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Lindcott Armory

Pistol · Obsolete / Non-standard

.32 Rimfire

Also known as .32 Short RF · .32 Long RF · .32 Extra Long RF · .32 S&W RF

The cartridge that launched the modern American handgun industry.

Caliber
0.316″ · 8.026 mm
Introduced
1857
Case
Rimfire
Primary use
Self-Defense
Status
Obsolete

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Identity
Introduced
1857
Type
Pistol
Origin
United States
Inventor
Smith & Wesson
Manufacturer
Various (historical)
Standard
Obsolete / Non-standard
Status
Obsolete
Availability
Collector Only
Build
Case capacity
6.5 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:18
Primer
Rimfire
Case type
Rimfire
Pressure & range
Max pressure
10,000 psi
Eff. range
25 yd
Max range
50 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

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
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
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 8.030.316 ~
Neck ⌀ 8.080.318 ·
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 8.080.318 ·
Rim ⌀ 9.580.377 ~
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness ——
Neck length n/a
Case length 14.610.575 ·
Overall length 24.080.948 ~

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

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Firearms chambered in .32 Rimfire

3 models in the database chamber .32 Rimfire. Browse all →

Remington Rolling Block No.2 SportingMoore's Patent Firearms Moore's Patent Teat-Fire Revolver 32 RFSmith & Wesson S&W Model 2 Army .32 S&W 6-inch

Connected reference

Loads18 factory loads for .32 RimfireFirearmsFirearms in .32 Rimfire

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

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 →