32 S&W LONG AND BULK 32 S&W LONG AMMO

About 32 S&W Ammo

The 35 Smith & Wesson (S&W) ammunition is a historic revolver cartridge introduced in 1912 by the Smith & Wesson Company for use in their semi-automatic pistols of the early 20th century.

While relatively short-lived in commercial production, the .35 S&W offered a unique blend of moderate recoil and compact size, making it appealing to civilian shooters and some law enforcement officers of the era.

Originally designed for the Smith & Wesson Model 1913 pistol, the cartridge was intended to compete with other small- to medium-bore self-defense rounds of the time, such as the .32 ACP and .380 ACP.

Its design incorporated a semi-rimmed case and a bullet diameter slightly smaller than modern .38 caliber rounds, which allowed for a streamlined feeding process in early semi-automatic handguns.

Although the 35 S&W never achieved the widespread adoption of its competitors, it left a notable mark on firearms history.

Collectors and vintage firearm enthusiasts still seek this ammunition today for restoration projects, historical shooting demonstrations, and as a testament to the innovation of early 20th-century cartridge development.

Its legacy lies in its role as part of the experimental phase in handgun ammunition design, bridging the gap between revolver-dominant markets and the emerging semi-automatic pistol era.

While not a mainstream choice for modern target shooting or hunting, the .35 S&W holds an important place for firearms historians and collectors.

It represents a period of experimentation where manufacturers sought to balance firepower, size, and reliability in a rapidly evolving handgun market.

Its presence in the collectible firearms community ensures that the cartridge continues to be studied, appreciated, and preserved.

Common .32 S&W Ammunition Types

The .32 Smith & Wesson cartridge, first introduced in 1878, remains a popular choice among collectors, small-game hunters, and those who enjoy shooting vintage revolvers.

Over the years, various load types have been developed to serve different needs, from target shooting to personal defense.

Below is a breakdown of the most common .32 S&W ammunition types you’ll find on the market today:

Lead Round Nose (LRN)

• Description: The most traditional and widely available .32 S&W load, featuring a soft lead bullet with a rounded nose profile.
• Best For: Target shooting, plinking, and use in antique revolvers.
• Advantages: Gentle recoil, cost-effective, and historically accurate for period firearms.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

• Description: A lead core bullet fully encased in a copper or brass jacket to reduce barrel fouling.
• Best For: Extended range sessions, training, and consistent performance.
• Advantages: Cleaner shooting, better feeding reliability in select semi-auto platforms chambered for .32 S&W.

Lead Flat Nose (LFN)

• Description: A solid lead bullet with a flat tip for improved energy transfer on impact.
• Best For: Small-game hunting and pest control.
• Advantages: Better terminal performance compared to LRN while maintaining low recoil.

Wadcutters (WC)

• Description: A flat-front projectile designed to cut clean, round holes in paper targets.
• Best For: Precision target shooting and competition.
• Advantages: Excellent accuracy, minimal recoil, and clear scoring for competition use.

Hollow Point (HP)

• Description: Expanding bullet designed for increased stopping power and reduced over-penetration.
• Best For: Personal defense in compatible modern .32 S&W revolvers.
• Advantages: Controlled expansion, higher energy transfer, and improved defensive performance.

Popular Uses for 32 S&W Ammo

Target Shooting and Plinking

• Purpose: Ideal for casual shooting sessions and range practice due to its light recoil and mild report.
• Benefit: Allows shooters to enjoy longer sessions with less fatigue while maintaining good accuracy.

Historical Firearm Collecting and Preservation

• Purpose: Many antique revolvers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are chambered for .32 S&W.
• Benefit: Collectors use period-correct ammo to maintain authenticity and value when firing or displaying vintage firearms.

Cowboy Action Shooting

• Purpose: Often used in historical reenactments and competitive cowboy action matches where authenticity and accuracy matter.
• Benefit: Adds realism to competitions while still delivering low recoil for quick follow-up shots.

Small Game Hunting and Pest Control

• Purpose: Suitable for dispatching small varmints or pests at close range.
• Benefit: Low noise and minimal meat damage compared to larger calibers.

Personal Defense in Vintage Revolvers

• Purpose: Although not as powerful as modern self-defense calibers, .32 S&W has historically been used for concealed carry in pocket revolvers.
• Benefit: Offers a discreet, easy-to-carry option for those using restored or heirloom defensive firearms.

32 S&W Ammunition Features

The 32 Smith & Wesson cartridge, introduced in the late 19th century, remains popular among collectors, target shooters, and enthusiasts of vintage firearms.

Known for its historical significance and manageable shooting experience, this classic round offers a range of features that make it unique.

Below are the most common .32 S&W ammo features that define its performance and appeal:

Low Recoil for Comfortable Shooting

• Feature: Gentle recoil impulse that is easy on the hands and shoulders.
• Benefit: Ideal for new shooters, older marksmen, or those who prefer long practice sessions without fatigue.

Compact Cartridge Size

• Feature: Short overall length and light weight.
• Benefit: Perfectly suited for pocket revolvers, antique carry pistols, and concealed carry designs from its era.

Lead Round Nose (LRN) Bullet Design

• Feature: Traditional solid lead round nose projectiles.
• Benefit: Offers reliable feeding, simplicity in design, and authenticity for vintage firearm shooting.

Mild Muzzle Report

• Feature: Lower powder charge compared to modern defensive rounds.
• Benefit: Produces a quieter report, making it more comfortable for indoor ranges and less disruptive in populated areas.

Compatible with Antique Revolvers

• Feature: Designed for older top-break and swing-out cylinder revolvers.
• Benefit: Allows collectors and historians to safely fire original firearms with appropriate loads.

Consistent Accuracy at Short Range

• Feature: Stable, predictable ballistics within 25 yards.
• Benefit: Well-suited for target shooting, small game, and historical reenactment scenarios.

Brass or Nickel-Plated Cases

• Feature: Available in both standard brass and corrosion-resistant nickel-plated variants.
• Benefit: Ensures smooth extraction and longer case life for reloaders.

Best Selling 32 S&W Firearms

Below is a list of some of the most popular and best-selling .32 S&W firearms, both past and present.

Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2

• Overview: One of the earliest revolvers chambered for the .32 S&W cartridge.
• Why It’s Popular: Compact top-break design, easy to carry, and historically significant as part of S&W’s late 19th-century revolver lineup.

Iver Johnson Safety Automatic Revolver

• Overview: Affordable, reliable, and widely sold in the early 1900s.
• Why It’s Popular: Known for its "hammer the hammer" safety system, making it safer to carry fully loaded in the pocket.

Harrington & Richardson Young America

• Overview: A small-frame top-break revolver designed for self-defense.
• Why It’s Popular: Inexpensive, rugged, and widely available for working-class gun owners of the era.

Colt New Pocket Revolver

Overview: Colt’s entry into the small-frame revolver market for the .32 S&W cartridge.

Why It’s Popular: Sleek design, smooth trigger, and Colt’s signature build quality made it a desirable concealed-carry option.

Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless (“Lemon Squeezer”)

• Overview: A hammerless top-break revolver with a grip safety.
• Why It’s Popular: No external hammer to snag on clothing, combined with added safety features, made it a favorite for concealed carry.

Modern Reproductions & Collectible Restorations

• Overview: While .32 S&W is no longer a standard defensive caliber, reproduction and custom-restored revolvers are available for enthusiasts.
• Why It’s Popular: Offers shooters and collectors a way to enjoy the charm and history of the cartridge with modern craftsmanship.

32 S&W Ammo FAQs

Question: What is 32 S&W ammunition?
Answer: 32 S&W ammo, also known as 32 Smith & Wesson ammunition, is a small-caliber revolver cartridge introduced in 1878 by Smith & Wesson for their top-break revolvers. It is known for its mild recoil, making it ideal for beginners, target shooting, and historical firearms enthusiasts.

Question: What is .32 S&W ammo used for?
Answer: 32 S&W ammunition is primarily used for target shooting, plinking, and shooting vintage revolvers. While not common for modern self-defense, it was historically used for personal protection and small game hunting.

Question: Is 32 S&W ammo the same as 32 S&W Long?
Answer: No. 32 S&W and 32 S&W Long are different cartridges. The 32 S&W Long is longer and more powerful. Some firearms chambered in 32 S&W Long can fire 32 S&W, but not vice versa. Always check your firearm’s chamber markings before use.

Question: Can I buy 32 S&W ammo today?
Answer: Yes. While 32 S&W ammo for sale is less common than popular calibers, many ammunition retailers and specialty stores still carry it for collectors, vintage revolver owners, and historical shooting enthusiasts.

Question: What firearms use .32 S&W ammunition?
Answer: The 32 S&W cartridge was originally designed for Smith & Wesson top-break revolvers but was also chambered in models from Colt, Iver Johnson, Harrington & Richardson, and other manufacturers during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Question: Is 32 S&W ammo good for self-defense?
Answer: While 32 Smith & Wesson ammunition was once used for personal protection, today it is generally considered underpowered compared to modern self-defense calibers. It is better suited for recreational shooting and use in antique revolvers.

Question: How much does 32 S&W ammo cost?
Answer: The cost of 32 S&W ammunition varies based on brand, bullet type, and availability. Since it’s considered a niche caliber, prices are often higher than more common handgun cartridges.

Question: What bullet types are available for .32 S&W ammo?
Answer: Common bullet types for 32 S&W ammo include lead round nose (LRN) and full metal jacket (FMJ). Specialty loads for cowboy action shooting or historical reenactments may also be available.