Scoring 32 as 38

[AkhiMertail]

Just curious, has anyone who shoots 32 in CF ever calculated whether it'd make much of a difference if 32 had to be scored as 32 instead of 38? I'm intending to start shooting CF with a S&W K38 (having shot the event as Sport Pistol with a 22, so far). I can't help noticing that the only 32s available are Pardinis and Walthers. Presumably they have an advantage over the 38 revolvers for several reasons inherent in the gun and the caliber. I do wonder how much more help this little fiddle in the scoring rules brings to the 32.

[hurt]

About 2-3 points for me...as i remember from 1-2 matches a year for last 15 years

[deadeyedick]

Yes..probably only a few points but the real benefit gained by using a .32 is in the ergonomics of a modern semi auto v something like a s&w k38.

[mister G]

If they're still available, the Hammerli SP-20 should be added to the list of great .32 S&W-L target pistols. I got mine from Hammerli pre-Walther. Handles 98 gr BB and HBWC over 1.8 - 2.0 gr of W231 and other powders.

[rmca]

It will only matter on shots that are REALLY close to the line.
Let´s do the math:

.38 fires a .357 bullet
.32 fires a .314 bullet

.357-.314 = .043

Since we are talking diametres, the difference is half that, so 0.0215
In metric that is 0.5461mm or half a millimeter...

So it doesn't matter unless the shot is really close to the line. Maybe one or two points, if that, in a match.

The main advantages are:
the ergonomics of the pistol,
the adjustable triggers,
no coking between shots in rapid fire, and
a little less recoil in the .32s

Hope this helps

[mister G]

Trying to trick us, huh?
If the2 shots go in the SAME hole, you are correct, but if they don’t, the scoring plug might give you more, that is, closer to the bullseye, no?

[David M]

It will only matter on shots that are REALLY close to the line.
Let´s do the math:

.38 fires a .357 bullet
.32 fires a .314 bullet

.357-.314 = .043

Since we are talking diametres, the difference is half that, so 0.0215
In metric that is 0.5461mm or half a millimeter...

So it doesn't matter unless the shot is really close to the line. Maybe one or two points, if that, in a match.

The main advantages are:
the ergonomics of the pistol,
the adjustable triggers,
no coking between shots in rapid fire, and
a little less recoil in the .32s

Hope this helps

Even with a .38 you are given a little bit.
The .38 is nominal 0.356"/0.357" and the scoring gauge is 0.380".
0.380" is actually the case diameter of the .38 Special and .357 Mag case.

If you want to really even the field, score as per MLAIC Blackpowder,
work on a half ball gauge. Score on the centre of the shot.
Makes the 10 ring very small with a .454" ball.

The .38 revolver advantages are:
Better ballastics and easier reloading.(more accurate)
Reliable function, a lot less malfunctions (close to nil)
Case catcher works (cylinder)
Adjustable and Trigger letoff (get a Manurhin, Korth or Toz)

[rmca]

Quite right David M

This alppies to all calibers between .30 to .38, as long as the pistol fits the box, not just .32

Hope this helps

[mister G]

IMO we're having a moot discussion now. There are several variables we haven't even touched.

#1 I'm more comfortable shooting my FAS.Domino 603 or Hammerli SP-20 in the Int'l CF Match (from the bench/ready position) rather than my .38 spl revolver or Clark-crafted .38 on a .45 frame semi-auto for obvious reasons.
#2 It has happened (and will happen) that the lower recoil of the .32 S&W-L will afford some shooters an advantage. I've seen it at Perry, the Los Angeles Trials and the Phoenix/Scottsdale Championships.

With the "right" barrel and twist, the right load and the right match (and who's holding the scoring plug!) and NO Ransom Rest, can we agree to disagree?
As the government is fond of saying, "your mileage may vary".

[Gwhite]

AGREE on something?! On an Internet forum!?

Is that even allowed...?

[mister G]

I have a "hall pass"; doesn't that qualify?