Different Lever - Hopkins & Allen

[MGTom]

Well, I just picked up a Hopkins & Allen falling block rifle (with lever}. When I bought it I thought the caliber was 32 Rimfire as did the owner. When I looked at it more closely on my workbench I noticed the barrel says 32 WCF. Thats 32-20 isn't it? The chamber length looks long enough to be 32-20 and the firing pin is centered.

The gun seems to be in good enough condition for shooting but I am concerned about it's age. The company went under in 1914. That's older than I am!

Do any of you have experiance with this gun? Where can I get more info on Hopkins & Allen and 32-20?

Thanks

Tom

[gamekeeper]

I can't help with anything about Hopkins & Allen but it is definitely a .32/20 I'd get it checked out by a good gunsmith and if it's OK to shoot then I'd shoot it with light loads. Congratulations on your find

Any chance of a photo?

[6pt-sika]

I bought an H&A in 32 Rimfire and gave it to my dad for Xmas about 8 years ago .

Might just pull that one out and look closer

[rjohns94]

Age isn't the problem, just make sure its in good working condition and you should have a nice shooter there. Please post pictures!

[MGTom]

Is the 32-20 ammo sold as CASS loads lower pressure than other factory ammo? I would be getting way ahead of myself shopping for 32-20 dies now but if I could get some low pressure factory loads it would supply me with brass and provide instant gratification.

Thanks,
Tom

[Griff]

Is the 32-20 ammo sold as CASS loads lower pressure than other factory ammo? I would be getting way ahead of myself shopping for 32-20 dies now but if I could get some low pressure factory loads it would supply me with brass and provide instant gratification.
Thanks,
Tom

I believe that most .32-20 ammo available today is standard velocity stuff. I'd avoid any old ammo marked "HV" for hi-velocity. This was made for the 1892 Winchester which was far better able to handle higher pressure loads than the Colt Peacemaker. I'm sure about the "Cowboy" ammo marketed to cowboy action shooters is of lower pressure or velocity than the standard loading. .38Special and .45 Colt ammo marked as "Cowboy" is generally loaded and rated as having a HIGHER velocity than standard loadings for the same bullet weight. I'd stick with standard .32-20 ammo after ensuring the headspace is correct and there isn't any significant wear around the firing pin.