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Smith and Wesson 32-20

Cal44Cal44 Member Posts: 14 ✭✭
edited October 2007 in Ask the Experts
I am new so please be gentle. Subject: Grandfathers Smith and Wesson 32-20 HE. For the life of me I can't find out what the 20 means, I get the 32. I went to one of the local gun shops,"what does the 20 signify?", reply? "I don't know". So, that is one question. Another question is type of ammo. Yes I know 32cal. This revolver was made in 1905 and is as tight as a tick and is verified by a S&W factory letter. Even the letter does not explain the 20.
I know the cartridge is supposed to be a Winchester long but I am confused as to the grain amount. I would like to fire the old thing but don't want to hurt it. Where is spell check? If I have left anything forgive me, I'm gun dumb. Regards, Mike.

Comments

  • HerschelHerschel Member Posts: 2,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    This was originally a blackpowder cartridge and the -20 means it was loaded with 20 grains of black powder.
  • HandgunHTR52HandgunHTR52 Member Posts: 2,735
    edited November -1
    Here is a link to some ammo. I would stick to the stuff loaded as "Cowboy" loads. They are usually of lower pressure and a closer approximation of the original BP loads.

    http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=3&Categoryid=7535&categorystring=653***690***


    Edit: I almost forgot. Welcome to the forum!
  • Cal44Cal44 Member Posts: 14 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    How do you like that. In five minutes I have my answer. Thanks guys.
  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Fire any factory lead bullet load. it will be low pressure and safe for the revolver.
  • HerschelHerschel Member Posts: 2,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    .32-20 (.32 WCF).ammo can be found at gun shows and at some gun shops. There was some loaded with copper jacketed softnosed bullets that is for .32-20 rifles only. Be sure and get the lead bulleted ammo that is for pistols. HTR52's advice to get the "Cowboy", low velocity loads is good advice. When I was a boy, 1950's, I remember people saying they preferred a .32-20 pistol because it would shoot completely through a 55 gallon drum while a .38 Special would only penetrate one side. I never tried this to see if it was true.
  • tccoxtccox Member Posts: 7,379 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    My very first pistol was a 32-20 made in EIBAR Spain, as best I remember. It was so loose that half the round went into the barrel and half went elsewhere. I almost lost a finger by propping in on my off hand and shooting it. I was 16 at the time. Dammit, I still have feelings for that pistol. Tom
  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ref: penetration of 32-20 and 38 Special- am aware of a police shooting several years back, where everyone was shooting at a car using 158 gr 38 Special, except ONE officer with a 32-20. The 38s made dents. The 32-20 made HOLES in the car!
  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    32-20 has been made in high speed loadings since the turn of the century and low speed loadings since the caliber came out in 1882.
    Only the low speed loading has been loaded for at least the last 40 years.
    High speed loadings were 80 grain HP at 2000fps and 100-115 grain bullets at about 1600 fps all in jacketed SP or FMJ.
    There was always a lead bullet either in black or low pressure smokeless loading.
    Factory loadings in Cowboy or standard are all low speed so you won't get that car body penetration you've heard about unless you handload.
    The S&W K frame isn't sturdy enough for hot loads while SAA Army 2nd generation Colts will handle deafening high power loads.
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