Good news for .32 cal fans; Ruger has re-introduced its SP101 revolver in the .327 Federal Magnum caliber. From the press release:

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE-RGR) is pleased to introduce the SP101® in .327 Federal Magnum. The Ruger® SP101 in .327 Federal Magnum is a six-round, small frame, double-action revolver with a 4.2 inch barrel and adjustable sights. Built from stainless steel, this new model features a light-gathering front sight, windage and elevation adjustable rear sight, and a rubber grip with checkered hardwood inserts.

“The SP101 has a reputation for being a very strong and reliable revolver and combining it with the powerful .327 Federal Magnum cartridge creates a perfect “kit gun” package,” said Chris Killoy, Ruger President and Chief Operating Officer. “The compact size of the SP101 makes it the ideal companion while in the woods or afield, and the longer barrel helps the .327 Federal Magnum cartridge reach its velocity potential,” he concluded.

The 29.5-ounce, SP101 can be fired in either a double-action or single-action mode, and includes Ruger’s triple locking cylinder that locks the cylinder from the front, rear and bottom for reliability and durability. The rubber grip assures positive control while reducing recoil, and the Ruger transfer bar mechanism provides a measure of security against accidental discharge.

I think the .327 Federal Magnum is a very good idea that came a bit too late to be really popular. By the time of its introduction in 2007, compact revolvers had begun to give way to compact semiautomatics on the market.

.327 Federal Magnum. This ammunition is roughly equivalent to 9mm +P. Image source: handgunsmag.com

However, there’s a lot to be said still for the SP101/.327 Federal Magnum combination. From a 3″ revolver barrel, the .327 Federal Magnum produces energy levels quite comparable to 9mm +P from an equivalent semiautomatic barrel (about 5.2″), while providing additional sectional density. Given that the gun is not tremendously bigger than a Glock 26, and in that caliber is a true “six shooter”, it’s certainly nothing to scoff at.

Guns.com also has an article on the .32 cal SP101, available here.