Thinking of getting a .32
- Thread starter Roland Thunder
- Start date
If the Lcp or P3at are otherwise acceptable but the extra round that the P32 holds makes you lean that way, you can add an extra round to the .380s with MagGuts. I have been on the fence about getting a pocket carry gun since it's only a rare occurrence that I leave the house wearing only sweats or shorts, but I'll probably end up getting one for those times. Not that I don't trust or like the .32s but the availability of SD ammo that the .380 offers is a plus if there's a chance you might not get a CNS shot off when the pressure is on.
Maybe, but the size difference, if there is one, isn't enough for me to squabble over
Maybe in the world, maybe in the USA in 1985m but hardly in the USA today. As nostalgic as I like to be, .380 ammo is FAR more popular and readily available in a variety of flavors in any retail American stores that sell ammo than .25 and 32 acp combined today.
I'm not knocking the 32 acp round, I love it, and I even handload it, and I'm not touting any kind of 380 superiority but you have to acknowledge that if you depend on buying ammo at the store, 380 is a lot more likely to be on the shelf.
Cheapshooter
New member
What I carry most isan LCP. Just a tiny, unnoticablly larger than the Kel-Tec P32. But in some extreme situations,my P32 might get some use. Bought it used, andhad some problems first time out. But I hadn't cleaned, or lubedit. After doi g so I have run a couple troublefree mag sthrough it. After it passes my 100+ trouble free rounds test it might be put to use in some situations.
I do know what you mean about the Kahr. My CM9 works in some pockets well. But it is nearly unnoticed to me,and completely unnoticeable to others carried IWB in a Theis Hybrid IWB holster.
Oh, don't sell your Kahr. Just add a mousegun 32 or 380.
.............VVV..............
I do know what you mean about the Kahr. My CM9 works in some pockets well. But it is nearly unnoticed to me,and completely unnoticeable to others carried IWB in a Theis Hybrid IWB holster.
Oh, don't sell your Kahr. Just add a mousegun 32 or 380.
.............VVV..............
Onward Allusion
New member
At 6.6 ounces the P32 has a place as a concealed carry piece. It's lighter than any 25, 32, or 380 I am aware of and a whole lot better than harsh words.
Bill DeShivs
New member
Why would anyone be limited to buying ammunition at local stores?
As I said, there are probably more .32 acp pistols in existence than most other calibers.
Because in America "bigger is always better" seems to be the rule, few new .32s are being made, but with literally millions of guns out there, I don't see it as a dying cartridge. Any gun shop that doesn't stock .32 acp because THEY don't think it a viable cartridge is not doing good business. I'll bet they don't stock .25 auto, either-because no one NEEDS a little .25.
As I said, there are probably more .32 acp pistols in existence than most other calibers.
Because in America "bigger is always better" seems to be the rule, few new .32s are being made, but with literally millions of guns out there, I don't see it as a dying cartridge. Any gun shop that doesn't stock .32 acp because THEY don't think it a viable cartridge is not doing good business. I'll bet they don't stock .25 auto, either-because no one NEEDS a little .25.
GunXpatriot
New member
For the guys saying they wouldn't trust a .32, I don't think that opinion is crazy to have. The biggest issue for me though, would not be ballistics, but rimlock, which actually doesn't seem to be an issue in any reviews I've watched. At least, not for any of the name-brand guns you guys are mentioning.
Ballistically, the .32 has the kinetic energy of a decent .22 round, but with a much larger diameter bullet. That to me, still has some merit. Only issue being penetration, so I'd go FMJ. But as a guy who regularly wears basketball shorts and dresses like a bum, a Kel-Tec P32 has a lot of merit. I've only shot a .32 once, it was an NAA Guardian (I believe), but the lighter, tiny P32 seems like a great gun in comparison. Likewise, .380's aren't the easiest to handle. A .32 will be more accurate during rapid-fire, will usually give you at least 1 extra shot, and because of these factors, your hit ratio would be higher. More, weaker rounds on target, compared to fewer stronger ones. It's at least equal, if not better. On paper. IMO.
The only .380 I've shot, was in fact the Glock 42. And just visually, it did seem bigger than other .380's I've looked at. The way I would want to carry, it could be a dealbreaker. Am I the average guy? Probably not, but as a niche, there is a place for a tiny, light .32.
Ballistically, the .32 has the kinetic energy of a decent .22 round, but with a much larger diameter bullet. That to me, still has some merit. Only issue being penetration, so I'd go FMJ. But as a guy who regularly wears basketball shorts and dresses like a bum, a Kel-Tec P32 has a lot of merit. I've only shot a .32 once, it was an NAA Guardian (I believe), but the lighter, tiny P32 seems like a great gun in comparison. Likewise, .380's aren't the easiest to handle. A .32 will be more accurate during rapid-fire, will usually give you at least 1 extra shot, and because of these factors, your hit ratio would be higher. More, weaker rounds on target, compared to fewer stronger ones. It's at least equal, if not better. On paper. IMO.
The only .380 I've shot, was in fact the Glock 42. And just visually, it did seem bigger than other .380's I've looked at. The way I would want to carry, it could be a dealbreaker. Am I the average guy? Probably not, but as a niche, there is a place for a tiny, light .32.
Bill DeShivs
New member
Not what they are for- says who?
If you have to shoot someone, you should fire 2-3 rapid shot, assess, and fire 2-3 rapid shots again if necessary.
Pocket guns sure aren't for slow fire bullseye shooting!
If you have to shoot someone, you should fire 2-3 rapid shot, assess, and fire 2-3 rapid shots again if necessary.
Pocket guns sure aren't for slow fire bullseye shooting!
GunXpatriot
New member
When I'm in fear for my life and must use deadly force to defend myself, I'll try to fire as slow and accurately as I possibly can.
Onward Allusion
New member
Stick with FMJ to avoid rimlock. For a mouse caliber like 32 ACP, FMJ should be used anyhow.
I had the rim lock issue with my Ruger 77/357 rifle a good bit when switching between 38's and .357. The main reason was because of the OAL between the two. The "gap" allowed the rounds to move fore and aft enough to allow the rims to jump/shift and lock, completely tying up the mag.
If there were enough play in the mags, and in the difference between the OAL's of say HP's and FMJ to allow the rims to jump, I can see it happening easily.
Onward Allusion
New member
OAL of the cartridge contributes or mitigates rimlock. Keltec used to sell an adapter wire for its P32 magazines which enhanced use of hollow points in the magazine. It's the amount of cartridge shift in the mag that contributes to rimlock.
