.32 Auto opinions

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Schleprok62

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Tried the search, but it threw the three character requirement at me... ugh!!!

Basically, the wifey is wanting something to put in her nightstand... She does not want anything big... (big being 9mm or above) So I suggested the 380 or the 32 ACP... she found a 32 she likes, hasn't purchased it yet... but she seems set on a 32...


Thanks
 
Then get her a .22.
A woman's got to know her limitations.

The 8-shot S&W 317 would make a good night-stand gun for someone who isn't into guns.

No manual of arms to learn, no safetys to remember, no nothing except a trigger and a cylinder latch.

If it's loaded, it's good to go!

She might even find out it's enough fun to shoot to practice with it once and awhile!

rcmodel
 
I've got a Kel-Tec P-32 that I like. It's eaten 500 rounds and has not had 1 single hiccup. Inexpensive and easy to control with little recoil.
Even though it may be only "a little better than a rock", I still haven't found anyone who would be willing to take a .32 slug to the face, or chest, or groin or whatever. Or a .22 for that matter. Sure, the first shot may not kill, that's why they put 7 in the mag. And even if those don't kill, they will either slow 'em way down or send 'em running with feces filled shorts.
 
Variety

How about something older? Colt Pocket, Mauser HSc, Ortgies, Browning, Walther PP or PPK, Remington, Savage, Astra?

All can be found in .32 ACP, and all are pretty good guns and fairly accurate, albeit old and maybe not as esthetically pleasing.

I like my Ortgies in .32. :D

The Doc is out now. :cool:
 
Verde: I'm taking to a range this weekend to try some rentals. At this point, she's not really into guns... who knows, a day at the range could change all that... I'm taking the 24/7, so she me just get the bug to try it too... should be an interesting weekend though...
 
Those who know me know that I despise Kel-Teks, but I've heard the .32 is very reliable. My .380 takes too much strength for most women to rack the slide, the .32 may be the same way. One thing I'd heard about .32 is something called rim lock, the .32 has a bit of a rim and if the topmost cartridge rim gets behind the next one below they will lock up. My newly acquired Savage did that to me. If the angle of the magazine is greater the chances of it should be reduced, the Savage has only a few degrees of angle.
 
SiG P230 in .32ACP. There was a new one from a european police contract listed on Gunbroker about a month ago, I would have loved to pick it up.

Gun is pure quality and has negligible recoil. Just make sure you avoid the Beretta Tomcat.
 
spend more

gonna spend more but that Smith #317 is one hell of a handgun, and she doesn't have to think about anything other than pulling the trigger. nice thing about a revolver over a semi auto. If a semi jams basically a woman is screwed (probably the wrong term for it) for not knowing what to do in a emergency situation. where as a revolver, if she pulls the trigger and it doesn't go bang, alll she has to do is pull it again ...
 
rcmodel's post I agree with.

To which I will add...
I like 32ACP for a lot of reasons personally, as I do the 25ACP in a Jetfire.

Bottom line, is the user of gun is more likely to learn it, practice and actually carry it , if they choose it and like it.

I do not know the circumstances and I do not want to know.
Still there are those that need small and concealable about the home and rule one is "have a gun".

i.e. I know one lady that had physical limits, and works out her home.
She uses the 317 and her BUG is often another one, and/or a Jetfire in 25ACP.

She was born without a lower arm on weak side. Tip up guns are her preferred semi autos and she does extremley well with both tip up Beretta's and Revolvers.
Age, and minor hand surgery, coupled with some artrhighis, means the small caliber works better for her.

Gun fit to user , for tasks, they like and shoot well.
 
How about a softly-loaded .38 special revolver? Should be comfortable to shoot and much better than a .32ACP or .22lr.

If she wants a semiauto, then I'd recommend a SIG or Beretta rather than a KelTec. For a nightstand gun, you may as well go with something bigger & heavier, to help with accuracy. A heavier pistol is always useful for use if she needs to smack someone with as well.
 
The 3032 Tomcat from Beretta is quite nice, in my opinion. Mine has been great in terms of concealability, accuracy and reliability.
 
I've read about rimlock too, but I've never had it happen with my P-32. The only ammo that I've ever used in it is Magtec FMJ and shortly after purchasing it, I replaced the stock mag springs with stronger Wolff springs,
(because they were highly recommended). It's been absolutly perfect.
 
Rent It If Possible

The TAURUS looks like a good choice if your wife can shoot it well.

Try renting the gun at a range if possible. If not, try the very similar .380ACP model.

As for using a .22lr instead, I would advise against it.

The .22lr is about a 1 in 3 chance of a 1 shot stop, while the .32ACP using WINCHESTER Silvertip has proven to work 66% of the time with 1 shot. That is based on 151 shooting incidents that MARSHALL and SANOW have tracked in their book, STOPPING POWER.
I use the Silvertip load in my BERETTA Tomcat.

Jim
 
Colt Government 380, if you can find one. I have yet to find a non gun-bunny woman who doesn't like them. Full 380, but the locked breech makes it much easier for someone with a weak grip to cycle the action. About the size of a large 32, unless you go Mustang, in which case it is the size of a 32/25.
 
I'll tell you one thing; fun to shoot with minimum recoil...If she can raise the pistol with an extended one hand pointing to a target and pull the trigger in quick succession: it will get the BG's attention in some serious hurt. One range visit and she'll be hooked....
Better a .32acp than something bigger w/holes in your stucco because of recoil or timidity....:)
OstrichMauser007.gif
 
Honestly, this just makes no sense to me.

Why on Earth would you want someting as feeble as a 32 auto for a bedside gun. I carry a 32, not because I want to, but because of where I carry, I have to be very covert. I can't afford to even "print" through my pants, so the 32 is the biggest I can carry. But make no mistake, it's a crap round.

I agree with eveyone who has said revolver. Get a 357, load it with 38 specials and never worry about it again.

I sometimes feel like "handgun" means "auto", remember the revolver. No switches, no mag, just point and shoot.

Joe
 
Have you thought of a 9X18? How about a Makarov? DA first pull. Ready to go any time and it's pleasant to shoot. Cheap, too. How about a CZ 82?

Just curious: Why only a .32 for a nightstand gun? Since it's not for carrying, why not get something bigger with some mass to cut down on felt recoil? A 9MM anything or a .38SPL revolver?

Note: I posted without noticing the previous poster's comments. Too much caffiene, I guess.
 
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The CZ83 comes in .32 acp and is a very easy shooter. Magazine holds 15 rounds. Walther PPK and PPK/S come in .32 also. Here'sthe CZ83...
guns005.gif
 
Kel-Tec P-32 with the new Buffalo +P ammo. Their new ammo was tested, among others - with the P-32. Throw a laser sight on this gun and you're good to go. I sold my Seecamp .32 because it is not recommended for this new ammo since it does not have a fully supported chamber. I wanted to give this to my wife but she nixed it and wanted the Kahr PM9. Good for her! I still like this P-32 setup.;:cool:
 
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