When people talk about rare firearms, most minds jump straight to limited-run military rifles or high-end custom pistols. Shotguns, on the other hand, are usually associated with practicality and mass production. Yet hidden deep in firearms history is one shotgun that defies that expectation—the 32 gauge shotgun. Quietly produced, rarely seen, and often misunderstood, the 32 gauge shotgun remains one of the rarest and most intriguing shotguns ever made.

Unlike mainstream gauges such as 12, 20, or even 28 gauge, the 32 gauge exists almost like a historical footnote. Many experienced gun owners have never seen one in person, and fewer still have ever fired one. So why is the 32 gauge shotgun so rare? The answer lies in a unique mix of historical timing, market demand, manufacturing challenges, and ammunition limitations.

Let’s break down exactly what makes this shotgun so elusive.

Understanding Shotgun Gauges and Where 32 Gauge Fits

To understand the rarity of the 32 gauge shotgun, it helps to first understand how shotgun gauges work. Gauge refers to the number of lead balls, each the diameter of the barrel, that collectively weigh one pound. The higher the gauge number, the smaller the bore.

This places the 32 gauge among the smallest shotgun bores ever produced, smaller than 28 gauge and far less common than .410 bore (which is technically measured in caliber, not gauge). While smaller gauges appeal to shooters seeking low recoil and lightweight handling, the 32 gauge was always positioned awkwardly between practical and novelty.

It simply never found a strong identity.

Limited Historical Production Runs

One of the biggest reasons the 32 gauge shotgun is so rare is extremely limited production. Unlike 12 or 20 gauge shotguns, which were produced by nearly every major manufacturer for decades, the 32 gauge was only made by a handful of companies—and even then, in very small numbers.

Most 32 gauge shotguns date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when firearm manufacturers were still experimenting with niche gauges. During this period, gunmakers tested various bore sizes to appeal to hunters, sport shooters, and youth shooters. Unfortunately, the 32 gauge never gained enough traction to justify long-term production.

As demand stagnated, manufacturers quickly discontinued it in favor of more profitable options.

Overshadowed by the .410 Bore

Perhaps the most decisive blow to the 32 gauge shotgun came from the rise of the .410 bore. The .410 offered many of the same advantages—light recoil, small frame, and suitability for beginners—while also benefiting from easier ammunition standardization.

The .410 became the go-to small shotgun option, leaving the 32 gauge with no clear advantage. It was slightly larger than the .410 but lacked the versatility of a 28 gauge. As a result, shooters and manufacturers alike skipped over it.

Once the .410 gained popularity, the 32 gauge was effectively pushed into obscurity.

Ammunition Scarcity and Manufacturing Challenges

A firearm is only as useful as the ammunition available for it. Unfortunately, 32 gauge shotgun shells have always been difficult to produce and distribute. Because demand was low, ammunition manufacturers had little incentive to keep production lines running.

This created a vicious cycle:

• Few people owned 32 gauge shotguns
• Ammo production remained limited
• Low ammo availability discouraged new buyers
• Manufacturers stopped making the guns altogether

Even today, finding factory-loaded 32 gauge shells can be extremely challenging. Many existing owners rely on custom hand-loading, which further limits the gauge’s appeal to collectors rather than everyday shooters.

Niche Use and Lack of Practical Demand

While larger gauges excel at hunting and clay shooting, and smaller gauges like the .410 serve beginners, the 32 gauge struggled to define its purpose. It wasn’t powerful enough for most game hunting, yet it wasn’t common enough to justify competitive shooting formats or widespread training use.

In short, it fell into a practical no-man’s-land.

Firearms that succeed usually do so because they solve a specific problem. The 12 gauge offers power and versatility. The 20 gauge offers lighter recoil with solid performance. The 28 gauge balances elegance and effectiveness. The 32 gauge, however, never filled a role that wasn’t already handled better by something else.

Collector Interest vs. Shooter Demand

Today, the primary interest in the 32 gauge shotgun comes from collectors, not shooters. Antique firearm enthusiasts value these shotguns for their rarity, craftsmanship, and historical significance rather than their performance.

Most surviving examples are:

• Antique side-by-side shotguns
• Often European-made
• Frequently in delicate condition
• Not suitable for modern high-pressure shells

Because of this, many owners choose to preserve rather than fire them, further cementing the gauge’s status as a collector’s item rather than a functional firearm.

Small Market, High Costs

Producing any firearm requires tooling, testing, marketing, and distribution. For a niche gauge like the 32 gauge shotgun, the return on investment simply never made sense. Low sales volume combined with specialized ammunition resulted in higher costs across the board.

Manufacturers naturally gravitated toward gauges that could sell at scale. As mass production took over the firearms industry, experimental and niche gauges like the 32 were quietly phased out.

By the mid-20th century, the 32 gauge had virtually disappeared from new production catalogs.

Why the 32 Gauge Shotgun Still Matters

Despite its rarity, the 32 gauge shotgun holds an important place in firearms history. It represents a time when gunmakers were willing to experiment, when craftsmanship mattered more than mass appeal, and when variety was celebrated rather than streamlined.

For collectors, owning a 32 gauge shotgun is like holding a piece of forgotten history. Each example tells a story of innovation, trial, and eventual obsolescence—a reminder that not every good idea finds its market.

Final Thoughts on the 32 Gauge Shotgun

The 32 gauge shotgun is rare not because it lacked quality, but because it arrived at the wrong time, served too narrow a purpose, and was eclipsed by more practical alternatives in the firearms business. Limited production, scarce ammunition, and low demand sealed its fate early on, turning it into one of the most elusive shotguns ever made.

Today, its value lies not in widespread use, but in rarity, history, and collector appeal. For those who appreciate unusual firearms and forgotten gauges, tracking down a 32 gauge shotgun can be a rewarding challenge. And for collectors searching reputable marketplaces and historical listings, platforms like GunsAmerica often provide insight into what remains of this fascinating and nearly forgotten shotgun gauge.