The .32-20 That Won’t Count to Six

By Fermin Garza

The 32 bore has come on pretty strong in the last several decades. As far as sixgun cartridges go, you should first know there are none as addictive as the 32 bore. My 32 H&R Magnum Single Sixes are quite powerful. The little Single Six frame is plenty tough to handle stout loads. I have been unable to injure any of mine with heavy loads. The 327 Federal is even better. It is my opinion that the industry is doing their level best to make these into self defense cartridges, but where they really shine is the field. A 3 or 4 inch barrel might make for a more concealable package but these cartridges really come to life with a 6-plus inch barrel. As an example, my 7 ½” Single Seven 327 Federal sends a 115 grain GCHP at just shy of 1500 fps. On tough Texas Jackrabbits it delivers a decisive WHOP and DRT performance. Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton were both fans of the 32-20, and both used the 32-20 as a field sixgun. Both chose the Colt SAA in 32-20 and used heavy loads for that time and platform. Back in those days, some 32-20 factory ammunition was designated “For Rifles Only,” and while Skeeter wrote that he shot the Rifle Only loads in his Colt SAA, they were definitely not for use in the other lighter-framed and thinner-cylinder 32-20s of the day. Skeeter's top load was 5.5 grains of Unique on a 105 grain gas checked bullet. If you own one of the petite classic sixguns produced early in the 20th Century, it is my advice to enjoy it for what it is and not shoot anything that might bend it. Those older sixguns have charm and grace on their own merits. Even with standard velocity loads, these classic Colt and S&W sixguns are quite formidable. 

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