Will a 32-20 Colt fire .38 ammo

[billpoobah]

My father has a 32-20 Police Colt that my grandfather used when he was a police officer and we have found it difficult to find ammo for it and was recently informed that .38 ammo may work in it. I wanted to hear from you guys before we tried it out... Thanks!

 

[Colt556]

I don't think a .38 bullet will fit down a .32 barrel very easily, could be wrong. There are places on line you can find .32-20 ammo but can't name any off the top of my head. The gun might be worth more to save and enjoy the history and shoot something else. JMHO.

 

[PX4 Storm]

No. Whoever told you this is an idiot.

 

[451_Detonics]

No. Whoever told you this is an idiot.

Absolutely right...

A 32-20 uses a bullet that is .3125 inches in diameter, a 38 uses a bullet that is .357 inches in diameter. If you try to force the larger bullet through the smaller chamber and bore you can expect a rather painful kaboom. I doubt it would even fit into the cylinder.

 

[billpoobah]

Thanks guys...

 

[snorko]

Also, you can NOT fire any other .32 revolver cartridges such as .32 S&W Long or .32 Colt as these are much narrower at the base and will rupture.

 

[OD*]

a 38 uses a bullet that is .357 inches in diameter.

With the exception of the old .38 S&W .38 Long Colt, which are .361 dia. FWIW.

 

[Slow Hand]

Yep, whoever told you that was a moron.

 

[DanO]

IF you are having a hard time finding ammo locally, order some on line and start hand loading. The 32/20 had low pressures so the brass should give you a lot of use. A simple LEE hanloader is inexpensive and will do you fine.

 

[HUFFMANWG]

check out georgia arms online. they have old ammo. also crebelas. that is a round used by cowboy action shooters