32 special

furbman · 10-10-2004, 02:16 PM

I was just in the "store" and saw a really nice pre '64 winchester in 32 special. Does any one have experience with this caliber? I was thinking about adding it to my collection of levers, but i would also like to use it. The rifle has been used but not abused, mechanicaly it is fine but can use some cosmetic help.

Ruger-Redhawk · 10-10-2004, 02:32 PM

I picked up a Pre 64 post war Model 94 in 32 Winchester Special a few years back.Ammuntion is available for it.Basically it's the same case as a 30-30Win cartridge. In fact if 32 W.S brass isn't available a 30-30 case can be formed from it.The rifle I picked up is in very good condition. The only thing is someone added a stinking recoil pad to it.I believe Cabela's sells Replacement wood for these Pre 64's. I've wanted to find a original replacement stock for mine but no luck.If you have a Speer reloading manual it has the history of the 32 W.S.It would make a good brush gun. I would say it's limits would be very close to the 30-30 Win

Ruger Redhawk

furbman · 10-10-2004, 02:53 PM

Thanks for the reply, i will pick up the speer book, it is one of the few i dont have.

Ruger-Redhawk · 10-10-2004, 03:57 PM

You're welcome, I wouldn't buy the Speer manual just for a little history. It's in the Speer Number 13 page 337. It's only one page long. If you think you can use the manual then get it.If I had a scanner I would send it to you.

Ruger Redhawk

HighDesertWolf · 10-10-2004, 04:08 PM

Quote:

I would say it's limits would be very close to the 30-30 Win

The 32 winchester special is very similar to the 30-30 but just a little more HP. I would say it more or less fills the gap between the 30-30 win and the 35 remington. I have not seen factory loaded ammo in 32 win spcl in years, if you want it for a collectors piece by all means get it. but if your intentions are for hunting and shooting it you would be better off getting a 30-30 win where ammo is alot more abundant.

killer243 · 10-10-2004, 05:01 PM

one guy i hunt with uses a 32 remington for deer and has a 32 special that he used to use. ammo isn't easy to come buy but it can be bought online. the guy smears by both of his 32's and has shot bears with both

it is a good gun i would get it

furbman · 10-10-2004, 05:41 PM

RR.. i'll get the speer, it is one i dont have and it has reloading data in it for the 32 and the only one i have that does is lyman's..it is always good to have at least two sources.

HDwolf.. It will kinda be both, but i did find out that remington and winchester are both making ammo for the 32 special, and it only lists for about 1 and a 1/2 dollars more than the 30/30... History and cheap ammo, it keeps getting better.

Thanks for all the replies.....Craig

patch51 · 10-11-2004, 01:57 PM

I killed my first whitetail with my dads model 94 in 32 winchester.That was in 1962 or 63 .I have the gun now and wouldn't take for it .The 32 is not a lot more gun than the 30-30 but it is a good caliber in lever gun.My dad got this gun in the late 40's used from a friend and it is still in real good shape.

Ruger-Redhawk · 10-11-2004, 03:30 PM

Not long after I bought my 32 WS.I happened to go in a Kmart before their sell out to the anti's. The had some closeout ammo. I was surprised to find it.They had 4 or 5 boxes of Federal in32 W.S.Needless to say I bought all of it.Then I found a used set of RCBS dies at my local dealer.

Ruger Redhawk

James B · 10-11-2004, 06:51 PM

I had one back in the early 60's but I never shot anything with it. As already stated it is a close performer to the 30-30. To start with Winchester loaded it with a heavier bullet than the 30-30 could shoot but in a short time everyone dropped all but the 170 grain bullet so it lost its slight advantage over the 30-30.