ruger sp101 in .32h&r mag.  its a compact little revolver.  it can also chamber .32sw and .32sw long.  also ruger has the single six which is a single action and is chambered in .32hr mag but will also load the s&w calibers.  i haven't taken either of these models out but my single action ruger blackhawk is very nice.  taurus also has the model 731 in .32hr mag.  it is also a small frame.  i don't know how good they are.  s&w has 2 models in that caliber as well--431 and 432.  i have no experience with that company.  others will be along shortly to tell you what is best etc.  i am just here to tell you what there is and to buy a ruger.

Cheap - but functional -  gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=41116226

The guy has a couple of them.

damn those things are ugly.  and are you posting links to your own auctions?  or is the penn. thing just a coincidence?

Quoted: Cheap - but functional -  gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=41116226 The guy has a couple of them.

Don't get an old H&R. Not hammer block. You have to carry with an empty chamber under the hammer.My uncle shot himself in the leg with one because he dropped it fully loaded on the hammer. I know he is an idiot, but, if your not a gun nut , you may not know better.

Quoted: Currently he has a S&W in .22lr (not sure what model).  Any suggestions?

There's nothing wrong with .22 caliber snake/bird shot.

Can you buy .32 caliber snake shot loads or is he planing to handload them?

Kent

A revolver in .32 S&W Long is just the ticket in a trail/ kit gun. Recoil is very mild, can be loaded up over 1000 fps with a JHP or down to 600 fps range with wad cutters, depending on the shooter.
Shot shells can be made quite easilt with the shot between thin cardboard wads and a roll crimp to hold it. I have a  S&W mod 31,  a pre mod 30, and a pair of Colt Police Positives. I will take a 32 over a 22 any day.  A used 80% Colt should be in the $150 range.  The S&W run quite a bit more. Rossi and Taurus both make .32  Stick to a 3 to 4 in. He wont be sorry he bought one. 6 shots of 32 aint too shabby in the 2 legged critter defense dept either.

Lebrew

www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=6512&return=Y
www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=6515&return=Y
Great guns

432PD by S&W, its an airweight I love it .plus it shoots 32 long.

id really like a 32 H@R mag snubby .