Loading Spinner

.32 Revolvers

The .32-caliber revolver came to life in the mid 1800s as the metallic cartridge became a reality. They became popular for their small size and ease of concealment. While .32 revolvers were more popular in Europe than in the U.S., American firearms manufacturer Colt produced the .32 Colt short and .32 Colt long in 1875. The Colt round remained popular in Great Britain, and in 1878, Smith & Wesson produced their own .32-caliber cartridge and matching revolvers.

After the .32 Smith & Wesson cartridges became popular, companies like Colt, H&R, and Iver Johnson began producing small, inexpensive .32-caliber revolvers on a much larger scale. Most historical models are from this era and are distinguishable by their small size and simple design. These revolvers represent an interesting time in firearms design and foreshadow the universal move to smaller-caliber firearms for military, police, and self defense.

Gun owners seeking self-defense revolvers have adopted more efficient and powerful cartridges, but .32-caliber revolvers remain popular collector’s items. These .32 revolvers were often carried, but rarely shot. This means their finish is often worn, but their internal mechanisms are nearly spotless. The .32-caliber revolver had a longer life than most realize and was one of the first capable and concealable firearms in its era.


Quick Facts

  • The .327 Federal magnum was introduced in 2008 as a modern take on the classic .32-caliber revolver cartridge
  • The first standard-issue firearm of the NYPD was the Colt New Police Revolver in .32 long Colt. The Colt was adopted in 1896
  • J.B. Sutherland, inventor of the refrigerated railroad car, presented General George Custer with a pair of Smith & Wesson model No. 2 revolvers in .32 caliber

Recommended Items at Auction

See all items

C.S. Shattuck Unique .32 RF Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
C.S. Shattuck Unique .32 RF Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$1508 Bids
Hopkins & Allen Ranger No. 2, .32 RF Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
Hopkins & Allen Ranger No. 2, .32 RF Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$1756 Bids
Whitney Arms Co. .32 RF Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
Whitney Arms Co. .32 RF Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$1506 Bids
(X) Iver Johnson .32 Cal. Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
(X) Iver Johnson .32 Cal. Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$605 Bids
National Arms Co. Brooklyn N.Y. .32 Cal. Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
National Arms Co. Brooklyn N.Y. .32 Cal. Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$1754 Bids
Whitney Arms Co. USA, .32 RF Pocket Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
Whitney Arms Co. USA, .32 RF Pocket Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$803 Bids
Iver Johnson Defender .32 RF Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
Iver Johnson Defender .32 RF Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$403 Bids
Hopkins & Allen Dictator .32 RF Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
Hopkins & Allen Dictator .32 RF Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$503 Bids
(X) Harrington & Richardson .32 Cal. Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
(X) Harrington & Richardson .32 Cal. Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$302 Bids
Hopkins & Allen XL No. 3, .32 RF Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
Hopkins & Allen XL No. 3, .32 RF Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$402 Bids
Hopkins & Allen Ranger No. 2, .32 RF Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
Hopkins & Allen Ranger No. 2, .32 RF Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$202 Bids
Harrington & Richardson Victor 2 ½ .32 RF Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
Harrington & Richardson Victor 2 ½ .32 RF Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$201 Bid
N.Y. Pistol Co. Mohegan .32 RF Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
N.Y. Pistol Co. Mohegan .32 RF Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$201 Bid
Hopkins & Allen Ranger No. 2, .32 RF Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
Hopkins & Allen Ranger No. 2, .32 RF Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$201 Bid
Iver Johnson Smoker No. 2, .32 RF Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
Iver Johnson Smoker No. 2, .32 RF Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$201 Bid
WHITNEY MODEL 2 REVOLVER, .32RF CALIBER
Apr 01, 10:00 AM CDT
WHITNEY MODEL 2 REVOLVER, .32RF CALIBER
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $150- $250
$801 Bid
Iver Johnson Defender .32 RF Revolver
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
Iver Johnson Defender .32 RF Revolver
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$200 Bids

Sellers Who Sell .32 Revolvers


Austin Auction Gallery

Austin Auction Gallery