Pistol · Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardizedObsolete
.32 Rimfire
The cartridge that launched the modern American handgun industry.
- Caliber
- 0.316″ · 8.026 mm
- Introduced
- 1860
- Case
- Rimfire
- Primary use
- Self-Defense
- Status
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1860
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Smith & Wesson
- Manufacturer
- Various (historical)
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Obsolete
- Availability
- Collector Only
- Case capacity
- 6.5 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:18
- Primer
- Rimfire
- Case type
- Rimfire
- Max pressure
- 10,000 CUP, SAAMI crusher
- Eff. range
- 25 yd
- Max range
- 2000 yd
- Recoil
- 1.5–2.5 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .32 Rimfire — an obsolete/collector cartridge.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
Wikipedia · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 8.03 | 0.316 | ~ |
| Neck ⌀ | 8.08 | 0.318 | · |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 8.08 | 0.318 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 9.58 | 0.377 | ~ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.48 | 0.058 | |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 14.61 | 0.575 | · |
| Overall length | 24.08 | 0.948 | ~ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .32 Rimfire is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Firearms chambered in .32 Rimfire
Lineage
History
Smith & Wesson introduced the .32 rimfire in 1857 with the Model 1 revolver, the first American revolver designed from the ground up for metallic cartridges. The timing was perfect: the Rollin White patent gave S&W a monopoly on bored-through cylinders, blocking competitors from making metallic cartridge revolvers until 1869. The .32 Short rimfire — loaded in a 7-shot cylinder — was the pocket pistol cartridge of the Civil War era. Doctors, officers, gamblers, and civilians across America carried S&W No. 1 and No. 1½ revolvers in .32 rimfire. After the Rollin White patent expired in 1869, Colt and other manufacturers flooded the market with competitive designs and the centerfire era began. The .32 S&W centerfire superseded the rimfire by the 1880s. No current production exists; original S&W No. 1 revolvers in working condition are among the most collected American antique firearms.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .32 Rimfire use?
- .32 Rimfire typically uses a 1:18 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .32 Rimfire?
- .32 Rimfire uses a 0.316″ (8.026 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .32 Rimfire still in production?
- .32 Rimfire is obsolete; typical availability is collector only.
- What is .32 Rimfire used for?
- .32 Rimfire is primarily used for self-defense.
Sources & provenance
- Standard SAAMI — SAAMI cartridge & chamber drawing — .32 Rimfire archived
- Standard Obsolete — no current SAAMI or CIP standard
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 18 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
