Spent some time today with an old S&W hand ejector, what S&W called these revolvers before putting model numbers on them. This revolver started life as a 32-20 target, but lost the end of it's barrel, was shortened and given a Python style rib. The adjustable rear sight was kept. I have no idea when the work was done, or why, as target grade guns typically are not candidates for this unless maybe there was damage to the barrel.
32-20 is one of those cartridges that has little available factory, but offers the hand loader much. Back when factory was more common around the turn of the last century Remington offered rifle level ammo in addition to hand gun level. Before the invention of the 357 magnum people looking for more power put the more powerful 32-20s in their hand ejectors. This might have contributed to the lyrics of Robert Johnson's "32-20 Blues". Either way the 32-20 is a screecher in revolvers much like the 30 carbine. The noise just seems harder on your ears.
I shot today with 9 grains of 2400 behind a 115grain cast lead GC bullet sized .312. This gun fit well in a Bauer Brothers holster from the same era and will stay with it as it's a good fit.
32-20 is one of those cartridges that has little available factory, but offers the hand loader much. Back when factory was more common around the turn of the last century Remington offered rifle level ammo in addition to hand gun level. Before the invention of the 357 magnum people looking for more power put the more powerful 32-20s in their hand ejectors. This might have contributed to the lyrics of Robert Johnson's "32-20 Blues". Either way the 32-20 is a screecher in revolvers much like the 30 carbine. The noise just seems harder on your ears.
I shot today with 9 grains of 2400 behind a 115grain cast lead GC bullet sized .312. This gun fit well in a Bauer Brothers holster from the same era and will stay with it as it's a good fit.
