Craig Boddington was the senior contributing editor of our modern gun and ammunition caliber dictionary. Craig was involved in the development and testing of many of these and writes from first hand experience. This dictionary was written exclusively for Wholesale Hunter with unique information found nowhere else.
GUN CALIBER DICTIONARY
Handgun
32 S&W
The 32 S&W (S&W Short, S&W Long) was introduced in the 32 S&W Short version in 1873 (blackpowder); the 32 S&W Long cartridge was introduced as a smokeless cartridge in 1903. Both use a .315-inch bullet, so 32 S&W Short cartridges can be used in a 32 S&W Long revolver, but not vice versa. The 32 S&W is a mild cartridge with low recoil that has been very popular for personal defense. Since 1903 the majority of "32 S&W" revolvers are chambered to 32 S&W Long, which is readily available. — Craig Boddington