.32 ACP (.32 Auto)

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32ACP was good enough for WWII German Soldiers, they must have found something worthwhile in it;)
 
It was also good enough to kill the Archduke Ferdinand and his wife after penetrating the body of the car they were riding in, and ultimately start WWI.
 
I like .32acp pistols and often carry a Kel-Tec P-32 (my hands not being what the once were, prefer my P-32's over my P3AT's and such).
In fact, the subject came up just last week at the local range. I watched a guy struggling to get his girlfriend to shoot an LCP. After a few shots had whacked her hand, she simply refused to pull the trigger again. Unfortunately, I was carrying a PF9 that day and didn't have a P32 with me to let her try. I am certain she would have been quite comfortable with the .32acp in a K-T P32 instead of the .380acp in the LCP.

But I have acquired a few .32acp pistols over recent years.....still need to at least get a Scorpion (because 30 rounds of .32acp would be fun).
Kel-Tec P32 - 1st Gen
Kel-Tec P32 - 2nd Gen
Beretta M1935 (1943 mfr)
Cz70
Walther PPK
Savage 1905
FEG AP7
NAA Guardian
Carpati M74
Bryco M38 (in .32acp)
Davis P32
Davis D32
 
I enjoy the .32's, just picked up a Beretta 81 last week and got a chance to shoot it on Sunday. Man, that's one sweet shooting gun:D
It'll be keeping company with a WWII bring back CZ 27 and a 1903 Colt. Gotta' love 'em
 
In north america it is often seen as underpowered but honestly the .32 acp has killed a crapload of europeans.
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It does seem to be a cultural perception. Same thing with cars also.
 
It always comes down to the idea that you shouldn't knock something until you try it. I've tried a couple of .32s. It has become my favorite centerfire cartridge since then.
 
Why a .32? Because some of us just like ALL guns, and owning a .32 is just one more way of enjoying gun collecting, shooting, and yes, it CAN be a self defense gun. Are there more powerful ones? (rhetorical question: you don't really have to answer.:D) My .32 Colt 1903 gets carried a lot (ankle rig), particularly when I want to appear to NOT be carrying a bigger gun (no one ever looks at my legs :)(). I think there is a place and use for almost ANY gun. You just have to find it, or, create it.
 
I carry a 32 often. It doesn't "bother" me at all - in fact I find it very comforting to know that I can have a small, reliable, and unobtrusive firearms on my person at all times, without anyone else ever knowing. ;)

It should also be pointed out that the 22 magnum does NOT develop anything close to its rifle ballistics in small guns. From a mouse gun, its barely makes 1,000 fps with a 40gr bullet - certainly no advantage over a 32acp.
 
I have a P32. It doesn't inspire confidence. I would hate to have to use it to defend myself.

I don't trust JHP's in it either because I don't think they give you adequate penetration.
 
.32 acps??!!
Terrible horrible guns and a puny, inadequate caliber.
Send your unwanted and despised .32 acp guns to me and I will personally ensure they never come back onto the gun buying market while i am still alive!:p
I am especially looking to remove an excellent condition FN 1900 with at least two spare factory magazines from the market and am trying for a reasonable price.
medium.jpg
 
I (my wife) have a Beretta 7.65 her dad brought back from WWII. Very nice condition. There are also two hand made holsters with it. It had been sitting around for nearly 30 years since we got married. Couple of months ago I cleaned it and took it out and fired a magazine full of rounds through it. Couldn't keep all the rounds on a 2'x2' target backer from 50 feet. It almost took two fingers to pull the trigger and I could barely operate the slide. Think it will go back in the safe. If I recall, it was made in 1944.
 
I have a P32. It doesn't inspire confidence.
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Just curious, what makes you confident in a handgun? For me, it is knowing that the handgun is reliable and accurate in my hands.

I have over 1500 rounds through my P-32. Still runs like a fine watch. I have lost count how many thousands of rounds I have put through my Ruger 22/45, so I'm really confident in my Ruger, also.
 
I really enjoy my two .32 ACPs.

Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless
aColtModel1903PocketHammerless32ACPTypeII1910SN104952.jpg
Mauser Model 1914
aMauserModel1914765mm32ACP1914-1931.jpg
 
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I have grown to really respect the .32acp cartridge. Over the years, I've shot all sorts of non-typical targets to break the monotony (old books, propane tanks, empty fire extinguishers and the such) and find the .32acp 73gr FMJ will certainly penetrate.

I find things that a 9x18 or .380acp won't always penetrate is often punched through with the .32acp. Of course this is due to the caliber and bullet profile and not in any way having to do with having more "power", as it takes a back seat to both the 9x17 and 9x18 in terms of energy.

However, if penetration is something one is looking for, the .32acp FMJ can provide it.
I have little doubt the little 73gr .32acp pill will punch through the snot locker and into the brain case of anyone unfortunate enough to encounter one in combat. I also have little doubt it has the capabilities to penetrate any major organ from a frontal shot. I guess that's why it was considered for so long to be an adequate cartridge for military and police in Europe.

As for .32acp in JHP flavor, I'll pass. Besides risking rimlock with certain pistols (my P32 being one of them), an expanded .32acp, IMHO, will come at the sacrifice of its greats attribute, penetration.
 
I think I'm cursed -- just when I decided I can't buy any more guns this year, what should pop up at my local Gander Mountain but a Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless. They want $499 -- I'm afraid to even look at it. This is a gun I really don't need but I really want...
 
Gander Mountain but a Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless. They want $499 -- I'm afraid to even look at it. This is a gun I really don't need but I really want...
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Whatever you decide, make sure that you post photos.
 
I really have difficulty imagining a more classy pistol than a 1903. It is one of those pistols that I know I absolutely must have.

BTW, they are one of the most photogenic pistols out there. Toivo, if you do buy that 1903, please do just what CZguy asks and post pictures.
 
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