are .32 good guns
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hardluk1
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Now if you mean the 32fed mag, YES a good choice. The .32acp is better than throwing rocks for sure. There ok. BUT. Today most 380's are the same size as the .32 cal firearms and offer a better choice and more power for the weight firearm and cost. Most of the lightweight .32/380's can be bought for around 240 bucks new and most weight between 8oz for ruger and KT and 17oz like with the Bersa 380. All tend to work well with the heavier be easier to handle for a new shooter. Do you have any buddies that might let you shot there pistols to see for your self. Stay away from any single action trigger really cheap handguns. You can buy a 9mm in the 12 to 13oz range now for the same money for a pf-9 keltec
As posted its better than nothing and shot placement is everything. A .32 in hand when needed is better than the .44 mag at home in your closet. Some will trash the round but none will volunteer to be a test target.
I would suggest not using hollow points in a .32 I don't think you will get the desired mushrooming effect that is why shot placement is important.
As posted you can get similar size guns with calibers of more power, but to each his own.
I would suggest not using hollow points in a .32 I don't think you will get the desired mushrooming effect that is why shot placement is important.
As posted you can get similar size guns with calibers of more power, but to each his own.
fallout mike
Member
.32acp?, .32 long?, .32 magnum?
wlewisiii
Member
I like my S&W top break in .32 S&W. 5 shots, 85 grains at 700 fps will put a damper on most people's day. Every other .32 has even more oomph.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
.32 what???
highlander 5
Member
I carry a Walther PP in 32 acp on occasion and I've been laugh at,got my chops busted for it,but so far no one has volenteered to let m put 2 or 3 rounds into any vital organs. There are better choices out there,but it still beats rolling around on the ground with said bad guy.
Onward Allusion
Member
You posted in the revolver section, so I am assuming you're referring to either:
-32S&W Short
-32S&W Long
-32 H&R Mag
-327 Federal Mag
Any gun is better than no gun when you need one. Even a 22LR can stop or kill. Most situations end w/o a shot fired. I'm guessing you're talking about the 327 Fed Mag revolvers that are all on fire-sale right now. The 327 Fed Mag is a great cartridge. You get 6 shots of 9mm +P equivalent power in a package the size of a 5 shot 38 special. You also get to practice with cheap 32S&W Long cartridges at a relatively low cost. Also, if you're not ready for the snappy feel of the 327 Fed Mag, you can always load 32 H&R Mag for defense. ...38 special and 32 H&R Mag are somewhat close in energy.
safetyguy61
Member
My mouse, Kel-Tec .32 ACP is "backup" for my .45 ACP.
ThomasT
Member
I have seven 32 caliber revolvers and really like the round. I have no problem using one for defense. I keep a S&W 431PD snubby in my nightstand loaded with lead wadcutter loads getting 850fps. That load gets 160 pounds of energy. Not tremendous but enough to get someone out of my house, if they are able to move.
I use a full power 32 mag load that from a 4" barreled SP101 would get 1250 fps for 295 Ft pounds of energy and 1305 fps from a 5.5" barreled single six and thats 318 ft pounds using an 85gr bullet. So its not a weak round with proper loadings. Just depends on what 32 you are refering to.
I have a 32 auto and used to have a 380 and was shooting them side by side one day. I managed to hit the steel target frame near the top edge with both rounds right next to each other. I couldn't see any real power difference from the 380. The dents looked just the same.
As much as I like the 32 rounds and as fun as they are to shoot I would only recommend them if you reload. I do and also cast most of the lead slugs I shoot so the rounds don't cost much. The cost of factory loads will wear you out. The guns are super fun to shoot and a box or two won't hold you.
I use a full power 32 mag load that from a 4" barreled SP101 would get 1250 fps for 295 Ft pounds of energy and 1305 fps from a 5.5" barreled single six and thats 318 ft pounds using an 85gr bullet. So its not a weak round with proper loadings. Just depends on what 32 you are refering to.
I have a 32 auto and used to have a 380 and was shooting them side by side one day. I managed to hit the steel target frame near the top edge with both rounds right next to each other. I couldn't see any real power difference from the 380. The dents looked just the same.
As much as I like the 32 rounds and as fun as they are to shoot I would only recommend them if you reload. I do and also cast most of the lead slugs I shoot so the rounds don't cost much. The cost of factory loads will wear you out. The guns are super fun to shoot and a box or two won't hold you.
I have a pocket .32 ACP & a 3" .32 Long revolver that I have been known to carry, often actually. Some people would say I am under armed, but I am comfortable with them. I also carry a full sized 1911 in .45 ACP at times, as well as a .44 Spl revolver, but the small guns are just easier to tote. 
It is minimum for sure, but will kill if shot placement is good.
It is minimum for sure, but will kill if shot placement is good.
Yep...
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just for fun
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Got this Beretta model 35 32APC built in 1951 the slide to frame fit makes most of the "custom built" 45's look like a high school machine shop project! Too heavy for daily carry, still just right for light Summer wear. No, zero, nada, recoil. Harsh trigger pull. still a keeper!
PreMod70
Member
Good defense round; a J frame Smith in .32 gives you a extra round that you will never need.
tpelle
Member
I have a Pre-WWII .32 ACP Ortgies pistol that I got in a box of gun junk from a yard sale. Had to buy a few parts from gunparts.com to get it running, but it's amazingly well made and extremely accurate. The only problem is that a box of .32 ACP hardball is as expensive as a box of .45 ACP hardball! So let me ask: Which which am I better armed?
You forgot .32-20, that beats all other 32's until you get to .327 Federal.
Of course ammo is hard to find and expensive, but it's worth a mention.
Of course ammo is hard to find and expensive, but it's worth a mention.
Deaf Smith
Member
Be interesting to see a 7.62x25 Corbon DPX round. Now that would be some .32!
Deaf
Deaf
Claude Clay
Member
32 colt Long (and Short) 6" D.A. is excellant bullseye gun
32 S&W Long 4" Police Positive is a beauty of a carry gun from the time period when smart people feared the sepsis (infection) more than the wound'
since my daughter relieved me of most of my 380 carry guns, i've been reduced to P3at and S&W 332 for light carry and Colt 1903 for colder weather cause it fits in a Sig jacket so nice.
but what for back up.....a 351pd?
32 S&W Long 4" Police Positive is a beauty of a carry gun from the time period when smart people feared the sepsis (infection) more than the wound'
since my daughter relieved me of most of my 380 carry guns, i've been reduced to P3at and S&W 332 for light carry and Colt 1903 for colder weather cause it fits in a Sig jacket so nice.
but what for back up.....a 351pd?
Shadow 7D
Member
I really like my .32, all the flavors of them, got some really 'cute' gun
and some really good ones too, something like a KT P32, well, it doesn't get much more concealable than that.
and some really good ones too, something like a KT P32, well, it doesn't get much more concealable than that.
thunder173
Member
Hmmm,..all those years I carried a Walther PP in .32 ACP,..I guess I was underarmed out of ignorance....
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