.32 ACP (.32 Auto)

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RugerNut9

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How is this round?? OK? Bad? Decent? I put on a Beretta that shoots it on layaway today and I'm wondering if I will like it or hate it??
 
I enjoy shooting a variety of .32acp guns and carry a Seecamp that is a .32acp. It is usually pretty easy to find, but not real cheap, but what is? Which Beretta is it, a new one or one of the larger older models?

The recoil is light and the bullet accurate enough for fun. It's a good transitional round to use to teach new shooters. I've had this round in the CZ83, Walther PP, Sig 230, as well as the Seecamp and had great fun with all of them. There are about 6 very competent defensive rounds now available in .32acp as well as cheaper ball. I'm partial to S&B and Fiocchi.
 
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Good round. The ultimate cartridge for blowback-design pistols. Weigh your powder carefully if you handload.
 
I wouldn't volunteer to stand in front of a .32 ACP :D, but its niche is in little pocket guns like the Seecamp (on my "Iwanna" list). You are trading cartridge power for maximum deep concealability. If you can carry a bigger gun/caliber, do so.
 
I wouldn't use it as a defensive caliber unless it is the only thing available, but I've got an old Savage pistol in .32 that is fun to shoot. New shooters may find the recoil noticeably higher than .22, but not a problem. E
 
Within its design limits its very functional. It was one of John Browning and Alvin York's favorites. It has always been more favored in Europe than in the US. But, that has started to change some in the last few years with some very high quality guns hitting market.

There are better rounds out there. But, regardless of caliber, there no guaranteed one shot stops.

My favorite EDC is a Walther PP in 32 ACP. I have found it to be completely reliable in this gun and very pleasant to shoot. If concealment is a primary concern ~ the 32s fill a unique place.
 
.32 Auto has marginal stopping power. Handguns chambered in it like the Beretta Tomcat, Kel-Tec P-32 (my EDC), and the Seecamp LWS 32 are compact, light weight, and great for pocket carry. Even in a pocket pistol, the .32 Auto has low recoil, I am comfortable shooting a box of 50 rounds through my Kel-Tec P-32.
 
Thanks for all the info fellas, I put a Beretta 82 on layaway and it shoots it, its pretty large framed comparatively speaking when you are speaking of small guns. Its basically the same as a 92FS which I am quite familiar with (Army) I just wanted something fun to shoot although it cost a little more than 9mm. Its my "get back to the truck" gun haha. I keep my G17 in the truck. I would like to reload it, however my reloading stuff is in storage until I get the room to set it back up. It used to make you about break even to reload some rounds but now you're saving money on just about anything.
 
Its a cartridge well tailored for small frame pistols. Some people have problems handling a .380, a .32 out of the same size pistol is a breeze. Shot placement and follow ups are easy. I think it is an underrated caliber. (a kel-tec p32 is also my EDC).
 
With the right ammo you will be O,K, for CCW.

The new "core bonded" ammo such Winchester PDX-1 and Remington Golden saber, Speer Gold dots, etc will make this cartridge much better for conceal carry than the FMJ . Look at "Golden loki.com" and you will see adequate penetration and expansion for this round. For the recoil shy it is fine. Anyway, shot placement is by far more important than just bullet size.
 
I have an older Walther PP in 32 ACP.great gun,easy to shoot,recoil no problem.Of the 25 or so handguns I own ,not counting a Beretta 21A or a Ruger LCP,the Walther is the easiest to CCW. As far as a self defense weapon,maybe not up to 50 BMG standards,but 6 or 7 rounds in the eye, forehead area WILL slow the perp down...jwr
 
I have a WWII Mauser HsC in .32 that I was thinking about selling, but this thread is giving me second thoughts! My buddy also has a P-32 as his CCW weapon and speaks well enough about the caliber with the right ammo, so with so much under-dog praise, hmmmm :) Sounds like a winner to me!
 
Well when it comes down to it shot placement is key, that and the sound of the gun itself going off would scare most off I wont say all but the gun being presented is a good deterrent to a lesser armed BG :p
 
If you can get your money back and buy a Colt 1903. Man'O'Man, I just got this after 2 years of going back and forth. Took it to the range yesterday, accurate, no recoil to speak of and easy to hide. This is one sweet gun. In a perfect world I would carry my 1911 all the time, but its not. I'm not like most, I have no problem carrying a 32acp. Is it my first choice, no but if it's hot and I'm wearing lighter clothing, you bet.. IMG_2942.gif IMG_2943.gif
 
Well thanks for that I like Berettas pretty good though :p never fooled with any Colts other than an M16A4 This will be my first owned Beretta though and I tell you what Im in for trouble if I need a need barrel, or firing pin or springs or magazines I know that.... I cant find any of the above on the net :(
 
I assume you mean the Beretta Tomcat? My wife bought one a few years ago as a carry gun, but didn't like it because it was too wide. With something that wide you might as well have a larger bullet. It's pleasant to shoot. I took it to the range after >100 rounds through it, and when I dropped the mag, a small piece of the frame went with it. We sent i back to Beretta and they replaced it for free, after about 2 months.
 
I did a double trade this morning. A Beretta 81 was one gun I got in the trade. (An M57 was the other) It has been on my wish list for a while now. I like the .32 ACP. Cheap to load, low recoil, and just plain fun. I carry a Seecamp .32 ACP frequently. The 81 is a bit big for that. There are better calibers in the same size package. That doesn't mean it won't work for carry, cause it will. Thirteen rounds of .32 ACP is nothing to scoff at. Mine is well loved, but mechanically very good. I am looking forward to taking it to the range.

Congrats on your 81, I am sure you will like it. I am excited about mine. :)
 

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I love shooting my P32 that the wifey considers hers now.
Almost no recoil and with proper shot placement will work.
A couple of 32 to the face will bring any man down regardless of size.
The P32 goes everywhere with her and she loves it, now I have to get another one for myself.
 
I took the VA CHL class at the NRA range back in 2005 using my Polizei Walther PP in .32. Thing I learned was to be comfortable, competent and carry it...have since switched over to my Crimson Trace equiped Colt Commander, but every now and then, when the dress and occasion call for, I have no problems wearing the PP. Like my instructor said, a .32 PP carried is far better than my 629, CZ75 or Commander left at home.
 
I carry a Seecamp LWS32 in the summer as a pocket gun. (Desantis holster)

Nice, comfortable round that would hopefully buy me time to get to my vehicle and grab my car gun. In other words, it's better than a sharp stick in the eye and I certainly wouldn't want to be shot by one.
 
I've embraced the .32 calibers for revolvers and pistols as I get older.

The CZ 83, Beretta Tomcat, NAA Guardian, and the Taurus 732 all have different missions.
 
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