
Designed for small, pocket-type revolvers, the .32 Smith & Wesson gained immense popularity in American and Europe, despite being underpowered.
What You Need To Know About The .32 Smith & Wesson:
- Originally loaded with balckpowder, it's exclusively used smokeless since 1940.
- Comparable to the .32 Automatic, though the revolver cartridge is less powerful.
- Despite being somewhat obscure at this point, factory loaded ammunition is still available.
Historical Notes
Designed for the Smith & Wesson Model 1½ hinged-frame, single-action revolver introduced in 1878, the .32 Smith & Wesson is an old and very popular cartridge that’s widely used in the United States and Europe for low-priced, pocket-type revolvers. Originally a black-powder cartridge, it’s been loaded with smokeless powder exclusively since 1940. In the United States, Colt, Harrington & Richardson, Hopkins & Allen, Iver Johnson, Smith & Wesson and others have made revolvers for this cartridge. In England, Webley & Scott made revolvers for it. Elsewhere in Europe, Bayard and Pickert revolvers chambered it. The original loading used nine grains of black powder.
General Comments
The .32 Smith & Wesson formerly ranked with the .32 Automatic in general popularity—and for the same reasons. It’s low powered and adaptable to small, light, inexpensive, pocket-type handguns. Ballistically, it’s not quite as good as the .32 Automatic. It’s very similar to the .32 Short Colt, but the two aren’t interchangeable because of a difference in bullet and case diameter. Like the .32 Automatic, the .32 S&W is about the minimum cartridge for self-defense. It’s considered inadequate for police work. It’s used occasionally for hunting small game at very short ranges, but it’s too underpowered for consideration as a sporting cartridge. This ammunition is still available.
Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from Cartridges of the World, 16th Edition.
Raise Your Ammo IQ:
- Beyond The 6.5 Creedmoor: The Other 6.5 Cartridges
- The Lonesome Story Of The Long-Lost 8mm
- Why The .300 H&H Magnum Still Endures
- .350 Legend Vs .450 Bushmaster: Does One Win Out For Hunting?
Why You Can Trust Gun Digest
Since 1944, Gun Digest has been a trusted authority on firearms, shooting and shooting gear, delivering expert firearms reviews backed by nearly a century of experience. We go beyond standard reviews, combining hands-on independent gun testing, in-depth research, and expert insights from industry professionals and manufacturers.
Our reviewers are the bedrock of our testing and come from a comprehensive cross section of the shooting world. Their diverse backgrounds include law enforcement professionals, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and life-long firearms enthusiasts. In addition to being firearm experts, we are also thorough journalists adhering to the strictest standards of the profession.
For our readers, this means objective, unbiased reviews, free from outside influence. Our priority is to provide the information you need to make informed decisions—whether a firearm or piece of gear is a must-have investment or one to pass on.
Find out more about our Editorial Standards and Evaluation Process

Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack
Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.
Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.