Marlin Model 1892 Lever-Action .32 Long-Rifle R.F.

[Richard S]

A friend of mine just scored a Marlin 1892 lever-action rifle (octagonal barrel) chambered for the long discontinued .32 Long-Rifle R. F. cartridge. I examined the rifle earlier today, and it is in what the collectors would call "very good" condition.

Navy Arms produced a limited batch of the cartridge for this antique rifle a few years ago, but our combined search of the usual sources has produced no results. All my friend wants are a few rounds to complete the set -- one or two rounds for testing, the rest to bequeath to his heirs. He would, however, be willing to spring for the cost of a full box of "collector's ammo." (This man is a true antiquities collector, an Air Force veteran, and a die-hard supporter of the Second Amendment.)

Having been of no assistance to my friend, I now turn to the members of the finest gun forum on the Internet. Any suggestions, links (or offers of the appropriate ammunition) will be appreciated.

RS out.

[yankee2500]

I found someone who had asked the same question elsewhere and here was the reply.
 Navy Arms made a couple of runs of both .32 Long RF and .32 Short RF a few years back. You might try them at Navy Arms, (201) 945-2500, www.navyarms.com or Old Western Scrounger, (530) 842-1250, www.ows-ammunition.com.

I couldn't get the Old Western Scrounger sit to work, but maybe the phone number is good.
John

[kjtrains]

Richard.  Here's a link for 6 rds as 6 is the max per customer.

http://www.ammo-one.com/32-LONG-R-F.html

[yankee2500]

Here is something from another forum I found. This is from 2005. The guy who was listing his web address had this in stock.

Rossow--- My webb address is www.beaversport.com. The latest price on the 32 Rimfire is 21.95 for a 50 rnd factory box.

and this may be an option. (this came from the same post)

You might try going to www.aco4u.com/ammo/index.html. They specialize in obsolete ammo and may be able to make some up for you.

John

[Richard S]

Thank you, gentlemen!

I recall that my father's 1906 Winchester pump .22 would accept shorts, longs and long-rifle cartridges, so I've ordered six rounds of the Longs as a precaution. (Thank you, KJ, for the link, since I would be giving my friend a Christmas gift anyway.) However, here is the archived advertisement for the long-rifle cartridge which apparently was promoted for the piece:

[kjtrains]

Glad to help, Richard; that will make a great gift and rare!

[Reinz]

Great going KJ!  

[tracker]

In the FWIW category I have a similar Marlin in .25-20. When I read the post about the .32 Long-Rifle R.F. scarcity I checked and saw that I only had two boxes. Thinking that .25-20 would soon become obsolete I went to my gun store and reluctantly purchased a box of Remington for $62. Look out for those old, scarce calibers.

[kjtrains]

That's probably a good price, as they are $55.47 plus shipping at Able's when in stock.

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=10480_14658_14743_14903_14863

[tracker]

Thank you, KJ; Able's is showing them out of stock so they are shrinking fast.

[kjtrains]

Yep!  tracker.  I failed to notice the out of stock sign; so they probably are getting scare.  I need to change my contacts.    

[tracker]

Fortunately, I have a Marlin .22 magnum rifle that still has reasonable ammo supplies.