.32 S&W Long and .32 ACP accuracy

[Puncha]

I know that the .32 type rounds (excluding the .32 H&R magnum and .327 magnum) are a little lacking in power but do you guys feel that it is offset by inherent accuracy? After all, if one can pump 5 rounds accurately into a hostile attacker within 3-4 seconds, I think that counts for something.

Anyhow, I went to the range recently, rented an old beat up .32 S&W long revolver (4" barrel, adjustable sights) and proceeded to shoot a 30 shot string at 27 yards. I used a standing weaver stance with no support and the round used was this:

http://www.magtechammunition.com/si...tails&templateId=14&pageId=103&search=details

I have attached my target sheet. How did I do? Is this typical accuracy for .32 type handguns? Would .32 ACP out of a walther PPK fare just as well?

 

[Ron James]

For years the .32 Long was considered a target round. Also both the American police and the European police carried ,32 revolvers and pistols untill the early 50's. I guess I am of the few people left on earth that believes shot placement is more important than caliber size.

 

[Jim Watson]

I doubt a .32 ACP would shoot that well at 27 yards (25 metres?)

But at self defense ranges, I am sure it would shoot well enough. My teeny little Keltec will hold the 8" zero zone of an IDPA target at any usual self defense range, say 7-10 yards.

Most UIT Centerfire pistols these days are .32 S&W Long wadcutter guns.

 

[9mmepiphany]

the .32 S&W long is an extremely accurate round...the .32 ACP much less so

 

[XDShooter07]

I feel like it's pretty easy to keep nice tight groups with my kel-tec at 15 yards; and that's with crappy sights so i don't see a reason why the .32 ACP wouldn't be decently accurate round. I would imagine the barrel grade would make a pretty big difference as well.

 

[BattleChimp Potemkin]

I feel personally that .32 ACP accuracy is held back due to the guns that fire it. Same situation with .380. Both calibers tend to be small sighted, short barreled, compact (difficult to grip correctly) heavy triggered, mass produced creatures that are inherently inaccurate. I am a decent shooter and could only make patterns (not groups) with a friends .32 keltec.

I used to handload for a Browning BDA in .380. Most accurate gun I ever owned. I could hold a group of 1" at 25 yards, most due to shooter error it wasnt tighter. I love my Crevena Zastava 70 in .32. While not a "match gun" or even a full size gun, it is extremely accurate despite having poor sights and trigger. It can hold a cloverleaf pattern at 10 yards. While not very far, this action is performed unsupported and considering what the gun has against it, its wonderful.

Dont knock the round, its usually the gun.

 

[mavracer]

my walther PP in 32 will easily group that well.this is at 7 yards.

 

[PzGren]

.32 S&W Special when used out of a target gun is extremely accurate but .32ACP out of a Walther PP can do very well with good ammo,

I had great results with the old .32ACP WW Silvertips. Of course, the sight radius does not match a Walther GSP...

 

[makarovnik]

The .32acp and .380acp are designed to work well out of a short barreled guns.

 

[Comanche180]

.32acp

I do most of my shooting at 50 feet with .22lr, .32ACP, .380, 9mm & .45 ACP. I wouldn't associate accuracy with any particular caliber, but the gun. I am particularly fond of my Colt 1903 in .32 ACP. But I like all my handguns.

 

[Z71]

I have a number of .32acp pistols. They shoot just fine. Best might be a Walther PP, but I have an ancient Astra 1915 thats decent in the accuracy too.

The .32longs, I only shoot in Russian Nagant revolvers. They ain't chambered for the cartridge, but for some reason the .32 S&W longs shoot quite well from them too.

I would say the accuracy of those two calibers is just as good as any other round. Not to mention they are easy to shoot.