.32 Long cartridges

[larryours]

Where can I get .32 Long catridges, My son has a single shot rifle, it appears to be a youth model rolling block rifle, the only markings on the rifle barrel is " 32 LONG" near the breech on the octigon barrel. Any information about the rifle/cartridge would be greatly appreciated

[Rocky Raab]

You first need to insure that the rifle is a centerfire and not chambered for the completely extinct 32 rimfire. Just check out the face of the breech.

If it is indeed a centerfire, .32 Long ammo is still loaded and is commercially available. It may not be cheap, but it is very easy to reload. I believe you can also get virgin brass from Starline.

[larryours]

Rocky Raab, I checked out the rifle last night, it's been in a safe place since my son got married and moved out about 3 years ago,
(still at my house) went over it with more time, it's a completely extinct .32 long rimfire. so I reckon it would just be a conversation piece or antique, nothing that you could shoot. I 'm going to add a description on Rimfires, see below.
Thanks Rocky for you input, it got me checking out this old gun.

[Rocky Raab]

You are most welcome.

It'll be a wall hanger. Chances are that the barrel steel isn't up to smokeless powder - even from the rather anemic .32 Long or the 32 Short. It's probably also pitted, as the 32 rimfire was a blackpowder round, IIRC.

[Mickey Rat]

I passed on a 32 rimfire once, and I'm still pissed about it. I found out that is is rather easy to have a rimfire converted to centerfire, and that several older guns were originally convertable. A gunsmith can fabricate, or modifya hammer and breech face to center fire.

Guns were made to shoot, and it is a shame to let them sit. I shoot a 1871 Dutch Beaumont (55.00/20 rounds) by reloading for it. I use a decapper die, a Lee primer and a 45 Colt pistol die to neck size (real dies are 275.00). It is a hassel, but I get to shoot it more often.

[dakotah]

some of those rifles for 32 rimfires won't take much in pressure. Another option might be to put a barrel insert in say 22LR.

[Mickey Rat]

http://ows-ammo.com/catalog/

32 Long rimfire ammo is in for now. Get it quick before it sells out. 34.95/50 @ Old Western Scrounger.

[Bill Poole]

my brother collects antique Marlin rifles and has more than one in .32 RF WOW, what a fun gun to shoot!!!!!!! like a .22 only bigger bang, but without the loud sonic boom of a .22 magnum

$0.75 a shot makes it a fun novelty rather than a plinker.

Originally some of them came with 2 firing pins, RF and CF....

shoot good
Poole