A Great Carry Revolver

[Hammerdown]

Hello
I have been scouring the market for a Vintage model 30 S&W revolver. These are far less Popular than their Cousin model 36 in .38 Special as the model 30 was .32 S&W Long Caliber and had 6 shots Opposed to the model 36's 5 shot cylinder. Most I saw were either Mint and High dollar or so beat up I would not consider them a good choice for self protection. I came across this Older Flat Latch Model, that had a Duracoat finish on it. The Price was real reasonable and it Locked up tight and appeared like it was not fired much as the Barrel and cylinder were super clean inside. I decided this would make a super daily carry piece so brought it home. Once I got it home I tore it apart and realized it was Like brand new inside the action so gave it a good cleaning and soaked it down with Corrosion-X and Put it all back together. I took it to the range yesterday and it grouped a Dime at the 15 Yard line using Anquilla Ammo with a 98 Grain Lead Pointed Bullet. Most People have forgotten just how accurate the smaller .32 S&W Long Caliber was before all the Big Magnum Hype came into play. It has a Mild recoil and report is not deafening when shooting it. Regards, Hammerdown

[canon6]

I also am a fan of the 32 S&W long.I you  reload you can make that round   a very respectful self defense round. Speer shows a 60 gr hp at over 1100fps with no signs of pressure.This is a load my wife shoots in her SP101, PS great looking revolver.  Doug

[Lloyd Smale]

i just recently fell in love with the 32long myself. Ive shot probably 3000 rounds out of my single six this summer. Its like a quiet 22 with light loads. I love it so much that i just sent a stainless bearcat to alan harton to have made into a 32 long.

[Ken ONeill]

Congratulations on your find. A S&W .32 L is tough to come by these days in my area.

[Hammerdown]

Congratulations on your find. A S&W .32 L is tough to come by these days in my area.

Hello Ken & Other responders
The .32 Long is a sweet light recoiling accurate round. I have a Model 16-4 S&W revolver chambered in .32 H&R magnum I also enjoy shooting. Last year I worked the Hand load for it, up to almost 1500 FPS by using the 85 Grain Hornady XTP Bullet. I used Hogdens H-110 and it seemed the hotter I made this Load the More it responded to tighter groups and overall consistency. I felt Lucky to run across this Pre-30 Model snubby as they are scarce in my world as well. Here is the Test Target I used after Pumping up the .32 H&R magnum while using the revolver shown.Regards, Hammerdown

[Lloyd Smale]

thats a sweet smith you have there pal. I would though consider backing that load off or at least going to a heavier preferalby cast bullet. That load has got to be a little tough on your forcing cone. Light jacketed bullets pushed by lots of slow burning ball powder is a recipe for errosiion and that gun is just way to pretty to mess up!!

Congratulations on your find. A S&W .32 L is tough to come by these days in my area.

Hello Ken & Other responders
The .32 Long is a sweet light recoiling accurate round. I have a Model 16-4 S&W revolver chambered in .32 H&R magnum I also enjoy shooting. Last year I worked the Hand load for it, up to almost 1500 FPS by using the 85 Grain Hornady XTP Bullet. I used Hogdens H-110 and it seemed the hotter I made this Load the More it responded to tighter groups and overall consistency. I felt Lucky to run across this Pre-30 Model snubby as they are scarce in my world as well. Here is the Test Target I used after Pumping up the .32 H&R magnum while using the revolver shown.Regards, Hammerdown

[Ken ONeill]

I also had a 6" Mdl. 16-4, but in a moment of stupidity sold it about 4-5 years ago. It was really a tack driver. I also used the 85 gr. XTP, but with a  charge of 2400 which was slightly more accurate in my gun than my H110 load, which my Contender preferred. The Contender is gone, too.
These days I use a 7 1/2" FA mdl. 97 .32. It's not for sale. I've learned my lesson.

[Hammerdown]

Hello Ken & Loyd
I have a buddy that has a 4" Model with a ton of hot reloads through it, and no Ill effects. I have only put about 200 hot loads through the One shown and do use 2400 powder as well. Ken, we all have done remorsfull moves on guns form time to time. I once had the 631 Kit gun with adjustable sights in a 4" version but it was the worse grouping S&W I had owned so I swapped it off and really do not miss it, and last year swapped off a Lady Smith 2" to a good friend that grouped well, I just got borred carrying it. I did replace it with a very Rare Dayton Outdoor Sport's .38 special model 14-2 revolver in Nickel that I still have, so that calms the swap Jitters a bit. Here are the Pair of 631's I had. Hammerdown

[Hammerdown]

Hi
Well after a couple of weeks of serious daily carry, the wonder finish started wearing off. I decided to get a more durable finish on this revolver so called my friends at Ford's refinishing in Florida. Larna the owner, shared with me that the Best finish they use is hard Chrome. She felt it would Take the daily chore of carry issues in stride and not show the Ill effects of wear from it. I asked to prep. it before sending it, and she Instructed me on what had to be done. I had a hard time getting all the deep Pit's out of the cylinder, so i made up a Jig, and Rotated it in my Battery drill while I slowly sanded out all the deep Pits. I went Beyond the grade of Finish they do as it is 400 grit, and took this one to 2000 Grit and them Polished all the Parts with Mother's Mag wheel Polish. This left the Prepared. parts looking Like a Mirror and when they apply the Hard chrome Bright finish it should be Blinding. here is what the Parts Looked like as they are now on their way to Florida for a new Finish. Regards, Hammerdown