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32acp

1022man1022man Member Posts: 512 ✭✭✭
edited January 2002 in Ask the Experts
Is the 32 as gutless as I think it is, or will it suprise me? I'm looking for a smaller double action and have seen alot of 32's. I was thinking more of the lines of a 380.
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Comments

  • nmyers@home.comnmyers@home.com Member Posts: 205 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The .32ACP, especially with frangible ammo like Glaser Safety Slugs, is quite effective. If concealment is a requirement, it should do just fine.While the .380 packs more punch, most pistols made for it tend to be too large for a pocket gun. When you get to this size, you have several outstanding 9mm & .40 pistols available.Neal
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  • badboybobbadboybob Member Posts: 1,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I wouldn't want a .32 round of any kind coming my way. Sure it's light but a bullet placed right will do its job.
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  • kaboomkaboom Member Posts: 75 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just my opinion, but i don't think there's much difference between .32 and .380 except for the numbers. I doubt very much there's any real difference in the matter of stopping bad guys from doing you harm. My wife carries a .32 loaded with Magsafes because she's had surgery on both hands and can't handle much recoil. We also have a .380 but she prefers the smaller .32. Now that they make 9mm guns almost the same size as .380s I don't see much point in .380 anymore, but you can get .32's like the KelTec that are quite a bit smaller and lighter. In hot weather I often just carry a little Beretta .22 in my pocket, but I wouldn't recomend it to anybody else because I don't want their blood on my hands.
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  • JudgeColtJudgeColt Member Posts: 1,790 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    To me, choosing a .32ACP pistol means you need a very small pistol, and cannot carry anything larger. The size of the pistol needed determines the chambering. If a larger gun will fit your needs, go with more power in the smallest package available. Do not select a pistol in a lesser chambering that is as large as s another pistol in a more powerful chambering. For example, I cannot see carrying a PPK in .380 (or even .32!) when a Kel-Tec P11 is no bigger or heavier, but holds more rounds of a much more powerful cartridge.The .32ACP is at the lower end of the power scale, but there are good loads available as proven by their street stop records.In a .32, the Kel-Tec P32 is my choice because it is very small and the lightest pistol available.
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  • ref44ref44 Member Posts: 251 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a NAA Guardian .32 that works flawlessly. In an Uncle Mike's nylon pocket holster, it fits nicely in a hip pocket during the warm months in Colorado. Would I prefer a .45? You bet. But, as the saying goes, a .32 in your pocket is better than a .45 left at home because it was too large.I agree with the position that .32 and .380 are essentially the same. Just make sure whatever you carry is 100% functional.
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  • dheffleydheffley Member Posts: 25,000 ✭
    edited November -1
    If you're willing to spend the money, a Colt Mustang is the smallest .380 double action I can think of. Good gun, but pricey.Judge Colt has always recommended the KelTec P32. I like the Beretta 3032 Tomcat. It is heavier, but I like it better. If you can, go shoot a small .380 and a small .32 ACP. See what you like..32 ACP is enough to stop a sober attacker. I want a compact .40 S&W or .45 ACP. That will turn back most anyone.
    Save, research, then buy the best.Join the NRA, NOW!Teach them young, teach them safe, teach them forever, but most of all, teach them to VOTE!
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  • JudgeColtJudgeColt Member Posts: 1,790 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just a point of clarification. The Colt Mustang is a single action pistol. The Colt Pony is the double action version. Both come in the Pocketlite variation with the alloy frame and weigh 12 and 12.5 ounces respectively. In my opinion, they are the best .380 pistols available. I cannot think of another .380 pistol design with a locked breach, which is really a benefit for recoil. The Beretta Tomcat is almost as big and heavy as a Airweight Chiefs Special, and it not a locked breach. While they are the typical beautiful Beretta quality, I prefer the Kel-Tec P32, which is a much smaller package with a locked breach. I do like the tip-up barrel on the Beretta.
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  • competentonecompetentone Member Posts: 4,696 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Regarding small guns and "minimal" calibers:Having a small gun with you when you need it, is better than having a bazooka...at home.
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  • USMCUSMC Member Posts: 31 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Talking to some gun dealers about the 32 it came up that a good leather jacket would be hard for the bullet to beat. The 38 special is what more dealers recommended to me as a minimal cal for carry. Will the small cal produce the results you may need? I use the .45 with confidence that my equipment will get the results I demand. Good luck on your choice. Be safe.
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  • turbanturban Member Posts: 71 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Like many people who carry I have primarily one shorts/t-shirt (Kel-Tec P-32) and one other clothing firearm. I'm very happy with my P-32 so far (about 400 rounds fired). I purchased S&B FMJ from www.miwall.com for $5.95 a box and Win Silvertips for $16.95 a box (best prices I found on 50rd boxes).
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