Beretta 3032 vs Kel Tec P32

Which would you buy?

  • Beretta

    Votes: 25 28.7%
  • Kel Tec

    Votes: 62 71.3%

  • Total voters
    87
Status
Not open for further replies.

TTv2

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2016
Messages
4,943
I'm interested in a .32 pocket gun, something the same size as a pocket .380, just lower recoil.

Which would you buy for conceal carry? I've always disliked the size of the Beretta, but its trigger and grip will make it more comfortable to shoot. The P32 is so small and light that it's tough not to like, that and the price is very good.
 
Last edited:
I voted Beretta. I don't have much respect for Kel Tec. I've seen too many problems with their products.
With that said I have to admit that I don't know either one of those two paticular pistols.
I also wouldn't carry a .32 for self defense but it's better than nothing.
 
I bought the Kel-Tec for one reason. There were no Tomcats to be found anywhere.
 
Since you say you want something the same size as a pocket .380 but with less recoil, it sounds like the Beretta is what you're looking for.

Personally, I wanted something as small as possible and that's why the P32 was the clear winner for me. I bought one of the first offered in '99 with a very low serial number. To date, I never experienced the dreaded rimlock using JHPs (Cor-bon JHP, Hornady XTP, Federal Hydrashok and the original style Winchester Silvertips). I eventually stuck with 73gr FMJ, primarily from S&B.

I can't imagine a centerfire auto being any thinner or lighter than the P32. Most if not all .22LR/.25acp pocket pistols dwarf the more potent P32 in size and weight. To put things in perspective, a P32 with loaded magazine weights about as much as a loaded 1911 magazine and not much wider.

The only issues I had from my first P32 (which I still have) was a broken mainspring after the first 300 or so rounds. The pistol was repaired and repaired very promptly.

After about 10 years of use, the steel mag had worked on the plastic magazine catch enough to allow the baseplate to protrude from the bottom of the handle by about 1/8".
Function was still 100% but it irked me enough to email Keltec about the issue. I never received a reply but unexpectedly I received three (yes, 3) replacement magazine catches in a padded envelope about a week later.
I am still on the first replacement another decade after (though I do push the magazine upwards before inserting and ejecting the magazine to minimize metal-on-plastic wear).

That problem never reoccurred, which is great since I have misplaced the other 2 replacements.

The last "issue" I've had is related to the design of the slide on the original P32s. The first gen retained it's recoil spring with a real flimsy-looking removable piece of metal dovetailed into the slide that looked like it could be broken or lost during cleaning. However, no such problems ever did manifest in the 20 years that I've had it.

When I learned that there was newer generation of P32 using a solid slide that did away with that piece altogether, I had to give it a once-over. I ended up purchasing that one as well (a tan/tan model). This specimen is just as accurate and reliable as the first.

The P32 is slim, light and overall very tiny. It prints less than my NAA Pug and is the only pistol I have that I can carry in a shirt pocket rather easily should I wish to do that for some reason.
The recoil may not feel as mild as that from a Tomcat, but still remains mild and shouldn't pose a problem for anyone.
 
OK...I'll be the first. The Kel-Tec P32 is an excellent little pistol. It could arguably be Kel-Tecs best product. I have had a Gen2 P32 for a few years now, and while it isn't my EDC, it does serve a function nothing else can. Its my Walmart gun in the summer, when I dress light, in a T shirt and shorts. Its small enough to just carry it in my hand with my checkbook and phone. Its in a pocket holster at that point, and no one knows any different.

It also has an advantage over the Beretta. Its a true locked breech pistol, where as the Beretta is a blow back. I have fired the 32 Beretta, and it has much greater felt recoil. The Kel-Tec is much softer shooting. It also has a lifetime warranty.
 
I carry a P32 and owned a Beretta .32, there is nothing wrong with the Beretta .32 except the weight. The P32 is lighter and pockets easily in a wallet holster. If I want a larger pistol, it would be my Glock 42 or a Steyer A1 in .40 S&W or a rifle.
 
I carry a PF-9 and am happy enough with it to give their .32 a shot, should I ever decide to get a smaller carry gun. Older gent I know carries one all the time and is pleased with it.
 
Like jdh, I have a Kel-Tec P-32 because the Beretta was not to be found. The Kel-Tec P-32 is small and easy to pocket carry.

Berettas generally have a good reputation.

But, I kind of like my Colt 1903 for 32 ACP but it is larger than either.
 
I kind of like my Colt 1903 for 32 ACP but it is larger than either.

I absolutely love the 1903. I always wanted one and finally found one for a little over $500 a couple months ago. I finally took it to the range and was please how accurate it was despite the small sights. The trigger is wonderful and there were no malfunctions experienced in the 150 rounds fired that day. Excellent performance from a near 100 year old pistol (made in 1921). It just feels like a quality piece just holding it, let alone shooting it.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I'll be commenting to a few things you guys have said.

The P32 is very small and light and all I hear is that its recoil is minimal thanks to the locked breech. That's great, I just hate the Kel Tec trigger and I'm not a fan of the tiny sights.

I've heard of the Beretta 3032 having issues with frame and slide cracking, that's turned me off of them for years, that and the size of them as well as their price for brand new ones. Used seem to go for around $300.

While I don't like the size (the thickness really) of the 3032, I do like it have a DA/SA trigger and the fatter grip should be more comfortable to hold and make shooting at distances of 15 to 25 yards better. The Kel Tec I figure would be a 10 to 15 yard pistol at max range given the sights and trigger.

I just don't like being limited in distance with a deep concealment pistol for warm weather.

Idk, given how cheap the Kel Tec is, I could see myself buying both. The Beretta's size tho makes me think something like a Bersa Thunder may not be better given it's .380 and also has a DA/SA trigger and is stronger given the barrel doesn't tip up. Not too mention it's half the price brand new.

I'd like to own a 1903, I think it's one of the most underrated handguns John Browning made, but their price is too high for what would end up being a safe queen. If I were to drop that kind of money on a larger size .32, I'd rather buy a pair of Savage 1907's or a Beretta 100 with the 6 inch barrel and adjustable rear sight.
 
I carry a KelTec P32 every day at work because printing and flashing isn't an option. If I wanted to carry something the size and weight of a TomCat I would carry my LCP. In a self defence situation I can't imagine the recoil of a 32 would be any different than that of a 380. Maybe there would be a noticable difference in more frail hands?

My P32 has been 100% reliable... and is a heck of a lot lighter than my ancient all metal NAA guardian which was also 100% reliable... when I last carried it 10 or so years ago.

I carry my P32 because it is slim and light weight. On the weekends I usually carry my DB9 or LCP or some times my XDs .45.
 
A few months ago, after reading about the new Underwood Defender ammo, I saw the Keltec P32. What caught my interest was the fact that the gun only weight 6.6 oz. I ordered one and fell in love with this little pistol. It runs flawless after around 400 rounds of ammo. Shoots extremely mild. So darn easy to carry in HOT HUMID summer conditions. I have owned many LCP's and after owning a Kel-tec, actually believe they are built as good as any Ruger. And if a Grip were to crack like on a Ruger, you can easily replace. In fact all parts are cheap and easy to get.

The Beretta is a nice gun. But expensive and weighs more. I highly recommend the Kel-tec. By the way the gun shoots the Underwood ammo just fine.

10 oz fully loaded with 8 rounds of Underwood

62sZSwP.jpg
 
Kel-Tec. I have never heard of a P32 with a cracked frame. Has Beretta solved that problem yet? I've heard many tales of unhappy Tomcat owners who were left high and dry when their frames cracked.

Theoretically the Tomcat should be a more durable gun. For what it costs, it certainly should be. The Kel-Tec won't last forever either, but its warranty should keep you happy.

The best-of-both-worlds option would be the .32 version of the Beretta Pico, which was promised at the initial launch but never spoken of again. My understanding was that it was meant to replace the Tomcat, but then, I don't speak Italian. ;)
 
Every time I handle my P32, it still impresses me in what Kel-Tec was able to provide in such a compact package. I bought mine in 2011, and have never had any problems with it. I cannot think of an easier-to-carry autoloading pistol; even my Beretta Bobcat 21A makes a less-logical carry choice.

I've been carrying the PF9 as an EDC, and the P32 as a BUG (the P32 is almost as easy to carry as is a spare magazine for the PF9.)

If you get the P32, spring also for its available 10-round magazine. You'll be glad you did; it makes the gun handle much more easily, and gives you another capacity option when the deepest concealment isn't as necessary.
 
I have owned both. I still own the Kel-Tec.

The Kel-Tec cost me $120-something used (plus shipping and FFL). It's tiny and weighs almost nothing. It has been completely reliable with every kind of ammo I've shot through it. The trigger is mediocre. It basically has no sights... just a "tunnel" IIRC. I don't personally prefer 32acp for SD, but if I did I wouldn't mind carrying the P32. The lack of sights is annoying, but I can shoot it pretty well at SD distances (seven yards or closer).

I used to have a Tomcat. It's been a while, but I think it was around $300 used (plus shipping and FFL). IIRC, it was thick and heavy for pocket carry. It was reliable with the kinds of ammo it liked (European style 32acp). It choked badly on WWB... and possibly other American ammo. The trigger was stiff. It had actual sights. The recoil was sort of annoying. I could shoot it just fine at seven yards. Since I really didn't like it, and it was an older model with the possibility of the slide eventually cracking, I traded it towards something else and haven't missed it.

Yeah, my 1903 is a gem. I got lucky and got a refurbished one for $300-something. It's not a carry piece (probably not safe, for one thing), but it is a joy to shoot at the range.

I really like my Beretta 100 also. I'm not sure if there's another 32acp with such a long barrel and such good sights. I got one that had obviously been shot a lot. The steel slide has started to wear on the aluminum frame a bit, which I've read is a common problem if they are shot enough.

Surprisingly enough, there is also a rare model of the Taurus PT-111 in 32acp. I eventually ran across one and bought it. I was disappointed that it's DAO with a somewhat crappy trigger, but it has good sights and a large-capacity doublestack magazine. The police may have used them in some country or other.




 
Last edited:
For the OP. Have you shot either of the guns?? A poll of what others like helps some, but it is up to you. I have both, and they are completely different guns. You need to actually shoot them.
The KT does not lock back at the last round if that matters to you.KT also sells a "rim lock" follower for the magazine to prevent that. No it may not happen but if it does you have a jammed pistol. ( The recoil is a small 32 is not that different than a slightly larger 380
I carried a P32 for a long time, yes it is like carrying nothing. I prefer the Ruger LCP 380 which is a tad larger and better quality. The Berretta is a nice gun but much "bulkier" and whole different gun

https://imgur.com/gallery/DTsLO3J
 
I have the Keltec P32 and enjoy the gun, both for CCW and actually for shooting. I attached a Crimson Trace laser to it, which helps alleviate the small sights issue and actually helps show the relatively good accuracy for such a small pistol. As others have noted, the light weight is amazing and mine has been 100% reliable for more than seven years (bought used for $200). Mine has a wider aftermarket trigger shoe, which helps with more comfortable shooting.
 
The KT does not lock back at the last round if that matters to you.KT also sells a "rim lock" follower for the magazine to prevent that. No it may not happen but if it does you have a jammed pistol.
Correction: the P32 does lock back after the last round. It's the big brother P3AT that doesn't. I'm not sure why, but that's the way KT makes 'em.

Rim lock is only a problem with rounds that have a shorter overall length, like blunt-nose or hollowpoint rounds. Regular round-nose ball ammo is not a problem and doesn't require the special follower. (Actually, it's more of a spacer that goes under the follower and up against the rear wall of the magazine. I've heard of people making them themselves out of various materials.)
 
Thanks for all the replies. I'll be commenting to a few things you guys have said.

The P32 is very small and light and all I hear is that its recoil is minimal thanks to the locked breech. That's great, I just hate the Kel Tec trigger and I'm not a fan of the tiny sights.

I've heard of the Beretta 3032 having issues with frame and slide cracking, that's turned me off of them for years, that and the size of them as well as their price for brand new ones. Used seem to go for around $300.

While I don't like the size (the thickness really) of the 3032, I do like it have a DA/SA trigger and the fatter grip should be more comfortable to hold and make shooting at distances of 15 to 25 yards better. The Kel Tec I figure would be a 10 to 15 yard pistol at max range given the sights and trigger.

I just don't like being limited in distance with a deep concealment pistol for warm weather.

Idk, given how cheap the Kel Tec is, I could see myself buying both. The Beretta's size tho makes me think something like a Bersa Thunder may not be better given it's .380 and also has a DA/SA trigger and is stronger given the barrel doesn't tip up. Not too mention it's half the price brand new.

I'd like to own a 1903, I think it's one of the most underrated handguns John Browning made, but their price is too high for what would end up being a safe queen. If I were to drop that kind of money on a larger size .32, I'd rather buy a pair of Savage 1907's or a Beretta 100 with the 6 inch barrel and adjustable rear sight.
I carried the Tomcat for several years and loved it. Then the frame cracked.

Had a Savage M1907. Jammed regularly and the magazines are ridiculously tough to extract from the grip when empty. Ive tried several examples and they all had this strange quirck.

My 1903 Colt was reliable with factory magazines, but, as you said, for the size and weight, might as well have a .380.

My .32 Walther PP has been reliable. What about tracking down a .32 PPK? There were even a few lightweight models made with aluminum frames.....

Another thought might be the Mauser HsC. I shot my buddies and it ran great.
 
Correction: the P32 does lock back after the last round. It's the big brother P3AT that doesn't. I'm not sure why, but that's the way KT makes 'em.

Rim lock is only a problem with rounds that have a shorter overall length, like blunt-nose or hollowpoint rounds. Regular round-nose ball ammo is not a problem and doesn't require the special follower. (Actually, it's more of a spacer that goes under the follower and up against the rear wall of the magazine. I've heard of people making them themselves out of various materials.)

Thanks, it's been a long time since I had either of the 32 or the 380. I had the spacer for Hollow point.

https://www.keltecforum.com/forum/p-32/6690-factory-7-10-round-anti-rimlock-kits-pics.html
 
I owned a Kel-Tec and only sold it because it was a two tone look with black frame and silver slide. Byut there was nothing wrong with the way it carried or shot. I really want another one. They have them at Sportsmans Warehouse for $179 plus shipping. OOPS! i just looked and now they are $239 and out of stock. Story of my life. I missed a deal.:fire:

I should have bought one of these when they were in stock. I am on the "notify me" list so if more come in I can grab one.

https://aimsurplus.com/yugoslavian-zastava-model-70-32-acp-pistol

I really like 32 caliber guns. I have several revolvers and only one auto left. A Manhurin/Walther PP made in 1957. The same year I was made. What a great pistol that one is.

I have owned 3-4 of these in 32 and 380 and each one was reliable and surprisingly accurate.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/816211925
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top