InkEd
Member
Like the title says anyone enjoy shooting .32acp for fun. If so, what guns do you use it in?
Anybody like .32acp just for fun?
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Satasaurus
member
This probably isn't very helpful, but ... I don't own any .32 calibers, but I would consider one just for a toy at the range when I start reloading. The only thing that's kept me from getting small calibers is for some reason they charge as much for a box of .32s as they do for a box of .45s. I would never pay that. It's less lead, brass, and materials then 9mm ammo so why the heck is it like twice as expensive.
bannockburn
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Like Satasaurus I currently don't own any guns in .32ACP but had a Walther and a Manurhin, both PP models, years ago. I bought them mainly because I liked the design, both were in excellent condition, and I got them both at a really good price (especially compared to a PPK/PPKs model). When it comes to caliber though, in the same size gun, I prefer a .380ACP to a .32ACP.
I've been hand loading since about 1970 and the one thing I learned quickly is it's technically possible to "save money" by rolling your own, but it's like golf, bass fishing and any other hobby ... the stuff you can buy to enhance the fun is always going to add to the cost of what you produce. And the likelihood of you resisting buying additional stuff is very low. After a short time, I realized by hand loading I was actually spending more in shooting because I was shooting a lot more. Because of that, I got into bullet casting very soon after I started loading and that's another "money pit" to throw your hard earned cash into. But like most casters, I love doing it.
The cost of loaded ammunition and components is not based totally on their size, generally the only difference between the small and large bore ammunition, equipment, dies and such is just the diameter of the hole for a given caliber. The processes and the tooling-up effort to built the ammunition or all the various pieces of loading equipment varies little. And as with other things, demand often raises costs. But the more you load (or sell if you're an ammunition factory), the less equipment costs effects any one round's cost. The vast majority of my equipment "paid for itself" decades ago. And casting is like loading in general, the sole difference between the mold to throw a .454 bullet and the one to throw a .311 bullet is the size of the bullet cavity. The rest is the same.
I load for the .32 ACP and it's not a bad cartridge to load. Not as easy as say the .45 ACP, but it's not a chore at all. But not being a "mainstream" cartridge any longer, it almost falls into the "custom" category. That too can raise prices. Look here and you'll see what I mean. http://www.ammoengine.com/find/ammo/.32_ACP
pockets
Member
I love .32acp and currently own 11 pistols chambered for that cartridge.
My favorite 'shooter' is an FEG AP7.65 (the .32acp version of the PA-63).
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My favorite 'shooter' is an FEG AP7.65 (the .32acp version of the PA-63).
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dhcustomwork
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- Dec 18, 2012
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- 73
I'm really enjoying the .32 cartridge. Right now I've got a few Colt model 1903s that put those 32s on target with surprising accuracy. And with the new ammo out there; the good HPs make the old Colt a nice carry piece.
returningfire
Member
I love my 32's. A Beretta 70 is my favorite. And European military forces thought they worked just fine until a few years ago. Which is heavier to tote around, a box of 45's or a box of 32's? That is why the US military left the 30 cal and went to 22's, is the weight. 100 rounds of 30 cal will pull you into the ground in a days time, carry a hundred rounds of 223 and you won't hardly break a sweat.The last thing a lot of people saw on this earth in Europe was a 32 cal handgun pointed at them.
It's not a 45 or a 9mm, but IMO the 32 is as good are better than a 380.
It's not a 45 or a 9mm, but IMO the 32 is as good are better than a 380.
usp9
Member
Some truly great pistols come in .32. I enjoy them a lot. My favorite is the Sig. The CZ was great fun too. The Llama is neat, a mini 1911.
Pic borrowed from Photobucket
On my want to have one list is a Beretta 82
Pic borrowed from Photobucket
On my want to have one list is a Beretta 82
MikeJackmin
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- Feb 24, 2005
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- 1,604
As I get older, I find I do more and more of my shooting with smaller caliber guns. Not every shooting session has to be a training session for a gunfight.
.32s are, for some reason I can't quite explain, much more fun for me than .22s. They hit plenty hard enough to wreck tin cans and make the steel plates ring, and that's all I'm asking of them.
.32s are, for some reason I can't quite explain, much more fun for me than .22s. They hit plenty hard enough to wreck tin cans and make the steel plates ring, and that's all I'm asking of them.
Colt model 1903 made in 1911
I paid $100 for it 15 years ago. Little finish but it sure shoots Lyman's 77 and 85 grain RN very well sized to .311. I can't use my normal loading blocks for this round and use empty plastic cartridge containers that originally held 9mm cartridges, works fine. While the Colt is big by todays standards for a 32, it is really a sweet shooter if that make sense. Colt made a huge amount of these guns and the models chambered in .380 are in bigger demand so the .32s are still available for cheap. Springs, stocks, magazines and barrels are produced aftermarket to keep these shooting for long after we are gone. Oh and finding the 32 empties is way more easy than .25 auto.
I paid $100 for it 15 years ago. Little finish but it sure shoots Lyman's 77 and 85 grain RN very well sized to .311. I can't use my normal loading blocks for this round and use empty plastic cartridge containers that originally held 9mm cartridges, works fine. While the Colt is big by todays standards for a 32, it is really a sweet shooter if that make sense. Colt made a huge amount of these guns and the models chambered in .380 are in bigger demand so the .32s are still available for cheap. Springs, stocks, magazines and barrels are produced aftermarket to keep these shooting for long after we are gone. Oh and finding the 32 empties is way more easy than .25 auto.
ahandgunner2
Member
I love shooting 32's...and what's better is that its a great caliber to teach women to shoot. Some are scared of recoil and 32 lets them experience it (unlike 22) without scaring them.
i don't shoot as often as I'd like since I haven't bought 32 dies yet and as already mentioned, factory ammo is expensive for these BUT I do enjoy getting mine out from time to time....especially the Sig P230 and the HK4..both great guns and even better in 32 (I have both in 380 as well).
Buy....shoot ....enjoy (then reload for them and repeat)
i don't shoot as often as I'd like since I haven't bought 32 dies yet and as already mentioned, factory ammo is expensive for these BUT I do enjoy getting mine out from time to time....especially the Sig P230 and the HK4..both great guns and even better in 32 (I have both in 380 as well).
Buy....shoot ....enjoy (then reload for them and repeat)
Jessie James 58
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Years ago I was able to purchase a PPK (yes a real PPK) I shot it for years. My mother in law wanted a small gun for self protection so I gave her the PPK. I think the main reason she loved that gun is it did not have very much recoil.
Plus just for good measure I gave her husband (my Father in Law) a 1911 in 45 ACP. They live in Texas and I gave them the guns after the the McDonald's Shooting.
Plus just for good measure I gave her husband (my Father in Law) a 1911 in 45 ACP. They live in Texas and I gave them the guns after the the McDonald's Shooting.
Cocked & Locked
Member
pea shooters
I like .32 acp pistols just fine. Colt, Llama, NAA Guardian, Kel Tec, Savage.
I like .32 acp pistols just fine. Colt, Llama, NAA Guardian, Kel Tec, Savage.
MICHAEL T
Member
I liked my 32 KelTec's and the Walther PP . 32 is a good caliber
Marlin 45 carbine
Member
yeah my Beretta .32acp is a shorts/swimming trunks carry. did a spray and bake on it.
amazingly durable.
amazingly durable.
Landric
Member
These are my two .32 ACPs at the moment (I also have a couple of .32 H&R Magnum revolvers, another great cartridge):
Both are fun, the P32 is fun to shoot, the same cannot be said about the .380 counterparts (P3AT & LCP). The VZ61 is also a lot of fun, but I expect it to be more fun in 4 months or so when the form 1 comes back and I can add the stock.
I really want a CZ83 .32 ACP, a Beretta 81 .32 ACP, and a Walther PP .32 ACP. Perhaps someday.
Both are fun, the P32 is fun to shoot, the same cannot be said about the .380 counterparts (P3AT & LCP). The VZ61 is also a lot of fun, but I expect it to be more fun in 4 months or so when the form 1 comes back and I can add the stock.
I really want a CZ83 .32 ACP, a Beretta 81 .32 ACP, and a Walther PP .32 ACP. Perhaps someday.
jhvaughan2
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Oh yes. I shoot them for fun. However I collect them for taking them apart! Really.
There is a myriad .32 designs made before the war. I find it fascinating how many different ways an auto can be made. Each is a jewel of design AND manufacture. Unlike "modern" autos, nearly each manufacturer had a design completely different than the others, and they disassembly in completely different ways. One of the most amazing is the Mauser 1914 that will field strip & reassemble without have to compress the recoil spring.
I do find reloading a bit of a bear because there are two thicknesses of brass. The old europeans do not like that thicker american brass.
There is a myriad .32 designs made before the war. I find it fascinating how many different ways an auto can be made. Each is a jewel of design AND manufacture. Unlike "modern" autos, nearly each manufacturer had a design completely different than the others, and they disassembly in completely different ways. One of the most amazing is the Mauser 1914 that will field strip & reassemble without have to compress the recoil spring.
I do find reloading a bit of a bear because there are two thicknesses of brass. The old europeans do not like that thicker american brass.
InkEd
Member
I think I newer to go scout some out next time I am at my LGS.
usp9
Member
Do-it-yourself refinish job.
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