Another great option for low-recoil ammunition is the Magtech .38 SPL SHORT. It's a .38 caliber round, but with the recoil and energy similar to a .32 ACP, allowing you to use the same holster, speed loader, and grip. It's an excellent choice if you want to keep your favorite revolver while reducing the recoil. 👍
The .22 mag. using the various 45 grain bullets specifically designed for short barrels is the hidden gem in snubbies. Also the 32 H&R mag for those who can handle a little more recoil. But the .22 mag. has an extra round over the 32 mag and 2 extra rounds over the 38.
My edc is a Taurus 856 (2 inch barrel, bobbed hammer, 6 shot, rated up to +p) and I tend to carry it with .38 special SWC 158gr with a claimed rating of 902 fps. Nice lite weapon that I'm able to keep in a belly band holster when I'm wearing clothing that lacks a belt. Whatever your carry is folks, just carry!
Thanks for watching. I did a test a while back on the Taurus 856 T.O.R.O. and a long time ago on the 85. As for ammo, I just tested 4 different types of .38 Special ammo out of a 2" barrel S&W 642 and three of the four averaged less than 900 fps. Only one, the Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 150gr Hard Cast Wadcutter averaged more than that at 914 fps.
Good show 'old chap'. Loved the scale you did showing the recoil actions....great stuff....Just bought a week ago, one of those RIA Model 206. haven't shot it yet, but hope to soon. Looks like it has great reviews. cheers.
Timely video. Just picked up a used Ruger LCR .38 spl. Looks to have never been fired. I had been wondering about the felt recoil out of the short barrel. Thanks!
RidersRange, Sorry about my now deleted comment, I somehow managed to post that comment to the wrong video. I appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos. I have been spoiled by a S&W 351C for weight and ease of 'shootability' with my weak hand but if they offer a scandium 32 again I'd definitely pick one up. I do think 32 H&R is about the perfect round for a J frame size revolver.
I carry 100 gr Fiocchi or Sellier & Bellot full Wadcutters in my .32 S&W Long S&W 3rd Model Hand Ejector or my H&R Model 733 as my understanding is they have effective penetration and power because the lower velocities of a JHP in these smaller calibers do not really allow for expansion ( also have 98gr LRN if needed for same reason). Those guns also have 6 vs 5 rounds with mild recoil. Thanks for the recoil video.
Excellent demonstration. Much appreciated. I carry that 9mm LCR. And yes, 9mm is quite hot and quite a handful in recoil compared to 38spl, but that Ruger's tamer grip with gel pad really helps tame it to a comfortable level. I would consider the 32 caliber in the future. This video adds to the reference for that. Thank you.
I carry the LCRX in 327 fed for the extra round and power in a gun that I hope never to need, so a small powerful 6 shot. Perceived recoil is more with the 327 but it's mostly muzzle blast and a quick snap to the hand but muzzle rise is minimal. I clocked 1364 fps with 104 gr HTPs with .55-.60 expanded into the 4th gallon jug.
After my original testing of the LCR 9mm, I wasn't surprised at the recoil, though it does have almost 50% more energy than the .32 H&R. Thanks again for watching.
Claude Werner discusses small pocket pistols, and says they’re fine for his civilian mission: Breaking Contact. Buffalo Bore doesn’t skimp on powder! 💥💥💥
What a great way to show off the difference in recoil, how did you make sure you were the same distance from your lined backdrop each time you shot though?
I have a very small table for a shooting point. As long as I'm centered on that table, I'm the same distance from the backdrop - give or take an inch or two.
Very impressive testing, I’ve been wondering about the difference for a while. I like the 22mag, cost less and easier to find than the 32 ammo . Thanks
Interesting! I just bought (haven’t picked it up yet) a UC revolver in .38 (we already have .38s and many other calibers, don’t need one more). I’m eager to see how it compares to my Model 638-3. But that .32 does have much to recommend it.
The Taurus Model 942 22 Magnum should be included. Option for 2" and 3" barrel and it's an 8-shot! The problems with all of these calibers are they all have a very heavy trigger pull in DA.
I've found that 9mm revolvers have more felt recoil than a comparable 9mm pistol, but there is still a place for a revolver as a defensive gun. Thanks for watching.
Energy isn't everything. Paul Harrell tested a number of .38 spl loads, and the humble 148 grain wadcutter, chugging along at a mere 660 fps out of a 2'' snubnose, did the same damage to the meat target, as a +P 158 grain SWCHP doing 784 fps. Most of these days, I carry a S&W model 42 (the original one, with grip safety), loaded with wadcutters, because lightweight alloy frame sure appreciates a low-recoil round, and wadcutters have been proven effective despite having less energy than standard rounds, let alone +P.
There are several tests on RUclips with wadcutters vs JHP rounds and the wadcutter rounds, as you pointed out, are pretty effective out of a snub-gun. I now carry the Buffalo Bore 100gr hard cast wadcutter in my 432. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@RidersRange Buffalo Bore is a bit on the spicy side, but they make a standard pressure .32 long I wish we could get here in Poland - comes in both wadcutter, and regular, hardcast lead flat nose (so it's more like the .32 Colt New Police round that Colt came up with so they wouldn't have to mark their guns as chambered in .32 S&W). Of course, that .32 long will chamber in a .32 mag too, but it does make a decent round for anyone who has an old .32 long revolver around (I have a 1937 Police Positive - same gun Bronson used in Death Wish 1) - fun little revolver.
@@RidersRange LOL... the 340 is a whole new level of recoil. And I cut my teeth on 44 mag guns. the gun is old now and has maybe 200 rounds through it? who cares? I carry it more than anything else and guess what? All J frames shoot the same. You kinda proved that with your vid. (although all my J frame shooting is 38 spl and 357) They are all regulated very very well. I have shot a zillion (plus or minus) rounds of 38 spl through half a dozen J frames and they all shoot the same. which is exactly how my 340 shoots.. it hits where the sights say it will hit. No need to break bones in my hand to practice And for what I got the gun for? LOL uncomfortable to shoot will be the least of my worries.
@@RidersRange ok sorry. I have the old "splinter " grips on all of my J frames. I get my pinky on the grip. I also have the older M432. love the gun. also have the M642 and the M351PD ( an underated gun).. good video. thanks for showing the recoil impulse. I use wadcutters in my M642 ( regular target ones) and Federal 85 grain JHPs in my M432 ( and 32 S&W Longs and Long wadcutter rounds). Glad to see Walther bring back the PP and the PPK and PPK/S BOTH in 32 and 380 auto.
@arnoldcohen1250, as @gvines pointed out, the VZ boot grip that I used on the 432 during the testing was the same size as the boot grip on the 642. It helps to watch the entire video. But thanks for watching whatever portion you did.
Actually, the .32 H&R magnum Buffalo Bore 100gr hard cast wadcutter has more muzzle energy than most common .38 Special loads, and less recoil as a bonus. Thanks for watching.
Very thorough and educational video Rider. Thanks!
Indeed. I always enjoy and usually learn something from Rider’s uploads.
@TheFirearmGun, once again, thank you for watching.
@AndyCigars, thanks for the kind words.
Another great option for low-recoil ammunition is the Magtech .38 SPL SHORT. It's a .38 caliber round, but with the recoil and energy similar to a .32 ACP, allowing you to use the same holster, speed loader, and grip. It's an excellent choice if you want to keep your favorite revolver while reducing the recoil. 👍
Thanks for watching and adding the info.
@@RidersRange Thank you for the video!! 👍
The .22 mag. using the various 45 grain bullets specifically designed for short barrels is the hidden gem in snubbies. Also the 32 H&R mag for those who can handle a little more recoil. But the .22 mag. has an extra round over the 32 mag and 2 extra rounds over the 38.
I just did some chronograph testing with a variety of .22WMR ammo. Stay tuned for the results. And thanks for watching.
Very nice and informative video. Thanks. I love the simple demonstration and comparison of recoil.
Thank you for watching.
My edc is a Taurus 856 (2 inch barrel, bobbed hammer, 6 shot, rated up to +p) and I tend to carry it with .38 special SWC 158gr with a claimed rating of 902 fps. Nice lite weapon that I'm able to keep in a belly band holster when I'm wearing clothing that lacks a belt. Whatever your carry is folks, just carry!
Thanks for watching. I did a test a while back on the Taurus 856 T.O.R.O. and a long time ago on the 85. As for ammo, I just tested 4 different types of .38 Special ammo out of a 2" barrel S&W 642 and three of the four averaged less than 900 fps. Only one, the Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 150gr Hard Cast Wadcutter averaged more than that at 914 fps.
Thanks for the video. Love the snubs for concealed carry.
I'm with you. Thanks for watching.
Good show 'old chap'. Loved the scale you did showing the recoil actions....great stuff....Just bought a week ago, one of those RIA Model 206. haven't shot it yet, but hope to soon. Looks like it has great reviews. cheers.
Thank you for watching and commenting.
Good video. Old man here getting sore hands from 9 mil. and some 380's. Thinking of getting a 32. Thanks for the info.!
With the right grips, that little .32 is a very nice shooting gun. Thanks for watching.
Hi! Check out my comment about the Magtech .38 SPL SHORT. It might be a good option for you. 👍
32 ammo very very pricey😮
Timely video. Just picked up a used Ruger LCR .38 spl. Looks to have never been fired. I had been wondering about the felt recoil out of the short barrel. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and being the first to comment.
RidersRange, Sorry about my now deleted comment, I somehow managed to post that comment to the wrong video. I appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos. I have been spoiled by a S&W 351C for weight and ease of 'shootability' with my weak hand but if they offer a scandium 32 again I'd definitely pick one up. I do think 32 H&R is about the perfect round for a J frame size revolver.
Making the .32 in Scandium alloy could save a few ounces. With the .32 H&R, the recoil wouldn't be bad at all. Smith & Wesson, are you listening??
I carry 100 gr Fiocchi or Sellier & Bellot full Wadcutters in my .32 S&W Long S&W 3rd Model Hand Ejector or my H&R Model 733 as my understanding is they have effective penetration and power because the lower velocities of a JHP in these smaller calibers do not really allow for expansion ( also have 98gr LRN if needed for same reason). Those guns also have 6 vs 5 rounds with mild recoil. Thanks for the recoil video.
Thank you for watching and adding your thoughts.
Excellent demonstration. Much appreciated.
I carry that 9mm LCR. And yes, 9mm is quite hot and quite a handful in recoil compared to 38spl, but that Ruger's tamer grip with gel pad really helps tame it to a comfortable level.
I would consider the 32 caliber in the future. This video adds to the reference for that. Thank you.
Thank you for watching and commenting.
I carry the LCRX in 327 fed for the extra round and power in a gun that I hope never to need, so a small powerful 6 shot. Perceived recoil is more with the 327 but it's mostly muzzle blast and a quick snap to the hand but muzzle rise is minimal. I clocked 1364 fps with 104 gr HTPs with .55-.60 expanded into the 4th gallon jug.
Thanks for watching and adding your thoughts.
Great video as usual, Rider. Interesting that the 9mm has so much muzzle rise….I wouldn’t have guessed that
After my original testing of the LCR 9mm, I wasn't surprised at the recoil, though it does have almost 50% more energy than the .32 H&R. Thanks again for watching.
Claude Werner discusses small pocket pistols, and says they’re fine for his civilian mission: Breaking Contact. Buffalo Bore doesn’t skimp on powder! 💥💥💥
One more person to follow. Thanks.
It would be interesting to see 327 magnum out of an LCR in the mix
What a great way to show off the difference in recoil, how did you make sure you were the same distance from your lined backdrop each time you shot though?
I have a very small table for a shooting point. As long as I'm centered on that table, I'm the same distance from the backdrop - give or take an inch or two.
Interesting results. I have a LCR 9mm and a 637. Having shot them side by side, for me the LCR feels less snappy. My 3” LCRx 9mm is even softer.
The LCRx is heavier, so that will mitigate some of the felt recoil and it depends on the ammo you are shooting when comparing. Thanks for watching.
Interesting test. Like the videos
Thanks.
Very impressive testing, I’ve been wondering about the difference for a while. I like the 22mag, cost less and easier to find than the 32 ammo . Thanks
Same here!
@Bill-jv5eg, thank you for watching and commenting.
@@RidersRange I enjoy watching your videos, very impressive! Keep up the great work.
Interesting! I just bought (haven’t picked it up yet) a UC revolver in .38 (we already have .38s and many other calibers, don’t need one more). I’m eager to see how it compares to my Model 638-3. But that .32 does have much to recommend it.
Surprisingly, the .32 H&R ammo I tested has more energy than most of the .38 Special ammo I tested, and has less recoil. Thanks for watching.
Nice guns
Thanks for watching.
90 , 100,, 115 gr 9mm would have been better comparison to the 32/38, great video
Stay tuned for the chronograph and energy results. Thanks for watching.
The Taurus Model 942 22 Magnum should be included. Option for 2" and 3" barrel and it's an 8-shot! The problems with all of these calibers are they all have a very heavy trigger pull in DA.
A friend has a Taurus .22WMR revolver that I plan to borrow for comparison with my S&W 351PD. Thanks for watching.
been staring at 9mm snubs the past month. Its either a Ruger sp101 or new charter arms for me.
I've found that 9mm revolvers have more felt recoil than a comparable 9mm pistol, but there is still a place for a revolver as a defensive gun. Thanks for watching.
Magnum rounds are meant for long barrels. Otherwise they are flame throwers. Waste of powder.
True. Thanks for watching.
Precisely why I like a steel frame 357 using 38, not a j frame. It's really not that big
When I was younger I had no problem carrying a K or L-Frame .357 revolver every day. As I get older, the weight is more noticeable.
Energy isn't everything. Paul Harrell tested a number of .38 spl loads, and the humble 148 grain wadcutter, chugging along at a mere 660 fps out of a 2'' snubnose, did the same damage to the meat target, as a +P 158 grain SWCHP doing 784 fps.
Most of these days, I carry a S&W model 42 (the original one, with grip safety), loaded with wadcutters, because lightweight alloy frame sure appreciates a low-recoil round, and wadcutters have been proven effective despite having less energy than standard rounds, let alone +P.
There are several tests on RUclips with wadcutters vs JHP rounds and the wadcutter rounds, as you pointed out, are pretty effective out of a snub-gun. I now carry the Buffalo Bore 100gr hard cast wadcutter in my 432. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@RidersRange Buffalo Bore is a bit on the spicy side, but they make a standard pressure .32 long I wish we could get here in Poland - comes in both wadcutter, and regular, hardcast lead flat nose (so it's more like the .32 Colt New Police round that Colt came up with so they wouldn't have to mark their guns as chambered in .32 S&W). Of course, that .32 long will chamber in a .32 mag too, but it does make a decent round for anyone who has an old .32 long revolver around (I have a 1937 Police Positive - same gun Bronson used in Death Wish 1) - fun little revolver.
I always quote that video as well as the part 2 version as well. Paul Is really missed. RIP Paul
my carry is a 340 PD in .357 mag 125 grain jacketed HP .357 rounds.
I haven't shot the 340PD, but I have shot a couple other J-frame revolvers with .357 ammo and they aren't at all enjoyable. Thanks for watching.
@@RidersRange LOL... the 340 is a whole new level of recoil. And I cut my teeth on 44 mag guns. the gun is old now and has maybe 200 rounds through it? who cares? I carry it more than anything else and guess what? All J frames shoot the same. You kinda proved that with your vid. (although all my J frame shooting is 38 spl and 357) They are all regulated very very well. I have shot a zillion (plus or minus) rounds of 38 spl through half a dozen J frames and they all shoot the same. which is exactly how my 340 shoots.. it hits where the sights say it will hit. No need to break bones in my hand to practice And for what I got the gun for? LOL uncomfortable to shoot will be the least of my worries.
hold your hand up higher on the M642 and the recoil will feel less.
Unfortunately, that's where those little boot grips put my hand. The Altamont grips position it better.
@@RidersRange ok sorry. I have the old "splinter " grips on all of my J frames. I get my pinky on the grip. I also have the older M432. love the gun. also have the M642 and the M351PD ( an underated gun).. good video. thanks for showing the recoil impulse. I use wadcutters in my M642 ( regular target ones) and Federal 85 grain JHPs in my M432 ( and 32 S&W Longs and Long wadcutter rounds). Glad to see Walther bring back the PP and the PPK and PPK/S BOTH in 32 and 380 auto.
Sweet revolvers but I’ll only carry single stack 9mm cz-p-10m , bersa bp9cc or girscan mc1911sc in 9mm
One should only carry guns they are comfortable with. Thanks for watching.
Try finding parts for a b p 9 c c
👍👍
Thanks for watching.
For the two Smith and Wessons it would have been a better comparison to put the same grip on the guns.
He said he did
@arnoldcohen1250, as @gvines pointed out, the VZ boot grip that I used on the 432 during the testing was the same size as the boot grip on the 642. It helps to watch the entire video. But thanks for watching whatever portion you did.
@@gvines sorry, I missed that!!
32 is also much weaker
Actually, the .32 H&R magnum Buffalo Bore 100gr hard cast wadcutter has more muzzle energy than most common .38 Special loads, and less recoil as a bonus. Thanks for watching.