Keltec 32

I had both the P3AT and P32. Sold the P3AT; too snappy and unenjoyable to practice with. Now I have two P32's with opposite belt clips; for when I want to wear IWB on strong side or SOB for more concealment. Although I'm definitely reconsidering the SOB carry after last week's church shooting. Probably in that case should reconsider the P32 as well; definitely couldn't make that head shot, even with a rest and a stationery target!

Many people will tell you .380 is the absolute minimum for self defense. I don't agree. If you shoot the .32 ACP in the same size better that's what you need to carry.

Ammo is critical. If it's stable and doesn't expand it will over penetrate. If it expands it will under penetrate. Some lighter weaker ammo will under penetrate if it tumbles.

S&B 73 gr FMJ is hotter than US Ammo, tumbles in tissue and does not under penetrate.

With a reliable P32 (not all are) and S&B I am okay if I need something that fits in the rear pocket of shorts on the beach.

Jeb Stuart said:

I have heard the same thing form folks that shoot the LCR357. I shoot the LCR9mm and am fine with the recoil. But it is at the point right before discomfort. I shoot pocket guns often, about each week. The Beretta Pico and the Kahr cw380. Many times will take both to compare how I am shooting them. They are very close to my perception of recoil. Very close. And both very mild, easy shooters. The Kahr is a tad more mild, but just barely.Both are not snappy.
Every now and then, I will take my LCP and shoot it. Man, I feel the difference right away. Much more snappy. Significantly. And I am not new to the LCP. Burned up 4 of them from shooting them to death over the years.Yes, I became immune to the recoil, but it took time.
The Keltec 32.cal is less than the Pico and the Kahr and yet weighs about half that of the two. I do not think many folks would have a hard time with the Keltec.

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I guess that's the part I don't understand. I used to have a steel frame SP101 that I didn't care for putting .357 rounds through it. I've got a 6" Anaconda in .44 mag that I never shoot do to recoil. So I'm certainly not immune to recoil by any measure. But I don't notice it with the LCP. I guess it's a little snappy, especially if I'm shooting one handed, but no where near where I even worry about about my hand getting sore or flinching or using a glove for extended range sessions.

bassjam said:

I guess that's the part I don't understand. I used to have a steel frame SP101 that I didn't care for putting .357 rounds through it. I've got a 6" Anaconda in .44 mag that I never shoot do to recoil. So I'm certainly not immune to recoil by any measure. But I don't notice it with the LCP. I guess it's a little snappy, especially if I'm shooting one handed, but no where near where I even worry about about my hand getting sore or flinching or using a glove for extended range sessions.

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Everyone is different. I have had to work at it due to an aversion to sharpness of recoil deliver as opposed to total amount.

Small Blowback .380 = Occasional Flinch
(LCP doesn't bother me)
9mm Subcompact = Occasional Flinch
.300 Weatherby = Occasional Flinch

Subcompact .45 w/ 230 gr +P
Compact .40 S&W
.404 Jeffery
No problem.

I bought one a couple of months ago. It’s in my pocket anytime I’m awake and sober. Absolutely reliable with FMJ ammo. Never even tried any hollow points. 32 recoils less than my 380. Quite happy with it over the NAA Mini revolver in .22 mag I used to pocket carry.

I've tried the P32 ,a Seecamp in .32 and.380 (and found the 380 version brutal). I've owned a P3AT, an LCP, and various small 9mms (LC9, PF9, P11, CW9) and several other small guns. I found them all unpleasant to shoot. They were unpleasant enough that I new that I wouldn't shoot them enough to become as proficient as I wanted to be.

Last fall I picked up a Remington RM380 (which is an improved version of the Rohrbaugh R9), and added a Galloway Precision upgrade kit (which was almost as expensive as the gun). That kit included a new trigger, several springs, a new trigger bar that shortens the trigger pull, grip materials, etc. Here's a link:: https://gallowayprecision.com/remington/rm380/turn-key-carry-kit-for-remington-rm380

I ended up with a very nice, pocket size, locked-breech 380 with a metal frame that is actually pleasant to shoot. More interestingly, I find it easy to shoot well at 30' or closer. (If I can take my time, a 3"-4" group at 30 feet is possible, but shooting more rapidly, it'll be a bit larger.)

My only reservations about this .380 (or any .small .380 or smaller caliber gun) has to do with the potency of the .380 round -- but there are times when the RM380 is what I carry in a good pocket holster. I'm using Hornady Critical Defense rounds which are designed for shorter-barreled guns.