Keltec p32 vs p3AT
- Thread starter adamBomb
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cc-hangfire
New member
I have owned both & kept the P3AT. they are almost identical in size with the P32 being slightly thinner in the front end of the slide (at least on the gen1 I had). In a DeSantis Nemisis holster, they almost disappear in dress slack front pockets. I usually carry an extra mag so the extra round in the P32 didn't mean much to me. To me the P32 was pleasant to shoot while the P3AT is at the threshold of uncomfortable. I was just as accurate with each, so I picked based on slightly better ballistics of the .380acp. I've heard Kel Tec handguns referred to as the Bic pens of the handgun world - inexpensive, non-impressive, and built just well enough to fulfill their function.
Bill DeShivs
New member
The "Bic pen" comment is mine.
While everyone touts the LCP as being more "refined" than the P3AT, it really isn't.
Granted the polymer frame looks better than the K/T. Otherwise, all Ruger did was make the gun slightly bigger and heavier than the P3AT. Americans wrongly equate heavy with quality. Mechanically, there is no difference.
So, when you buy a Ruger LCP, you get a P3AT that is bigger and heavier than the Keltec model, and it says "Ruger" on the slide.
I'm not saying the Ruger is not a good gun-it is.
While everyone touts the LCP as being more "refined" than the P3AT, it really isn't.
Granted the polymer frame looks better than the K/T. Otherwise, all Ruger did was make the gun slightly bigger and heavier than the P3AT. Americans wrongly equate heavy with quality. Mechanically, there is no difference.
So, when you buy a Ruger LCP, you get a P3AT that is bigger and heavier than the Keltec model, and it says "Ruger" on the slide.
I'm not saying the Ruger is not a good gun-it is.
Agree Bill. Well said. 
I had a P32 for a few years, sold it after about a year with the P3AT which I had for 12 years. I have the PF9 now. None are "pleasant" to shoot...if I wanted that I would get a .22RF. All have been reliable and accurate for their intended purposes. I put about 200 rounds a year through them after an initla 250 or so. So I got to about 800 with the 32 and 2700 on the .380. Have about 500 on the PF9. The new NiB slide and barrel is a great upgrade and one of the main reasons I switched to the PF9 last year.
With some of the smaller 9mms, I just don't see the need for the .380s for my purposes anymore.
I had a P32 for a few years, sold it after about a year with the P3AT which I had for 12 years. I have the PF9 now. None are "pleasant" to shoot...if I wanted that I would get a .22RF. All have been reliable and accurate for their intended purposes. I put about 200 rounds a year through them after an initla 250 or so. So I got to about 800 with the 32 and 2700 on the .380. Have about 500 on the PF9. The new NiB slide and barrel is a great upgrade and one of the main reasons I switched to the PF9 last year.
With some of the smaller 9mms, I just don't see the need for the .380s for my purposes anymore.
pocket carry is for when you have to tuck in your shirt and need truly discrete carry. most men that actually ccw are plump, and that means the waist line of their pants are bigger than the inseam. this creates not only a larger pocket, but because the gut is disproportionate to the size of the thigh, there is more room in the pocket area so the body doesn't press print what is in the [front]pocket as much. this allows for more gun to be carried there discretely.
I am skinny and muscular - 165 pounds and 5'11. There is no where to hide when you are like 5% bodyfat
I do tuck my shirt for work but cannot carry there. This would be for biking, gym, outdoor works, walks, beach, etc. Places I dont want any weight, might not have a belt, etc. Overall I am leaning towards the .32. I am going to go to a shop tomorrow to price them out and will pick it up if its a decent price.
Cheapshooter
New member
A quick check on wikkiarms shows a best price at Buds Guns of $255.00 including free shipping. Add another $20-$35 for FFL transfer should put in a comparable price range of $275-$300.
Another issue might be availability. When I decided I wanted a P32 just for grins a few months ago they were pretty scarce. I found a like new in box with extra 10rd mag for something like two and a quarter.
Shoot
(no pun intended). I live a large area, considered a city, so hopefully I can find it. There are a bunch of shops I have to choose from and several of them have like every gun but not the best prices. The smaller shops tend to have the better deals but I know they do not have either of the keltecs.The P32 gets my vote. I have owned an LCP, P3AT, PF9, and a P32. The Kel Tecs are underrated in my opinion and the P32 is my favorite. Thin, light, and easy to shoot makes it a great little pocket gun. Never had any issues with any of these guns, but the P32 is the one I wish I still had. Gave it to my son when he came back from a deployment in Iraq and he still has it.
Cheapshooter
New member
Well, I live about thirty miles out of a big city on a big river, with a big Croquet hoop on the river bank, and ended up finding my used P32 in a small town about 175 Miles NW of my home.
I still have one of the early 1st gen P-32s from when they first came out, with the narrow hex-shaped slide and virtually nothing for sights (not that the Gen2 models are much better in that regard). It's easily the lightest carry gun out there unless you want to count the little .22 mini-revolvers as well. I don't carry it much anymore, except when it's really hot outside and I'm wearing thin lightweight shorts. I avoid using JHP ammo in it due to the rimlock issues, and in a .32ACP the stuff is useless anyway. It's very easy to shoot as the recoil is very tame, but it's not good for accuracy past 10 yards. Even after the P-3AT came out I held onto my P-32 as I preferred to place my bets on the more manageable recoil and one extra round. I agree they're hard to find though, as I think gun dealers have an easier time selling the Ruger LCP and don't stock either the P-32 or the P-3AT that much anymore. At least I can't remember the last time I saw one that was new and not used.
Bill DeShivs
New member
Rimlock is extremely rare, and hollow point ammunition is not "useless" in a .32 acp gun. 
If you are going to shoot either a .380 ACP or .32 ACP, don't count on expansion to get the job done. Penetration is your only ally. Make certain that your projectile can "make the trip" before you shoot.
There is too much street evidence to ignore this undenieable fact. In a phrase: don't let your bullet "stop short"... literally! You could pay for such a shortcoming with your life.
There is too much street evidence to ignore this undenieable fact. In a phrase: don't let your bullet "stop short"... literally! You could pay for such a shortcoming with your life.
No experience with the P32. Have had the P3AT for a few years as my EDC pocket carry. It has gone months (yes, flame now) between cleanings. It has gone bang every time as needed (mainly dispatching road-injured raccoons and such) ignoring pocket link and such detritus.
The recoil of the P3AT is really no more than you would expect in such a package. These are point and shoot guns. If you need to sight, you have the wrong weapon. These are strictly point-of-mugger accurate, which is fine with me. The P3AT is not a range toy, but a self-defense tool.
The recoil of the P3AT is really no more than you would expect in such a package. These are point and shoot guns. If you need to sight, you have the wrong weapon. These are strictly point-of-mugger accurate, which is fine with me. The P3AT is not a range toy, but a self-defense tool.
