Ruger 32 H&R mag Single Six

[Smee781]

So there I was again looking at the used gun case at a LGS and saw a little doosy, I even waited 2 weeks and when I went back it was still there, no box or docs. It is a 4 5/8 Single Six birdshead case color frame model and I put it on lay-a-way yesterday. Does anyone have a fixed sight Single Six 32H&R model? If so what is the recommended load for POI for the fixed sight guns? I am wanting to get started on getting my reloading stuff together. This is my first expercience with the 32 so any help is accepted.Thanks :lol:

 

[KLNC]

I have one of the fixed sight Bisleys. First time out it seemed to shoot low with my 96 gr. bullets over Bullseye. I need to work on it. Can file the front sight, but kind of hate to do it. I'm going to experiment before I consider that step.

 

[varminter22]

Love the Single Six .32s!

Unfortunately, I suspect the only way to ascertain proper load/sight in is to shoot it for group/POI.

It isn't uncommon for the barrel to be improperly indexed. But that can be easily fixed by a good gunsmith (or perhaps do-it-yourself.)

It also isn't uncommon to have to file a bit off the front sight to achieve proper POI.

By the way, the "color case hardened" frame is NOT really color case hardened. It is a faux finish that you can polish off (in case you desire to reblue, or have it really color case hardened.)

I submit its probably best to find a load you like (accurate, etc) and adjust sights to coincide POA and POI.

Again, gotta love the Single Six .32s!

I've posted this before (a time or two!) - hope no one objects to seeing it again:

 

[Smee781]

I like your example, looks nice. Ya I know about the finish, to bad its not the real thing. I was hoping that it was regulated like a fixed sight 38spl that has a recommended load of 158grn you know just a recommended load, I know I will have to shoot it just to see where it will land but was hoping for a starting point.

 

[Smee781]

Hey varminter22,

Forgot to ask who did your engraving and about what did it cost? Do you have any closer detailed pics? I never did have a scratched up gun like that lol.

 

[Hondo44]

varminter22,

You can post that one as many times as you want, I never get tired of seeing that little jewel! And I still think that the larger front sight is a major improvement over the original itty bitty one.

 

[varminter22]

Hey varminter22,

Forgot to ask who did your engraving and about what did it cost? Do you have any closer detailed pics? I never did have a scratched up gun like that lol.

Engraver is Mark Hykes, in Sparks, Nevada. Great guy that does great work.

As far as price, really all I can say is give him a call. I think you'll be quite surprised and pleased with his prices.

(775) 331-8228 (Silver Bullet Gun Works)

(775) 343-8022 (cell phone)

More pics of my "Sheriffs Model" style "Vaquerito" Single Six .32 H&R Mag:

http://www.stillwaterfirearms.org/index.php/sfa-photos/j-l-rhodes/vaquerito-project

And some pics of my Lipsey's New Model Blackhawk .44 Special, also engraved by Mark:

http://www.stillwaterfirearms.org/index.php/sfa-photos/new-model-blackhawk-lipseys-44-special

I didn't have the Blackhawk .44 Special polished, hence the reblue job is not as pretty as the Single Six .32. I kinda regret that. Should have spent a few extra bucks to polish it and have a nicer bluing.

There is a thread in this forum about the Vaquerito project, but for some reason the search function didn't find it for me.

Finally, if you would like some higher resolution photos, shoot me a PM with your email. Not professionally done photos (I did 'em myself), but probably decent enough.

I know very little about engraved firearms. These two are my first (and only, so far). But I've been told that the level of engraving I had done could easily cost $1200 to $1500 - and it didn't cost me nearly that much.

I do recommend contacting Mark. (And no, I don't get any 'kickback' or anything!)

 

[varminter22]

varminter22,

You can post that one as many times as you want, I never get tired of seeing that little jewel! And I still think that the larger front sight is a major improvement over the original itty bitty one.

Thanks!

I do rather enjoy showing it off. And shooting it too; it will NOT be a safe queen. I'm gonna carry it and shoot the .... out of it!

 

[kodiakisland]

I hate to post something negative about the 32 H&R, but no more fixed sight Rugers for me. The few I've had didn't shoot close enough to point of aim and I didn't want to bend the front sight or rotate the barrel to get it perfect. I'm sure plenty shoot to aim and hopefully you got one fo those. Only way to know is shoot what you got and adjust from there.

 

[varminter22]

I can understand your sentiment.

But I long ago learned that a LOT of firearms will need some tweaking to be just right.

 

[Smee781]

Thanks for the pictures, I will give him a call once I get it out of lay-a-way. kodiakisland I had a problem with my 45C Vaquero not shooting to POI so I called Ruger with my problem and they sent a shipping lable for it to go back for adjustment, I told them what load I was using and where it was hitting. Once it got back it was right on target so I am not to worried about a fixed sight gun but I will agree that most of the time I'm a Blackhawk man myself.

 

[varminter22]

By the way, my 'standard' full power load (for both Single Sixes - one with 4.625" barrel and adjustable rear sight, and the 'Vaquerito' with 3.5" barrel and fixed sights) is the Hornady 85 gr XTP over 12 gr of Li'l Gun. That is max load per the loading manual. And pretty much an honest 1200 FPS, even out of the 4.625" barrel. Been a long time since I chronographed it; I should do that again.

Also load the Sierra 90 JHP over 11.5 gr Li'l Gun. Again, max load per the manual.

Using Trail Boss or Tite Group, the Berry's 83 gr copper plated DEWC is also accurate and fun to shoot.

Have a couple of other loads, but cannot recall them right now.

I did shoot a bunch of Magnus lead .32 bullets, I think 100 gr, and as I recall they were okay. I'm just not a big user of lead bullets.

In the early 1990s, I tried the 100 gr JHP bullet from Speer. It was not accurate out of my Single Six (with adjustable rear sight), so I've never gone back to dabbling much with anything heavier than 90 gr. But lots of folks seem to like the heavier .32 bullets.

 

[Doc Fillem]

I have four stainless birdshead Single Sixes in 32 Magnum. Two of them are my wife's Cowboy Action pistols and I have two I will use occasionally. We shoot 78 gr. lead bullets from Missouri Bullet Co. with 2.5 gr. Trail Boss. It's a very mild load with virtually no recoil.

 

[Smee781]

Thanks yall for the info, I was looking through my Hornady book last night and hope to get a nice bunny fart load for plinking but I will also look into a nice mag load for defence on the trail.

 

[Smee781]

Well I went and picked it up, I went ahead and installed a Bisley hammer that I recontured and it looks and feels great. I will post some pics when I can.

 

[varminter22]

Cool!

Looking forward to seeing it.

 

[Rodfac]

I"ve had good luck with these 3 loads: worked up for my guns and safe as I loaded them. You should work up to them after checking with a GOOD loading manual and considering the pressure implications.

Starline brass, Win Sm Pistol primers, Hornady 85 gr XTP, 4.3 gr Unique = 1.25" at 25 yds
Starline brass, Win Sm Pistol primers, Hornady 100 gr XTP, 3.7 gr Win 231 = 3/4" at 25 yds
Starline brass, Win Sm Pistol primers, 93 gr BBSWC & 3.7 gr Win 231 = 1.25" at 25 yds

The 85 gr and 93 gr loads shoot about an inch high at 25 yds, the 100 gr load an inch higher. My gun shot two inches left at 25 yds from a two handed grip. I corrected this by attempting to bend the front sight, but ended up breaking it off. Re-soldering it was a frustrating experience...one that I'd not do again. I was successful, but I'd strongly recommend that a GOOD gunsmith or Ruger do the work. Turning the barrel minutely is the real solution.

Here are a cpl pics...apologies to those who have seen them here previously.

HTH's Rod...PS: it's a fun little gun for woods loafin' etc., light and easy to carry.

 

[varminter22]

Well I went and picked it up, I went ahead and installed a Bisley hammer that I recontured and it looks and feels great. I will post some pics when I can.

Any update??

 

[conder0289]

Just a Test

32 H&R Magnum with Birds Head Grip