.32 Colt

[ToadHill]

I have an old .32 Marlin that belonged to my great grandfather, He bought it new in 1914.  It will shoot either .32 Colt short or Long ammo.  I believe the short is still made and available but I know the long ammo is no longer made.

This weekend I found a box of Long ammo at a gun show and bought it.  When I took a closer look at it 40 of the rounds were Marked .32 Colt long and 10 were marked .32 S&W.  They look very much alike but I don't believe I can use the S&W rounds in the old Marlin rifle.

I guess My question is, since I can't find the colt long ammo, is it possible to have the chamber reamed out to accept S&W rounds, or is that going to ruin the value of the rifle?

[Sweetwater]

IF it is really 32 S&W Long brass, it will be too large for the chamber. Try one, just don't force it. Some places are using 32 S&W Long brass and swaging it to fit 32 Long Colt. I have about 50 pieces, brand new, if you are interested. Also a brand new set of CH4D dies in 32Long Colt and a couple hundred cast bullets. PM me if intereseted.

Chamber reaming will devalue the rifle for resale, but will make it more serviceable and probably more sellable down the road. So, that becomes your choice. Leave it as is and make your own ammo and maintain a piece of history or alter it to suit your purpose. Decision as old as time itself. ENJOY!