Kel Tec P32 or NAA Guardian .32?

T

TruthTellers

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I got to thinking that I'd like to add a .32 ACP to my arsenal, but it has to be a small size, smaller than today's typical .380 pocket pistols. I'm not interested in the Seecamp or the Walther PPK or the Beretta 3032 Tomcat, they're either too big or don't have sights *cough* Seecamp *cough*

The Kel Tec is super light, which appeals to me, but I don't like Kel Tec pistols by in large, with the P32 as the only exception, mainly because I've heard so many people have issues with their PF9's or P3AT's. I've seen the early models of the P32 had basically no sights, but the newer models do.

The NAA is heavier, but I'm sure it will hold up better over time because it looks better made.

Both pistols have extended magazines that make the grip longer and to me that's a really big plus and makes these two pistols the cream that rises to the top of the crop of .32 ACP pistols.

What do you esteemed gentleman think of these two pistols in a head to head battle?
 
I traded both of mine off - but head to head my early P32 was a reliable shooter, better than the NAA Guardian. Although the NAA was better made and a neat little gun.
 
I have all 4 KT pocket pistols and had both NAA semis & still have the 32.

The P32 IMO is one of the best true pocket pistols ever. Lightest pocket pistol around. Goes bang every time. Eats magazine after magazine of FMJ. The P32 and the P11 are the only two KT pocket pistols I would trust with my life. I've had nothing but problems with my PF9 & P3AT.

The Guardian 32 ACP is a beautiful gun. Definitely not as soft shooting as the P32 because it is a straight blow back. Has one less round, doesn't have a last round open (although will consistently hold slide open with last empty case - I guess that's by design because the 380 Guardian did the same) and is twice the weight of the P32.

I'll use my wristwatch analogy, again. The KT P32 is a Timex and the NAA Guardian is a . . . Raymond Weil ??? Both will function. The P32 is a knock around get sweaty kind of gun. The NAA would go nicely with a suit. :)
 
I have a whole bunch of pocket pistols, including the NAA .32.
I carry a Keltec P32.
The NAA is a cute little gun. It shoots well. It's too heavy for pocket carry.
The NAA kicks quite a bit more than the P32.
The NAA is not "better made," it's a blowback, made conventionally-from stainless steel.
The Keltec is made differently-with a plastic grip frame, and locked-breech operation.
 
Over the past year or two, whenever the P32 comes up in topic, it's usually spoken of in good regards.

Given how inexpensive they are, I think I'll pick up a P32 and see how it is. I know it'll be light and easy to carry, so that's nice as my idea was for it to be a backup to a .32 H&R or Federal Magnum revolver.
 
In the summer time I carry my Keltec P32, it shoots well and it's nice to have 8 rounds total in a tiny package.
 
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I used to have an NAA guardian in .380. I know that is not the one you are interested in, however my opinion might be of some help. I believe the .380 model is slightly larger. It is a blowback design, so in GENERAL it will have as much if not more perceived recoil than a locked breech pistol, even if said locked breech pistol is polymer. The recoil from mine was far more stout than a friends Ruger LCP .380. The trigger is terribly long and hard, making it hard to shoot fast. Now for the good things. It's heirloom quality and built like a tank. They are known for being reliable (Mine had an extractor issues causing FTE's, thus I returned it, but I regret not just fixing it and keeping it.). Accuracy? I don't even remember, but I know it was good enough for combat accurate hits at average self protection ranges. Wish I could tell you more, but is was a long time ago. Me personally, I would go with the NAA Guardian. Take note though I have never owned or shot a Kel Tek.
 
Years ago, I broke the hammer spring in my P32. It was at Christmas and Keltec was closed for the holidays.
No problem, I'll carry my NAa Guardian .32 until K/T reopens and I can order the part.
It took one day, and I went to my friend's shop and bought another P32! There is that much difference in the weight.
 
I've had my P32 for years; carry it all the time. Had a failure very early on and it went back to KT for an upgraded extractor. As long as I keep it away from crappy US .32, it runs perfectly. I stick with PPU, RWS, and Fiocchi.
 
I can only speak for the P32. I have carried one for 16 yrs. and it is the piece I go to day in and day out especially in the summer. I did the fluff and buff on mine even though I had never had any issues with it. I did trade the slide for a chrome version years ago through keltec. I have carried JHP and FMJ before without issue but have gone to Fiocci or S&B FMJ loads which seem to be a little hotter load. I put mine in a Desanti pocket holster and go.
 
Have the NAA .32 and 380 and the P32.
For carry the P32 is the best combination of size and weight of the 3.

The NAA 32 has that NAA watch like beauty of construction but it is heavy. vs the KelTec and less ergonomic to hold for me.

The NAA .380 is almost j frame heavy and feels like a grenade going off in your mitt due to the blow back design, even with the fat wood grips available.

The NAAs are 90's tech.

won't sell em though.
 
I too have had both the P-32 and the Guardian 380 for over 10 years now and both have functioned as they should with no issues. I prefer the mag extension on the .380 thou as neither has much grip, and as others have pointed out, its very heavy for its size. Build quality is great on the Guardian and as far as the recoil, its never really bothered me as I shoot much larger calibers on different platforms that have had more felt recoil. That being said, I don't shoot 250 rounds thru it at a session either. The Kel Tec P-32 is very easy to carry as its thin and a featherweight. For me, both are keepers.
 
JERRYS. said:
which ever of those two you choose, consider rimlock issues when picking the ammo.
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This is pretty much the reason I've always avoided a .32 ACP pistol. I'm not sure what I can do to avoid this issue from possibly happening, but I guess the best decision I can make ammo wise is to buy that which is the most money.
 
Stick to FMJ's for 32 ACP. The longer OAL will help prevent rimlock. The only time that I have ever experienced rimlock was after dropping a P32. It wasn't that far of a drop either. Maybe 2 foot onto a vinyl tiles. I didn't find out it was rimlocked until I went to the range the next day. I was so glad I found out before I had to actually use it for protection.

Rimlock is a serious pain to fix. I had to remove the floorplate to empty the mag. Something like that can kill ya. So if you ever knock your P32 around, empty & reload the mag...
 
I had some feeding issues with my P32 when it was new so I took it back to the store and the gunsmith found that the extractor screw was too tight and was keeping the extractor from riding up over the rim of the next round. A very slight adjustment and a simple fix, and never had another issue.

I've experienced rimlock twice, both times with Fiocchi FMJ. Now I'm careful to check the OAL of each round and how I load them.

But the size and weight of the P32 make it a very easy choice for pocket and summer carry.
 
I seem to be confused here because in your thread about NAA products being junk you posted in post #16 "Guardian doesn't apply, but nobody buys those anyway." but then here your are talking about buying one or a Kel Tec?
 
smee78 said:
I seem to be confused here because in your thread about NAA products being junk you posted in post #16 "Guardian doesn't apply, but nobody buys those anyway." but then here your are talking about buying one or a Kel Tec?
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Based on his past threads, I would imagine that whatever he purchases will soon be labeled "junk".
 
smee78 said:
I seem to be confused here because in your thread about NAA products being junk you posted in post #16 "Guardian doesn't apply, but nobody buys those anyway." but then here your are talking about buying one or a Kel Tec?
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I can see why nobody buys them now as they weigh much more than a p32 yet have more felt recoil.

I'd say this more than confirms my suspicions on the Guardian pistols.
 
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