What are some antique-status rimfire revolvers that use common ammo?

[OkayShooter]

We already told you, the calibers that exist are not commonly found. There are no commonly found rimfire calibers. You didn’t want to hear that answer.

You can get kits from H&C to load your own rimfire.

Case closed.

I mean he can buy some 32 rimfire for 7-10$ a round. With no guarantee that it will fire.

Then pay 700$ plus for a worn-out revolver.

Then paying 10$ per brass for that reloadable brass.

Some worth it.

 

[MosinMan13]

I mean he can buy some 32 rimfire for 7-10$ a round. With no guarantee that it will fire.

Then pay 700$ plus for a worn-out revolver.

Then paying 10$ per brass for that reloadable brass.

Some worth it.

No for sure, there’s usually the odd box of antique 32 at a gunshow.

Personally after my experience with Rusty Wood I’ll never shoot rounds through my antiques that I didn’t personally load.

That’s my thoughts on this, instead of asking “What gun/caliber can I find readily available and convenient to shoot” ask “what’s a good reliable RF pistol I can start out with, and what are people’s experience with loading their own”

The sticky on what it takes to shoot the old ones would be a great starting place for OP.

 

[snurge]

find a tranter in 230 rimfire cal. They are prescribed antiques
Very small guns,not for accuracy or stopping power but fun
They can shoot 22 bb or cb caps which you can get at Canadian tire
100 rds for around 20$
They will fire 22 short but might blow your fingers off

 

[C96 1897]

The slocum revolver is an interesting rimfire antique

 

[tiriaq]

About the only pre-1898 rimfire cartridge which would qualify for antique status and which has been manufactured recently is the .22WRF. I suppose there were some revolvers made with this chambering or a quality .32RF antique could have its chambers and barrel sleeved for .22WRF.

 

[153]

About the only pre-1898 rimfire cartridge which would qualify for antique status and which has been manufactured recently is the .22WRF. I suppose there were some revolvers made with this chambering or a quality .32RF antique could have its chambers and barrel sleeved for .22WRF.

Great insight, thank you so much

find a tranter in 230 rimfire cal. They are prescribed antiques
Very small guns,not for accuracy or stopping power but fun
They can shoot 22 bb or cb caps which you can get at Canadian tire
100 rds for around 20$
They will fire 22 short but might blow your fingers off

oh very good thank you so much I will look into it!

 

[Deng577]

I've held a "Suicide Special" pocket revolver in 32 rimfire that had the cylindre and barrel lined to shoot 22WMR. Couldn't fire 22 short or 22LR so still an antique. Neat little gun but the hammer spring was broken, was brought into the shop for repair. I have photos of it but given that i don't have the owner's permission i'll prob refrain from reposting them.

 

[Johnyy]

Question, if a certain 'cartridge' {centre or rim} Isn't specifically "named"..then you can convert {antique pistol} to that caliber?
*EDIT* I see ^ above, he mentions .22WMR. So, that is fine to convert to?

 

[scianna54]

There are 32 and 41 rimfire as well.

But then you get down to cost. The its an antique and no PAL fee. Then trying to find ammo for them.

There is a box of 38 rimfire short at 180$, 5 rds for 50$.

Which often don't go off.

I have a 41RF with a box of Navy arms ammo, it will fire but most 32 and 38RF are just too old.

I recommend converting to 22 MWR or find one but it ain't cheap.

 

[Deng577]

Question, if a certain 'cartridge' {centre or rim} Isn't specifically "named"..then you can convert {antique pistol} to that caliber?

Yep. I have a Snider-Enfield i converted to shoot 9mm Luger. Still antique.
There's no requirement in Canada for antique firearms to be in a pre-1898 caliber. Other countries do require this, and i think this confuses alot of people.

 

[tiriaq]

.22WMR is pretty hot. .22WRF less so. The Magnum would certainly put more stress on the revolver than .32RF.
Keep in mind that the Gov't can end this business of paper free cartridge revolvers quite easily.