rolleyes:
 
Jeppo said:
I’m flattered to have been put in that company. Honestly, I got abbaluuly no biniss in that group. I’m still trying to learn to recognize the difference between wheel guns and bottom feeders. :eek:

In addition to Billy, I’d nominate @Have gun-will travel and @Cocked & Locked for worthwhile comment.
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You say this


Jeppo said:
Assuming the grips are original, that gun was made between 1961 and 68. Notice that the side plate screws look “un-Bubba’d”. Overall, it looks amazing to me! What are the first few of the s/n?
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Then talk like that lol

Not in this group my rear lol
 
I want it. I like 32 a lot.
If I had that, I'd keep it.
I have one with a longer barrel.
If you think it's not a good defensive round, ask Billy to show you his 1.5" oak board.
I wouldn't want to stand in front of a 32 S&W Long.
Too bad you don't reload... that cartridge can be loaded hot.
That's why I didn't ream mine to 32 H&R Magnum.
 
Next you’ll tell us he sold you the package for $1.79. o_O
 
MacEntyre said:
I want it. I like 32 a lot.
If I had that, I'd keep it.
I have one with a longer barrel.
If you think it's not a good defensive round, ask Billy to show you his 1.5" oak board.
I wouldn't want to stand in front of a 32 S&W Long.
Too bad you don't reload... that cartridge can be loaded hot.
That's why I didn't ream mine to 32 H&R Magnum.
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I reload for my 32s and load them all a little on the warm side.

Sent from notthedroidyourelookingfor
 
No, I can’t say that at all, lol!
My luck has never been close to that good.
 
Jeppo said:
I’m flattered to have been put in that company. Honestly, I got abbaluuly no biniss in that group. I’m still trying to learn to recognize the difference between wheel guns and bottom feeders. :eek:

In addition to Billy and Mac, I’d nominate @Have gun-will travel and @Cocked & Locked for worthwhile comment.
Click to expand...



Bottom feeders.

upload_2019-4-6_19-39-38.jpeg upload_2019-4-6_19-40-15.jpeg

i'll let someone else show you a wheel gun. LOL
 
I have a long history of making bad decisions so even with all of this good advice, I’m still not really warmed up to the idea of keeping it due to the caliber.
I never said that I was the sharpest knife in the drawer!
Thanks guys.
 
Bull Durham said:
I have a long history of making bad decisions so even with all of this good advice, I’m still not really warmed up to the idea of keeping it due to the caliber.
I never said that I was the sharpest knife in the drawer!
Thanks guys.
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Get Billy to show you a pic of the board with all the shots in it......then keep the gun!
 
Bull Durham said:
I have never had a .32 Long. Is it a decent defensive round or should I trade/sell it and go bigger? What say y’all?
JD
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The 32 SWL may have been considered a good defensive round when it superseded the 32 SW short that was popular in the small break top revolvers that were popular in the early 1900s. By today's standard it is an anemic round used mostly for target shooting. Before SAAMI capped the max pressure at 12000 cup, the loading manuals gave loads that were a few 100fps lower than today's 32 HRmag rounds. In a strong revolver, like yours, the old loads are fine.

Personally, I would not rely on the 32 SWL as a defensive round unless I did not have another choice. With that being said, I really like my 32 SWL pistols. The round is fun to shoot. I equate it with an oversized 22lr. No recoil, no real need for hearing protection, accurate, and hits small game harder than a 22lr. Reloading for my 32swl is almost cheaper than buying 22lr today. A few years ago when 22lr was unavailable, it was much cheaper. Factory loads are hard to find and when found, the price is comparable to 380 non defensive rounds. I have not looked at all available factory rounds but most of what I see in the LGS is lead round nose and a few wad cutter offerings.

To keep it or sell it is your choice, either one is right.
 
A small, lightweight 32 revolver is a good choice for self defense in a Non Permissive Environment, where you must use deep concealment.
There are other choices, but they might be less likely to remain concealed in all circumstances.
 
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