Kel-Tec P32

[Tallball]

I liked my P3AT. My FiL needed a pocket pistol, so I gave it to him. It still goes bang every time.

I bought the P32 because it was around $120 used and I had been interested in them. It goes bang every time, too.

I prefer to carry 380, but 32 is way better than nothing. My experiences with Kel-Tec have been positive.

 

[JoeHenry]

Years back I had the Kel-Tec 32 for about a week. I found out I had to duck every time I pulled the trigger to keep from getting a half moon mark on my forehead. Even had my eye lid burned when brass got between my shooting glasses and my eye.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I’m on my second one. It’s a “keeper” and I carry it more than anything else.
The first one I won in a PPCmatch. It had anOD GREEN frame and blued slide. The slide had a groove instead of sights. Further, it shot high and to the left.
My older brother worked as a Security Contractor for DOD at a facility that required no exposed weapons but allowed deep concealed carry. I gave it to him.
Later, during Deasert Storm II, my nephew was working as an MP in the Middle East and my older brother gave it to him. He carried it during his deployment with letter of authorization from CO. So it served with honor!

The one I have now I bought the day Hussein Obama was inaugurated. It has integrated sights; front blade rear groove. It shoots where it looks! I can bounce bottle caps at 7yds. I’ve shot 2 rattle snakes and a water moccasin with it. I practice/plink with 2.0gr of Bullseye under a Lyman 311252 78gr RN. I presently carry Federal 65gr HST.

MY occasional osb carry is a Beretta 81. 12shot DA. What a joy to shoot at the range! It’s an Italian Federal Prisons used import. I have two extra mags.
Somebody asked me why I carried a .32 when I have 9’s, .40’s, .45’s, .44’s, .357’s?

I reply I’ve been told it hurts worse to be shot with a .32!
Thankfully, Nobody cares to find out...

 

[Autodidactic]

I’m on my second one. It’s a “keeper” and I carry it more than anything else.
The first one I won in a PPCmatch. It had anOD GREEN frame and blued slide. The slide had a groove instead of sights. Further, it shot high and to the left.
My older brother worked as a Security Contractor for DOD at a facility that required no exposed weapons but allowed deep concealed carry. I gave it to him.
Later, during Deasert Storm II, my nephew was working as an MP in the Middle East and my older brother gave it to him. He carried it during his deployment with letter of authorization from CO. So it served with honor!

The one I have now I bought the day Hussein Obama was inaugurated. It has integrated sights; front blade rear groove. It shoots where it looks! I can bounce bottle caps at 7yds. I’ve shot 2 rattle snakes and a water moccasin with it. I practice/plink with 2.0gr of Bullseye under a Lyman 311252 78gr RN. I presently carry Federal 65gr HST.

MY occasional osb carry is a Beretta 81. 12shot DA. What a joy to shoot at the range! It’s an Italian Federal Prisons used import. I have two extra mags.
Somebody asked me why I carried a .32 when I have 9’s, .40’s, .45’s, .44’s, .357’s?

I reply I’ve been told it hurts worse to be shot with a .32!
Thankfully, Nobody cares to find out...

According to the keyboard warriors, that Italian Fed Prison gun would have just been for non lethal riot control, maybe occasional punishment.

 

[CDW4ME]

According to the keyboard warriors, that Italian Fed Prison gun would have just been for non lethal riot control, maybe occasional punishment.

You are typing replies on a gun forum, are you a "keyboard warrior"?

I don't consider myself a keyboard warrior; I just share my philosophy / opinion (same as most others) and people can ignore or ponder it.
My philosophy is try to carry a handgun you would prefer in hand to defend yourself, work may interfere with that.
If I was limited by work clothes (I'm not anymore) a Kahr PM9 in pocket with small hand sanitizer to break outline would be preferred over a 32 acp.
When not limited by work clothes (all the time) that PM9 in pocket is 2nd option (AKA "backup") to a Glock on belt; I'd prefer that Glock over a 32 as well.
Is a 32 acp "better than nothing"? Yes, absolutely; but, "better than nothing" is not a criteria I have to use when selecting my carry pistol.
I prefer to strive for "best I can do" and since I'm not limited by work clothes a 9mm Glock on belt qualifies as "best I can do" while dressed to conceal in FL heat.
I hope my thoughts don't come across as a "keyboard warrior" and I figure that applies to most others on THR as well.

 

[ThomasT]

I got my Kel Tec P32 used for $250 at a LGS last month. It came with the box and paperwork and a belt clip that I removed. I bought a spare magazine online. Mine has the other style ejector.

Thats just what my first P32 looked like. And the reason I sold was because I just don't like the silver slides with black frames. And that was a totally stupid reason to sell a dead nuts reliable gun. In hind sight I should have just dusted the slide with my color of choice spray paint and kept the gun. Or got over my silly prejudice. Your ejector makes that one of the earlier guns and it works fine. Mine did.

The issue is a lot of the high quality pocket pistols are $6-800, from Sig to the Colt Mustang and Walther. The latter to my understanding isn’t always reliable.

My bud has one of the S&W built Walther PPKs in 380 and it runs like a sewing machine. And yes they are expensive but you only have to buy them once. They will last you for the rest of your life. How many other things will do that? Its too bad the cheap supply of Makarov's have dried up along with all the super cheap ammo. Those were very well made guns and surprisingly accurate.

 

[Autodidactic]

Thats just what my first P32 looked like. And the reason I sold was because I just don't like the silver slides with black frames. And that was a totally stupid reason to sell a dead nuts reliable gun. In hind sight I should have just dusted the slide with my color of choice spray paint and kept the gun. Or got over my silly prejudice. Your ejector makes that one of the earlier guns and it works fine. Mine did.



My bud has one of the S&W built Walther PPKs in 380 and it runs like a sewing machine. And yes they are expensive but you only have to buy them once. They will last you for the rest of your life. How many other things will do that? Its too bad the cheap supply of Makarov's have dried up along with all the super cheap ammo. Those were very well made guns and surprisingly accurate.

I like the Walthers, but I’ve heard not all of them are reliable.

 

[aaaaa]

Years back I had the Kel-Tec 32 for about a week. I found out I had to duck every time I pulled the trigger to keep from getting a half moon mark on my forehead. Even had my eye lid burned when brass got between my shooting glasses and my eye.

I had casings flying in my face, but not from my Kel Tec P32, which faithfully ejected out the side, but from my Seacamp LWS 32 which ejects out the top.

 

[ThomasT]

I like the Walthers, but I’ve heard not all of them are reliable.

I have never heard of a Walther PP or PPK being unreliable. All I've ever heard was that they were the poster child for reliability. But who knows?

 

[cfullgraf]

I have never heard of a Walther PP or PPK being unreliable. All I've ever heard was that they were the poster child for reliability. But who knows?

Depending on who you talk to, the S&W PPK has a checkered history when it comes to reliability.

My 380 ACP S&W PPK is as reliable as a light switch when shooting FMJ bullets.

I've only done a limited experiment with hollow points and they caused some reliably issues. The operative word is "limited" here as I did not make any effort to try more than one or two styles of hollow points. I'm happy shooting FMJ from a 380 ACP as I do not feel 380 ACP hollow points expand reliably. I'd rather have a bit heavier bullet if was not going to expand.

 

[Autodidactic]

I have never heard of a Walther PP or PPK being unreliable. All I've ever heard was that they were the poster child for reliability. But who knows?

Depending on who you talk to, the S&W PPK has a checkered history when it comes to reliability.

My 380 ACP S&W PPK is as reliable as a light switch when shooting FMJ bullets.

I've only done a limited experiment with hollow points and they caused some reliably issues. The operative word is "limited" here as I did not make any effort to try more than one or two styles of hollow points. I'm happy shooting FMJ from a 380 ACP as I do not feel 380 ACP hollow points expand reliably. I'd rather have a bit heavier bullet if was not going to expand.

PPK reliability | Walther Forums

I don't really know, but some sources say it may depend on the variant and generation/maker.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have a Kel-Tec P-32 and really like that gun. I bought mine before Kel-Tec even had the .380. I did try the P3-AT but did not like it. I have 2 mags with the insert to prevent rim-lock for carry and a 10 round mag I can load with FMJ ammo for practice. IMO it's a great little light pistol for when you need a deep cover carry.

 

[aaaaa]

I have a Kel-Tec P-32 and really like that gun. I bought mine before Kel-Tec even had the .380. I did try the P3-AT but did not like it. I have 2 mags with the insert to prevent rim-lock for carry and a 10 round mag I can load with FMJ ammo for practice. IMO it's a great little light pistol for when you need a deep cover carry.

So there is an insert for the mags to load HP or WWB flat points? I maybe need to get a couple inserts.

 

[LoonWulf]

I have one my friends dad used as a "tackle" box gun.....yeah thats a thing here depending on where you fish......he also appears to have used the thing as a hammer sometimes.
I like it, tho I rarely shoot it. I refuse to load any case smaller than a .....30 carbine now i guess.......and ammo is a little pricey for blasting away with.
Its actually very accurate if you can line everthing up, and keep it lined up during the trigger cycle. It hasnt ever jammed, and unlike some larger guns dosent chew on my hand.

actually when the dogs start barking and wont shut up its usually the gun that i shove in my pocket when i check the yard.

 

[chicharrones]

According to the keyboard warriors, that Italian Fed Prison gun would have just been for non lethal riot control, maybe occasional punishment.

Lol. Almost lost my coffee on that one. Wrong or right, that’s downright funny.

 

[chicharrones]

So there is an insert for the mags to load HP or WWB flat points? I maybe need to get a couple inserts.

Or just shoot Euro made round nose FMJ in the KelTec. Penetration is your friend in little pocket shooters, IMO.

 

[Mark 40]

So there is an insert for the mags to load HP or WWB flat points? I maybe need to get a couple inserts.

aaaaa check this out

The "flyer wire" was the solution for using JHP quite awhile ago, no longer available. Back when I still had a P32 was able to find one on eBay.

This link shows how to do it
http://www.1bad69.com/keltec/flyerwire.htm

 

[jonnyc]

As mentioned above, load longer Euro FMJs, with a good JHP on top and another up the spout. I used to experience "rim-lock" 'til I switched to this formula.

 

[blue32]

I shot nothing but Fiocchi, Aguila, and ~3k handloads through my P32. I carried it as a backup when I was on the road and the finish really took a beating. When the slide finally gave up Kel-Tec replaced the entire upper on their dime. Solid company.

 

[aaaaa]

aaaaa check this out

The "flyer wire" was the solution for using JHP quite awhile ago, no longer available. Back when I still had a P32 was able to find one on eBay.

This link shows how to do it
http://www.1bad69.com/keltec/flyerwire.htm

Copied that page and all the images to a folder on my computer. Looks easy enough provided I do precision work and the wired is dead straight. The alternate noted by jonnyc is also a very good option:

As mentioned above, load longer Euro FMJs, with a good JHP on top and another up the spout. I used to experience "rim-lock" 'til I switched to this formula.

Now if only someone made hollow points with a longer bullet so that they had the same OAL as the round nose.

Of course one could just load the HP in the stock magazine, provided they do it very carefully, but maybe they can get jostled during carry or shooting.

Seacamp seems to think the HP is valid for 32 ACP even if it does not expand, that it will have a shockwave due to the HP, and for that matter, the WWB flat nose should also have a shock wave. I think for revolvers the wadcutters are supposed to be good SD ammo for similar reason of shock wave.

Round nose has two problems, may pass through the perp, though less likely in 32 ACP, and if you empty the mag you may not stop the perp because the round nose just does not do much damage.

 

[Mark 40]

Now if only someone made hollow points with a longer bullet so that they had the same OAL as the round nose.

There is, or at least there was when I took measurements a few years ago.
The OAL for PPU JHP and FMJ is virtually the same: FMJ= 0.97 JHP= 0.96.
Average FMJ appears to be 0.97 OAL, having confirmed these FMJ rounds : Armscor 0.97, CCI Blazer 0.96, Fiocci 0.97, Remington 0.97

Way back on the KTOG forum these JHP measurements were attributed to Golden Loki
Hyd-Shock 65g 0.908 OAL
Fiocchi 60g 0.922 OAL
Hornady 60g 0.908 OAL
Mag Tech 71g 0.961 OAL
Gold Dot 60g 0.9 OAL
SilverTip 60g 0.908 OAL

 

[chicharrones]

Copied that page and all the images to a folder on my computer. Looks easy enough provided I do precision work and the wired is dead straight. The alternate noted by jonnyc is also a very good option:



Now if only someone made hollow points with a longer bullet so that they had the same OAL as the round nose.

Of course one could just load the HP in the stock magazine, provided they do it very carefully, but maybe they can get jostled during carry or shooting.

Seacamp seems to think the HP is valid for 32 ACP even if it does not expand, that it will have a shockwave due to the HP, and for that matter, the WWB flat nose should also have a shock wave. I think for revolvers the wadcutters are supposed to be good SD ammo for similar reason of shock wave.

Round nose has two problems, may pass through the perp, though less likely in 32 ACP, and if you empty the mag you may not stop the perp because the round nose just does not do much damage.

From what I've read over the years, "shockwave" damage is really only created by rifle speed cartridges.

Slow and small pistol or revolver cartridges may create a temporary cavity in ballistic gel, but reportedly animal flesh and organs typically flex and return to their normal shape if not actually hit by the bullet.

It makes complete sense to carry a Seecamp with blunt nose JHP as its magazine was designed for shorter .32 ACP cartridges, which keeps the gun as small as possible. I distrust WWB blunt nose FMJ due to feed problems it has imposed in my three .32 ACP guns, but none of them are a Seecamp.

For all the others in .32 ACP, might as well stoke them with Euro power level round nose FMJ and hope for the better penetration it could deliver. IMO, of course.

The defunct GoldenLoki website had a page of .32 ACP fired from a KelTec P32 across a chronometer and into ballistics gel. JHP and FMJ. I have a saved page of that website with some excerpts below.

The top JHP ammo out of that P32 was Cor Bon 60 grain (1008 fps) all bullets expanded, Fiocchi 60 gn (968 fps) 2/3rds fully expanded. Winchester Silvertip 60 gn was at 1/3rd fully expanded with a speed of 855 fps. Average penetration was 8.2", 13.3", and 8.5" respectively. Overall length for these JHP cartridges were 0.916", 0.922", and 0.908" respectively.

The top FMJ ammo out of that P32 was Geco 73 gn (947 fps), S&B 73 gn (912 fps), and Fiocchi 71 gn (859 fps). Average penetration was 14.2", 13.6", and 15" respectively. These cartridges overall length was from 0.970" through 0.976".

Of course, NAA has a ballistics page for their Guardian linked here.

 

[Jim Watson]

If you think a .32 hollow point is worth having, you could load one in the chamber and ball in the magazine. I once did that but it was with a real Army surplus 1911 and Norma JHP. My .32 gets Fiocchi, a bit faster than US made.

There is a reason the sub caliber pocket pistols were once called "face guns."

 

[EMC45]

The P32 is a solid gun. I'm on my second P3AT (sold my first one when everyone went pocket pistol crazy). I prefer the P32. It is more accurate and holds one more round. The factory extended mags also don't look too outlandish for it.

A buddy bought one (P32) off a pawnbroker friend years back in GA. It was just about locked up with rust and in bad shape. He paid 70 bucks out the door for it. He dropped it in a pan of some kind of oil for a week or so and then scrubbed it all out and put it back together. You could harldy tell it was as bad as he said it was. A little freckling on the slide is all I could see (it was blued slide and black frame).

I loaded up some Lyman 311-252 bullets over Bullseye for it and we shot it. It did extremely well.

 

[aaaaa]

\
Of course, NAA has a ballistics page for their Guardian linked here.

From their energy table, I can see the energy of the 71 grain WWB is significantly more than the PMC HP's 60 grain bullet. Assuming 900 fps, the energy is 126 and 108 for 70 and 60 grain, almost 17% more energy (actually a tad over 18% accounting for 71 grain WWB), so that explains how snappy the Seacamp LWS 32 was with the WWB compared to the PMC. I had also fired some of the 73 grain Fiocchi Range Dynamics in the Seacamp. That is nearly 22 percent more energy. No wonder my finger was getting beat up.