Forty-Four Fan
Bearcat
I spent 34 years in law enforcement, 20 of them as a firearms instructor, 15 years fulltime as primary instructor and rangemaster, and my last 3 years as unit chief of firearms and tactics training. This is my opinion:
The .32 H&R Magnum is a very viable choice for self-defense. While there are more "powerful" rounds available, the ability to shoot accurately is THE single most important factor in a deadly force encounter. For many, the .32 H&R Magnum is the upper limit of power and controllability.
Also, the .32 guns need to be lighter, smaller and easier to handle, and hold an extra round over a .38 cylinder.
I've conducted ballistic gelatin testing with factory and hand loaded .32 H&R Magnum loads. In terms of factory ammunition in a 2" barrel, the Hornady 80 grain Critical Defense round reaches an average 980 fps, penetrates nearly 14", and expands to nearly .40 calibre. If you can shoot that accurately, your choice of firearm should not be a worry.
Most people, and posters, have not been any closer to a deadly force encounter than a seat in movie theatre, or at-home Netflix, or YouTube video. After accurate shooting, other factors place higher in importance than choice of handgun calibre. In most shootings, the need for action takes place suddenly and quickly, and the person making the first hit is more than likely going to prevail. Most non-LE shootings don't involve multiple opponents, nor are the criminal perpetrators highly disposed to having a gunfight with an armed victim.
In retirement, I have the luxury of selecting my own weapons, and carry various types and calibres depending on need and personal preference. I have frequently carried a .32 H&R Magnum.
The .32 H&R Magnum is a very viable choice for self-defense. While there are more "powerful" rounds available, the ability to shoot accurately is THE single most important factor in a deadly force encounter. For many, the .32 H&R Magnum is the upper limit of power and controllability.
Also, the .32 guns need to be lighter, smaller and easier to handle, and hold an extra round over a .38 cylinder.
I've conducted ballistic gelatin testing with factory and hand loaded .32 H&R Magnum loads. In terms of factory ammunition in a 2" barrel, the Hornady 80 grain Critical Defense round reaches an average 980 fps, penetrates nearly 14", and expands to nearly .40 calibre. If you can shoot that accurately, your choice of firearm should not be a worry.
Most people, and posters, have not been any closer to a deadly force encounter than a seat in movie theatre, or at-home Netflix, or YouTube video. After accurate shooting, other factors place higher in importance than choice of handgun calibre. In most shootings, the need for action takes place suddenly and quickly, and the person making the first hit is more than likely going to prevail. Most non-LE shootings don't involve multiple opponents, nor are the criminal perpetrators highly disposed to having a gunfight with an armed victim.
In retirement, I have the luxury of selecting my own weapons, and carry various types and calibres depending on need and personal preference. I have frequently carried a .32 H&R Magnum.