Small frame Merwin Hulbert revolvers

Tubac · March 27, 2007, 02:06:43 PM

The small frame MH revolvers were chambered in .32 and .38 centerfire cartridges.
Are these tha same as .32 and .38 S&W cartridges?
Thanks,

Tubac

St. George · March 27, 2007, 03:50:36 PM

Yes.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Tubac · March 27, 2007, 04:49:08 PM

Thanks for the info, I appreciate your help.

Tubac

Dr. Bob · March 28, 2007, 12:40:15 AM

The 32 MH was made in two sized. A 32 frame with a 5 shot cylinder and a 7 shot cylinder on the 38 frame. The 7 shot models are somewhat harder to find.

Tubac · March 28, 2007, 01:33:17 PM

Dr Bob,

Thanks for the info on the seven shot .32. I have one and didn't realize it was on the .38 frame.
I had just figured all .32's were that size.
Have you fired your's lately?
Tubac

Dr. Bob · March 28, 2007, 01:58:57 PM

Not yet. Don't have any ammo.

Tubac · March 28, 2007, 03:39:35 PM

I haven't shot my .32 either. I guess I'll have to get a set of .32S&W dies.

Tubac

Short Knife Johnson · September 14, 2009, 02:55:02 PM

I just stoke the .32 S&W Long cases with FFFg. About 1/16" from the case mouth then stomp the bullet on top. Winchester small pistol primer. At 10 yards, when fired single action, it will put everything inside of 2" just below point of aim. The S&W designation must be a smokeless loading for the MH series.

Dr. Bob · September 14, 2009, 10:03:55 PM

NOPE! 32 S & W started as a Black Powder cartridge and that is what should be loaded for use in pre 1900 revolvers of this caliber. You sure have the right load there!!

Short Knife Johnson · September 15, 2009, 12:19:06 AM

Oh. Every load manual I've consulted reads that the .32 S&W Long was "introduced" in 1896. About the time the smokeless powder fad started in North America. The .32 MH is AKA the .32 H&R which where both BP rounds. S&W probably just usurped the shell casing and renamed it to maybe prevent confusion, and to market it as their own It's not like Merwin Hulbert was going to put up a fight. They were too busy kicking their asses for trusting that the Russians would hold up on the deal that was made which drove them to bankruptcy in 1891. That rule might be chiseled on my headstone. Never trust a Cossack.

Mind you this close to my bedtime, I come up with the wackiest ideas.

Dalton Masterson · September 23, 2009, 02:23:44 PM

Merwin actually had proprietary 32 M&H and 38 M&H cartridges. They just happen to be close enough to the same dimensions as Smith and Wessons rounds.

There is a 32 Short and a 32 Long, so be careful for which one you are loading. Same with the 38s.

Dr. Bob, I have 32 ammo, if you want to send me your Merwin. I will gladly shoot it for you!

My 38 Merwin is in need of a major rebuild now, so I am going through withdrawals. $:-\$
DM