Fullclip610
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Surprised the keltec is leading the poll. Beretta is a much higher quality gun. It’s something to be passed down. Keltec is a good size but I probably wouldn’t trust it.
Beretta 3032 vs Kel Tec P32
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Blkhrt13
Member
Okay I voted kel Tec p32 and I will tell you why. I have been eying them since they were released. My friend who I respect greatly convinced me to buy the beretta instead. Which I did. My frame never cracked but I carried way more that shot it. I had two major complaints. 1) the release for the mag was constantly getting bumped somehow and so I had to click the mag back in all the time. 2) the safety broke and would flop about causing it to go on and off safety at random and lose reliability. Which is the one thing that can’t be had with a gun your life depends on. The lil tomcat was stolen in a burglary a good long time ago. I will be replacing it with a Kel Tec soon. As my son wound up with the Charter Arms I went to carrying after the loss of the Tom cat.
Snowdog
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Blkhrt13, I haven't a doubt you'll find that P32 more than acceptable for hot/humid weather carry. Though I have both, I would recommend the 2nd generation currently available as I believe it addressed minor items some were uncomfortable with on the 1st generation (such as doing away with the detachable recoil spring catch which irked me).
However, if you find a 1st gen for a great price, they work great too.
With Underwood's Xtreme Defender round, these are likely more effective tools today than when they first debuted.
However, if you find a 1st gen for a great price, they work great too.
With Underwood's Xtreme Defender round, these are likely more effective tools today than when they first debuted.
MedWheeler
Member
Fullclip610 writes:
There are a few reasons the KT is leading. Here are three of them:
1) Most people buying a "pocket .32" are buying it for themselves to carry, not as a potential family heirloom, and
2) Guns with cracked frames aren't typically thought of as "something to pass from generation to generation", and
3) More respondents seem to have had a favorable experience with the P32 than with the Tomcat, relative to the total numbers of each model owned, and are more able to put it to use for its intended purpose (concealed carry.)
There are a few reasons the KT is leading. Here are three of them:
1) Most people buying a "pocket .32" are buying it for themselves to carry, not as a potential family heirloom, and
2) Guns with cracked frames aren't typically thought of as "something to pass from generation to generation", and
3) More respondents seem to have had a favorable experience with the P32 than with the Tomcat, relative to the total numbers of each model owned, and are more able to put it to use for its intended purpose (concealed carry.)
Blkhrt13
Member
That’s the hope is a newer one with the hard chrome or stainless slide would be good for this balmy southern heat
e b
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TTv2
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Some people with a more seasoned mindset still can't get past the plastic frame and consider every gun purchase of theirs has to be able to last hundreds of years.
I had some surface rust start on my LCP used spray and bake and it's been a real good finish ended up doing the LC9 too.
Have used both Lauer ans Wheeler products and really don't have a preference. Although Lauer has many different colors if that matters.
IdahoSkies
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I have not read through the proceeding four pages of posts but I have owned both pistols.
I loved my tomcat, but the frame crack problem is real and there has not been any adequate fix. The 3032 fills the palm well but is heavy for a modern .32. And once that frame cracks your accuracy goes to crap. Or mine did. After the second cracked frame I traded it straight across for a p32.
The P32 is accurate, light in weight and recoil, even with the hotter loads which will ruin the 3032. I just shot it today infact.
If beretta fixes the frame problem I may buy another 3032, but I carry my p32 all the time.
I loved my tomcat, but the frame crack problem is real and there has not been any adequate fix. The 3032 fills the palm well but is heavy for a modern .32. And once that frame cracks your accuracy goes to crap. Or mine did. After the second cracked frame I traded it straight across for a p32.
The P32 is accurate, light in weight and recoil, even with the hotter loads which will ruin the 3032. I just shot it today infact.
If beretta fixes the frame problem I may buy another 3032, but I carry my p32 all the time.
Scott S
Member
Considered the Tomcat but the frames cracking was a deal breaker. I do wish the new PPK's were offered in 32acp.
TTv2
My first choice would be the BERETTA 3032. I think so highly of them, I gave one to my wife to use before she got a GLOCK 42. She is recoil sensitive due to wrist injuries and the 3032 is fine for her. She does not have to rack the slide because on the 3032, you just flip the barrel release leaver and load a round in. Also, the good trigger, bigger, adequate grip size for .32ACP and useful sights make it reasonable to shoot at 15 yards. I have also found the 3032 to be VERY RELIABLE. That is not always guaranteed in a really small gun.
I also have a KEL TEC 32, but it sits in the safe all the time. The 3032 gets some time as an off duty carry gun when I have to dress in a manner that my usual carry gun, a GLOCK 42 will not do. Poor trigger and less inspiring build quality, plus harder to shoot with that small grip make the KEL TEC a safe queen.
I also have a N.A.A. (NORTH AMERICAN ARMS) .32ACP Guardian. It is a double action only, all steel .32ACP about the size of a .25ACP (or the KEL TEC) and weighs almost as much as the bigger BERETTA 3032. It is a bear to shoot. The small grip area makes 25 rounds all that I can shoot in comfort. A box of 50 rounds can be a pain. Still, it is more concealable than the 3032 and has so far been completely reliable.
I had a COLT 1903 and it was a great gun to shoot. The sights were just adequate, but the weight, grip size and trigger were enough to make it a fun range gun and useful defense pistol, but you really cannot pocket carry it. It needs a holster, but if you are recoil sensitive, load it with WINCHESTER Silvertips or COR BON Pow R Ball and just keep the chamber empty, with a loaded magazine, it will due. I found the safety too small. It would be a weak, but effective house gun.
I used to carry a WALTHER PPK in .32ACP before I bought the GLOCK 42. It was an excellent balance of size, reliability and accuracy. I thought it was a very good gun and better than the larger PP model which I also had. My particular gun turned out to be a pre-war model and had a MUCH, MUCH better trigger than the INTERARMS models that I had examined. The SMITH & WESSON models were just as good, but larger and heavier, plus expensive.
The larger, heavier PP actually had harsher recoil because of its more squared off grip design. The PPK is rounded at the point where it comes in contact with the web of the hand. I would still carry it and occasionally do, but the GLOCK is slimmer, more powerful (380ACP), GLOCK trigger versus traditional double/single action trigger, better sights (night sights on the GLOCK 42) and the GLOCK will certainly need less maintenance.
I have also shot a BERETTA 81 & 82. These are large size .32ACP pistols, with very low recoil, easy to use sights, large, comfortable grips, but these pistols, like the COLT 1903 are in an entirely different size class compared to the 3032 and KEL TEC.
Just my experience,
Jim
My first choice would be the BERETTA 3032. I think so highly of them, I gave one to my wife to use before she got a GLOCK 42. She is recoil sensitive due to wrist injuries and the 3032 is fine for her. She does not have to rack the slide because on the 3032, you just flip the barrel release leaver and load a round in. Also, the good trigger, bigger, adequate grip size for .32ACP and useful sights make it reasonable to shoot at 15 yards. I have also found the 3032 to be VERY RELIABLE. That is not always guaranteed in a really small gun.
I also have a KEL TEC 32, but it sits in the safe all the time. The 3032 gets some time as an off duty carry gun when I have to dress in a manner that my usual carry gun, a GLOCK 42 will not do. Poor trigger and less inspiring build quality, plus harder to shoot with that small grip make the KEL TEC a safe queen.
I also have a N.A.A. (NORTH AMERICAN ARMS) .32ACP Guardian. It is a double action only, all steel .32ACP about the size of a .25ACP (or the KEL TEC) and weighs almost as much as the bigger BERETTA 3032. It is a bear to shoot. The small grip area makes 25 rounds all that I can shoot in comfort. A box of 50 rounds can be a pain. Still, it is more concealable than the 3032 and has so far been completely reliable.
I had a COLT 1903 and it was a great gun to shoot. The sights were just adequate, but the weight, grip size and trigger were enough to make it a fun range gun and useful defense pistol, but you really cannot pocket carry it. It needs a holster, but if you are recoil sensitive, load it with WINCHESTER Silvertips or COR BON Pow R Ball and just keep the chamber empty, with a loaded magazine, it will due. I found the safety too small. It would be a weak, but effective house gun.
I used to carry a WALTHER PPK in .32ACP before I bought the GLOCK 42. It was an excellent balance of size, reliability and accuracy. I thought it was a very good gun and better than the larger PP model which I also had. My particular gun turned out to be a pre-war model and had a MUCH, MUCH better trigger than the INTERARMS models that I had examined. The SMITH & WESSON models were just as good, but larger and heavier, plus expensive.
The larger, heavier PP actually had harsher recoil because of its more squared off grip design. The PPK is rounded at the point where it comes in contact with the web of the hand. I would still carry it and occasionally do, but the GLOCK is slimmer, more powerful (380ACP), GLOCK trigger versus traditional double/single action trigger, better sights (night sights on the GLOCK 42) and the GLOCK will certainly need less maintenance.
I have also shot a BERETTA 81 & 82. These are large size .32ACP pistols, with very low recoil, easy to use sights, large, comfortable grips, but these pistols, like the COLT 1903 are in an entirely different size class compared to the 3032 and KEL TEC.
Just my experience,
Jim
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TTv2
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sturmgewehr70
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I had one of the older,first iterations of the Tomcat, and yes, experienced the cracking issue. I've got a first Gen. P32 I bought back when KelTec first kicked off and carried it off duty when I was a younger man. I purchased the "beefed" up Inox Tomcat recently. Even though I haven't put hundreds of rounds through it, which I don't think any "mouse gun" was intended for, I can say the Beretta quality is far ahead of KelTec. Just my $.02
Jeb Stuart
member
Quality is great, if it is dependable and reliable. And a good quality firearm should be worthy of thousands of rounds down range. The idea of carrying any firearms and not training to use one has always baffled me. To spend more money on a gun that has a notorious reputation of cracking frames is questionable. . Yes, the Beretta is pretty, but can it fight? If the Beretta Tomcat held up like the Beretta Pico, I might own one. But then again only if it was lighter weight. The Pico is already a mild shooting 380. That said, and I will go back to this again, the Keltec weighs 6 1/2 oz. That alone makes it a delightful light weight carry for Summer with light clothing. Just my 2 cents.
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I’ve fired both, side by side. For the record, I know I’m in the minority, but I’m someone who would prefer a slightly larger but still small gun if I can shoot it better. I also think the tomcat aesthetically looks a lot nicer than the p32. But for me there’s no denying it , kt created an innovative firearm with the P32.
1. I shot the p32 better! That’s enough for me but there’s more..
2. Quality. The keltec may cost less and look budget but the tomcats frame I fired was cracked inside. They DID beef up the slide, but that did NOT (I think) solve the issue. This one had a thick Alox slide and it had a (tiny) crack in the frame. It still seemed to shoot ok, but it did diminish the one thing the tomcat has going for it, and that was pride of ownership of a nice quality gun. Booo.
3. The p32 has a ejector. If you do have a misfire you can rack it and the round will eject. The tomcat does not, if you have a misfire racking will not eject the round.
4. The p32 has the optional 10 round extended magazine to carry as a backup.
5. If you are interested in the new 32 cavitator ammo, it was specifically designed around the p32.
I was prepared to like the tomcat more. It’s a handsome little piece but it does not stand against the practicality of the p32.
1. I shot the p32 better! That’s enough for me but there’s more..
2. Quality. The keltec may cost less and look budget but the tomcats frame I fired was cracked inside. They DID beef up the slide, but that did NOT (I think) solve the issue. This one had a thick Alox slide and it had a (tiny) crack in the frame. It still seemed to shoot ok, but it did diminish the one thing the tomcat has going for it, and that was pride of ownership of a nice quality gun. Booo.
3. The p32 has a ejector. If you do have a misfire you can rack it and the round will eject. The tomcat does not, if you have a misfire racking will not eject the round.
4. The p32 has the optional 10 round extended magazine to carry as a backup.
5. If you are interested in the new 32 cavitator ammo, it was specifically designed around the p32.
I was prepared to like the tomcat more. It’s a handsome little piece but it does not stand against the practicality of the p32.
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Kaybee,
You eject an unfired round from the Tomcat, the same way you load it. You push the barrel release lever and the barrel pops up and will usually toss the round if it has not fired. I really like loading this way as it overcomes the small size of the pistol you are working with and means that you do not have to rack the slide. This may seem unimportant, but if you are elderly or have arthritis, this may be the only way you can load and fire a semi-automatic pistol. It is how my wife loads her Tomcat.
Jim
You eject an unfired round from the Tomcat, the same way you load it. You push the barrel release lever and the barrel pops up and will usually toss the round if it has not fired. I really like loading this way as it overcomes the small size of the pistol you are working with and means that you do not have to rack the slide. This may seem unimportant, but if you are elderly or have arthritis, this may be the only way you can load and fire a semi-automatic pistol. It is how my wife loads her Tomcat.
Jim
MedWheeler
Member
golden writes (about the 3032):
I think Kaybee was simply pointing out the difference in "jam-clearing" technique needed for the Beretta compared to what pretty much everyone knows about pretty much any other defense-oriented gun. In my first experience with a tip-up autoloader (Taurus PT22), I learned the hard way, too, in trying to clear the gun in the same instinctive manner I had with every other I had handled (except, admittedly, my Grendel P10!)
With the Tomcat (and other tip-ups), you'll still need re-rack after dumping the undesired round from the barrel and closing it again, or you'll need to have a loose round available (or manually strip one from a spare magazine) to put in there before closing it.
I think Kaybee was simply pointing out the difference in "jam-clearing" technique needed for the Beretta compared to what pretty much everyone knows about pretty much any other defense-oriented gun. In my first experience with a tip-up autoloader (Taurus PT22), I learned the hard way, too, in trying to clear the gun in the same instinctive manner I had with every other I had handled (except, admittedly, my Grendel P10!)
With the Tomcat (and other tip-ups), you'll still need re-rack after dumping the undesired round from the barrel and closing it again, or you'll need to have a loose round available (or manually strip one from a spare magazine) to put in there before closing it.
Jrobb,
I use inexpensive fmj ammo for practice like GECO, S&B, AGUILAR or AMERICAN EAGLE for practice. For carry, I have settled on FIOCCHI XTP jhp. They always feed and "MAY" expand. I have also used the COR BON Pow R Ball ammo and FEDERAL HYDRA SHOK.
Always avoid the WINCHESTER White Box .,32ACP ammo. IT MAY WORK OR MAY JAM EVERY GUN YOU OWN. I have tried it in at least 6 different makes of .32ACP pistols and it was unreliable in all of them. They have a truncated or flattened tip on the bullet that catches on the lip of the feed ramp.
Jim
I use inexpensive fmj ammo for practice like GECO, S&B, AGUILAR or AMERICAN EAGLE for practice. For carry, I have settled on FIOCCHI XTP jhp. They always feed and "MAY" expand. I have also used the COR BON Pow R Ball ammo and FEDERAL HYDRA SHOK.
Always avoid the WINCHESTER White Box .,32ACP ammo. IT MAY WORK OR MAY JAM EVERY GUN YOU OWN. I have tried it in at least 6 different makes of .32ACP pistols and it was unreliable in all of them. They have a truncated or flattened tip on the bullet that catches on the lip of the feed ramp.
Jim
toivo
Member
All the Winchester White Box .32 ACP I've even seen has a flat nose, which means that the OAL is shorter than normal. This is what causes rimlock in .32 auto pistol magazines. You can shoot it in a Kel-Tec if you get the spacer for the rear of the mag body.
Or you can just avoid it and shoot round-nose ammo.
Demi-human
maybe likes firearms a little bit…
Why?
Because it is made of Zmack metal, like a Jennigs or Bryco? They crack. Beretta has not remedied this yet. After so long.
I was very disappointed when I researched further into this subject.
I'm going to try not to pass down broken stuff to the cubs. And no human should think an extractor less pistol is fine for anything other than range use.
Why would you not trust a Kel-Tec? Do you place faith in other plastic pistols? I admit this is my first poly, but I trust all guns the same until I test their mettle. That is, I don't. Not even if it says Beretta, especially if it says Kimber.
Ultimately, this and other statements like it moved me to purchase the P Thirty Two on Saturday. On Saturday evening I ditched my bike. (Bicycle. I was looking at tractors instead of the road.
Drifted over the decayed edge and scuffed it in the sand. ) I dumped the sand out of my pocket and pistol, (noting that a JD STwo Fourty would be perfect for my lawn) and went home.Sunday I blew out the pistol and test fired it. Left handed, as my right shoulder is now slung and taped. Two magazines into the dirt at the foot of the wood pile. Worked great and got hot one in my collar. Courtesy of the huge funnel created by the sling.
I have a neat holster for awhile, too.
I bought this specifically for biking and it looks to be perfect. I'll actually clean and lubricate it soon. I have to see if I can work today. It coming with me.
Really like this little guy so far.
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