Home Forums Lever Action Central Cowboy Levers .32 H&R

I called Marlin a couple weeks ago. They were supposed to be shipped on the 17th arriving in stores by the end of this week.

Has anyone picked one up yet?

I have not nor have I seen anything to indicate anyone else has. I am ready to buy when they become available. We figure they will be apportioned first and go to the big dealers in the "hot" markets.
At $600+ dollars out the door I think those of us who are really interested will not have to wait long. We are small game hunters.

anyone seen any tests on these. I am wondering what the ballistics will be.

I would expect something a bit better than factory .32-20

I'm thinking it would be a great beginer's cartridge for my son to qualify with in the hunters safety course.

Just received one of these rifles from my distributor. Nice metal finish and wood to metal fit. The tubular magazine is slick. The final finish on the wood leaves a bit to be desired, rough; like they got dust particles on the surface. All in all I think the rifle will be a good seller in the cowboy shooter market. RJSnow

walley mart has them...

If you go over to the SASS web forums at http://sassnet.com/forums/ you can sometimes see something about these there.

About a year ago there was great anticipation about them amongst the Cowboy Action Shooters.

A few people have now actually gotten them and it seems that from reports I've read so far that they're somewhat lukewarm about them now.

Two things here, one is that they're LESS THAN IDEAL for CAS in that their forward loading Tube Magazine (in reality very similar to the original 1892 Marlin Rifles) is not conducive to rapid CAS style reloads. The other thing that's "not so hot" is that examples received/viewed so far have been a little sub-par in both the internal metal finish as well as the external wood finish department!

Reports have stated that their actions are a little "rough and gritty", and sometimes bind up in rapid use.

Most shooters who've seen these seem to think that Marlin could be doing a better job in both departments.

Close to home here (N.W. Oregon), I know of a couple of guys over in Vancouver, WA were looking at going into business converting exisiting .38/.357 Marlin 1894s "Cowboy Specials" to .32 H&R. They have a couple of prototypes built and people who've seen and tried them really liked them! I don't know if Marlin's most recent attempt here has killed their efforts. I haven't heard anything of their project lately.

These rifles would be more "ideal" for CAS because they'd have the King's Patent style side loading gate that Cowboy Action shooters need for rapid reloads on the clock.

We are small game shooters so the slow loading does not bother us. We have all three Marlin '94CL's and will buy the .32 Mag. if it ever becomes available to the general public. The rifle is allcated and if you are not on a waiting list you cannot get one. Thats alright, I bought a Winchester to play with!

Fans of the .32H&R. look for something strange later this years, possibly by some BULLy manufacturer who usually makes things happen. Strange as in adapting the old Win 62 pump to .32 or even stranger, converting the Win 62 pump to lever activation with a fixed forearm and a weight of about 4.5lbs. All that with a projected MSRP of $327.

I posted this on another forum, but here's some data on shooting the 32 H&R. I received mine a week ago after waiting about 15 months.

The wood on mine is fantastic and the action is fairly smooth. Not buttery smooth, but its not so gritty that I'm complaining. Biggest problem is the trigger. Feels like 10 lbs!

6/9/05
I was able to get out and shoot my 32 today. Here are the results:

Marlin 1894 Cowboy
32 H&R Magnum
Leupold 2X7 scope

All loads were shot from the bench, off a rest, using a rear sand bag. I shot at paper targets placed at 100 yards. The temperature was about 80 degrees with almost no wind. All groups were 10 rounds each, fired consecutively, and allowing the barrel to cool completely between groups. Even at 80 degrees, the 32 didn�t get all that warm after 10 rounds. The velocity data is for the 10 round average using my chronograph.

I loaded up two bullets and two powder combinations. I used Alliant Blue Dot and Hodgdon Titegroup along with Hornady 85 grain XTP jacketed hollow points and National Bullet Company 95 grain LSWC which were copper coated. Here are the results:

85 grain Hornady XTP/Titegroup
3.0 grains 935 fps 3 �� group @ 100
3.5 grains 1144 fps 1 7/8� group @ 100
4.0 grains 1313 fps 2� group @ 100
4.0 grains 1325 fps 2 1/8� group @ 100


85 grain Hornady XTP/Blue Dot
6.0 grains 1210 fps 2 7/8� group @ 100
6.0 grains 1225 fps 3� group @ 100


95 grain NBC LSWC/Titegroup
3.0 grains 1149 fps 5 �� group @ 100


95 grain NBC LSWC/5.0 Blue Dot
4.5 grains 1050 fps 4 �� group @ 100
5.0 grains 1131 fps 5 5/8� group @ 100


I noted that Blue Dot did not burn completely. I had un-burnt powder flakes in the action, on the bench, and in the barrel after shooting. I probably won�t use Blue Dot in the future.

The lead bullets gave pretty poor accuracy. I�ll have to try other loads to see if I can get them tightened up.

The Hornady XTP jacketed bullets performed very well. Combined with Titegroup powder, they shot well and burned extremely clean. Velocity was high and I�m still not at the maximum book load yet. I�ll continue testing this combination.

I did also shoot at 25 and 50 yards with the rifle. 25 yard groups with pretty much any load ripped one big hole in the target. 50 yard groups were all an inch or less with many shots touching.

Functionally, the rifle performed perfectly. My only gripes are that the trigger is just horrible and the tube feed loading is a real pain. I shot several strings offhand and loaded the tube to capacity. Holding the rifle, the ammo, and trying to fish the rounds into the gate resulted in me fumbling many rounds to the ground.

I think it�s a keeper. When I shoot again, I�ll post more results.

Consult your manuals, but your Blue Dot loads are too light. Slightly higher loads will bring pressures up into its operating range(roughly 15,000-30,000CUP). Might try 800X also. For my handguns I use Ken Waters' loads: 85grHorn/5.5gr, 95-100gr cast/5gr, 115-118gr cast/4.5gr. Velocity is near the top and accuracy always outstanding.

Marlin sent me one to review about two months ago. Liked it so much that I am buying it. I have never shot a more accurate lever action rifle.

A full report will appear soon in print or maybe even here on the .32 H&R cartridge in rifles and pistols but I will tell you this:

With factory HPs and some handloads I have put together using IMR 4227 and Unique this rifle will "one hole" at fifty yards.

Sights are a bit coarse for target work so I installed a Nikon ProStaff 4X. Sights should be fine for Cowboy action.

Trigger is OK, maybe even good for a lever gun.

Still a lot of load work to do with both the rifle and handguns but will say if you are looking for a small game rifle this seems to be a shooter but maybe a tad bit heavy.

All in all, nice rifle.

whitetail,

Without giving away too much of your livelyhood, did you test the Sierra 90 grain? I've shot some nice groups out of my FA with it under H-110 and Lil Gun.

Don't tell me, don't tell me.....I'll wait <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

A great little cartridge.

Best,
JB

So far just Hornady....the 60 grain is awsome in the Single Six.

Haven't tried anything that light in the H&R, yet. I've had pretty good luck with the 85 and 100 grain XTP. I wish Speer would make a Gold Dot in a 85-90 grain weight range. Look forward to seeing the article.

Best,
JB

Went out again today with some more loads and the chrono. Marlin 1894 CB 32 H&R, 2X7 Leupold.

Here are my results, group size is at 100 yards from the bench. All groups are 10 shots.

85 Hornady XTP / Hodgdon Titegroup powder

3.5 grains 1158 FPS 2 1/8"
4.0 grains 1354 FPS 1 7/8"
4.5 grains 1484 FPS 2 1/2"

95 National Bullet Co. LSWC / Hodgdon Titegroup

3.5 grains 1265 FPS 3 1/2"

Sierra 90 gr JHC / Hodgdon Titegroup

3.5 grains 1195 FPS 1 7/8"
4.0 grains 1320 FPS 1 13/16"
4.5 grains 1468 FPS 2 1/8"

The Sierra 90 JHC bullets seem to shoot as well as the 85 XTP's. I have a box of 100 grain XTP's to load up next. I'm not having any luck with lead bullets. Close up the groups are okay but at 100 they are really opening up.



I see H110 mentioned in posts above. Does anyone have data from a book for H110 loads? My Hodgdon book lists H4227 and Lil'Gun but not H110. I have some H110 on hand I'd like to try.

This 32 is sure a fun rifle to shoot. 25 and 50 yard groups are real tight. One ragged hole at 25 and many shots touching at 50. No recoil and very minimal noise. I would compare the report to about that of a 22 Mag but more of a sharp "Pop" than a "Crack." When I get settled on a good load, I'll have a go at some groundhogs.

It ain't published, but 10 grains of H110 under the Sierra 90 grain is very accurate out of my revolver. I'd be surprised if it wasn't a real shooter out of the rifle. Heavy roll crimp from a Redding profile die helps light it up consistently.

The 100 grain XTP is a good bullet weight for hotter loads, have yet to try it on game but looks like a better penetrator than the 85.

I just haven't seen a whole lot of data on Lil Gun. I would think that it might produce higher velocities, at lower pressures, than H110.

Hodgdon does not like H110 in this cartridge. Probably because of the 21,000 psi maximum.

Just loaded some H110 under the 85 and 100 grain XTP's. 9-10 grains for the 100's and 10-11 grains for the 85's. I'll chrono them this week and see how they do.

I studied Hodgdon's manual and it looks like H110 falls between 4227 and Lil'gun for burning rate. I picked loads falling between them for a start and will see how they work out.

Thanks.

My wife ordered a .32 H&R over a year ago to compliment her Ruger in the same caliber - it finally came in.

We took it camping with us. I was very pleased with the rifle.

I was also shooting a ruger mkII pistol. Everyone agreed the pistol was noticeably louder. Between my sons henry mini bolt and the Marlin, none could conclude which was louder. The .22 certainly had more of a "crack" sound than the marlin - which was more of a "boom"...

Very pleasant to shoot rifle. No perceived recoil. All the fun of shooting a centerfire rifle with none of the negatives. We put about 300 rounds of Meister lead RN/FP handloads through it with no malfunctions or leading. Fit and finish are as good as I've seen in a modern production lever rifle.

I was able to continuously roll a tin can from 25-50 yards without missing. (stopping twice to replace the can).

It would make a great short range varmit/small game rifle. I expect it would also be more than adequate for some of the smaller species of deer within 100 yards.

I've yet to see one, but am waiting on a local gunshop to call me when the first one shows up. The .32 H&R is one of my favorite centerfire cartridges. I did see a Marlin in .32-20 a while back, but wanted a rifle mate for my FA revolver in .32 H&R.

How do you like the .22 rimfire style loading? Seems like a good idea to me.

I like the nastalgia of the side loading gate, but seem to regularly get my finger pinched inserting the last round.

The tube feed works great. My wife and 10yr old son seem to be able to manage it much more easily than trying to feed through a side gate.

It's still a fine looking rifle - even without the gate

It received a warm welcome when my son was shooting it at the range. Good thing I brought lots of handloads. Seemed like everyone wanted to try it. I'd recommend it to anyone.

JFSAG, have any of you tried running the .32S&W Longs or .32 S&Ws through the Marlin? Just curious,

Anyone? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I'm still trying to find one load for both the rifle and pistol. So far the rifle has shot everything well. Several of the lead bullets I've tried have left lead in the Ruger. This weekend I will try some milder loads to see how they do.

MH;

So the rifle actually feeds the little S&Ws and S&W Longs?

Sorry, should have clarified, these are mag loads.

Yeah. That's what I figured.

I'm considering the little Marlin, but I'd really like to know if it will work with the smaller S&W cartridges (S&Ws and S&W Longs).

Having the option to load it with a BUNCH of little S&Ws for fall squirrel wood trips, and then slip in an H&R Magnum if a deer/turkey/'yote appears would be fun, I think.

I have one on the .32 H&R 1894 Marlins and have reworked the action and fire-laped the bore. All fire-lapping rounds were single loaded.

Accuracy appears quite good but haven't really had a chance to wring it out yet. So far I've only shot my own handloads which were all lead bullets of 70 gr and 115 gr weight. The 70 gr bullets were loaded with moderately-heavy loads of Lil'Gun and the 115 gr with moderately light loads of Trail Boss.

I had definite feed problems with 115 gr bullets but noticed that I'd loaded them a little short when compared to factory jacketed loads. It looks like the mechanism is rather finicky with regard to OAL - looks like loading reliability might be improved by setting the bullet even slightly longer but haven't had a chance to check out the that theory yet.

I have two Ruger .32 Bird's Head revolvers and plan to use the rifle and pistols for SASS so I want loads compatable with both the rifle and pistols.

I've noticed that the trigger-pull was both a little heavy and gritty (enough to throw off the accuracy potential) and plan to address both that and the feeding problems.

Would appreciate information from anyone who has done any work in those areas on the this rifle.

Bad Dog, I have not done any work to my rifle. I have shot some 115s and they functioned fine. These bullets are from Magnus, and I seated them to the driving band.

Thanks, MHWASH, looks like it just particular to my rifle then. I test-cycled the rifle using factory Federal 85 gr JHPs with no improvement in function perhaps invalidating my previous conjecture so I'll need to figure out what's going on. There appears to be two different stops on the carrier (one about the correct length for the 32 HR and another about 1/4 in. behind that) and I suspect that cartridges are not stopping reliably at the first stop but continueing rearward allowing that cartridge to jam between the carrier and the bolt; it also will, on ocassion, allow a 2nd round into the space between the carrier and the bolt (of course everything jams up solid at that point).

Thats terrible. For a rifle that costs this much, the action should be like glass. I have one large blemish on the bolt of my rifle.

I also have and 1895 GS that I had to send back to the factory. It's one of my favorites now and finally seems to work beautifully.

Sorry to hear about the blemish. If it's a new gun then perhaps Marlin would make good on it if you returned the rifle or maybe just the bolt if it didn't require replacement but just minor refinishing.

A friend brought over his older (no safety) 1894 38/357 and we compared the functioning of each; the carrier functioning differs significantly from the 32 and the loading gate plays a part in the feeding process aside from just allowing the entry of cartridges. I even tried replacing my lever with his to no avail. I strongly suspect that the feeding problem may have something to do with the particular carrier. I guess that I really need to get a look at one which works to see what differences can be found. It's enough different from other 1894 models because of the absence of the loading gate that I'm not sure the usual tricks will work in all cases.

FWIW, there is a good article on the Marlin .32H&R in the most recent issue of Rifle.

It answers a good number of questions regarding field accuracy with the iron sights, and of feeding (or rather non-feeding) of the shorter .32 S&W Long and .32 S&W cartridges.

I haven't gotten a Marlin (waiting list here, too), but I have a NEF single shot which I had rechambered from 30-30 (24" barrel) to 32 H&R to match my Ruger. It likes the hotter loadings of the magnum. I reload the 32 Longs for general plinking in the Ruger; it will consistently shoot 1-1.5 inches all day with the 32 Longs, but the NEF doesn't seem to like them at all. 3" at 25 meters is about it- I can do better than that with the Ruger on any given day.

Waiting list?

There are TWO Marlin .32 Mags sitting in the Gander Mtn. in Greensboro, NC.