32 Caliber ponderings

As if I needed more proof that I should "never say never" in the last year no less than three 32 caliber firearms followed me home.  It's just one of those things I didn't think I needed, now I wonder how I lived without them.

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The first was the Marlin Cowboy Carbine.  It was originally in a friend's collection and I wanted it from the first time I saw it.  The cosmic mysteries being what they are made it available through unforeseen circumstances and now it resides in my safe.

 

The next came about as a result of handling an older Marlin 1894 in 32-20 and again was struck by instantaneous smittendom.  I had to have one of those and I knew that one wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.  I came across just what I was looking for on GunBroker and after some research and a number of phone calls to the seller, placed my bid and won it.

 

1905 vintage Marlin model 1894

Upon its arrival I was disappointed with the condition of the bore.  To say the seller's description was optimistic would be an understatement.  Knowing that ugly bores sometimes still shoot well I gave it a go.  I tried a variety of weights and sizes of bullets on up to .316" and many would keyhole.  A .314" 115 grain Lyman 311008 shot the best but even that was marginal ~4" at 50 yards.  It did reach and ring the 400 yard dinger on the first try though...

 

I REALLY like the aesthetics and feel of this rifle so I have sent it off to be re-lined.  I hate waiting for it, but hopefully next spring (or sooner) it'll come back and shoot well.

Not long after acquiring the 1905 vintage Marlin another of more recent manufacture, the uncommon 1894 CB in 32 H&R Magnum, came onto my radar.  The price seemed very reasonable to me but I didn't have the cash handy.  I tried a trade but before we could agree on a deal another feller closed the deal ahead of me.

While I researched the 32 H&R Magnum I came across numerous glowing reports of the Ruger Single Six chambered in that caliber.  The Single Six 22lr is one of my longest owned and most used firearms, so I was intrigued by the prospect of another in 32 H&R Mag and set out to find one.  It didn't take too long, I knew I wanted a 5.5" barrel length with the help from a friend located one and purchased it.

 

I'll detail in another post my experiences with the new Single Six which once again makes me wonder how I ever lived without it.