Thames arms top break 32 S&W. Shootable?

[Billairgun]

I got carried away at auction last night and won one of these pistols. Now I'm torn between getting to shoot it and having a wall hanger. Is anyone shooting one of these?

[bedbugbilly]

I don't think I've ever seen one. Could you post some photos of it?

[Billairgun]

I won't be getting it till the middle of next week. It is a 6 shot auto eject 3 1/2" barrel model. From what I can find on the internet it seems to be a H&R with a different name.

[dubber123]

If manufactured by H&R, and it checks out as sound, I would have no qualms whatsoever in firing it with the appropriate loads. I have never had a .32 H&R, but have worked with a few old H&R's in .38 S&W. They can be a lot of fun.

[Mk42gunner]

From what I found here: http://www.american-firearms.com/american-firearms/Manufacturers/START.html it seems they are either a renamed Hopkins and Allen, or a copy.

As to whether it is safe to shoot or not, only you (and possibly your gunsmith) can make that determination. If you do decide to fire it, keep the loads light.

Robert

[rintinglen]

Thames Arms Company was a trade name for Hopkins and Allen, and as such, it should be functional, provided it is sound condition. 1.1 grains of Bullseye or 1.3 grains of WW-231 under a 85 grain boolit in a 32 S&W case will be about right. I have a 38 S&W Hopkins & Allen that is just fine with factory equivalent loads.