32-44 SMITH & WESSON

Research notes

The 32-44 S&W was developed by Ira Albert Paine (1837 – 1889) in 1886 for a S&W Single Action No.3 Target Revolver. Together with the 38-44 S&W, these were low recoil target revolvers. Paine, together with contemporary F.E Bennett were very good shots with a variety of weapons and performed all over the US and Europe in trick shooting exhibitions. The revolvers using the .32-44 cartridge had cylinders bored precisely to match the .321 inch diameter bullet, ensuring the bullet was fully supported and was not deformed as it passed from case to barrel. This was thought to increase accuracy and according to the SASS Forums it is stated that some of the accuracy records set with these revolvers still stand even today (Erlmeier, Brandt Ref. 336).