2damnold4this
New member
What is the best way to utilize the .32 caliber? A Keltec? A revolver? If a .22 lr isn't enough should we step up to a .38sp, .380 or 9mm?
.32 caliber?
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irish52084
New member
Your question is a little confusing, but I'll take a crack at it.
If you have a .32 and like it, shoot it well and it's reliable, use it. Generally fmj ammo is considered the best option for the 32. AS for what platform you choose for the 32, it's up to you to decide what works best for you. Kel tec makes a nice one, but they also make a 380 that is basically the same size as the 32.
If the 32 doesn't inspire confidence, then by all means step up to a 38 special or 9mm as you already mentioned. Generally a pistol in 9mm or 38 will be larger than one in 32. If it's too big that you won't carry it, then it doesn't do you any good. If you're willing to carry a large pistol, then step up to a larger caliber and gun as generally larger guns are easier to shoot well than small ones.
As reference for my opinion, I'll tell you that I used to carry a sub compact in 40S&W before I decided I'd rather just carry a larger pistol and work a little harder to conceal it. My primary carry pistols now are a 4" XD in 357SIG and a CZ SP-01 in 9mm. They are both service size pistols that are easy to handle and require a little more effort to conceal, but they are more functional for my needs.
If you have a .32 and like it, shoot it well and it's reliable, use it. Generally fmj ammo is considered the best option for the 32. AS for what platform you choose for the 32, it's up to you to decide what works best for you. Kel tec makes a nice one, but they also make a 380 that is basically the same size as the 32.
If the 32 doesn't inspire confidence, then by all means step up to a 38 special or 9mm as you already mentioned. Generally a pistol in 9mm or 38 will be larger than one in 32. If it's too big that you won't carry it, then it doesn't do you any good. If you're willing to carry a large pistol, then step up to a larger caliber and gun as generally larger guns are easier to shoot well than small ones.
As reference for my opinion, I'll tell you that I used to carry a sub compact in 40S&W before I decided I'd rather just carry a larger pistol and work a little harder to conceal it. My primary carry pistols now are a 4" XD in 357SIG and a CZ SP-01 in 9mm. They are both service size pistols that are easy to handle and require a little more effort to conceal, but they are more functional for my needs.
2damnold4this
New member
I guess what I'm trying to ask is how we should use the .32 caliber in handguns or if we should just skip that caliber. Some folks might use it for self defense. others might use it for small game. Some might use it as a kit type gun. Some may have no use for it.
Bill DeShivs
New member
The .32 acp is a nice, accurate, and controllable little cartridge. It is not quite as powerful as the .380, but I doubt anyone shot with it would be able to tell the difference.
.32 S&W long is an extremely accurate, fairly low powered cartridge. It is very controllable-even in lightweight guns.
.32 H&R magnum ups the ante with more power and more muzzle blast, with less controllability.
.327 attempts to make a .357 magnum out of a .32 caliber. Extreme muzzle blast, higher recoil, slower follow up shots.
.32 S&W long is an extremely accurate, fairly low powered cartridge. It is very controllable-even in lightweight guns.
.32 H&R magnum ups the ante with more power and more muzzle blast, with less controllability.
.327 attempts to make a .357 magnum out of a .32 caliber. Extreme muzzle blast, higher recoil, slower follow up shots.
2damnold4this
New member
Is it more accurate than a .22lr?
theres nothing you can do in 32 you cant do in 380.
same size, weight, length, etc etc.
theres alot of cool fun .32s out there, and we shouldnt just discredit the cartridge altogether. Personally im really really liking a ww2 era mauser HSC. its just doing it for me.
but for SD, get a similar model in .380. you have nothing to lose.
my opinion, my vote on the poll.
same size, weight, length, etc etc.
theres alot of cool fun .32s out there, and we shouldnt just discredit the cartridge altogether. Personally im really really liking a ww2 era mauser HSC. its just doing it for me.
but for SD, get a similar model in .380. you have nothing to lose.
my opinion, my vote on the poll.
Cheapshooter
New member
I chose "in a modern pistol" My reasoning, although not my particular use, is that if someone is recoil sensitive enough that one of the 380 "mouse guns" bothers them the 32 is a much better alternative than a rimfire.
Shadi Khalil
New member
Smith & Wesson had a nice Airlite model, the model number escapes me at the moment. I'd line to see more guns made in the caliber, the more the better.
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longfellow
New member
32 caliber
I wish that the K-32 was a readily available as was the K-38 when I bought the 38. But, to your question, I have always thought (with zero real experience because of the aforementioned issue with the street prices of the Smith 32) that the K-32 would be even better for targets and small game than the venerable 38 Special. I've stopped looking of course because I am now perfectly satisfied with the K-38 and I don't want to keep more than one revolver (familiarity...).
I wish that the K-32 was a readily available as was the K-38 when I bought the 38. But, to your question, I have always thought (with zero real experience because of the aforementioned issue with the street prices of the Smith 32) that the K-32 would be even better for targets and small game than the venerable 38 Special. I've stopped looking of course because I am now perfectly satisfied with the K-38 and I don't want to keep more than one revolver (familiarity...).
Dragline45
New member
+1 couldn't have said it better myself. I chose .32 H&R magnum, I havent shot a bunch of them but I am a big fan of the round and plan on picking up a 6 shot J frame chambered in it when I find a good one. It is a good compromise between size, power, and recoil.
peacefulgary
New member
I have no use for the .32 at all.
Not for target shooting and not for self defense either.
Not for target shooting and not for self defense either.
secret_agent_man
Moderator
It's a good round to start a world war: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavrilo_Princip
Function of 32 caliber size cartridges ...
... in pistols.
For current gereration cartridges - not much. The .327 magnum is neat but its in firearms that coulda been a 38 or a 357.
What would really interest me would be:
A brand new .32 (or .31) cartridge that offered perfromance somewhere near the .327 magnum range - but that is physcially as small as a very small .32 caliber cartridge - case length around .5 inches and loaded round less than .75 inches.
That would allow creating a revolver with a very small 5 of 6 round cylinder and a 2 or 3-inch barrel that could be packaged like am old style .32 H+R Byicycle gun (see references/pictures to a H+R Hammerless Breaktop in the Revolver Forum).
Probably insane from a marketing/engineering/cost basis - not to mention litigation if somewhat managed to load the new very high pressure round into an old 32 Colt.
But, it would fill my perceived need/desire/want -- really really small (in every dimension) pocket pistol.
... in pistols.
For current gereration cartridges - not much. The .327 magnum is neat but its in firearms that coulda been a 38 or a 357.
What would really interest me would be:
A brand new .32 (or .31) cartridge that offered perfromance somewhere near the .327 magnum range - but that is physcially as small as a very small .32 caliber cartridge - case length around .5 inches and loaded round less than .75 inches.
That would allow creating a revolver with a very small 5 of 6 round cylinder and a 2 or 3-inch barrel that could be packaged like am old style .32 H+R Byicycle gun (see references/pictures to a H+R Hammerless Breaktop in the Revolver Forum).
Probably insane from a marketing/engineering/cost basis - not to mention litigation if somewhat managed to load the new very high pressure round into an old 32 Colt.
But, it would fill my perceived need/desire/want -- really really small (in every dimension) pocket pistol.
Cheapshooter
New member
I would be first in line for a 327 Federal Magnum Ruger LCR!!! Can't say I need it, just would like to have it!!!
cwok, because this is a thread about 32 caliber I won't go into detail, but search Taurus 380 mini- revolver.
cwok, because this is a thread about 32 caliber I won't go into detail, but search Taurus 380 mini- revolver.
Oh is that so? Are you referring to Kel tecs and Lcps? .32's are more controllable and easier to shoot and guns with single stacks in both calibers, well the .32 usually holds 1-3 more rounds. If shot placement is what matters in these small guns I vote for the control and extra capacity mags! .32!