Re “Snubbies from Smith & Wesson and Colt’s Compete at the Range,” November 2024
I read the article and agree with your assessment of the S&W 442 UC Lipsey’s Special. Last month, I received the six-shot 32 H&R Magnum version of the same gun from Lipsey’s (S&W 432) and was unimpressed with the trigger pull. I was also unimpressed with the weight, which was 2 ounces heavier than the factory claims. Because S&W makes 38s in the 12-, 14-, and 16-ounce ranges, I was hoping this revolver would be on the lighter side, but I guess the sights and wood grips add weight. For petite women and the infirm, the weight difference can be significant, as is the needlessly heavy double-action trigger pull. I inquired about my concerns with S&W, but have yet to receive a reply from the company.
Last, you mentioned this gun will accept the longer 327 Federal cartridge, but I don’t see how because the 32 H&R chambers are too short to accommodate it. Frankly, I see this as a plus. In light firearms, the 327 generates recoil akin to a 38+P or light 357 Magnum charge. By comparison, the 32 H&R recoils more like a standard 38 load, and the anemic 32 Long feels almost like a 22 LR. This last choice may have some appeal to those who are recoil sensitive. It isn’t much in the energy department, but at least it beats a 22 LR or 25 ACP.
— William
I have to weigh in on the Snubbies Compete article. You commented that the 32 H&R Magnum version of the UC “allows the use of 327 Federal Magnum, 32 S&W, and 32 S&W Long as well.” Not so, my friend! While 32 S&W and 32 S&W Long are fine, the 327 Federal Magnum would cause serious issues if someone were somehow able to cram one in. The 32 H&R Magnum is designed to operate at 21,000 cup, while the 327 Federal Magnum is 41,000. That is why the 327 was created with a cartridge case that is 1/10 of an inch longer — so it will not chamber in a 32 H&R Mag cylinder. The 327 Federal Magnum should only be used in revolvers that are so marked.
That you had issues with the trigger-pull weight of your UC really surprised me. Lightening the pull weight was a design factor in making the UC, and my 442UC shows a comfortable 9.25-pound average over 10 presses, and my 342UC is just 9.6 for 10 cycles. Keep up the good work! — Pepe
Hey William and Pepe: The text reads, “The S&W Ultimate Carry comes in two chamberings, the 38 Special tested here and the 32 H&R Magnum.” That sentence is correct. The next sentence is the problem: “The second chambering allows the use of 327 Federal Magnum, 32 S&W, and 32 S&W Long as well.” Contributing Editor Joe Woolley said, “It should have read 32 H&R Magnum instead of Federal Magnum. The readers are correct. The 32 Federal Magnum is too long for this cylinder.”
— Todd Woodard
AR Bans
Help me out here. Different entities ban AR-style rifles because they are “military style arms.” Isn’t that the whole point of the Second Amendment, that we are armed as well as the government? Great magazine! I’ve been a subscriber for nearly 30 years, which is proof I really think that. — Fran
Hey Fran: You are right, the 2nd Amendment isn’t about protecting hunting rifles. The Founding Fathers hadn’t just completed a deer hunt when they wrote the amendment. They wanted a counterweight against the government’s use of arms against its citizens. — tw
Why So Many Smith & Wesson Revolvers
Hey, Todd. Been getting GT for many years and obviously still enjoy it. I am waning on my gun purchases, but I’m still very interested in what’s out there. You’ve recently put out several articles on 38 Special and 357 Magnum revolvers, which I appreciate. That said, I’m surprised that you heavily tested S&W models and not many others. Doesn’t seem very fair to other brands. I’ve always been interested in your take on the Ruger LCR 357. It has a smooth trigger and is very light, but I worry about recoil. It would be a great comparison gun.
Also, enjoyed your September article on 357 Magnum lever-action rifles. I bought and moved onto some property two years ago. I wanted a pair of 357s that I could carry into weather without concern. I got a Taurus Tracker 627 6-inch barrel and am very pleased with it. And, due to cost and features, I also bought a Rossi R92 Blackout carbine. It clearly will not be the gun for those wishing to have a nice replica, but it is much more usable, and I suspect that more folks are users than collectors. It would be a good comparison gun for the 1892 and 1894 models. I can carry both in poor weather. Keep up the good work. — Frank
Hey Frank: The number of Smith guns is solely an availability issue at the time we’re putting the evaluations together. We will look at Taurus, Rossi, and Ruger wheelguns shortly. And that’s a great idea about the Rossi carbine. I’ve forwarded the idea to the staff for development. — tw
Welcome Back, President Trump
Hey Todd, I can hardly believe the great news, voting-wise! Not only the President, but also flipping the Senate back! Finally, us lawful gun owners will get a needed break. I really look forward to reading your Downrange page about the win. — Phil
Hey Phil: It was a great win. Now, we want some action by the danged Republicans to roll back some onerous gun-control laws, as I discuss on page 2. — tw
