So why did you buy a Kel-Tec P32?

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OK I just ordered a P-32. Should be here in a couple days. I have a Beretta Tomcat but while it's certainly pocketable it's too heavy when I'm wearing sweats without a belt. I generally carry big, powerful, high capacity pistols for CC. If not a 15+1 Witness 10mm it's usually the SAR K2 14+1 .45. For a quick trip down to the convenience store I throw a SAR B6PC in a cheap IWB holster. I'm probably going to upgrade that to a 10mm eventually any way.

So I bought a P32 why? just for the very occasional circumstance of sweats and a quick trip, Oh and also to be my constant companion from now until my last day on Earth! No reason not to keep something that easy in my pocket every minute of every day, even when I'm carrying the heavy iron.

What was your thought process for the decision? Maybe other readers will see a reason that makes sense even if they never considered the little BUG.
 
Just 'cause it was tiny:D
I pocket carry a LCR or Kahr CM9 depending on pocket size.
But the little P32 is fun to shoot.
I also have a Taurus 22Poly. Their plastic version of the Beretta tip-up 22 in DAO. really light, and also fun to shoot.
 
Theirs 4 in my house wife , 2 daughter's and my self . So small and lite. 32 isn't a 45. But 99% of people even bad guys don't want shot with one.

I carry HP in mine and rest family prefer ball. If you prefer HP but worry about rim lock (Winchester ball will rim lock OAL same as HP .
I experience the rimlock. So I installed the rimlock kit in my p-32 mags. Kel Tec says not a problem and stopped selling the kits. Well I had the problem and tied pistol up bad . So the ladies all have ball . You can load HP in chamber and top off mag with a HP . Rest of mag ball This gives you 2 HP rest ball and no chance of rimlock.

I also have a P-3AT and a PF-9 I have never had a problem other than the rimlock with any of my KelTecs and think one of the best pocket pistols made.
Ruger must have like them also since they copied them.
 
I have my all black P32 tucked snuggly into what looks like a black leather wallet with tooled leather. You have to look twice to notice there's a gun somewhere in there. Slips nicely in my pocket (normally front right) and prints square like a smart phone or...wallet. Loaded with FMJ ammo for maximum penetration. I broke it in with 150 rounds and no issues and after that just put her in my pocket.
 
Something that was concealable regardless of what I was wearing. Plus it's cute.

After experience with it I am pretty sure I'm not interested in any of the polymer micro .380 or 9mm. I find the recoil in the Kel-tec P32 more objectionable then 1911 .45s or full power .41 magnum due to the extremely slim profile and light weight.
 
I think I will be carrying the Underwood Cavitator rounds if they function well in mine. Looks like they could be the best option for making the .32 respectable.
 
I bought one when they first came out, just because it was one of the smallest semi autos at the time. Picked one up at the shop and couldn't believe how thin and light weight it was. They were very reasonably priced and at the time, probably got it more for the novelty. I still have it and thou I don't shoot it much, its been 100% reliable. One thing I discovered right after purchasing it is that if you remove the mag and just squeeze the grip with one finger on each side, its plastic in the grip area is so thin that it flexes inwards very easily. The thin polymer in the grip area doesn't affect its performance as its thick enough in the other areas to count. If I recall correctly, the first generation was available in 4 or 5 colors, including this blue one. Couldn't find one in black at the time.
 
When deciding between the .32 ACP and the .380, I always opt for the higher power (but more recoil and, thus, less control on repeat shots) .380. Too many tales of the dreaded "rim lock" with the .32 to shake my confidence in the round for use in self-defense-though, other than casual use with other peoples' pistol, I concede that I have no experience with the cartridge to base any valid opinion on. Just internet rumor...:o
 
Love mine, it's thin, small, and light. Always with me when I'm not carrying a real gun. I had rim-lock issues with HPs, so now I do exactly as MichaelT with 2 HPs at the top, and no rim-lock anymore.
 
I'd normally agree with all things being equal opt for the higher caliber. But in this case my decision weighed heavily on the P32 because of its slide locking back after the last round fired. Why can't the P3AT do that?
 
Gosh, the OP goes from a CC 10 mm to a .32! That's flexibility for you. For the duty the OP talked about, I can't see choosing the 32 over the 380, really. I had that choice and went bigger.

I don't think the followup is difficult at all. The muzzle rise is quite small with either the Kel Tec or the LCP we two have. I also found both to be a hoot to shoot. There is something just plain fun about both. I'd guess the 32 was likewise as much fun.

While I don't see the need for major power in a CC, I do think the jump from 32 to 380 is worth it because it carries no penalty.
 
Gosh, the OP goes from a CC 10 mm to a .32!
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Don't get me wrong. I still advocate using the biggest baddest round you can handle and conceal. My .45 and 1CM aren't going to miss any duty. The P32 will only be the sole carry gun with me when I need to run out of the house without a belt on. Pretty seldom actually but now I'm covered for the only circumstance that I've been going "naked". (the way I feel when I'm without a side arm!) It will be a BUG when I'm carrying anything else.

I've shot probably a couple thousand rounds through my other .32's and have never experienced rimlock. Maybe because I was always aware of it and take extra care to not overlap the rims while loading my mags.

In my case I picked .32 over the .380 for several reasons. The extra round and last shot hold open, and the reviews of the new Cavitator ammo that I've seen. Looks to meet FBI specs and leaves a decent size wound channel compared to FMJ and poor or non expanding hollow points. Oh, and another reason is that I already have a couple other .32's. and really didn't want to add another caliber for a gun that would only have one use for me.
 
I'll grant you that the lock slide after last shot is a heavy recommend for the .32 over the .380. It's likely the most disliked feature I can think of in these firearms.
 
I bought mine (parkerized) because I liked the idea of a 6 ounce highly reliable 7+1 pistol. I already had an LCP and found the extra round and slide lock to be attractive. I did the flyer-wire magazine modification and have found good results with HP and FMJ as desired. It has little recoil (unlike the tiny 380) and can be mag dumped real fast.

Plus it's just plain cool.
 
I've owned a P32 and a P3AT, past tense. Got rid of them both and now carry a Kahr PM9 as my BUG or for deep concealment. Better trigger, better caliber and better built. JMHO
 
now carry a Kahr PM9
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But at over 50% heavier, longer, taller, and wider, the Kahr isn't in the same "mousegun" catagory as the miniscule P32, or slightly larger P3at or LCP. I have a Kahr CM9, and it fits comfortably, and concealed in some pockets. My P32, or LCP both disappear in any pocket.
When I do carry the Kahr in my pocket it is much more noticable to me in weight, and size.
 
I have a Kahr CW-9 If 9mm pocket carry . I pocket carry a KelTec PF-9 I have considered selling my CW9 as it spends most of time in its case.
 
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