.22lr vs .32S&W Long muzzle blast/flash

[Lonestar]

I have a chance to purchase either a cheap Charter Arms .22lr or .32 H&R revolver as a trainer gun. I basically want something that has low recoil/flash/ and bang to train newbies to shooting. I know the .22lr will do the trick, but I noticed that Charter arms makes a .32 H&R magnum revolver too, and i can get it at the same price as the Pathfinder. I know that .32 ammo is alot more expensive than .22 ammo, but I like the idea that it can serve double duty as a defensive weapon.

My question is, if i load the .32 revolver with .32 S&W long ammo how is the muzzle blast/flash/bang. Is it similar to a .22 or is it alot worse.

 

[Sistema1927]

Neither should be intimidating to noobs, but do you really need a double duty (training/self defense) pistol? If not, then stick with the .22 for the cost savings.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The .22 is the way to go. If you want a dual purpose gun, get a .38 Special and handload for it.

 

[461]

The .32 is a great round, but if you're going to shoot it much then you need to be a reloader. Personally I'd snap up the .32, but then I'm a .32 nut.

The .22 will be infinitely cheaper to shoot and give more bang for the buck.

As to original question, recoil and blast aren't a lot different as most factory ammo in .32 is very light but it does recoil more than a .22lr or even a .22Mag.

 

[Piedmont Plinker]

can you shoot .32 S&W L in a .32 mag?
.22 will be cheaper

 

[Lonestar]

can you shoot .32 S&W L in a .32 mag?

Yep, Just like a .44 Mag & Special or a .357/.38