The .32 rimfire cartridge family holds a unique place in firearms history. Once a popular choice for small-game hunting, target shooting, and even self-defense, these rimfire rounds are no longer commonly produced. However, for collectors and enthusiasts of historical firearms, understanding the .32 rimfire's legacy is essential.
A Brief History
The .32 rimfire cartridge family emerged in the mid-19th century, pioneered by American firearms giant Smith & Wesson. In 1860, they introduced the .32 S&W Short alongside their innovative Model 1 revolver. This short cartridge, with a case length of around 0.575 inches, offered a balance between concealability and moderate power for small-game hunting.
Seeing the success of the Short, Smith & Wesson followed up in 1868 with the .32 S&W Long. This longer cartridge, boasting a case length of around 0.99 inches, provided increased propellant capacity and consequently, better performance.
Beyond Smith & Wesson: Variations of the .32 Rimfire
While Smith & Wesson's designs were prominent, other manufacturers offered their own variations of the .32 rimfire concept. Some notable examples include:
- .32 Extra Short Rimfire: Introduced by J. Stevens Arms Company, this even shorter cartridge found use in some single-shot rifles and pistols.
- .32 Long Rifle Rimfire: This longer variation, produced by companies like Marlin-Firmarms, offered improved long-range performance for specific rifles.
- .32 Extra Long Rimfire: The longest member of the family, this round was designed for maximum power within the rimfire limitations and was used in some European rifles.
Revolvers and Rifles Chambered in .32 Rimfire
The .32 rimfire family enjoyed widespread adoption in various firearms. Here are some notable examples:
- Revolvers: Smith & Wesson's Model 1, Model 2 "American," Model 3 "Schofield," and the classic "Lemon Squeezer" hinged revolvers were all chambered for various .32 rimfire rounds. Other manufacturers like Meriden Firearms and Harrington & Richardson also offered revolvers in these calibers.
- Rifles: The Marlin Model 39, a lever-action rifle, and Remington's Model 41 single-shot rifles were popular choices. Additionally, many European makers produced rifles specifically designed for the .32 rimfire Long and Extra Long variations.
The Decline and Eventual Demise
The .32 rimfire family of cartridges's popularity began to fade in the early 20th century. The introduction of more powerful centerfire cartridges, such as the .32 S&W Centerfire and the ubiquitous .22 Long Rifle, offered superior performance and greater versatility. Additionally, rimfire technology itself faced limitations in terms of power compared to the evolving centerfire designs.
By the mid-20th century, the .32 rimfire family had fallen out of favor with manufacturers. Ammunition became increasingly scarce, and firearms production in these calibers ceased altogether.
A Legacy Enduring
While no longer a mainstream cartridge, the .32 rimfire holds a significant place in firearms history. These once-popular rounds were a testament to the ingenuity of early firearms designers and continue to be of interest to collectors and historical shooters.
For those who own firearms chambered in .32 rimfire, finding ammunition can be a challenge. However, some specialized manufacturers offer limited production runs, and handloading remains an option for the skilled hobbyist.
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