Small Game / Mid Sized Varmint Gun?

[SJPrice]

I have been researching a decision on what caliber to purchase in a new FA 97.  I am pretty well decided on a 4 1/4 or 4 3/4 inch barrel and adjustable sights.  I am also sure I will go with a second cylinder.  My tough choice comes in caliber.  I am down to either a 22lr/22 MAG or a 32MAG/32-20.  I would be very interested in any comments or experience anyone may have to share.  I am also open to comments on my choice of barrel length.  One way or the other I will likely place an order sometime next week.  Thanks for your time and effort.

[Ken ONeill]

Metal and paper targets, squirrels, cottontails, prairie dogs: .22LR/ .22 Mag.
Jackrabbits, groundhogs, fox, PERFECTLY HIT javelina, etc.: .32 H&R Mag. Personally, I'd lose the .32-20 idea. A .357 is also a great choice for this category.
I'd also prefer a 5.5" barrel, for the extra sight radius. I use handguns as the primary hunting gun, not as a sidearm. Opinions and uses by others will vary, of course.

[HAMMERHEAD]

I like the .357 as an all arounder, but I'm a handloader.
Light and fast 125 JHP's for anything under deer.
Slow .38 spl level loads for small stuff.
I have the 4.25" model 97. I regret not getting the 5.5" version.

[Crazy Horse]

You would really love the 32 mag ( if you reload). I have Ruger bisely in the 32 mag and it is one of my favorite pistols. If I had the money to order the FA 97 in the 32/32-20 I would do it today. I dream about that pistol!!!!

[Dusty Miller]

I'm with Hammerhead on this one.  Buying a 32 mag. when the 357 mag. is available for the same price does not compute in my head but, we are all different and have our individual tastes so buy what you want, just make sure its an FA!

[Crazy Horse]

MY problem is I want one of them all!! haha  A 357 would be great too. I really would love to have a 41 after I get a 475...

[chucky52]

I would take issue with the upstream comment about the 32-20. I shoot 32Mag in NRA Silhouettes and compete with a buddy who shoots 32-20. Let me put it this way, I want one. You get .357 velocity with a 115 grain bullett and according to Hamilton Bowen's website, it has the trajectory of a banjo string. My buddy shooting the 32-20 silhouette gun would agree. Again, I want a 32-20 FA and if I can get two cylinders, perfect.

[Ken ONeill]

A .32-20 in a Contender is fine and dandy... although the brass is delicate. As a result, a .30 Carbine is probably a better option in that single shot. I know from talking with Bob Baker during the developmental period, that FA struggled with getting satisfactory accuracy from the .32-20 cylinders before they introduced them. The .32 Mag. accuracy was seen as fine from day one, and although individual guns will vary, I believe that your objective testing would show accuracy to still be superior in that chambering in the FA.
 I believe a man should own what he wants, though, so have at it. The .32-20 is the "convertible" cylinder in the FA's, with the .32 Mag. being the basic offering, so a person who wants a .32-20 will end up with both cylinders. Of course a .32 Mag. owner can return the gun to the factory to have the .32-20 cylinder retro-fitted. I've owned a .32-20, though, and it's not for me.

[chucky52]

I was unaware; but, Hamilton Bowen is mighty proud of his Ruger line bored 32-20 conversion. I have been having my share of problems with Marlins, lately. I do not need an additional gun problem. I can't justify additional funds for additional complications.

[fowler]

Well I have 2 Rugers in 32mag and one has a 32/20 cylinder for it. In my never humble opinion it is hard to see much real world gain in a 32/20 over the 32 mag. The 32mag case is stronger and more efficient than the 32/20. That having been said I really like the 32/20, no real reason just like the classic case I guess. As for a 22 the $2000 you are looking to spend seems like a hell of a price for a 22 but to each their own. For the hand loader the 32 mag just is way too versatile over the 22 or 22 mag. 85gr lead bullets at 850 for plinking and small game you want to eat, 120gr LBTGC (my favorite) for everything else. I know I have fallen in love with these little guns of mine and only wish I could afford a 97 in 4 3/4" with a octagon barrel (especially with a matching 83 in .475).

Good luck