Firing .32 ACP in a Revolver: Compatibility and Safety

_{September 22, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Firearms}

Can you fire .32 ACP in a revolver? Explore the compatibility and safety considerations when firing .32 ACP ammunition in a revolver chambered for this caliber.

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Can you fire .32 ACP in a revolver?

Firing .32 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) ammunition in a revolver is generally not recommended and can be unsafe. Here's why:

Caliber and Cartridge Compatibility: Revolvers are designed to chamber and fire specific cartridges or calibers. .32 ACP ammunition is designed for semi-automatic pistols and is not the same as .32 Smith & Wesson Long (commonly referred to as .32 S&W Long), which is a revolver cartridge. Attempting to load and fire .32 ACP rounds in a revolver chambered for .32 S&W Long can result in improper fit, misfires, and potential safety hazards.
Case Length: .32 ACP cartridges have a shorter case length than .32 S&W Long cartridges. Using shorter cartridges in a revolver chambered for longer cartridges can lead to issues with proper chambering, extraction, and ejection.
Pressure Differences: .32 ACP ammunition is designed to operate at different pressure levels compared to revolver cartridges like .32 S&W Long. Firing ammunition with incorrect pressure levels in a firearm not designed for it can be dangerous and may lead to damage to the firearm or injury to the shooter.
Accuracy and Functionality: Even if you could somehow fit .32 ACP rounds into a revolver chambered for .32 S&W Long, the accuracy and reliability of the rounds are likely to be compromised.
Safety Concerns: Mixing ammunition types or using ammunition in firearms not designed for it can lead to dangerous malfunctions, such as squib loads or ruptured cases, which pose significant safety risks.

For safety reasons, it's essential to always use the correct ammunition specified by the manufacturer for your firearm. If you have a revolver chambered for .32 S&W Long, use only .32 S&W Long ammunition, which is designed and manufactured to be compatible with that firearm. Using the wrong ammunition can result in damage to the firearm, injury to the shooter, or harm to bystanders.

If you have any doubts about which ammunition is suitable for your firearm, consult the firearm's owner's manual, contact the manufacturer, or seek guidance from a qualified gunsmith or firearms expert. Safety should always be the top priority when handling firearms.

Firing .32 ACP in a Revolver: Safety and Feasibility

It is not safe to fire .32 ACP ammunition in a revolver. .32 ACP is a semi-automatic pistol cartridge, while revolvers are chambered for revolver cartridges. The two types of cartridges are not dimensionally compatible, and firing a .32 ACP cartridge in a revolver could cause serious injury or death.

Compatibility of .32 ACP Ammo with Revolvers

.32 ACP ammunition is not compatible with revolvers. .32 ACP cartridges are semi-automatic pistol cartridges, while revolvers are chambered for revolver cartridges. The two types of cartridges have different rim diameters and case lengths.

The .32 ACP and Revolvers: What You Need to Know

If you are interested in shooting a .32 caliber revolver, there are a number of different revolver cartridges available, such as .32 H&R Magnum and .327 Federal Magnum. These cartridges are designed for revolvers and are safe to fire.

Here are some safety tips for shooting revolvers:

Always make sure that your revolver is unloaded before handling it.
Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
Be aware of your surroundings and make sure that there is a safe backstop behind your target.
Never fire a revolver at a hard surface, such as concrete or rock.
Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.

If you have any questions about shooting revolvers, please consult a qualified firearms instructor.