S&W model 30 and 31 realistic accuracy

[Thumbcocker]

I have been bitten by the .32 bug pretty hard and have one of each of these revolvers. What is a reasonable accuracy expectation with these models with boolits (RCBS 98 SWC) ? What is a reasonable range to expect to hit a menacing soda can or rampaging fanged squirrel with any degree of regularity? I am putting larger grips on so I can keep a good hold but I don't want to do any modifications. I like the "barely know its there" aspect of the little guns.

[dubber123]

Assuming they were assembled correctly, I would have to believe they would be as accurate as my older 4" I frames. That said, 1" at 25 yards should be entirely reasonable. My nice version has a very good bore, and hits that mark with no issues. The second was bought as a project gun from the internet. The bore is pitted full length, not horrible, but far from nice. I lightly touched up the crown, and it shot into 1.25" at 25 yards, and I am sure can do better. Both guns LOVE the RCBS 98 SWC you mention. I haven't found a better boolit for the .32's yet. Have fun with your new shooter :)

[Outpost75]

Agree with dubber123. I've owned several S&W .32 Hand Ejectors and later Models 30 or 31 over the years and all shot well.

The RCBS 98 SWC is a good choice, as is also the Saeco #325. The S&Ws have larger cylinder throats which will perform best with bullets sized .314 or .315" whereas my Colts like .312 or .313.

My 1960s era Colts get fed 1:30 tin/lead from Roto Metals and 2.5 grains of Alliant Bullseye.

The Accurate 31-114D is my go-to bullet in the .32 Colt NP. I have a 4-cavity mold with two cavities hollow-pointed, which drop 108 grains vs. 114-115 for the solid.

The little .32 H&R "Bunny Gun" is good for 2" five-shot groups at 50 yards off sandbags with the peep sight, and my normal revolver loads which get 750 fps from the 2" snubby or 800 from the 4" revolver get about 950 fps from a 20" rifle barrel.

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[Scharfschuetze]

My S&W Model 31 usually shoots best with 32/20 designs of 115 grains sized to .314." It does shoot 98 grain SWCs fairly well though and they are probably a better small game or vermin boolit. Swaged HBWC designs also do very well in it.

I guess it's about a 2 1/2" to 3" gun at 25 yards day in and day out with all types of boolits for 12 shot groups. If it had larger sights instead of the thin sights that it is saddled with, I could probably shoot it a bit better.

Here's a 12 shot group with the 115 grain .314" 32/20 FPRN boolit at 50.'

[rintinglen]

I think Sharfschuetze has the right of it. I have two, both pre- model 30 Hand Ejectors, and they are realistically 2 inch 25 yard guns. (Provided of course that you can see the dinky sights.) I am on the prowl for a Colt right now.

[EMC45]

I have a Model 30, 31, & 2 Hand Ejectors. From snub to 4 inch. They all do good with the RCBS 32-098, but the 3" HE does best with a single cavity 3118 brass clone I have. Usually give them a workout between 7-10 yards and they hit where I point. My loads are always Bullseye powder. I can't tell you inch spreads, but can tell you at 7-10 yards they make a large ragged hole.

[Outpost75]

I think Sharfschuetze has the right of it. I have two, both pre- model 30 Hand Ejectors, and they are realistically 2 inch 25 yard guns. (Provided of course that you can see the dinky sights.) I am on the prowl for a Colt right now.

Agree with you the post WW2 D-frame Colts on the full-sized .38 Special frame with long cylinder are the way to go.
They handle loads which approximate the H&R Magnum and breech thrust of the small case against the frame is no more than standard .38 Special for which they are designed. In a strong, modern revolver 6.3 grains of Alliant #2400 gives .32-20 performance and revolver energies which approximate standard pressure .38 Specials!

Test of .32 S&W Long Factory Loads Vs. Alliant #2400 In Revolvers and Rifle
Remington cases, Federal 200 primers in all handloads:

Ammo Type__________________Colt 2”____________Colt 4”_____________H&R18”

PMC 98 LRN factory_________687, 13 Sd_______797, 17Sd________945, 16 Sd
Highest velocity factory load__103 ft-lbs._______138 ft.lbs.________194 ft.-lbs.

Federal 98 LRN factory___________n/f_____________729, 12 Sd__________884, 35 Sd

Remington 98 LRN______________n/f_____________643, 24 Sd__________825, 17 Sd

Accurate 31-114D, 2.5 BE_____746, 9 Sd_______795, 15 Sd________947, 11 Sd
Max. for pre-1960 revolvers___141ft.-lbs.________160 ft.-lbs.________227 ft.-lbs.

Accurate 31-114D, 5.6 #2400__735, 33Sd_______811, 27 Sd________1083, 38 Sd
Needs heavier bullet or powder charge to improve ballistic uniformity. Bullseye is better at this level!

Accurate 31-114D, 6.3 #2400__768, 22Sd_______839, 37 Sd________1205, 22 Sd
Vertical stringing at 50 yards from rifle, still needs heavier bullet to improve ballistic uniformity.

Accurate 31-125D, 6.3 #2400__820, 19Sd_______890 19 Sd_________1240, 29 Sd
Better, some unburned powder in revolver, good accuracy, easy extraction, no signs of high pressure.

Accurate 31-134D, 6.3 #2400__828, 19 Sd_______913, 16 Sd________1221, 16 Sd
Max. for post-1960 Colts_____204 ft.-lbs._______248 ft.-lbs._________443 ft.-lbs.!
Ejected cases fall out easily, clean burn, accurate, recoil similar to .38 Special +P.
STOP right there! DO NOT EXCEED. Accurate in rifle! Shoots to sights at 50 yards in 4" Colt __________________________________________________ _____________

[Jeff Michel]

I have a model 30 3 inch and shoot everything from wad cutters to 325 Saeco and 311008 with 1.7 grains of BE and they all work great for squirrels to 25 yards. (Can't see the sights very well, might be time for a set of adjustable rear and a big fat ramp)

[MT Gianni]

I have a pre regulation police 32 long which I think is a pre-model 31. Scary accurate with a light load of 2.5 gr Red Dot and the lee 95 gr swc or the Ly wadcutter 313492.