.32acp vs .32Mag vs .22Mag for CCW

[November]

I'll try to make this a poll, but failing that here are the platforms as well:

.32acp - Kel-Tec P32

.32H&R Magnum - S&W 332

.22 Magnum - Any J-Frame size revolver (including Taurus) like the new S&W 351pd. If they had a centennial version I'd be listing that instead.

I'm going for light weight and low recoil. I own and have carried the P32 and it is light, flat, invisible in the pocket, and so far has been trouble-free. But I'm thinking of a revolver for a higher chance of reliability and possibly a more potent cartridge. So, from the above choices, what's your vote?

 

[Ala Dan]

.32 H&R magnum

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[yayarx7]

if you carried a p32 and liked it why not the p-3at?

 

[November]

ONE MORE THING - -

I'd appreciate it if you would list your reasons to give me a better understanding. Thanks

 

[November]

yayarx7-

I thought about the P-3AT because it only slightly larer and fires the .380acp, and I've read some good reports about it, but I've also read LOTS of bad relability reports. Again, I've never shot one. I may consider it if the balance of reports gets more positive and the factory puts out the hard-chrome version. Anyway, do me a favor and let me know what you think of the above choices. All input is appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[rolltide]

I would go with the 32 acp, but I would go with a more reliable platform like the NAA or the Seecamp. The magazine angle on the P32 makes it prone to rimlock. I am glad you have had no problems with yours. If you trust it with your life, just keep it, because you are already on the right track.

I have a NAA G32 and carry it nearly everyday for the same reasons you mentioned. I carried a 22MAG revovler for years before that, but the ability to reload quickly was what finally made me change to a auto. Carrying any of the calibers you mentioned means firing a lot of shots to stop an assault (actually ANY handgun probably means multiple shots period.) I can carry 7 in my G32 and 4- 10 round mags in my custom mag wallets in my off side back pocket (although I usually carry only 2- 6 rounders or 1-6 rounder and 1-10 rounder in a single mag wallet.)

I feel that my NAA G32 is as reliable as a revolver and is simple to use, just point and click.

Just my $.02


Roll Tide

 

[Josey]

I would never trust my life to another Kel-Tec. Mine (P-32) broke in a gunfight. I had a Davis D-38 derringer that was my hideout. I like the 32 S&W Long. I have a S&W Model 30 6 shot revolver. The 32 H&R Magnum will also work 32 S&W Long just like a 357 Magnum/38 Special.

 

[tbeb]

I voted for .32 magnum because I don't like Kel Tec's, and I don't like .22 magnum (or long rifle) for self defense.

 

[Majic]

The .32 H&R mag has a lot more going for it than most give it credit. In power level it's not too far behind a standard .38sp loading.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

A S&W model 331 .32 H&R mag snub is in a Galco Ankle Glove on my leg every day.
My K-T P-32 would carry easier but doesn't have the "whack" of a .32 mag. The revolver doesn't weigh all THAT much more either. 10.9 ounces + ammo.

KR

 

[cratz2]

I haven't looked into various loads available in 32 Magnum. But between CorBons, Gold Dots and SilverTips if you like them, and FMJ ammo, and the various flat pistols available in 32ACP, I think I'd lean towards the ACP over the Magnum, but mostly because of platform choice and possibly because of load selection, not because of the round itself.

 

[November]

Kentucky Rifle,
how much thicker is the 331? Is it pretty easy to carry in a front pocket?

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

November....

"Thicker"?
Well, my 331 is a little thicker than a Kel-Tec P-32--but it's very easy to carry in a front pocket. (Or ANY pocket.) The cylinder holds six rounds, too. My 331 is the only "AirLite Ti" I own. (Or WOULD own.) Recoil is... well, I don't even think about recoil. (I shot *one cylinder full of .357's from an AirLite Ti and my hand hurt for two days!) There's a lot of people here who own and are happy with their P-32's. Heck, I even own one myself. (I've kinda got a little pocket pistol collection going. I just love the little jewels!) However, when it comes down to a choice, there's no question about it. I reach for the 331. No rim-lock issues, no "Will it hurt my P-32 to sit on it", no nothing ~but a revolver that goes BANG every time I pull the trigger. The .32 mag is under appreciated. It does almost everything very well.
Send me an e-mail if you want to ask anything else. Thinking about it right now, I think my 331 is my favorite J-frame.
(Josey's reply scares me to death!)

KR

 

[Chip Dixon]

All of those choices are unacceptable.

You shouldn't carry mouseguns for CCW. .38 special (preferably+P) should be your minimum consideration. Unless you're carrying to fight off those scary mice..

 

[JShirley]

Mr. Dixon,

One might take care not to be so dogmatic. Better an "unacceptable" firearm than no arm at all.

I have regularly carried a .32 in environments where no larger arm would have been possible- and narrowly avoided being "made" as it was. Factors such as locale, dress, and body size must be considered. Rabid overpositive pronouncements without these factors are worse than useless.

John

 

[shooter1]

I can't get overly excited about any of these calibers. But if I am of the opinion that the gun should fit the caliber. Therefore I'd go with the P-32 as it is the most size efficient for the caliber. If I am going to carry a "J" frame, it'll be a 38spl.
str1

 

[p35]

I had a Taurus UL .22 Mag revolver; really nice gun "on paper" but I sold it because the blast and flash from a .22 Mag in a short barrel is ungodly. I honestly think it's worse than a .357. Obviously, I wouldn't vote for that.

 

[Chip Dixon]

My apologies for being so harsh, but short of being in a bathing suit I have a hard time seeing myself having to carry anything less. I wouldn't trust any of those calibers to stop somebody determined to do me harm, unless I managed to shoot them in the eye, etc.

 

[JShirley]

I certainly agree one should carry more, if able.

For years, my favorite carry pieces were a Kel-Tec P11 and a Glock 23. If weather was warmer, I'd carry the P-11. If the weather was cold enough for a sweater or heavier shirt, I'd carry the Glock.

I couldn't do this at work, though. Being around- actually required by the position- many people, in very close quarters, in a casual work environment, prevented me from packing more heat. Now, if I weren't a hobbit, or had worked in an environment where more clothing was common- or even, where I was not required to come very close to people all day- I would have carried more.

For most of the past few months, I've carried a Smith and Wesson 3" N frame when out. This was possible because of the relaxed environment (hunting season) and weather. Now that I'm back in school, if I were going to carry, my P-32 or P-3AT would be the most I would pack.

Sure, I could probably pack my M-65 or P-9 in appropriate holsters, but knowing the crowd I associate with, I won't. Getting hugs from pretty girls, at this point in my life, is more important than packing "adequate" firepower. One just has to choose priorities, which was my point.

John

 

[denfoote]

For whatever reason, these are your choices. While I agree with the esteemed Mr. Dixon, this is what you have given us to work with. That said, I think you would be better served by the .32 H&R mag. I read an admitted puff piece on the round and gun you mentioned. It seems to be an acceptable caliber and the weapon is well built and servicable. I would go with it!!

 

[Chip Dixon]

I know all about the hug problem I find the best way to deal with this is to get under the hug, so their arms end up by your chest, and not along your waist. There's always those unexpected from behind hugs you have to worry about, though..

I wasn't considering an in-school carry. I haven't been in school for years, and most places I went to would disown you if they found you carrying. I can understand wanting a 32 Mag, then. I would probably still just carry a small 38 snub-nose, though.

I just don't feel comfortable with guns smaller than a 38 special. You could get away with less if you were a gangbanger trying to rob people (who might not resist), or going to sneak up and shoot someone in the back of the head... but I would never consider doing any of those things. So I don't own any mouse guns. You better be a damn good shot if you plan on carrying a mouse gun with you, because otherwise you don't stand much of a chance of stopping your attacker before they'll be close enough to stab or disarm you.

 

[Majic]

If the attacker is determined then no handgun will immediately stop the attack unless a supporting bone structure or central nervous system is taken out. It aint TV land out there and a determined human body has a lot of fight in it. It takes time to bleed out even if the heart and lungs are completely destroyed.
Small caliber firearms work because most attackers are not determined. They have chose their target because they think they are unarmed giving them the advantage. Once they see the playing field has leveled they retreat. One of the biggest reasons nobody hears of defensive uses of firearms are that no shots are fired, just the mere presence of it defuses the situation. The perp doesn't want to take the chance of getting hurt either.

 

[Marshall]

32 H&R Mag

 

[Alan Fud]

It all depends on the circumstances. While I carry a .32H&R in and around the house for protection against sudden break-ins or even when opening the door to strangers, I know that I have other guns not too far away and the 332 is there is to buy me time to reach a more serious caliber and I, personally, would feel uncomfortable with it being my primary CCW.

Granted that a minor caliber is better than no gun but a typical .32H&R gun is usually larger than a typical .32ACP gun ...

... So if a .32ACP is the largest that I could carry, then so be it but if I can carry the 332, then I can also carry the 342 ...

... because it's in the same size package.

 

[November]

Thanks for all the opinions guys. Alan Fudd - Thanks for the comparison pics.