DAO .32 Pocket Rocket

[toivo]

I've been pocket-carrying a P32 off and on for 15 years, always in a DeSantis Nemesis holster. I've never had it drop a mag in my pocket, and I've never had it fail. I don't shoot it all that much -- maybe a couple of times a year -- so it should be a good long time before I get to that 6000 round count.

I have a bunch of other teeny-tiny pistols too -- Beretta Pico, Jetfire, and Bobcat, Seecamp .25, SIG P238 -- but the P32 gets the most pocket time, mostly because it's so small and light. It's also a hell of a lot easier to shoot than the Pico, at least for me.

 

[Noclutch]

This thread has been helpful to me, in that it has helped empty my pocket while attempting to fill it with less
It's hard not to love the P32 for it's shootability and lack of weight, but the caliber thing is a real consideration. That lead me to two others to consider.
One, obviously, is the P3AT. Some are out there and I've picked up a couple. Still determining reliability on them, and focusing on their sights and lack there of. Shootability isn't a concern and it weighs one ounce more.
Next up is the LCP in the "custom" version. I recently picked up a new old stock one, and a lightly used one with a Hogue grip on it. The sights were a big draw, if not too big, but still easier. The trigger pull is quite a bit shorter and breaks quicker than the KTs, which gives me a little pause. It weighs ounce more again, so now I'm up 2 ounces from the baseline P32....
Thanks for the input guys.

 

[golden]

MOSIN,

I have both pistols and they are both safe queens. I know many people like the KEL TEC, but mine was dead out of the box. I sent it back and they fixed it, but I have not shot it since.
I also bought an NAA GUARDIAN in .32ACP. It is very small and one of the hardest recoiling guns I have shot in .32ACP. It works and I carry it sometimes when I want the smallest gun possible, but I limit my practice to 25 rounds at time, due to the unpleasant recoil.
If I carry a .32ACP, it is usually a BERETTA 3032 Tomcat, which I found much easier to shoot and is very light and well made.

I prefer the GLOCK 42 to all the above. It is easy to conceal, more accurate than I expected, mild recoil and a more effective round, plus GLOCK reliability.

Jim

 

[Noclutch]

I wish that Glock would get into the true micro market! They have QC and reputation beyond most all manufacturers of semi autos, and they would devour any competition. Kahr and SIG are close but not quite IMO- still just too heavy by many ounces. Regarding pocket-ability of P32/P3AT/LCP vs G42, doesn’t seem an apples comparison dimensionally, plus double the weight. But to each his own.

On the other hand, if they went there and if Glock had a sense of humor, they could name their micro the Glock Pock, or Naught, or Gnat. But I don’t see that happening

 

[Mark 40]

I've been pocket-carrying a P32 off and on for 15 years, always in a DeSantis Nemesis holster. I've never had it drop a mag in my pocket, and I've never had it fail. I don't shoot it all that much -- maybe a couple of times a year -- so it should be a good long time before I get to that 6000 round count.

Pretty much the same story here. Just purchased a second P32. Plan is to alternate range time with them monthly, shoot 50 rounds per to stay proficient.

 

[Ethan Verity]

My Ruger LCP 380 kicked the bucket at ~6,500 rounds. Ruger scrapped it, and replaced it for free! I posted about it here:

I Finally Wore Out my Ruger LCP! ~6,500 rounds

The time has come, unfortunately, in which my 2016 Ruger LCP1 is officially 'worn out'. :( It took ~6,500 rounds, fired over a period of 8 years. This gun has been in my pocket almost every single day of those past 8 years, sometimes serving as a backup, and sometimes as a primary. Seeing it...

www.thehighroad.org

I would imagine the less powerful P-32 should be able to last even longer.

 

[Noclutch]

My Ruger LCP 380 kicked the bucket at ~6,500 rounds. Ruger scrapped it, and replaced it for free! I posted about it here:

I Finally Wore Out my Ruger LCP! ~6,500 rounds

The time has come, unfortunately, in which my 2016 Ruger LCP1 is officially 'worn out'. :( It took ~6,500 rounds, fired over a period of 8 years. This gun has been in my pocket almost every single day of those past 8 years, sometimes serving as a backup, and sometimes as a primary. Seeing it...

www.thehighroad.org

I would imagine the less powerful P-32 should be able to last even longer.

Ruger did you soo right And if anyone can test your KTs durability, it would be you!

IMO the fit and finish of the LCP is a step or two above the P32 or P3AT, but looks only go so far, and I can't comment necessarily about durability of design.

I recently picked up a second, albeit this one "fairly used", P3AT on the cheap, and if it were to go irreparably sideways mechanically, I wonder what they would offer, if anything, but a "sorry about that", especially being not the original owner?

 

[SKILCZ]

Debating between a Keltec P-32, or an NAA Guardian in .32 Auto. Acquiring a S&W 686 and NAA mini-mag, parting with my Colt Junior… need a replacement pocket-auto. Had a Zastava M70 in .32 Auto, and while a fine gun, it’s just a hair too large for pocket carry… fine compact belt gun; but not suitable for a pocket.
In passing, I like the genuine DAO of the NAA, but the weight of the KelTec is a hard thing to pass up

What about a .32 H&R or .327 Fed Magnum revolver?

 

[argonn]

The one gripe I have with my Seecamp is finding a holster that will keep the gun muzzle-down. It’s a butt-heavy piece.

Hedley Pocket Holsters

And my collection of Seecamp holsters.

 

[TTv2]

What about a .32 H&R or .327 Fed Magnum revolver?

It's more power than .32 ACP, but it's going to be a larger and heavier to carry option than the P32.

Would absolutely choose an LCR over an NAA Guardian.

 

[Ethan Verity]

It's more power than .32 ACP, but it's going to be a larger and heavier to carry option than the P32.

Would absolutely choose an LCR over an NAA Guardian.

They are closer in weight, however it's a pretty significant size difference with the Guardian as shown with my S&W Model 340, which is even a hair smaller than an LCR.

 

[golden]

I wish that Glock would get into the true micro market! They have QC and reputation beyond most all manufacturers of semi autos, and they would devour any competition. Kahr and SIG are close but not quite IMO- still just too heavy by many ounces. Regarding pocket-ability of P32/P3AT/LCP vs G42, doesn’t seem an apples comparison dimensionally, plus double the weight. But to each his own.
View attachment 1254108
On the other hand, if they went there and if Glock had a sense of humor, they could name their micro the Glock Pock, or Naught, or Gnat. But I don’t see that happening

NoClutch,

Size and weight are relevant only to a point. I can pocket carry the KEL TEC, the NAA Guardian and GLOCK 42. The thinness of the GLOCK, its overall dimensions mean it works fine for me. I also have a SIG 365 and the loaded weight makes it much more likely to print. Previously, I carried a S&W model 38 Bodyguard and then replaced it with a S&W model 36 Chief Special. The 36 is a steel gun and weighs 3 or 4 ounces more than the model 38. I never noticed a difference when carrying either one. On the other hand, the model 36 was distinctly easier to shoot.

The only advantage I have found in the smaller guns is that they are lest likely to print in tighter clothes or in pants with shallow pockets.

As long as the gun works for you in concealability and shootability, I would go with the largest and best handling and most powerful. It ls also the most accurate, which I find the GLOCK 42 to be.

Jim

 

[chicharrones]

Picked up this new P-32 a couple days ago. Ran out of time to shoot due to my lunch break running short. Plan to break it in next week.

Thanks again to the members of THR for leading me to another firearm purchase.

Pics of the P-32 next to my TCP732. The TCP's grip looks and feels ginormous in comparison.
View attachment 1251185

View attachment 1251186

View attachment 1251187

I finally got a lunch break near an indoor shooting range yesterday.

Had my usual pocket LCP Max and my G36 and the KelTec P32.

The KelTec was a light striking machine. Bang, bang, bang, click, shuck, click. New magazine inserted, same problem. I have 4 of the MecGar made mags for it.

I only had a 15 year old stash* of S&B FMJ for the P32 with me. No range fodder at the indoor range to be had.

I’m guessing these S&Bs have hard primers as my Taurus TCP732 had a hard time lighting them off until I stretched a shorter first gen Ruger LCP hammer spring into it.

*That’s when I remember buying it. Could be older.

 

[Noclutch]

I finally got a lunch break near an indoor shooting range yesterday.

Had my usual pocket LCP Max and my G36 and the KelTec P32.

The KelTec was a light striking machine. Bang, bang, bang, click, shuck, click. New magazine inserted, same problem. I have 4 of the MecGar made mags for it.

I only had a 15 year old stash of S&B FMJ for the P32 with me. No range fodder at the indoor range to be had.

I’m guessing these S&Bs have hard primers as my Taurus TCP732 had a hard time lighting them off until I stretched a shorter first gen Ruger LCP hammer spring into it.

I've run two boxes of Fiocchi, one PPU (dirty), and one S&B through my new P32. No light strikes, but one stovepipe on the second mag, flawless 190 since.
Yea I'd be thinking you have some hard primers there.

 

[toivo]

I finally got a lunch break near an indoor shooting range yesterday.

Had my usual pocket LCP Max and my G36 and the KelTec P32.

The KelTec was a light striking machine. Bang, bang, bang, click, shuck, click. New magazine inserted, same problem. I have 4 of the MecGar made mags for it.

I only had a 15 year old stash of S&B FMJ for the P32 with me. No range fodder at the indoor range to be had.

I’m guessing these S&Bs have hard primers as my Taurus TCP732 had a hard time lighting them off until I stretched a shorter first gen Ruger LCP hammer spring into it.

Hmm ... I was at the range shooting other stuff today, but I had my Kel-Tec in my pocket and some old S&B in my range bag. I shot off four magazines worth with no issues.

 

[chicharrones]

Hmm ... I was at the range shooting other stuff today, but I had my Kel-Tec in my pocket and some old S&B in my range bag. I shot off four magazines worth with no issues.

My S&B is in the old red, white, and green boxes.

The primer situation makes me think of ammo made for open bolt subguns, like the VZ61 Skorpion. Probably just my imagination.

I’d show photos, but my laptop has a mechanical failure. So, I‘m frustratingly using a different device.

 

[JERRY]

I finally got a lunch break near an indoor shooting range yesterday.

Had my usual pocket LCP Max and my G36 and the KelTec P32.

The KelTec was a light striking machine. Bang, bang, bang, click, shuck, click. New magazine inserted, same problem. I have 4 of the MecGar made mags for it.

I only had a 15 year old stash* of S&B FMJ for the P32 with me. No range fodder at the indoor range to be had.

I’m guessing these S&Bs have hard primers as my Taurus TCP732 had a hard time lighting them off until I stretched a shorter first gen Ruger LCP hammer spring into it.

*That’s when I remember buying it. Could be older.

I don't know anybody (anymore) that carries the G36. I used to way back with the plus 1 Pierce mag. extension, which I felt completed the grip.

 

[toivo]

My S&B is in the old red, white, and green boxes.

Mine too. I used to date my ammo boxes with a Sharpie when I was more of an ammo hoarder, and this box had a 2015 date on it. Maybe just a different lot?

 

[chicharrones]

I don't know anybody (anymore) that carries the G36. I used to way back with the plus 1 Pierce mag. extension, which I felt completed the grip.

There are at least two members here that speak of using their G36s fairly regularly. Not sure how many are carried by other folks.

 

[Buckeye63]

 

[chicharrones]

I've run two boxes of Fiocchi, one PPU (dirty), and one S&B through my new P32. No light strikes, but one stovepipe on the second mag, flawless 190 since.
Yea I'd be thinking you have some hard primers there.

Hmm ... I was at the range shooting other stuff today, but I had my Kel-Tec in my pocket and some old S&B in my range bag. I shot off four magazines worth with no issues.

I took the P-32 to the range again today. A different range in a different city, not that the location would matter. This time, with Fiocchi FMJ.

The P-32 fired maybe 5 in a row out of the first magazine, then it resumed showing the effects of light strikes again. Arrrgh.

So, I set the P-32 aside and finished out my range time with the G36 again.

From looking at the light primer hits with the S&B* and Fiocchi*, the hits are off center compared to the cartridges that fired. From tinkering with the P-32, I can hold the slide back about 1/16" and the trigger will engage the hammer to cock and release it into the firing pin. I'm thinking, this P-32 may not be fully into battery when the light strikes happen. I did clean and lube the P-32 before I took it to the first range outing.

It may be that I have to really break in this gun until it loosens up, or maybe find a stiffer recoil spring?

*As a side note, my .32 ACP stash is all Euro made ammo. I remember years ago having some USA made Winchester FMJ (also .32 ACP) that had a thinner rim than the Euro made ammo. This became evident in a different gun with a different problem.

 

[toivo]

I took the P-32 to the range again today. A different range in a different city, not that the location would matter. This time, with Fiocchi FMJ.

The P-32 fired maybe 5 in a row out of the first magazine, then it resumed showing the effects of light strikes again. Arrrgh.

I want to clarify what I said earlier -- I did run four magazines through the P32, but the first two were the one in the pistol and my spare mag. They were already loaded with I-dunno-what -- maybe Winchester White Box. The next two magazines were the S&B from my range bag.

 

[Noclutch]

I took the P-32 to the range again today. A different range in a different city, not that the location would matter. This time, with Fiocchi FMJ.

The P-32 fired maybe 5 in a row out of the first magazine, then it resumed showing the effects of light strikes again. Arrrgh.

So, I set the P-32 aside and finished out my range time with the G36 again.

From looking at the light primer hits with the S&B* and Fiocchi*, the hits are off center compared to the cartridges that fired. From tinkering with the P-32, I can hold the slide back about 1/16" and the trigger will engage the hammer to cock and release it into the firing pin. I'm thinking, this P-32 may not be fully into battery when the light strikes happen. I did clean and lube the P-32 before I took it to the first range outing.

It may be that I have to really break in this gun until it loosens up, or maybe find a stiffer recoil spring?

*As a side note, my .32 ACP stash is all Euro made ammo. I remember years ago having some USA made Winchester FMJ (also .32 ACP) that had a thinner rim than the Euro made ammo. This became evident in a different gun with a different problem.

Sounding weird to me.
Here is some feedback about KT customer service, which you might be talking to soon.
I bought a well used P3AT that was having FTE issues 5% of the time and throwing brass far far away. I replaced the ejector and recoil springs, afterwords it got worse and barely cycled. Sent it in to them for repair, they replaced the barrel, the ejector again, and installed and “updated” trigger parts, for free! and now it’s 100%
Chiccarones- I bet they’ll make it right for you if it’s not a bunch of hard primers. As if mentioned before, my P32 has been 299/300 with current stock Fiochi, S&B and PPU.

 

[Grunt]

I have an old Gen. 1 P32 and had a NAA Guardian. My little Kel-Tec has been 100% reliable since day 1 and still sees some summertime carry or as a backup in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster although my S&W Bodyguard 2.0 has been taking over a bit more of the backup duties these days. Small, flat and lightweight, the P32 while not pretty or refined is still an excellent choice for discrete pocket carry. oh, and having a last round slide lock is a nice feature too.
My NAA Guardian on the other hand was a bucket of ****. Fat, heavy, a horrible trigger that actually hurt to shoot, more expensive and while it lacked a last round slide lock feature, you knew you were empty when you had a stovepipe sticking out of the ejection port. While it was more nicely finished than the Kel-Tec, it sat around collecting dust until I finally used that fancy paperweight as trading fodder.

 

[Ethan Verity]

I have over 400 rounds through my new NAA Guardian 32ACP at this point, and confidently have the bugs worked out that I feel good carrying it. I was having some FTF malfunctions early on, and even had the extractor fly out on me at the range and get lost. I got a new extractor under warranty, and replaced all the factory springs with Wolff Gunsprings, including their +5% power magazine spring. The gun is running flawlessly now! I shot 100 rounds at my most recent range trip, which included rapid fire and one handed shooting to really test it out.
I carried it in my pocket 'out in the field' for the first time today, as a backup to my S&W M&P 9mm. Loaded up with Fiocchi 73gr FMJ ammo.