Category Archives: Handguns

Describes pistols, revolvers and shooting results with same.

A Thompson Center G2 Contender in .32 S & W Long

This post describes the design and performance of a Thompson/Center G2 Contender equipped with a .32 S&W Long barrel made by Match Grade Machine of Hurricane, Utah. But first, I have to present my annual, winter bald eagle picture.  This … Continue reading

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Late February at A Tale of Two Thirties

The ice is getting rotten at this site near ATOTT Headquarters. Some of it has disappeared already and the rest of it won’t last more than a day or two.  A bit early, perhaps, but this bald eagle doesn’t mind … Continue reading

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The Smith & Wesson First Model Hand Ejector

This post discusses the first Smith & Wesson revolver to use the side-swing design for opening the cylinder.  The .32 S&W Long cartridge was introduced by this revolver. When you want to do a serious shooting project, you need to … Continue reading

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A Umarex Colt .45 SAA in a Western Combo

A rifle and revolver taking the same cartridge was entirely a practical matter for our American ancestors. Survival on the frontier was complicated enough without having to worry about keeping track of different cartridges for long gun and short gun. … Continue reading

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The Smith and Wesson Model 30-1 .32 S&W Long

This post describes the design and performance of a fine Smith & Wesson .32 revolver. I have been a .32 fan since dad showed me Great Grandma’s old Harrington and Richardson.  She carried it in her apron pocket during the … Continue reading

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The Harrington and Richardson Model 732 Guardsman

This post describes the design and shooting characteristics of a Harrington & Richardson Model 732, .32 S&W Long revolver. I formed an early relationship with the Harrington and Richardson company.  In my boyhood, H & R was an old firm … Continue reading

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Things That Get Lost: A Colt Police Positive .38

This post describes a collector-grade Colt Police Positive revolver, First Issue, Caliber .38 Colt New Police. Encountering this revolver in the handgun case of a local gun shop was totally unexpected.  It is a Colt Police Positive, First Issue, in … Continue reading

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Two Sidearm Thirties: Colt Model of 1849 vs. Smith and Wesson No. 2

Time for some handguns here. The first picture shows a Smith & Wesson No. 2 Army and a Colt Pocket Model of 1849, two revolvers very similar in purpose, but quite different in design.  The S&W was made in 1861 … Continue reading

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Summer Moves Along

Now might be the time to start worrying about whether you are going to get summer’s projects finished before summer is.  Lots of hot weather and a fair amount of rain have passed by Tale of Two Thirties headquarters.  On … Continue reading

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Shooting Grandma’s Pistol

There were many so-called “pocket pistols” available in the days when Grandma carried hers in her apron pocket. This arose from the desire of the general population to have some means of self defense that would be smaller and more … Continue reading

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