I have had a .32acp for years for pocket carry. With all the advancements in making smaller weapons in larger calibers, should I buy another .32acp for the wife (who just received her carry permit but will shoot anything), or take the plunge and add another caliber to the already long list of calibers that I already own?
.380 vs .32acp
- Thread starter Manta77
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The only answers that you will get for this are purely opinions. Opinions are like... bellybuttons, everyone has one. 
Anyway, I am of the opinion that you can hide a J frame revolver any day of the week, with almost any clothing. If a revolver doesn't suit you, the small 9mm's are getting smaller and smaller. Take a look at the Kahr CM9 or the Ruger LC9. Yes, the 380's and 32's are smaller then the small 9mm's, but it doesn't take any work at all to hide a small 9mm or a J frame 38 special. This is MY opinion, YMMV, FWIW, and all that.
Also, maybe let your WIFE pick out her own gun?
Anyway, I am of the opinion that you can hide a J frame revolver any day of the week, with almost any clothing. If a revolver doesn't suit you, the small 9mm's are getting smaller and smaller. Take a look at the Kahr CM9 or the Ruger LC9. Yes, the 380's and 32's are smaller then the small 9mm's, but it doesn't take any work at all to hide a small 9mm or a J frame 38 special. This is MY opinion, YMMV, FWIW, and all that.
Also, maybe let your WIFE pick out her own gun?
Alec
Member
The chance of rimlock, as small as it may be, is not one that I would want to take in a carry gun. I'm a fan of the .380.
JMHO neither has the power to be more than a hole punch and there's going to be little difference between a .312 and a .355 hole. It's going to matter more exacticly where said hole is.when I bought my Seecamp it was the only thing on the market. I wouldn't trade my 32 for a 380. But I'm not sure if I had it to do again I wouldn't get a 380.
FruitCake
Member
I have both. A Keltec P32 for me oops I mean hers and I have the Bodyguard 380 and love them both.
Snowdog
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Proficiency comes with practice and with a .32acp is going to be easier to practice with. From equal barrel lengths, I don't feel the 32acp loses much to the .380acp ballistically to make a substantial difference.
The .380acp does offer a bit more punch from a larger and heavier bullet at the cost of additional recoil and one less round (when comparing the P32 to the P3AT).
If I ever became unfortunate enough to use my P32 in defense, it would mean escape is impossible (family in tow) and I'm close enough for a face/head shot. I doubt the results would be different between the two cartridges when 2 or 3 shots are connected to the head/face of the assailant. Even if the first volley isn't effective, another 2-3 can be launched to the head/face up to 3 more times with the .32acp to increase the odds of effectiveness.
The .380acp does offer a bit more punch from a larger and heavier bullet at the cost of additional recoil and one less round (when comparing the P32 to the P3AT).
If I ever became unfortunate enough to use my P32 in defense, it would mean escape is impossible (family in tow) and I'm close enough for a face/head shot. I doubt the results would be different between the two cartridges when 2 or 3 shots are connected to the head/face of the assailant. Even if the first volley isn't effective, another 2-3 can be launched to the head/face up to 3 more times with the .32acp to increase the odds of effectiveness.
Tomac
Member
If recoil is a problem then a locked-breech .380 like the Sig P238 will have less snap than a blowback .32.
With regards to effectiveness, .32 FMJ penetrates deeper than .380 FMJ but the CorBon .380 DPX is a far better expanding load than any .32 JHP.
I carried a .32 Tomcat for years (w/FMJ, I now carry an M&P9c w/147gr DPX1) but never felt really comfortable w/the power level. W/a .380 I feel a little better but not as much as when carrying a 9mm.
JMHO...
Tomac
With regards to effectiveness, .32 FMJ penetrates deeper than .380 FMJ but the CorBon .380 DPX is a far better expanding load than any .32 JHP.
I carried a .32 Tomcat for years (w/FMJ, I now carry an M&P9c w/147gr DPX1) but never felt really comfortable w/the power level. W/a .380 I feel a little better but not as much as when carrying a 9mm.
JMHO...
Tomac
It's hard to beat a P-32 for a pocket gun. Mine has always worked perfectly. It's easy to shoot and hardly any recoil. Unlike the .380 the slide locks back on the P-32. I have a Tomcat also, which is ok in a coat pocket, but it weighs more than my 442. I had a Seecamp for a while which is pretty snappy without much to hold on to, so I sold it, nice piece of jewelry though.
Johannes_Paulsen
Member
A lot of instructors that I'm familiar with seem to think that .380ACP is right at the border of being a worthwhile defensive round (they seem to think that it's either just enough or not quite enough.) And considering just how pocketable and light some .380s are (Kahr P380, Ruger LCP, Sig P238) I just don't see any reason to go smaller than that other than for novelty's sake.
There are definitely some good micro-9mm's out there that are also worth looking at, although they are huge when compared to some of the .380s. I do have a stainless steel Kahr MK9 that I bought originally for pocket use...although it's gradually migrated from being 100% pocket carry to mostly OWB as long as I can have some sort of covering garment. It's pocketable, but can get heavy after a while. Still, the comfort of being able to easily carry 9mm has kept me from going any smaller.
There are definitely some good micro-9mm's out there that are also worth looking at, although they are huge when compared to some of the .380s. I do have a stainless steel Kahr MK9 that I bought originally for pocket use...although it's gradually migrated from being 100% pocket carry to mostly OWB as long as I can have some sort of covering garment. It's pocketable, but can get heavy after a while. Still, the comfort of being able to easily carry 9mm has kept me from going any smaller.
I appreciate all the comments, sometimes experience outweighs internet jibberish....That's why we end up on the High Road. Seems like a few of us are on the same page. I personally don't see a carry weapon as a "safe queen" by any means as I own a few of those....That's why the KelTec P32 is really appealing to me.....It's cheap, and you don't need to cringe every time you throw it into your glove compartment unprotected, etc. I personally (and I may upset some die hards) don't see a Springfield or Colt 1911 as a ultra compact carry weapon as there is way too much value and nostalgia associated with those pieces. To me, a carry weapon is a tool that you don't really care if it gets messed up in more ways than one. As far as I'm concerned, the smaller and more compact....the better.
kd7nqb
Member
I prefer the .380 to .32 any day but its really what the shooter is comfortable with. I really don't get the argument about the micro 9mm's because in all reality even the LC9 is too big for pocket carry in most every pair of pants. If the gun is going to end up on your belt anyway then you can afford a larger gun.
Johannes_Paulsen
Member
I agree w/ this - if I was starting from scratch to buy a pocket pistol today, it would definitely be .380, not 9x19.
I will split the difference and say carry both
I carry a .32ACP when I am off duty. I use the BERETTA Bobcat because it is light, concealable, recoil is mild and with the right ammo, it is 100% reliable.
I have shot smaller .32ACP pistols and found the recoil to be unpleasant.
I use foreign brand ball like S&B or AGUILA for practice. I found that the gun would catch the flat tip of WINCHESTER ball. REALLY DUMB DESIGN FEATURE OF WINCHESTER, in my opinion.
I use COR BON Powerball for carry ammo as it is 100% reliable with it.
Smaller .32ACP pistols kick harder because of the lighter weight and smaller grip area. Also, many smaller guns have really bad sights.
For the same reason, I avoid the really small 9m.m. pistols. I had a KAHR CW9 and sold it because I did not like shooting it. The gun worked fine, but the recoil was not for me.
I also have a BERETTA 82 in .32ACP in case we have another AMMO SHORTAGE. I could buy .32ACP ball in WALMART, but could not find .380ACP ammo anywhere or if I could, it was double the price that it should have been.
I know this is a large gun for a .32ACP, but it is a sweet shooter with .22lr like recoil and large enough to shoot well. It is also a 100% reliable shooter.
In larger guns, I prefer a .380ACP like the BERETTA 84 or SIG 230. The BERETTA holds 13 rounds in the magazine, has a double action trigger that can also be carried cocked an locked for those who like it. Good sights, mild recoil and is the most reliable .380ACP pistol I have ever fired.
As I get older, that combination of light recoil, absolute reliability, full size gun accuracy and large magazine capacity really appeal to me.
I also like the SIG 230 which has most of the WALTHER PP series advantages without the rotter trigger that I have found them to have. The 230 shoots well with excellent sights and a very smooth transition from double action to single action with a better safety system than the WALTHER'S in my experience (the SIG uses the same hammer dropping lever as the 226 and 229 pistols).
The biggest drawback on the SIG is the harder kick than the BERETTA due to the narrower grip and the SLOWER reload due to the heel position magazine release.
Also, the SIG is pickier. Mine will shoot HYDRO SHOK about 98%. It is 100% with REMINGTON 88grain JHP and that is what I carry in it.
I also like to shoot classic pocket pistols like the BROWNINT 1910 or COLT 1903. They can be as much fun as a .22lr, but provide a more realistic practice for defense pistols.
I carry a .32ACP when I am off duty. I use the BERETTA Bobcat because it is light, concealable, recoil is mild and with the right ammo, it is 100% reliable.
I have shot smaller .32ACP pistols and found the recoil to be unpleasant.
I use foreign brand ball like S&B or AGUILA for practice. I found that the gun would catch the flat tip of WINCHESTER ball. REALLY DUMB DESIGN FEATURE OF WINCHESTER, in my opinion.
I use COR BON Powerball for carry ammo as it is 100% reliable with it.
Smaller .32ACP pistols kick harder because of the lighter weight and smaller grip area. Also, many smaller guns have really bad sights.
For the same reason, I avoid the really small 9m.m. pistols. I had a KAHR CW9 and sold it because I did not like shooting it. The gun worked fine, but the recoil was not for me.
I also have a BERETTA 82 in .32ACP in case we have another AMMO SHORTAGE. I could buy .32ACP ball in WALMART, but could not find .380ACP ammo anywhere or if I could, it was double the price that it should have been.
I know this is a large gun for a .32ACP, but it is a sweet shooter with .22lr like recoil and large enough to shoot well. It is also a 100% reliable shooter.
In larger guns, I prefer a .380ACP like the BERETTA 84 or SIG 230. The BERETTA holds 13 rounds in the magazine, has a double action trigger that can also be carried cocked an locked for those who like it. Good sights, mild recoil and is the most reliable .380ACP pistol I have ever fired.
As I get older, that combination of light recoil, absolute reliability, full size gun accuracy and large magazine capacity really appeal to me.
I also like the SIG 230 which has most of the WALTHER PP series advantages without the rotter trigger that I have found them to have. The 230 shoots well with excellent sights and a very smooth transition from double action to single action with a better safety system than the WALTHER'S in my experience (the SIG uses the same hammer dropping lever as the 226 and 229 pistols).
The biggest drawback on the SIG is the harder kick than the BERETTA due to the narrower grip and the SLOWER reload due to the heel position magazine release.
Also, the SIG is pickier. Mine will shoot HYDRO SHOK about 98%. It is 100% with REMINGTON 88grain JHP and that is what I carry in it.
I also like to shoot classic pocket pistols like the BROWNINT 1910 or COLT 1903. They can be as much fun as a .22lr, but provide a more realistic practice for defense pistols.
jkd37
Member
I made the choice for the upcomming WI concealed carry start up in november between the 32, 380, and 9mm. The 380 won out. Its size (Kel-Tec P3AT) was just enough smaller than the PF9 that for someone who has never been able to carry every day made sense that I would not leave it at home on hot days with minimal clothing cover. The 32 acp was minimally smaller in gun size with less oommmpphh deliverd to the bad guy vs teh P3at.
I figured if I did have to defend myself with the 380, two or three quick well placed shots would have 95% the same bad guy deterant as the 9mm larger pistol. I can shoot pretty good 10 yards groups with the 380, and am happy with my decision thus far.
I dont think you will be unhappy with the extra $45 it costs to bump up to the 380 over the 32. Going up to the 9mm does add some extra gun in you belt. Look at them on top of each other. There is a significant increase.
I figured if I did have to defend myself with the 380, two or three quick well placed shots would have 95% the same bad guy deterant as the 9mm larger pistol. I can shoot pretty good 10 yards groups with the 380, and am happy with my decision thus far.
I dont think you will be unhappy with the extra $45 it costs to bump up to the 380 over the 32. Going up to the 9mm does add some extra gun in you belt. Look at them on top of each other. There is a significant increase.
Can't comment on on a 32 but for what it's worth, I got a Kel Tec P3AT 380 last week. took it out last weekend and LOVE it. 100 rounds of WWB and UMC and had 1 failure to feed but credit it to a round with a dented nose.
Recoil was not as bad as I thought it would be. Not as much as my PF9 and surprisingly accurate. Popping cans at 10 yards on a regular basis. It is my first 380.
Recoil was not as bad as I thought it would be. Not as much as my PF9 and surprisingly accurate. Popping cans at 10 yards on a regular basis. It is my first 380.
wnycollector
Member
My warm weather CCW is a Beretta 84b. It carries 14 rounds of Buffalo Bore 100gr hard cast and is supremely accurate and reliable. That being said, I would be fine carrying a .32 as well. My wife inherited her grandfathers 1953 Beretta 35 in .32. The pistol is equally as reliable and accurate as its larger sibling the Model 84 and still holds 9 rounds of .32 in lightweight, flat package.
A 32 fmj penetrates deeper than a 380 fmj! What do you base that on?
Every 380 fmj tested in ballistic gelatin I have seen has the the 380 fmj exiting 16" of ballistic gelatin. That means it went completely through the gelatin block and kept going.
FruitCake
Member
Mantra I love my P32 and its been 100%. ID GET A keltec or the LCP and stay away from the DiamondBacks for a while. You will be very happy with the P32 and their customer service is top notch. I also have the 10 round mag which also works great.
MedWheeler
Member
If you already have one P32 in service, I'd get the P3-AT. If she doesn't like its extra recoil, then you can probably simply switch with her.
I do have a P32, and I like it a lot. I'm not going to chase anyone down with it, and I do not feel all that undergunned with it, though I do routinely carry a PF-9 on my belt. Personally, I believe that the odds are already stacked by the thousands against me being targeted for attack, and stacked further by the millions that it would be by someone who will soldier on against a barrage of even .22LR rounds.
If you're concerned by the rimlock issue (as one respondent mentioned), it is a valid concern; I had one instance of it when breaking in my P32. Since I chose to stick with a round that is shorter overall than a FMJ round, I installed Kel-Tec's rimlock preventer in the magazine. Works perfectly.
If your wife "will shoot anything", just get her what she wants..
I do have a P32, and I like it a lot. I'm not going to chase anyone down with it, and I do not feel all that undergunned with it, though I do routinely carry a PF-9 on my belt. Personally, I believe that the odds are already stacked by the thousands against me being targeted for attack, and stacked further by the millions that it would be by someone who will soldier on against a barrage of even .22LR rounds.
If you're concerned by the rimlock issue (as one respondent mentioned), it is a valid concern; I had one instance of it when breaking in my P32. Since I chose to stick with a round that is shorter overall than a FMJ round, I installed Kel-Tec's rimlock preventer in the magazine. Works perfectly.
If your wife "will shoot anything", just get her what she wants..
FruitCake
Member
If you decide on the P32 do yourself a favor and buy 2. I only bought 1 and my wife stole it from me. These P32,s are a joy to shoot and so easyyyy to carry. Keltec got this little bug right on.
I've shot my buddys P3AT and it was NOT a pleasure to shoot for me anyway.
I myself carry my BG380 and love it also but it is bigger and heavier than the P32 very noticebly.
I plan on getting another P32 for myself because I love them so much.
I've shot my buddys P3AT and it was NOT a pleasure to shoot for me anyway.
I myself carry my BG380 and love it also but it is bigger and heavier than the P32 very noticebly.
I plan on getting another P32 for myself because I love them so much.
Zerodefect
member
I got rid of my P32. It's sights were useless. Couldn't hit anything further than 5 yards away. And rimlock is a problem.
I replaced it with a Kahr P380 that has a larger round yet less recoil. A better grip, better sights, and a way better trigger. I can hit a target 10 yards away, sometimes even 15 one handed. Way better for me than the Keltec.
I plan on haveing Dawson make some even taller custom sights for my Kahr with a thinner front blade.
I replaced it with a Kahr P380 that has a larger round yet less recoil. A better grip, better sights, and a way better trigger. I can hit a target 10 yards away, sometimes even 15 one handed. Way better for me than the Keltec.
I plan on haveing Dawson make some even taller custom sights for my Kahr with a thinner front blade.
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