Single Six .32 H&R?s

[gotcha]

New member here, Ok talk me into a new single six chambered in .32H&R
it is a vaquero style Birdshead case colored with I think a 4-5/8s barrel.
pros and cons. Oh I will Load for it so ammunition may not be a problem
Thanks
Carl

 

[Glupy]

I dont have one myself. But others on this forum have raised them to mythical status. I don't (or haven't yet) see the attraction other than the uniqueness. I suspect that shooting a centerfire cartridge through a rimfire revolver has something to do with it.

I haven't yet seen a Ruger I didn't like though. Go for it.

If you are really interested, Davidson's Gallery of Guns has them on-sale for the low $400 range.

Dave

 

[Lo-Bo]

The .32 magnum is a handloaders cartridge. An excellent small game and target/plinking cartridge. The Single-Six Rugers as well as the SP 101's chambered for the small magnum are excellent guns. The Birdshead single six is a great little gun. I have 2 of the stainless models and have really enjoyed shooting them.

 

[flatgate]

I have three of them. All with adjustable sights. I think they are a lot of fun to shoot.

Handloads, of course.

Carl,
Welcome to Ruger Forum.
flatgate (also a Carl)

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I have the regular Single-Six configuration with the XR3RED grip frame shape and like it quite a bit.

 

[Cholo]

I just have an early one, but it's a great caliber on a small frame SA. What's not to like?

 

[gotcha]

Thank you all for the positive feedback, A fixed sighted(Vaquero) single six .22 just got a bit more elusive, That is what I have been watching the local shops for. When I came across the 32H&R
Thanks again
Carl

 

[G2]

Great Guns and a picture is 1000 words ...

No Vaquero it the herd, but a buddy has one in stainless and it's fun too.

Welcome

 

[gak]

I've owned them in adjustable sight format from the get-go (1984) and then several Vaqueritos like you have (and in plowhandle form). Most fun gun to shoot I've owned, among a gaggle of .22s, 38s, .357s, .40s and .44s. Really fills that rather large gap between the .22s and .38-class--and matches moderate loads of the latter in most ballistic measurements.

I'll be the different one and say it's a gas "even" with factory loads, and especially Georgia Arms' 100 grainers...It's got plenty of pop and definitely lets you know it ain't no .22__anything--without beating you up like even lightweight .38s can after awhile. Handloading just improves on an already good thing. With the advent of the .327, if Ruger doesn't beat me to it, one of mine is destined for a conversion at some point. THAT will really be the best of all worlds.
In short, go for it..."especially" if you reload as you (and others) are suggesting.

 

[ar15ed]

good grief! i love them! i have a pair of the blue/cc ones that i haven't shot, and one of the modern release stainless ones that i take with me every time i go to the range. all three are the birdshead vaquerito style. it is a wonderful little cartridge, but you definitely need to reload for it. finding factory stuff (or even brass) has been really spotty for the last year or so. i usually use unique, and whatever projectiles i can find scrounging around gun shows and shops. i recently found a cache of old stock sierra 85 gr jacketed hollowpoints (for 12.00 a box!) that i have been shooting lately.

i have a 4 5/8 45colt new vaquero that i used to always take to the range, no matter what i was shooting, but the little 32 has taken its place!

 

[gotcha]

there is an awful lot of nice looking 32s showing up
well I have a couple hundered pcs of starline brass which I just sourced from a local shop, Ill pick them up tomorrow,
carl

 

[varminter22]

I seldom miss a chance to praise the .32 H&R Mag and the Single Six.

Gotta love 'em!

 

[VonFatman]

I have one .32 H&R Magnum Single-Six...it's the newer model that looks like a Vaquero. I'm sure I'll buy another sometime.

Fun to shoot.

Bob

 

[Dale53]

I am a .32 H&R fan. Frankly, I use more .32 S&W long cases than I do H&R cases. Most of my use is target loads and edible small game. The S&W Long handles that job just fine.

I no longer have a Single Six but have a SP 101 (4") with a Red Dot, an S&W 631 (4" kit gun) and an S&W Model 16-4 with 6" barrel.

They all shoot quite well and are also good in the field.

Dale53

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
Well, from a fellow Tarheel who owns 4-5 of them, and who enjoys the 2 I shoot,, and who relods for them,, I'd say,, not to buy it & tell me where it is so I can rescue you from such a harrowing decision.
Seriously,, they are quite pleasant,, and if you wish,, make good small game handguns!

 

[maxpress]

a .22 size revolver that shoots a .38 power cartridge? whats not to like?
i really messed up not picking up at least one when they were common as squirrel turds.
now if they would just do the same thing with the .327 then you could shoot .32 s&w, .32hr and 327. that should cover the gambit for trailguns. as long as your not in bigbear country.

 

[32magfan]

Just buy the thing and get hooked for life. :wink: The cartridge is easy to load for and cheap as not much powder is used on most loads. Casting your own bullets opens a whole other can of worms, but is rewarding in its own right.

I don't have any of the Vaquero-styled guns or birdsheads, which is not to say that I won't have any.

I say "Go for it!". What else would I say(given my handle)? 8)

32Magfan

 

[AzRebel]

I dont have one myself. But others on this forum have raised them to mythical status. I don't (or haven't yet) see the attraction other than the uniqueness. I suspect that shooting a centerfire cartridge through a rimfire revolver has something to do with it.

I haven't yet seen a Ruger I didn't like though. Go for it.

If you are really interested, Davidson's Gallery of Guns has them on-sale for the low $400 range.

Dave

I didn't understand the attraction either...until I bought one about 4 years ago. It's hard to explain in words, but they are a very fun gun to carry, shoot, and hunt with.

I'm headed down along the mexican border today for a while, and mine is going with me for snakes, varmints, and such. It's as small and packable as a rimfire, is more fun to shoot, and is more useful for coyote sized critters.

Daryl

 

[gak]

I didn't understand the attraction either...until I bought one about 4 years ago. It's hard to explain in words, but they are a very fun gun to carry, shoot, and hunt with.

I'm headed down along the mexican border today for a while, and mine is going with me for snakes, varmints, and such. It's as small and packable as a rimfire, is more fun to shoot, and is more useful for coyote sized critters.

Daryl

----
Hate to say it, but also much better duty than any .22 for all manner of "coyotes" if unfortunately called upon, considering where you are tromping!

+1 Enormously satisfying to carry, shoot and hunt with. Of all my Rugers, the ones I'd have the greatest pangs parting with. About to be challenged by .44 Special New Vaqueros coming in, but there'll always be at least one (or several) .32s in my stable.

Now, if CCI'd finally get off their duff and bring us some .32 snakeshot. They've been singing the same old tune for 25 years (not enough market). While I can't argue their numbers or bottom line, maybe with the .327 coming out in more and more guns, they'll finally see a market and come out with some H&R sized shells.

 

[peyton]

My 32 mag single six's all are with the adjustable sights. They are so accurate I never had to make a adjustment yet!! This is my latest purchase.

 

[gotcha]

well I have the 32 on layaway till I can get to the shop next week, I am on duty for the next couple of days, If shot shells were available that would be awsome, I guess I will have to start asking some questions in the reloading section on getting started on casting and such. The anticipation/wait for the next five days is going to be tough. I guess a threepeson holster will be next. Anyone know if there are any auto magazines that will hold 32 H&R rounds? (facilitate the ease of carrying spare rounds) Worked with .45acp and officers magazines for my Blackhawk convertible

Carl

 

[AzRebel]

----
Hate to say it, but also much better duty than any .22 for all manner of "coyotes" if unfortunately called upon, considering where you are tromping!

That's exactly right, and I've thought about that. I also carried a S&W J-frame IWB at 1:00, inside my shirt, and I keep a Win '92 behind the seat chambered in .45 Colt...loaded with stout loads.

I've never encountered any problems with the other type of "coyote", but it's happened to some. Rob Krentz was a well liked man in this area, and I know of a few that have been car-jacked by illegals.

+1 Enormously satisfying to carry, shoot and hunt with. Of all my Rugers, the ones I'd have the greatest pangs parting with. About to be challenged by .44 Special New Vaqueros coming in, but there'll always be at least one (or several) .32s in my stable.

Now, if CCI'd finally get off their duff and bring us some .32 snakeshot. They've been singing the same old tune for 25 years (not enough market). While I can't argue their numbers or bottom line, maybe with the .327 coming out in more and more guns, they'll finally see a market and come out with some H&R sized shells.

I make my own "shotshell" cartridges with #7 1/2 shot. One shotgun shell will supply enough lead for several loads.

I've been using something like 4 grains of Bullseye, then a couple of wads cut from the cardboard backing from a legal pad, then fill the case almost full with shot, stick two more wads on it, and crimp it in. Afterwards, I seal the top with super glue or nail polish (wax will work, but can melt out in hot environments).

They actually work pretty well for small game at close range, and I've used the load on a chicken or two I needed to butcher, but was having a hard time catching.

Rattlesnakes don't stand a chance.

 

[gotcha]

AzRebel,
Great Idea on the home brew shot shells, that is going to be one of the first things I try out with reloading, Nothing like the necessity and solutions
Carl

 

[maxpress]

+1 on the shot shells. i use a hot glue gun for the top wad. melt some in a pan and touch the tip with it. i have found that you have to adjust powder +/- 1-2gr to get the best pattern depending on the gun and bbl length. i use cardboard at 10ft.

 

[varminter22]

I too handload .32 mag shotshells; have been using them (infrequently) for about 12 years.

To cut wads from tablet backing, try this:

Use a case mouth deburring/chamfering tool to sharpen a case mouth. Chuck it into a drill. Cut a bunch to be used for over powder and over shot wads. Poke them out of the case with a paper clip, etc. (Or drill out the primer pocket so you can use a larger rod to poke out the cut wads.)

I've used #4, #6, #7.5, and #12 shot. For primary use as a snake (or other small critter) load, I like the #12. (Many years ago, I bought a 25 lb bag of #12 shot - a lifetime supply!)

 

[SoundDude]

:twisted: Oh you people! :twisted:

You just HAD to show pictures of that bird's head .32
You just HAD to mention Davidson's had it in stock.



I just HAD to order one.
Mine will be in Tuesday!

 

[AzRebel]

:twisted: Oh you people! :twisted:

You just HAD to show pictures of that bird's head .32
You just HAD to mention Davidson's had it in stock.



I just HAD to order one.
Mine will be in Tuesday!

Congrat's! Yer gonna LOVE it!

Daryl

 

[contender]

It's called "Rugeritis" and we promote it,, and refuse to accept any cures!

 

[SoundDude]

My name is John, and I am a Rugeraholic.

This one will bring the count to 8 (I know, a good start...)

Single-six convertible .22/.22WM
Vaquero (original) .45 Colt
.357 BH
.30 Carbine BH
.44 Mag 50th anniv. flattop BH
.327 BH SS
.44 Mag Bisley Vaquero
.32 Single-six BH SS

 

[gotcha]

Well I am still at work paroled tomorrow, Hopefully pick up the single six on tuesday or wedesday. Any good sugestions on wadcutters or semi wadcutters and powder combinations I know I will also post the question in the reloading section I have already been to Md smiths page I have 231 and trailboss on hand

Thanks
carl