1873 recommendation

[Grumpy Granville]

Here's the dims referenced in the previous post.  The Hornady shell plate prohibits functionality of the Lee factory crimp "out of the box".  The factory crimp die requires a small modification to function properly.

[Grumpy Granville]

I am fortunate to have the equipment required to make the simple mod.  I simply turned the Lee factory crimps threads back a few threads and of a size smaller than .810 so the die can clear the shell plate's slot allowing for full functionality.

[Cliff Fendley]

Great photo on demonstrating the mod to the FCD. We had that discussion on another thread about using them on a Dillion. I just used a belt grinder and ground off a couple threads on the last one, it doesn't have to be fancy just grind enough off so it doesn't rub. Takes literally about 2 minutes.

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[Grumpy Granville]

That's right, Cliff.  The modification doesn't require sophisticated equipment..just need to relieve the diameter (couple of threads) by about .03 per side.  When I set the press up, I was feeling a bump however the collet was actuating properly as best I could tell..had me stumped for a minute but it didn't take me long to see what was going on.

One must be careful of this however, the die itself is surprisingly dead soft so the threads should give against the plate whether it's Hornady or, Dillon if one pushes it a bit (bad practice).  If I had to guess, the die's made of 12L14 low carbon steel which has some lead added to the mix for machinability.  (that stuff is dead soft and machines like butter giving a great surface finish as cut)

now to find a carbine..

[Cliff Fendley]

have you checked with 3B shooting supply to see if he has a carbine for sale?

[Grumpy Granville]

have you checked with 3B shooting supply to see if he has a carbine for sale?

I did. 

When I called, the gentlemen explained he didn't have anything in stock.  He was kind enough to call Cimarron to learn there were no standard carbines in stock.  Taylors checked when I called as well.  Both distributors quoted a lead time of mid summer.  Clearly, Uberti has a run in queue however, product's not available as of today's date.  I've been eyeballing the new Winchester 1866 pretty hard but, work's been keeping me busy so I've not taken action.  The 1866 short rifle ultimately paired with an 1873 carbine (in standard finish) would make for a pretty cool pair!  As I stated in an earlier post, if the Winchester was available in 32-20, the gun would already be on order.

[Cliff Fendley]

I did. 

When I called, the gentlemen explained he didn't have anything in stock.  He was kind enough to call Cimarron to learn there were no standard carbines in stock.  Taylors checked when I called as well.  Both distributors quoted a lead time of mid summer.  Clearly, Uberti has a run in queue however, product's not available as of today's date.  I've been eyeballing the new Winchester 1866 pretty hard but, work's been keeping me busy so I've not taken action.  The 1866 short rifle ultimately paired with an 1873 carbine (in standard finish) would make for a pretty cool pair!  As I stated in an earlier post, if the Winchester was available in 32-20, the gun would already be on order.

I have two Uberti Cimarron carbines in 32-20. One was a custom order with upgraded wood and checkering on the stock.

[Grumpy Granville]

I have two Uberti Cimarron carbines in 32-20. One was a custom order with upgraded wood and checkering on the stock.

I would love your thoughts on the pair of Carbines chambered in 32-20 if you would be kind enough to share.  I began to look into the cartridge and learned that it was apparently quite popular amongst trappers and farmers.  They liked how cheap it was to shoot.  Pretty cool.  I know nothing about the cartridge.

[Cliff Fendley]

I would love your thoughts on the pair of Carbines chambered in 32-20 if you would be kind enough to share.  I began to look into the cartridge and learned that it was apparently quite popular amongst trappers and farmers.  They liked how cheap it was to shoot.  Pretty cool.  I know nothing about the cartridge.

I love the cartridge and rifles. I've never shot anything but black powder, they shoot even cleaner than a 44-40 action wise. Never have to take a gun apart for cleaning. Only uses about half the powder and lead as 44-40 so very economical to shoot. Guns feed and run smooth as silk with the pointy rounds.

All in all what's NOT to like, I can't believe the 32WCF doesn't have more of a following.

[greyhawk]

I love the cartridge and rifles. I've never shot anything but black powder, they shoot even cleaner than a 44-40 action wise. Never have to take a gun apart for cleaning. Only uses about half the powder and lead as 44-40 so very economical to shoot. Guns feed and run smooth as silk with the pointy rounds.

All in all what's NOT to like, I can't believe the 32WCF doesn't have more of a following.

Of the model 92's in Australia I reckon three quarters would have been 32/20 - ideal for our conditions - nothing native here that will eat ya or stomp ya to death - the dangerours critters in this country are all sneaky things that wriggle or crawl  and do their stuff with poisonous fangs - - a big ole buck roo is about like a whitetail deer and about as difficult to kill (or less so)
Have had a 32/20 (or two) in my rack since I was 15 yrs old - lotsa fun and yes - cheap to run. 

[Chance]

I have a Uberti 1873 short rifle (20" octagonal) in .32-20 - easy to load for and a pussycat to shoot.

Chance

[Coffinmaker]

Well.  I don't have a 32-20 anything.  I think I must be deprived 

[greyhawk]

Well.  I don't have a 32-20 anything.  I think I must be deprived 

big holes in barrels look much cooler than lil ones!

[King Medallion]

big holes in barrels look much cooler than lil ones!

And easier to tote around, less weight. 

[Cliff Fendley]

Well.  I don't have a 32-20 anything.  I think I must be deprived  

YOU ARE! but don't feel bad I too was deprived until recent years, lived damn near fifty years without realizing what I was missing.

Once I got one I was hooked and more followed me home Them 32's are fun fun fun

[Grumpy Granville]

Once again, thanks to all for the comments. 

Please forgive what may be an uninformed comment; when I think of a 32-20, my perception is a hard hitting .22 (that's not a bad thing)

Yes/No?

A quick search on GB and GI didn't show any modern 32-20's available..does Uberti typically run 32-20's on an annual basis or, is it simply random?

[Cholla Hill Tirador]

Once again, thanks to all for the comments. 

Please forgive what may be an uninformed comment; when I think of a 32-20, my perception is a hard hitting .22 (that's not a bad thing)

Yes/No?

A quick search on GB and GI didn't show any modern 32-20's available..does Uberti typically run 32-20's on an annual basis or, is it simply random?

  The 32-20 is pretty much a small game cartridge. If it helps put things into perspective, loaded to its original power level, it is significantly less powerful than the 30 Carbine. +P loads get it close, but not quite there.

  Cimarron catalogs six different version of their '73 rifle in 32-20. Try www.gunsamerica.com as they have several 32-20's listed. Also www.armslist.com has some as well. I noticed that in may cases some of the original '94 Marlin's and '92 Winchesters are as cheap or cheaper than the reproductions.

 CHT

[greyhawk]

Once again, thanks to all for the comments. 

Please forgive what may be an uninformed comment; when I think of a 32-20, my perception is a hard hitting .22 (that's not a bad thing)

Yes/No?

A quick search on GB and GI didn't show any modern 32-20's available..does Uberti typically run 32-20's on an annual basis or, is it simply random?

I'll vote the 32/20 a decent lick ahead of a 22magnum - for impact .

[Cliff Fendley]

Once again, thanks to all for the comments. 

Please forgive what may be an uninformed comment; when I think of a 32-20, my perception is a hard hitting .22 (that's not a bad thing)

Yes/No?

A quick search on GB and GI didn't show any modern 32-20's available..does Uberti typically run 32-20's on an annual basis or, is it simply random?

Um, no, I'd say more like nipping on the heels of a 357 or at least a 38 special in energy. 115 grain bullet humping at about 1200 fps in a black powder load. I don't know what these new smokeless loads are, they seem pretty anemic.

The original 32wcf load is nothing to sneeze at.

[treebeard]

Once again, thanks to all for the comments. 

Please forgive what may be an uninformed comment; when I think of a 32-20, my perception is a hard hitting .22 (that's not a bad thing)

Yes/No?

A quick search on GB and GI didn't show any modern 32-20's available..does Uberti typically run 32-20's on an annual basis or, is it simply random?

Dixie Gun Works list both 1873’s and 1866’s in 32-20 in carbine and Rifle configurations.