In .32acp, I have a Seecamp, a NAA Guardian and a Kel-Tec. I have shot them all; I personally, find all three highly reliable and accurate. That said, the Seecamp and the Guardian are almost always in the safe, but the Kel-Tec goes with me everywhere. FWIW, I carry 2 magazines of .32acp Fiocchi FMJ ammo.
Seecamp vs. Keltec P-32
- Thread starter PATH
- Start date
Hi Kentucky Rifle:
The pre-CNC Seecamp is the one I carried for years, before I replaced it with the Guardian 380. I bought it used and it has a scar on the top of the slide. If it wasn't for that scar, I could not tell the two apart (Pre-CNC v post-CNC). But there is a huge difference between the 25 Seecamp and the 32 ACP versions. The only real benefit of a post-CNC Seecamp is that Larry now claims that you can use pretty much anything out there except for Federal JHP's and hardball. The reason is that when he got to SN 30,500 he switched to Pine Tree castings (i.e. Ruger).
As to the 380, last month was suspose to have been the original release month for the new gun, but problems arose, so its release has been delayed. Larry does admit that it will have a life expectancy, but where that line will be hasn't yet been determined. My understanding is that one of the prototypes has survived 5000 rounds.
The pre-CNC Seecamp is the one I carried for years, before I replaced it with the Guardian 380. I bought it used and it has a scar on the top of the slide. If it wasn't for that scar, I could not tell the two apart (Pre-CNC v post-CNC). But there is a huge difference between the 25 Seecamp and the 32 ACP versions. The only real benefit of a post-CNC Seecamp is that Larry now claims that you can use pretty much anything out there except for Federal JHP's and hardball. The reason is that when he got to SN 30,500 he switched to Pine Tree castings (i.e. Ruger).
As to the 380, last month was suspose to have been the original release month for the new gun, but problems arose, so its release has been delayed. Larry does admit that it will have a life expectancy, but where that line will be hasn't yet been determined. My understanding is that one of the prototypes has survived 5000 rounds.
Having fired both handguns, I have to say that if one were to be given to me free, I would choose the Seecamp. But if I am shelling out my dollars for one it would be a KelTec because I don't think the Seecamp is worth the extra several hundred dollars.
Frankly, I don't trust any pocket auto however...I would rather have an alloy frame 38 snubbie.
Frankly, I don't trust any pocket auto however...I would rather have an alloy frame 38 snubbie.
BloodyThumb
New member
I own one of each. I will not carry anything I cannot shoot with regularity. Neither is EVER used as a primary carry..... always a backup...... the intended use for both I believe.
Right now, they are BOTH doing well. Both are showing age, but the P32 is showing more age with less than half the rounds of the Seecamp, but.... doing pretty well so far. Hit potential seems to be about the same for both, but then I try to limit my practice with it to something realistic for what I am shooting.
I expect the Seecamp to be handed down to one of my boys. I expect the P32 to not outlast the leather I bought for it.
If I'm wrong, I'll admit it when the time comes, but for now, I still believe that for carry, buy the best you can afford, and if it's too heavy or hurts......... get something bigger or stay home.......
BT
Right now, they are BOTH doing well. Both are showing age, but the P32 is showing more age with less than half the rounds of the Seecamp, but.... doing pretty well so far. Hit potential seems to be about the same for both, but then I try to limit my practice with it to something realistic for what I am shooting.
I expect the Seecamp to be handed down to one of my boys. I expect the P32 to not outlast the leather I bought for it.
If I'm wrong, I'll admit it when the time comes, but for now, I still believe that for carry, buy the best you can afford, and if it's too heavy or hurts......... get something bigger or stay home.......
BT
Kentucky Rifle
New member
George...
That could be my fault regarding him saying Seecamps do not like Federal JHP's. I don't think Larry knew until I told him those little .32 caliber Hydra-Shoks simply would not chamber in my personal Seecamp.
I guess it's not too important, but I think I remember asking Larry what the serial number of the first CNC machined model was, and I think he said "27000". I could be wrong though, it's been a while. Another thing...I have trouble with "keyholing" from my Seecamp when I use Silvertips. I asked Larry about it and he said Winchester had made some changes in the round and to try Gold Dots. (I think the major change in Silvertips was the powder.) Gold Dots work perfectly in my Seecamp and also JB's. I lube my Seecamp (and now, everything else including folding knives.) with Militec-1. I've been really impressed with that stuff. A little goes a long, LONG way. (It's on sale on their website now, too.)
KR
That could be my fault regarding him saying Seecamps do not like Federal JHP's. I don't think Larry knew until I told him those little .32 caliber Hydra-Shoks simply would not chamber in my personal Seecamp.
I guess it's not too important, but I think I remember asking Larry what the serial number of the first CNC machined model was, and I think he said "27000". I could be wrong though, it's been a while. Another thing...I have trouble with "keyholing" from my Seecamp when I use Silvertips. I asked Larry about it and he said Winchester had made some changes in the round and to try Gold Dots. (I think the major change in Silvertips was the powder.) Gold Dots work perfectly in my Seecamp and also JB's. I lube my Seecamp (and now, everything else including folding knives.) with Militec-1. I've been really impressed with that stuff. A little goes a long, LONG way. (It's on sale on their website now, too.)
KR
Hi Kentucky Rifle:
Seecamp began using Pine Tree castings at about 30,500. They claimed the quality of the Pine Tree casting was so good that Larry felt safe telling people that they could also begin using other ammo. Although, he still ships his guns with the recommendation to use only Silvertips.
When you take price into consideration, if I had to compare the NAA Guardian 32 to the Kel Tec P32, I would pick the Guardian everytime because (1) it is significantly smaller, and (2) the 2 oz weight difference is so small.
Seecamp began using Pine Tree castings at about 30,500. They claimed the quality of the Pine Tree casting was so good that Larry felt safe telling people that they could also begin using other ammo. Although, he still ships his guns with the recommendation to use only Silvertips.
When you take price into consideration, if I had to compare the NAA Guardian 32 to the Kel Tec P32, I would pick the Guardian everytime because (1) it is significantly smaller, and (2) the 2 oz weight difference is so small.
Kentucky Rifle
New member
George...
Yep, I do love my Guardian. I didn't know that the weight was only 2 oz. more than my P-32 though. Feels like more than that. I'm sure you're talking about "loaded weight". The P-32 is definately far slimmer than the Guardian. I tried shooting those Cor-Bon hollow points from my Guardian and got "bullet setback", so I sent it to NAA and now the Cor-Bons work perfectly. They sent me a couple of new mags for my trouble too. Good folks and good service. I like to keep my P-32 in an ankle holster. It's so light and thin, even an old man with a bad back (like me) can get it out fast enough.
I keep my Seecamp in a RJ Hedley back pocket holster or an Aker shark skin front pocket model. I think the holsters I've gotten right the first time were the ones I purchased for my .32's. 
KR
Yep, I do love my Guardian. I didn't know that the weight was only 2 oz. more than my P-32 though. Feels like more than that. I'm sure you're talking about "loaded weight". The P-32 is definately far slimmer than the Guardian. I tried shooting those Cor-Bon hollow points from my Guardian and got "bullet setback", so I sent it to NAA and now the Cor-Bons work perfectly. They sent me a couple of new mags for my trouble too. Good folks and good service. I like to keep my P-32 in an ankle holster. It's so light and thin, even an old man with a bad back (like me) can get it out fast enough.
I keep my Seecamp in a RJ Hedley back pocket holster or an Aker shark skin front pocket model. I think the holsters I've gotten right the first time were the ones I purchased for my .32's. KR
hoplophile
New member
The Kel Tec weight of 6.6 ounces is less the magazine. With the magazine, unloaded, the weight is 7.8 ounces.
Why Kel Tec would give the weight without the magazine, I have no idea.
Why Kel Tec would give the weight without the magazine, I have no idea.