Kel Tec P-32 or P-9

H

hube1236

New member
I want a gun to carry while cycling. Since I am a fat bastard, I like to minimize weight while riding as rides range from 40 - 80 miles. Primary use would be dogs and overly aggressive humans in cars or most likely if they got out...

I would also like a deep concealment and like the belt clip feature of both guns. The P-32 is parkerized and I think that would help with the sweat output on the rides.

I will not be using this to hunt deer, and realize that the P-9 is the better choixe given caliber considerations, but it is boxy and HEAVY.

Help.
:confused:
 
Do you mean Keltec p11, or Kahr p9??? Big difference.

I really like the p9. I haven't tried a p11, but probably will soon. I'd pick either over the p32. But, I don't think you want to be biking around shooting dogs with any gun. I'm alot more afraid of bad guys than ANY dog, but then, I'm not afraid of dogs ;)
 
If you're concerned about rust from perspiration, get the chrome P-32 or P-11. Much more rust resistant than the blue version or parkerized.
 
You could always carry a larger weapon with more effectiveness in a fanny pack and not look out of place. I don't know about you, but I definitely would not want to shoot an angry dog with a 2" barreled .32 auto. You could carry a full size or a compact .45 easily. When I use a good fanny pack I scarcely notice the weapon. Why carry a tiny weapon when you don't have to?

I also wouldn't want to rely too heavily on a clip to secure my weapon on my person. The continual movements of cycling could eventually work the weapon loose. Plus spandex prints really, really bad!:D

Besides, isn't cycling a way of lifestyle that promotes fitness? If you are riding 40-80 miles you aren't that out of shape.

Good SHooting
RED
 
Hube,

My gun dealer claims that every biker in the state has a P32 in his pocket. Weapon of choice -- undetectable, handy, no special rig required, effective against any nuisance....

No bike anymore, but I do have a P32 and a P11, and I agree with my dealer.... :D
 
Red,

Biker. Fat guy bicycling 40-80 miles? Frequently? Regularly? Couldn't claim to be a fat guy for long! :D

"Biker" is a fairly recent term. Hog and cycle (pronounced "sickle") antedated "bike" I think. Seems like "biker" was a pejorative for motorcyclists who rode Japanese motorcycles due to their Honda 50, etc., roots.

As the term became accepted like the Japanese motorcycles, bicyclists became cyclists.

Maybe I've just lived too long.... :rolleyes:
 
I have a P-32, and it has treated me well. Lightweight, easily concealable, resistant to sweat. You'll forget it's there!

That said, in really hot weather I usually carry a Colt Mustang Pocketlite. It won't conceal quite as easily, but in comfortable fitting jeans it will slide into the back pocket & stay there (inside an Uncle Mike's Pocket Holster), & I wear my t-shirt un-tucked to cover it when I'm off the bike. They are going for a premium now, but hopefully the rumors about Colt manufacturing them again are true & prices will settle down.

Still, if you want something smaller & easier of the wallet, the P-32 is a good choice.
 
I have both. P32 is much easier to conceal. However, P9 is light enough that you could wear it *provided it was held against you rigidly and didn't bounce up and down* (that would hurt your backover time). I'd say that P32 is a far more comfortable weapon to wear by far.
 
Thanks for the replies, in fact you did the jedi mind trick and made me say p9 but think p11.

You would be suprised about the dog situation. I would be looking for something, anything other than an aluminum frame pump. Fleeing is always the first and only option, but you never know.

The local gn store has them for the same price, which is why I am considering the p11. I have always wanted the little 32, but being that the 9 is the same price...

What is the cost of ammo for 32 vs 9? I know wallyworld is 9 deep and cheap.
 
Kel-Tec P32 vs. Kahr P9

I have both. I carry both of them and find them to be reliable. I primarily carry the Kahr during the colder months in a Wild Bill's IWB Tuckable Covert Carry. I use Winchester White Box FMJ 115 gr for practice and Winchester JHP for carry. Just make sure you clean behind the extractor. I did have some fail to extract at around 500 - 800 rounds. I then started to pay a little more attention to cleaning behind that extractor and have had no problems since with 1000 rounds through it now. I also find the Kahr to be very accurate for a light gun. I use Fiocchi FMJ 73 gr in the P32. Had a few failures to feed during first couple of magazines, but now seems to be working fine. Keep it well cleaned and oiled. I use the P32 in the warm weather with shorts and a t-shirt. I use a home made pocket holster. You hardly know it's there. It may not be the most powerful round out there but it beats carrying nothing. Can't go wrong with either gun if they're used the way they were intended and you know their limitations.
 
P-32 is the best choise since there isn't anything else that small and light that isn't a 25ACP or a 22LR. I personally haven't had good luck with mine or their service, but if you just have to have something small and light, like I would want if I was on a bike, the P-32 is it. If you can find one used that you can test fire before buying, then go for it. You mentioned parkerized. Kel-Tec also makes a blued version of the P-32, so double-check before you buy. They also make a P-32 with a hard chromed slide. That would be my choise if I had to carry while getting hot and sweaty.z
 
hube-

I have often contemplated taking a pistol with me on rides for this purpose, but just never found a good place to put one!

You would be suprised at the stopping power of a Zefal frame pump! I once even tried the old take-a-water-bottle-full-of-ammonia trick on a dog that threatened me repeatedly on a regular ride. Worked on him, but not sure if it would work on every dog. Plus it tasted awful.

Now I just think of dogs as unexpected training partners. Still considering taking a gun along for bottle throwing, handlebar clipping jackasses who might want to take things too far.
 
I am a smaller guy at only 5ft 6in 185. I love my P-32. I can go anywhere I want and not really concern myself with what I have on to conceal (summer carry). My Glock 26 is great for colder weather/dress. But it is a little harder to conceal w/ shorts 7 T-shirts. My hat is off to the P-32. I can highly recomend it. Just remember that it's not an elephant gun, It will get the job done but thats it.
 
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