Pocket pistol cartridge question

John William McCandles · February 25, 2013, 06:11:36 AM

This may have been covered at some time in the past but a search turned up nothing.
Were there any of the double action breaktop or other pocket pistols of the period chambered in .38 Colt short or long cartridge?
Thanks
JW

Pancho Peacemaker · February 25, 2013, 08:26:42 AM

The Colt "Lightning" DA revolver can be found in .38 Long Colt and .32 Colt.

It's a relatively delicate design, so a working model might be hard to find.

John William McCandles · February 25, 2013, 08:59:26 AM

Quote from: Pancho Peacemaker on February 25, 2013, 08:26:42 AM
The Colt "Lightning" DA revolver can be found in .38 Long Colt and .32 Colt.

It's a relatively delicate design, so a working model might be hard to find.

Thanks for the reply, I was just curious about the S&W style pistols. As they are always found in .38 and .32 S&W, that H&R, Iver Johnson or one of the other maufactuerers may have chambered them in one of the .38 Colt cartridges.

Regards
JW

Pancho Peacemaker · February 25, 2013, 09:24:04 AM

Quote from: John William McCandles on February 25, 2013, 08:59:26 AM
Thanks for the reply, I was just curious about the S&W style pistols. As they are always found in .38 and .32 S&W, that H&R, Iver Johnson or one of the other maufactuerers may have chambered them in one of the .38 Colt cartridges.

Regards
JW

That may be a challenge. S&W and Colt were fierce competitors back then. S&W No. 2 frame pistols were chambered in S&W proprietary cartridges (.38 S&W and .32 S&W). Many of the "pocket gun clones" (Iver Johnson, F&H, H&A, etc...) of the 1880's and 1890's were copies or variations on S&W No. 2 frame designs and thus were chambered in mostly in .38 S&W or .32 S&W.

You might send an email to Oklahoma Tom. He has a huge pocket pistol collection and might be able to shed some light.

Pancho

John William McCandles · February 25, 2013, 10:14:42 AM

I've never seen any chambered as such, most likely never were and if they were they'd be scarce. Mosstly just asking because of the logistics of shooting the same cartridge in both my derringer and pocket pistol. One less cartridge to load.
I am looking to purchase a double action break top in .32 S&W. My '49 Colt pocket pistol in .32 S&W just can't keep up at the pocket pistol side matches.

Regards
JW

Tascosa Joe · February 25, 2013, 09:17:14 PM

A 1st Model .32 S&W Hand Ejector is also NCOWS legal, swing out cylinder and all.

John William McCandles · February 26, 2013, 04:14:34 AM

Quote from: Tascosa Joe on February 25, 2013, 09:17:14 PM
A 1st Model .32 S&W Hand Ejector is also NCOWS legal, swing out cylinder and all.

Thanks for the input Tascosa.

JW

Pancho Peacemaker · February 26, 2013, 06:50:37 AM

Quote from: Tascosa Joe on February 25, 2013, 09:17:14 PM
A 1st Model .32 S&W Hand Ejector is also NCOWS legal, swing out cylinder and all.

Speaking of:

http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=201627&hl=

Tascosa Joe · February 27, 2013, 07:56:10 PM

Interesting. I picked up one in Rapid City last summer. Mine may have a little rougher finish but it is mechanically perfect.

Mean Bob Mean · February 28, 2013, 12:45:01 AM

Quote from: John William McCandles on February 25, 2013, 08:59:26 AM
Thanks for the reply, I was just curious about the S&W style pistols. As they are always found in .38 and .32 S&W, that H&R, Iver Johnson or one of the other maufactuerers may have chambered them in one of the .38 Colt cartridges.

I have an old Smith knock off--it was made in .38 S&W, not Colt. I suspect if tehy are knocking off a pistol they won't re-engineer it caliber wise?