The .32 Short Colt is a small centerfire revolver cartridge that was introduced by Colt's Manufacturing Company in 1875. This cartridge was originally designed for the Colt New Line revolver. The .32 Short Colt has a bullet diameter of .313 inches and a case length of 0.61 inches, making it relatively compact. It is often paired with a lead round-nose bullet weighing around 80 grains.
The cartridge was intended for use in self-defense and small game hunting due to its manageable recoil and compact size, making it a popular choice for pocket revolvers of that era. However, it is considered underpowered by today's standards and is largely obsolete, with most modern shooters favoring more powerful cartridges. Enthusiasts and collectors may still seek .32 Short Colt ammunition for use in vintage firearms.