A Brief History of .32 H&R Magnum

[@SCVGun]

H&R made a 5 shot revolver in .32 Magnum, called the model 73. This was based on the 732 size frame. After being reorganized as the New England Firearm company, it was called the R73, still a 5 shot. I have one 73 in a 2.5” barrel. I also have the R73 in both 2.5” and 4” barrel lengths. It was marketed as a lower recoil and cheaper “chief’s special”. The .32 magnum supposedly had ballistics similar to .38 Special. I really like the .32 magnum cartridge.

[@AmmoMart]

That is the information I was hoping for! Thank you so much for sharing that. I suspected they did but was unable to accurately state the model numbers and didn't want to say something that was inaccurate. Awesome info and thanks for watching!

[@mitchelaudibert]

i actually have the exact same gun, i'd never heard of it when i bought it cheap last year, very interesting little revolver

[@DeanMk1]

@@AmmoMart A bit off-topic, but there was also a .22 rimfire version of that revolver. The R92. Both revolvers were made from about 1988 until Marlin bought them in the early 2000's.

[@Gieszkanne]

Lipsey now came out with a S&W 432/632 in 32 H&R Mag. They seem to be very nice.

[@BertieW0oster]

Yep, that's why I'm here now learning about this round... seeing that the Libsey 642 can hold 6 rounds of it is pretty tempting...

[@grapenut9]

@@BertieW0oster Release of said firearm, is at the end of February 2024.

[@michaeldaltonsr8954]

Wasn't aware. TY4 info!! I almost bought an H&R.32 MAG(I'm .32 anything fan) in 2003, but was foiled by lying "friend". Haven't seen one since!

[@joesheetstheragman7737]

Overpriced

[@BADD1ONE]

I havnt shot 32 hr out of my 327 lcr but i can tell you this. I shot through 3/4" bullet proof plexy with a 327 100 grain sp american eagle load. That same plexy stopped 115 grain 9mm

[@johnkinsel5027]

The 32 H&R is a dream to reload. You get almost 2000 loads out of a pound of fast powder. The bullets are fairly cheap to buy. The only brass I have is Starline, but it is my favorite brand to use. Out of a 3 inch SP101 you can shoot hundreds of rounds without getting beat up.

[@jimwall5350]

Great caliber! The ammo from Lost River is a great choice. Very accurate and a good price too.

[@cybister4864]

If people actually knew what 32H&R is capable of...it would be a completely different self-defense revolver market. Kudos to Charter Arms for still making them, even though they knowingly botch the front sights by not modifying them from 38spl to 32. If you know firearms and tools, the Undercoverette is a bargain that is easily modified to be as good as any other pocket revolver plus the extra shot and minus the recoil.

[@markh.6687]

The industry was too busy inventing the next failed round, the 30 Seldom Carried.

[@mjo4981]

I have an h&r revolver in 32 h&r magnum caliber. I never expected to run into one when I found one a few years ago at a local pawn shop, a model 504 with a five shot cylinder.

[@rjinmi]

I have a 504 as well, almost the same story as yours.

[@derekray7144]

I own a Charter Arms Professional and I love it! It has a 3" barrel and in ballistic gel it's comparable to .380acp and 38 special. The down side is finding ammo and holsters. I don't mind paying a bit more for ammo. That's the cost for something special for the size and weight. 7 rounds in a concealable revolver is pretty awesome to me. The trigger isn't great but it isn't bad. It's gritty at first and after firing it 100 times it's smoothing up some. I can hit bullseyes at 7 yards. That's good enough for me. It weighs 22 ounces. I also dry fire the shit out of it using rubber backed snap caps. That helps too.

[@davidspring5149]

My uncle carried a .32 H&R Magnum revolver when he went trapping- he said that the caliber was perfect for a revolver or carbine on small game. If I remember correctly, part of the claim was that it would duplicate .38 Spl performance with more rounds in the cylinder, or allow for a smaller cylinder/handgun. Either way, it’s a neat round. Thanks for sharing!

[@craigfinley2507]

What was the name of your uncle's gun

[@davidspring5149]

I don’t know. It was an H&R revolver with ~3” barrel.

[@davidspring5149]

I don’t know. It was an H&R revolver with ~3” barrel.

[@davidspring5149]

I don’t know. It was an H&R revolver with ~3” barrel.

[@karsonbranham3900]

i have an R73 with a 6" barrel. my brother has one with a 4" barrel, they are a nice revolver! handloading for .32 H&R mag really unlocks its potential and drops the cost of shooting one significantly!

[@TomMJH]

Thanks for making this video. I have both the Ruger sp101 (3 inch barrel) and Charter Professional (3 inch barrel) H&R Magnums. Love them! Yes, the ammo is more expensive, but enjoyable to practice shooting with and are very accurate.

[@chestnutlouie4709]

Reload

[@thereindeertherabbitthebat592]

A minute in and I'm already learning something new. Awesome video, appreciate it. Thanks for sharing.

[@AmmoMart]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment, we really appreciate it. Be safe and see you next week.

[@RickJZ1973]

Interesting and informative presentation. Years ago, I fired a 32 H&R revolver. Liked the cartridge a lot. Subsequently, researched cost and availability of ammo. That was my deciding factor to not take on the caliber. Like the sentiments you conveyed, it's a niche caliber. Possibly, ammo in 32 H&R will become more prevalent after S&W released new model in the caliber.

[@MOPARGUY413]

I remember when the 32 H&R Magnum first came out. The only factory ammo was made by Federal. They had a lead bullet of 98 grains and an 85 grain JHP. I was interested in this from a reloader's perspective. I thought that it would be like a reloadable 22. I was not interested in the Harrington and Richardson revolvers but I did get a Ruger Single Six. I remember that some of the Federal brass would split after a couple of reloads. I was really surprised when Smith & Wesson brought out their K-frame in 32 H&R Magnum as the Model 16-4. I ordered a four inch model 16-4. A few years later I met my wife and she fell in love with the little Smith & Wesson. I say that I loaned it to her but she says that I gave it to her. It is in her night table right now.

[@timjohnson8390]

I appreciate the content, very informative with ego left out. Be safe

[@AmmoMart]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. When Matt and I first got into doing the series my goal was to first, be genuine, and second, sort of model Paul Harrell in some small way. I have learned one thing from our viewers and that is that they are some very educated people who appreciate the information presented in a humble way. I'm glad you are enjoying the series and we will see you next week. Have a safe Memorial Day.

[@nunyobuisniz713]

Looks like I jumped the gun, and you mentioned the professional in your video. So I will just add that with a bk grip and Premiumgun grips charter arms universal fit grips you have an excellent pocket carry piece. .32 h&r magnum is a sweet shooter. Charter Arms has a fantasic revolver chambered in it the 7 shot 3" barrel Professional.

[@michigunsanta8680]

Probably my favorite “cheap revolver” is my Charter Arms “Professional”, it’s a 7 shot 3” barreled revolver chambered in 32H&R mag, the trigger is pretty smooth for a cheap revolver which is nice. My wife keeps it near by when I work nights. I keep it loaded with low recoil 32H&Rs. 👍🏻

[@scottbruns2907]

I stumbled upon this cartridge when I found a rare Smith Model 431 at a pawn shop. It's a 6 shot snub nose Airweight J-frame in .32 H&R Magnum. I got it cheap because the shop owner didn't think it would sell in that caliber. It is not only ballistically effective, but it complies with the real world effectiveness of the Greg Ellifritz studies. His collection of real world shootings accounts by law enforcement shows that no matter what the caliber, it takes two shots to get an assailant to stop their assault. With 32 H&R magnum, you can get off two rapid shots on target much more reliably than with any 38 Special J-frame size revolver.

[@Andrew-sv6zq]

Good info. I have been looking at a Charter Arms Professional. The cost is an issue. I have found 20 round boxes of either wad-cutters or hollow points for $22.

[@donaldballman2825]

I can't agree or disagree because I've never shot them but I'm hoping to one day. I do like your content and the way you take the time to explaine your facts and the way you go about showing people what your explaining to them

[@chlebowg]

I remember when the .32 H&R came out. Never could get a Single Six or Smith 16 in said chambering. Was looking for a Single Seven in .327 Fed last year and came across a fix sight Single Six in .32 H&R. Jumped on it, I cast a Lee 90 gr SWC and use Long and Magnum cases. Have 50 S&W cases that I haven't reloaded yet and mine also shoots .32 ACP/7.65mm Browning. Mine is used for plinking and small game hunting.

[@RooftopKY]

I've got a S&W Model 16 with a 8-3/8" barrel in 32 H&R. Reload for it and it's not terrible expensive. Lastly my LGS currently has a H&R in the case right now in this caliber.

[@craigfinley2507]

Great show

[@DanMootispaw-kk9cu]

I own a model 73 in 32 H&R magnum , purchased at the black sheep sporting goods in Missoula Montana about 1988

[@red9man2130]

H&R DID in fact offer the 732 in .32 H&R Magnum. I recall reading about it in the American Rifleman magazine back in I believe 1984/85. VERY few were made and S&W began making the k32 in that caliber followed by some snubs (j frames).

[@maxhoyle2134]

A good article! but you missed one, I have an Ruger Single Six in .32 mag and it shoots pretty good1

[@garyglenn5233]

Dad's got a H&R Professional 32H&R mag with a 3" barrel and that's one of the most natural pointing and accurate little revolvers that I've ever shot. It's got a green fiber optic front sight that's easy to pick up and since it has virtually no recoil, it's a absolute pleasure to shoot and shoot accurately. I wouldn't feel a bit unsafe carrying that little gun with 7 rounds of top quality self defense ammo. And I had a brain fart at the beginning because it's actually a Charter Arms Professional, not a H&R. My mind went to grandpa's 9 shot H&R 22 LR that he had until he died. I was hoping that I would inherent either that revolver or the Remington 222 that he had. I can't remember the model number of the 222,but it was the original rifle that they introduced the caliber in and was only made for one year before they discontinued that model and replace it with the model 700. Unfortunately my uncle took everything grandpa had and sold all of it to keep up his alcohol addiction. I'll never forgive him for that. We get along the few times I see him, but it still pisses me of that as the oldest grandchild and only male that I didn't get a single thing grandpa had. That's just wrong in every way. I hope and pray that he doesn't try to get anything dad has when he's gone because I will put him in the ground without a second thought. Us old hillbillies will only take so much before we lose our tempers and then it's going to be a bad day for everybody involved.

[@craigfinley2507]

Is the professional made by H&R or charter arms

[@Joe-ym6bw]

I didn't know they made a 32 magnum

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

H&R 32 mag 5 shot model 504. I have one new on the box. Charter made on identical.

[@Herk-tc4jd]

I 've had a Charter Arms .32 H&R magnum Police Undercover 6shot for maybe 35 yrs. still looks new

[@craigfinley2507]

Hey I thought H&R made their own pistol for the H&R mag I'll check smith Wesson made one for h&r or federal mag I have a model 732 h&r . Thanks for this show I'm old school I think it makes a good defence round, police use to carry s&w in S&w long

[@aethertech]

H&R made at least ONE 32 HR revolver, I do see them around from time to time. (every few years), SW made Revolvers in 32HR for at least a bit.

[@chestnutlouie4709]

I have a Ruger sp101 3” in 32h&r mag. I reload Lee 90 grain TL bullets for practice ammo (950 fps). Buffalo Bore 100 grain +p. Goes 1260 fps

[@Lemmon714_]

I bought a NEF .32 mg for $20 at my local store in 1991. Wish I had known that the magnum rounds wouldn't be made anymore

[@la_old_salt2241]

They are made, plus you can reload.

[@johnbarrett7534]

While there isn't a large selection of ammo out there, it is out there. Try Buffalo Bore or Georgia Arms ammo. Much more potent and powerful than Hornady, Federal and Black Hills ammo. Try it for yourself and you'll see for yourself. I reload all my ammo and the possibilities are endless.

[@brianholthouse1426]

H&R made 3 models of 32 mag , a 504 , 532 and 586. All 5 shot based on 22 frame guns.. I own a 586 , its a double action styled like a single action with loading gate and ejector rod. The 586 is a nice revolver. Great small game caliber,but can be destructible on rabbits and squirrel. Those 3 models were made prior to H&R going out of business in 86

[@ginosartor8975]

New England firearms came out with the r73 chamber in 32 h&r Magnum

[@pithicus52]

According to the Gun Trader's Guide, 43rd edition, H&R made models 504, 532, and 586 in 32 H&R magnum from 1984 to 1986.

[@chrisr251]

Yes, H&R made 5 shot revolvers in a variety of barrel lengths. They were kind of cheaply made, and not the greatest quality. Modern reloading manuals caution against using current load data when reloading for them. Several of the boutique ammunition companies also say not to use their .32 H&R Magnum loads in the old H&R guns. I mostly use .32 S&W Long in both of mine because they are not up to the loads I use in my other .32 H&R chambered guns. On the other hand, they do make very good trail guns, fully capable of taking rabbits and squirrels. And able to dispatch larger critters with proper shot placement. Unfortunately, the H&R cartridge never lived up to its potential in factory loads. Current production guns can do a lot more with it using handloads or ammunition from places like Buffalo Bore. The biggest problem I have with the Charter Arms Undercoverette that I sometimes carry (aside from the unfortunate name) is the fixed sights. With the more effective loadings, it will shoot 7 to 10 inches low at 7 yards. The only way I have been able to correct this, and get any kind of performance out of it, is to use the heavier bullets that are more typical for .32-20 loadings. Normally in in the 115-120 grain range. Which drops the velocity down enough that there is no real advantage to using it.

[@paulkindler8430]

It's like a modern version of the 32= 20 in a shorter straight walled case ,easy and cheap to reload.

[@CHEECHMUN]

The .327, recoil is not a problem.

[@franklicea4979]

Just tried this round, low recoil, good performance, but rare and expensive unfortunately! Wish it was more popular

[@AmmoMart]

Thanks for viewing and commenting. It is truly a tragedy that the cost is so high because that little round solves a ton of problems for people who are recoil sensitive, have arthritic hands, you name it. Just a great revolver cartridge, except...... Have a safe Memorial Day and thanks again.

[@brianc9374]

Its odd that it seems are defensive cartriges always seems to be .31/.32 .36/.38/9mm .44/.45 The .41/.40/10mm always rears its head, always does an impressive job and doesnt seem to catch on for long. I dont get it.

[@richardkut3976]

Thanks again.

[@garybrafford157]

Modal 504 32 hrs magnum had one.

[@GIJeaux1]

I handload my .32 H&R magnum "Cartridges" for half the price of .38 Special so, cost is very low for me.

[@nomanmcshmoo8640]

God I love .32s. Personally, I think one of the odd things that keeps people away is the tendency of manufacturers to make goofy things like seven shot revolvers. People like 5 or 6 rounds for the most part. I know a LOT of shooters, myself included, that have ZERO interest in a "high capacity" revolver. I mean, c'mon....a single seven? It even sounds stupid. I would DIE for a single SIX in .32 H and R or .327 Federal. That with an 1894 Marlin combo would be the bee's knees, yo!

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

It's a small round. Now granted a 6 or 7 shot gun in .500 magnum is cartoonish or overkill. Look at the historic 9 shot LeMatt. But if you're in camp & say a rabid grizzly shows up & your only gun in reach is a .32 I'd would love to have the extra round.

[@christopherbishop4927]

32s&w.......is the exact same as 32h&r The next came 32long