Cowgirl Corner: Single Six 32 H&R

[North Country Gal]

Funny thing about 32 cal revolvers. There's people like me who love 32s and then there's the folks who scratch their head and wonder why. Not much in between.

For a couple years, now, I've had my Ruger Single Seven in 327 and it's been a terrific gun. Not too big, not too small, fun to shoot, very versatile with its ability to shoot everything from hot 327s nearly at 357 energy levels to very mild 32 S&Ws. Great cowgirl or cowboy gun, for sure.


In a way, though, I think the Single Seven is almost too versatile. You see, one of my all time favorite cartridge and gun combos is the 32 H&R in a single action. Sure, I can and I do shoot 32 H&Rs in the Seven; in fact, I shoot more 32 H&Rs in in it than 327s. Problem is, I'm a strong believer in shooting cartridges in guns specifically chambered for them rather than in guns that are chambered for a longer cartridge and I love the 32 H&R enough that I prefer shooting the cartridge in a gun made for it. Why?

Back in the 80s, I had a blued 4 5/8" SSM (Single Six Magnum) 32 H&R, shortly after Ruger offered the Single Six in that cartridge. Loved that gun and the cartridge, but times were hard and eventually had to sell it. Really wanted to find another one some day, but I wanted one of roughly that vintage, namely a vintage when Ruger was still supplying their guns in a cardboard box. Why? I just happen to like Rugers of that vintage. Ruger was a different company, back then, when Bill Ruger was still alive and running the show. Nothing wrong with new Rugers, of course. Just sentimental about those older ones, I guess.

Anyway, I recently got lucky at a gun show and found this 1991 vintage SSM, new in the box, at a gun show from a collector and got it for a very reasonable price. It's a 6 1/2" barrel version, rather than the 4 5/8" I used to have, but the longer barrel just makes it all the more pleasant and easier to shoot.




Even found an old holster for it at a local pawn shop.


Naturally, the gun shoots great. Not that there was any doubt. Doesn't get much sweeter shooting than with this gun and cartridge combination.


They say you can't go home, again, but shooting this Ruger SSM 32 H&R sure feels like it for me. Will be making a lot of new memories with this one.

[Steve51]

Very nice!

My first Ruger handgun was the single six in .32 H&R Magnum (sadly, I did not keep the box). My biggest disappointment back then was finding ammo. When I did, it put a bite on my pocketbook - so I shot it sparingly. Reloading has changed that.

This is my .32 H&R Magnum Single Six

[North Country Gal]

Yup, the twin to mine. We have great taste in single actions, of course.

[ditto1958]

Both of you are making me very envious. NCG, next time you're going to a gun show, count me in. I never find anything good like that.

[Steve51]

Who makes the holster your Single Seven .327 rides in?

[North Country Gal]

That holster was another I found at one of our local shops made by a craftsman in our area. Wasn't sure what it would fit when I bought it, but loved the craftsmanship, so I bought it and figured I'd find a gun that would fit it, later. Turns out the Single Seven was a perfect fit. The Seven and the holster are now inseparable.

[BigAl52]

Ok Now just becasue I like to give NCG a bad time because she wont get that 41 she knows she wants I gotta ask the question. You bought a 32 and I bet you cant find that ammo at walmart and when you do find it its gota be somewhere close to 41 mag ammo. So when is the 41 comin home from the gun show? Al

[ditto1958]

Ok Now just becasue I like to give NCG a bad time because she wont get that 41 she knows she wants I gotta ask the question. You bought a 32 and I bet you cant find that ammo at walmart and when you do find it its gota be somewhere close to 41 mag ammo. So when is the 41 comin home from the gun show? Al

She don't need a 41. She has two 32's, and together they add up to 44!

[BigAl52]

Ok Now just becasue I like to give NCG a bad time because she wont get that 41 she knows she wants I gotta ask the question. You bought a 32 and I bet you cant find that ammo at walmart and when you do find it its gota be somewhere close to 41 mag ammo. So when is the 41 comin home from the gun show? Al

She don't need a 41. She has two 32's, and together they add up to 44!

Must be some of that new math I dont understand. Al

[DWD445]

Ok Now just becasue I like to give NCG a bad time because she wont get that 41 she knows she wants I gotta ask the question. You bought a 32 and I bet you cant find that ammo

She don't need a 41. She has two 32's, and together they add up to 44!

Must be some of that new math I dont understand. Al

[North Country Gal]

Okay, if I ever find a minty Old Model Ruger in 41 mag, I might bring the wimpy thing home for some plinking, but I'd miss the extra recoil of my 44 mags. Maybe I could load the 41s up a bit hotter or something.

[Dennis H]

Dang it NCG! Every time I see that single seven I want one!

[Bish1309]

Wow, all kinds of "win" in this thread. Thanks for posting the pics of those fine looking wheel guns. Most excellent!!