The once underrated .32 H&R Mag. cartridge has been reappearing in a few small-framed revolvers, and Ruger recently brought one very nice option to the market this year, the Lipsey’s exclusive Ruger LCR .32 H&R Mag. carry revolver.
The .32 H&R Mag. Cartridge
The .32 H&R Mag. cartridge was developed in 1984 as a joint effort between Harrington & Richardson and Federal. The objective was to create a more powerful cartridge than a .38 Spl, but with less recoil.
In the Ruger LCR .32 H&R Magnum, there is an over 30 percent reduction in recoil compared to the .38 Spl. Another plus to using the .32 H&R Mag. is that is a smaller cartridge than the .38 Spl, allowing firearms manufacturers to add another cartridge to revolvers and still have comparable speed and energy to the .38 Spl. round.
Average Joes and Janes
As much as some gun enthusiasts have their ideas about the right guns to carry, the reality is there is a whole new crop of gun buyers who want something they can easily carry in their everyday world without too much gear and stress. Having a lightweight pistol allows shooters, especially those with smaller or weaker hands, to shoot with improved accuracy and comfort. I would make the argument that for average people to carry a gun, it is most important to have one that is comfortable enough to keep close to you. I understand there will always be more powerful guns, but they frequently come in a much heavier package.
In the course of my conversation with Darryl Bolke from American Fighting Revolver, he explained how the Ruger LCR in .32 H&R Mag. is styled for the average gun owner. He called it the “every person’s gun.”
Darryl explained, “We have seen an interesting trend in revolvers in the last few years, and especially the “Gen-Xers” are looking to find easy-to-carry handguns. They look for guns someone can carry in various ways, such as holsters, fanny packs, purses or pockets. These folks are searching for versatile firearms and the Ruger LCR .32 Mag. is checking all the boxes.”
Ammunition versatility is another excellent feature in the much lighter, anodized aluminum-framed Ruger LCR. You can also use .32 S&W Long and .32 S&W, increasing your ammo options for comfort, impact and cartridge availability. With the increased popularity of the .32 H&R in the smaller revolvers, manufacturers are adding this back into their lines, but it can be a little tricky to find them at the local gun store. I have found it easier to find these rounds online for now.
Jason Cloessner Lipsey’s Senior VP and Product Development Manager said, “By chambering the LCR in 32 H&R Mag, we used the lighter aluminum frame, making it a great lightweight, low recoil six-shot revolver for carry. You get the best-in-class smooth LCR trigger pull and centerfire reliability with recoil no more than the rimfire options.”
During development, the prototype for this revolver was brought to the 2024 Snub Summit in North Carolina and several professional female shooters were asked to put it through the wringer. The gals loved the classy, outdoorsy anodized bronze color so much they asked Lipsey’s and Ruger to keep the color.
At the Range
I decided to throw a whole bunch of firsts into my range day for this gun, but I learned how to maneuver through and gained more confidence. I hadn’t shot at an outdoor range in many years, hadn’t used my new chronograph, and had not shot this new gun.
I want to give a shout out to Ares Training Facility, located just outside Leesburg, Florida. I especially appreciated Wayne, the RSO who helped create the very best setup and ensured I had everything I could ask for to aid in my article. The range at first glance is a little primitive, but what it lacks in facilities, it makes up in a quality shooting experience.
It took a few minutes to get set up after we unloaded everything from the truck. I brought three different cartridge choices that I had at home:
- Doubletap .32 H&R 60-grain DT lead-free solid copper hollow point
- Federal .32 H&R Mag. 95-grain lead semi-wadcutter
- Doubletap .32 H&R 120-grain hardcast solid
Once I had everything ready, and the target set at 15 feet, I began some practice shots with the 60-grain cartridge. I was a little keyed up due to the new situation but settled in to make reasonable groups, while using my Caldwell DeadShot shooting bag for stability. I appreciated the revolvers lightness, and Ruger’s friction-reducing cam made the double-action trigger pull easy.
One note: I had a tough time seeing the front sight in the shade with my older “GenX” lady eyes, so I would want to add some bright paint or possibly even change the stock sight. If you are wearing good glasses and have plenty of bright light, however it should work great.
I shot all three cartridge types: the Doubletap 60-grain was easy to manage, the 95-grain from Federal was less pleasant, and the 120-grain Doubletap was uncomfortable to shoot in this firearm. I wasn’t surprised at these results, but I would stick to a lighter grain round when shooting it again.
Overall, I enjoyed my experience with Lipsey’s Exclusive Ruger LCR and recommend it for a lightweight, easily concealable carry option with no parts that will hang up in a holster or handbag. It is well-made, attractive and straightforward to use.
Lipsey’s Exclusive Ruger LCR .32 H&R Magnum Specifications
- Manufacturer: Ruger
- Model Name: LCR
- Action Type: Double Action Only
- Caliber: .32 H&R Mag.
- Finish: Anodized Bronze
- Finish Type: Applied Finish
- Grip Frame: Polymer
- Main Frame: Aluminum
- Grips: Hogue Tamer
- Grip type: Synthetic
- Barrel Length: 1 7/8 inches
- Overall Length: 6.5 inches
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Sights: Fixed
- Weight: 13.9 ounces
- Cylinder: Black Stainless
- Front Sight: Pinned
- MSRP: $739.00
Performance
Doubletap .32 H&R 60-grain DT Lead Free solid copper HP
Best Group: 2-1/2 inches
Federal .32 H&R Magnum, 95-grain lead semi-wadcutter
Best Group: 3-1/4 inches
Doubletap .32 H&R 120-grain Hardcast Solid
Best Group: 3-3/4 inches
Read the full article here