chaim
Member
I have a Ruger LCP, never liked it much, but I keep it around due to its tiny size and how good a pocket gun it makes in theory (in reality, I always pick my S&W 442 when I need a small pocket gun, or occasionally my slightly larger Taurus 856UL when I don't need it to be as small as the 442). It isn't fun to shoot, follow up shots aren't as fast as I'd like, the sights are nearly non-existent, and it isn't reliable with hollow points. I have bought a Crimson Trace laser, but coupled with the Hogue grip sleeve to make longer range sessions manageable, the CT isn't 100% reliable so I mainly just use the sights (I have become decent with them up to about 10 yards).
I have always wanted a KT P32. About 20 years ago, a range buddy had one and I really liked it. However, they haven't been legal for sale in MD (there is nothing about them that would specifically make them prohibited, but they were never on MD's approved handgun list). Every now and then I'd check the list, and a few months ago (6mo to a year?) I noticed that they are now legal in MD.
Now, I am very much considering a P32.
For both guns, the caliber is a bit lacking, I'm not even sure I'd say they are the "minimum", they are actually a bit below the minimum where I'm comfortable. Neither sees reliable expansion when shooting JHP so I'd either go FMJ or the newer Underwood Extreme Defender rounds. I think the advantage actually goes to the lower powered P32 as it would be more comfortable to shoot/more fun at the range. Due to the caliber, both would likely only see occasional carry as a BUG and very occasionally when I can't carry anything bigger (so far, I've never had to go smaller than my 442).
The P32 is a little lighter than the LCP/P3AT, but both are so light that this should have no impact on ease of carry. In theory, the P32 is a little smaller and lighter, but I doubt there would be any practical difference.
The less powerful .32ACP should be more comfortable to shoot out of the P32 than the .380 is out of the LCP despite the slight weight difference in the guns. However, while the P32 may be easier to shoot more at the range due to light recoil, the price difference (.32 is a bit more than double the cost of .380) may limit that enough that there would be no difference in the amount of practice I'd get with the gun (though the .32 practice would be more enjoyable). Of course, quicker follow up shots for the .32 would be an advantage if I ever had to use the gun to defend myself.
Both have terrible sights. However, if recoil is more manageable on the P32, I wouldn't need the Hogue sleeve, and a CT laser may more reliably activate with the P32.
The P32 holds 7 rounds in the mag instead of the LCP's 6 rounds, and you can get a 10 round mag that is still quite concealable (and possibly pocketable). That helps make up for the difference in power.
If I do get a P32, I will keep the LCP, at least until the P32 has proven reliable.
If ammo was closer in price, I'd say the advantages of the P32 outweigh those of the LCP, and I'd likely just enjoy the gun more. However, paying nearly double for ammo does make it a harder choice than it could be.
I have always wanted a KT P32. About 20 years ago, a range buddy had one and I really liked it. However, they haven't been legal for sale in MD (there is nothing about them that would specifically make them prohibited, but they were never on MD's approved handgun list). Every now and then I'd check the list, and a few months ago (6mo to a year?) I noticed that they are now legal in MD.
Now, I am very much considering a P32.
For both guns, the caliber is a bit lacking, I'm not even sure I'd say they are the "minimum", they are actually a bit below the minimum where I'm comfortable. Neither sees reliable expansion when shooting JHP so I'd either go FMJ or the newer Underwood Extreme Defender rounds. I think the advantage actually goes to the lower powered P32 as it would be more comfortable to shoot/more fun at the range. Due to the caliber, both would likely only see occasional carry as a BUG and very occasionally when I can't carry anything bigger (so far, I've never had to go smaller than my 442).
The P32 is a little lighter than the LCP/P3AT, but both are so light that this should have no impact on ease of carry. In theory, the P32 is a little smaller and lighter, but I doubt there would be any practical difference.
The less powerful .32ACP should be more comfortable to shoot out of the P32 than the .380 is out of the LCP despite the slight weight difference in the guns. However, while the P32 may be easier to shoot more at the range due to light recoil, the price difference (.32 is a bit more than double the cost of .380) may limit that enough that there would be no difference in the amount of practice I'd get with the gun (though the .32 practice would be more enjoyable). Of course, quicker follow up shots for the .32 would be an advantage if I ever had to use the gun to defend myself.
Both have terrible sights. However, if recoil is more manageable on the P32, I wouldn't need the Hogue sleeve, and a CT laser may more reliably activate with the P32.
The P32 holds 7 rounds in the mag instead of the LCP's 6 rounds, and you can get a 10 round mag that is still quite concealable (and possibly pocketable). That helps make up for the difference in power.
If I do get a P32, I will keep the LCP, at least until the P32 has proven reliable.
If ammo was closer in price, I'd say the advantages of the P32 outweigh those of the LCP, and I'd likely just enjoy the gun more. However, paying nearly double for ammo does make it a harder choice than it could be.
