Just like the title said, I'm looking for info on any .32 acp handgun that isn't subcompact. I've recently become interested in .32 acp for a number of reasons, but primarily for the low recoil. I've fired .380 acp guns like the ppk and the sig p232 and I haven't been content with them. My thought was that it seemed like the step down in bullet size I had taken from .40 and .38 special was being chased too closely by a step down in the gun's weight.. So I wasn't surprised to read that the ppk was originally intended for the .32 acp. If that's not true, I apologize, but I tend to believe it because I felt that .32 would be the perfect round for a gun of that size. I'm interested in handguns this size because they offer the advantage of being more concealable, and thus with me more often. To me, getting an advantage like that justifies a decrease in stopping power. It doesn't justify a decrease in stopping power AND an increase in recoil. The .32 is the happy medium that gives me what I want. Unfortunately I'm in MA so only certain guns are available to me, so I need as many options as I can get so I can find a good .32 acp handgun. I'm impressed with the colt 1903 and the cz 83 but both are guns I would take some time to find. I'm hoping there are a lot more that I don't know about. I'm not interested in subcompact guns like the seacamps. I have nothing against them, but they're not for me. I want a gun large enough to take advantage of the low recoil potential of the .32.
Mid to full size guns in .32 acp
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shotgunjoel
Member
I can't think of anything that you'll be able to find. How about something like the Taurus 58, or Beretta 84 as mid-sized 380s? The best mid sized 32 I can think of would be a Walther PP.
toivo
Member
Bersa Thunder .32:
http://www.budspolicesupply.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/345/products_id/10772
But it's going to be just as hard to find as a CZ-83. The American market isn't friendly to .32 handguns period, much less ones that aren't subcompact. I love them myself, but I'm in the minority.
J&G has the FEG Hungarian PP clone in .32:
http://www.jgsales.com/feg-ap-765-s...-32acp,-good-to-very-good,-used.-p-60094.html
I have no idea whether it's approved for Massachusetts. Good luck in your hunt, but I think you've staked yourself out some pretty sparse territory.
http://www.budspolicesupply.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/345/products_id/10772
But it's going to be just as hard to find as a CZ-83. The American market isn't friendly to .32 handguns period, much less ones that aren't subcompact. I love them myself, but I'm in the minority.
J&G has the FEG Hungarian PP clone in .32:
http://www.jgsales.com/feg-ap-765-s...-32acp,-good-to-very-good,-used.-p-60094.html
I have no idea whether it's approved for Massachusetts. Good luck in your hunt, but I think you've staked yourself out some pretty sparse territory.
Interested in a French MAB Model C? I have one that I got in a package deal with a 1914 Mauser, both .32acp. I've taken a liking to the Mauser, but I'd let the MAB go.
Sorry, I originally said it was a Model D, but it's a C.
Sorry, I originally said it was a Model D, but it's a C.
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bigfatdave
Member
CZ83
Walther PP and vairous imitators
... ... My condolences for being a subject of MA - I tried digging through all the for-sale guns on gungenie, and it was a depressingly small list.
I will point out that the little KelTec P32 is actually a fairly fost shooter, thanks to being locked-breech.
An old PP or PPK is bound to be out there, you'll have to dig pretty hard. A 1903 is probably out there as well. (good luck finding extra mags for a 1903 that work)
Walther PP and vairous imitators
... ... My condolences for being a subject of MA - I tried digging through all the for-sale guns on gungenie, and it was a depressingly small list.
I will point out that the little KelTec P32 is actually a fairly fost shooter, thanks to being locked-breech.
An old PP or PPK is bound to be out there, you'll have to dig pretty hard. A 1903 is probably out there as well. (good luck finding extra mags for a 1903 that work)
Take a look at the Walther PPK/S built by Interarms and later by Smith & Wesson. The Walther PPK/S is essentially a PP with a PPK barrel & slide.
The Walther PPK/S is not a subcompact! I purchased an Interarms SS PPK/S .32ACP NIB in December of 1998. These were made in Alabama under license from Carl Walther. S&W also made the PPK and PPK/S in later years under license from Carl Walther. My PPK/S .32ACP has been an excellent performer over the years and I still carry it when I need to dress up in formal attire. The Interarms versions are built to Carl Walther specs. The S&W versions have a mod to resolve the "Walther Bite" issue.
The Walther PPK/S is not a subcompact! I purchased an Interarms SS PPK/S .32ACP NIB in December of 1998. These were made in Alabama under license from Carl Walther. S&W also made the PPK and PPK/S in later years under license from Carl Walther. My PPK/S .32ACP has been an excellent performer over the years and I still carry it when I need to dress up in formal attire. The Interarms versions are built to Carl Walther specs. The S&W versions have a mod to resolve the "Walther Bite" issue.
usp9
Member
Of all of the .32 acp pistols I've owned or used the CZ 83 was the softest in recoil. The Beretta 81 is close. The Beretta may be easier to find. There are 5 available on Gunbroker.
MedWheeler
Member
I agree with BigFatDave on the P32 being very soft in recoil for such a small, flyweight piece, but I agree with you (OP) that it is probably too small in grip. I don't like carrying mine on my hip because I'm afraid I'll end up flinging it at the bad guy if I draw it too quickly.
I, too, am intrigued with the .32ACP round, more so, actually with the 7.65mm Browning, which is the hotter, European version.
I have a Bersa Thunder in .380ACP. It's not bad to shoot, and the fact that I have it already means I have no need for the .32 version, but I bet it would be a nice shooter.
I, too, am intrigued with the .32ACP round, more so, actually with the 7.65mm Browning, which is the hotter, European version.
I have a Bersa Thunder in .380ACP. It's not bad to shoot, and the fact that I have it already means I have no need for the .32 version, but I bet it would be a nice shooter.
Vodoun da Vinci
Member
I'm a big fan of the Colt 1903 Model M in .32 ACP. I own and shoot 2 of them, one built in 1918 and one built in 1930.
They are spendy if you can find them but for me the finest pocket gun around. If yer wanting .32 ACP that is.....The Walthers and Berettas and variants on that type are very good too.
VooDoo
They are spendy if you can find them but for me the finest pocket gun around. If yer wanting .32 ACP that is.....The Walthers and Berettas and variants on that type are very good too.
VooDoo
jimbo555
Member
Beretta 81, you can't find quality like that anymore. I have a 84bb in 380, reliable,accurate, beautiful.
rev579
Member
Jumbo & USP9 are spot on with the beretta comments. The 81BB is pretty smooth, though I haven't held or shot the CZ.
I have shot the .32 in the following configurations:
81B
81BB
BDA Type 1
BDA Type 2
The BB & Type 2 really have the least recoil & snap of any of them. Further, this holds true with the .380.
I will add that if you end up with an 84BB or BDA, a simple barrel and magazine for a .32 and you are in business to shoot both rounds.
81BB, 84B, 84BB, BDA I, & BDA II
Good Wood by davidlbanks, on Flickr
I have shot the .32 in the following configurations:
81B
81BB
BDA Type 1
BDA Type 2
The BB & Type 2 really have the least recoil & snap of any of them. Further, this holds true with the .380.
I will add that if you end up with an 84BB or BDA, a simple barrel and magazine for a .32 and you are in business to shoot both rounds.
81BB, 84B, 84BB, BDA I, & BDA II
Good Wood by davidlbanks, on Flickr
bannockburn
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I think all of the afore mentioned guns, namely the Walther PP/PPK, CZ 83, and the Beretta Model 81 would all make for a great choice in a medium to full size gun for the .32ACP.There are also older models like the Mauser HSc and the Beretta Model 90 that would be available in that caliber as well.
I have used several mid-size 32ACP pistols
GOOD,
I have and carry a PPK in .32ACP and am very happy with it. I just bought a WALTHER PP for that reason as a range gun.
On the larger .32ACP's that I have shot, the BERETTA model 82 is the best for a mid size defense gun. It is a single column magazine pistol equivalent to the BERETTA model 85 which is a .380ACP pistol.
It strengths are the size is large enough to be easily controlled, smooth trigger in both double and single action, great sights and traditional BERETTA reliability. This is the only .32ACP I have found to be 100% reliable with FEDERAL Hydra Shok ammo.
Negatives are basically its size and in the earlier versions, the safety does not drop the hammer for you. You cannot pocket this pistol like you can a PPK.
The COLT 1903 is a great shooter and quite slim. Mine has proven very reliable and accurate as well. The sights were usable, but inferior to the BERETTA 82.
The negatives are the weight, as it is all steel. My GLOCK 19 was lighter. Also, it is similar in dimensions to the GLOCK 19, but slimmer.
Worst problem to me is the action. It is a traditional single action auto with a small safety lever.
I have also shot the SIG 232 and CZ 82, but in .380ACP and 9m.m. MAKAROV respectively.
In my opinion, the SIG 232 is the best all around .380ACP pistol. The aluminum frame makes it light enough to pocket in baggy or cargo pants. The sights (tritium night sights) and smooth trigger make it an outstanding shooter. The grip is large enough that recoil is not a problem and it would be even less so in .32ACP, even with the aluminum frame. The SIG hammer dropping system is the safest way to carry a double/single pistol, no need to lower the hammer manually like on the BERETTA (older models) or CZ.
The only negative is the slower reload using the heel clip magazine release and I have found that it has the advantage of not accidentally releasing a magazine like a push button magazine release can do.
The CZ 83 in .32ACP is something that I would like to try. The CZ82/83 are outstanding pistols. The pound and a half weight minimize recoil and the trigger is as good as the BERETTA, which is the benchmark as far as I am concerned. It is accurate and reliable and will last forever as it is overbuilt. Think of it as the steel framed version of the BERETTA model 81.
Leroy THOMPSON of GUNS magazine tested one years ago and recommended it.
The negative is the weight, it is an anvil.
The MAUSER HSc is a sleek choice in this range, but has a heavier trigger and may not be as durable as the WALTHER PP. Skeeter SKELTON did a torture test of the PP series and HSc. The HSc broke.
Good luck with your choice.
Jim
GOOD,
I have and carry a PPK in .32ACP and am very happy with it. I just bought a WALTHER PP for that reason as a range gun.
On the larger .32ACP's that I have shot, the BERETTA model 82 is the best for a mid size defense gun. It is a single column magazine pistol equivalent to the BERETTA model 85 which is a .380ACP pistol.
It strengths are the size is large enough to be easily controlled, smooth trigger in both double and single action, great sights and traditional BERETTA reliability. This is the only .32ACP I have found to be 100% reliable with FEDERAL Hydra Shok ammo.
Negatives are basically its size and in the earlier versions, the safety does not drop the hammer for you. You cannot pocket this pistol like you can a PPK.
The COLT 1903 is a great shooter and quite slim. Mine has proven very reliable and accurate as well. The sights were usable, but inferior to the BERETTA 82.
The negatives are the weight, as it is all steel. My GLOCK 19 was lighter. Also, it is similar in dimensions to the GLOCK 19, but slimmer.
Worst problem to me is the action. It is a traditional single action auto with a small safety lever.
I have also shot the SIG 232 and CZ 82, but in .380ACP and 9m.m. MAKAROV respectively.
In my opinion, the SIG 232 is the best all around .380ACP pistol. The aluminum frame makes it light enough to pocket in baggy or cargo pants. The sights (tritium night sights) and smooth trigger make it an outstanding shooter. The grip is large enough that recoil is not a problem and it would be even less so in .32ACP, even with the aluminum frame. The SIG hammer dropping system is the safest way to carry a double/single pistol, no need to lower the hammer manually like on the BERETTA (older models) or CZ.
The only negative is the slower reload using the heel clip magazine release and I have found that it has the advantage of not accidentally releasing a magazine like a push button magazine release can do.
The CZ 83 in .32ACP is something that I would like to try. The CZ82/83 are outstanding pistols. The pound and a half weight minimize recoil and the trigger is as good as the BERETTA, which is the benchmark as far as I am concerned. It is accurate and reliable and will last forever as it is overbuilt. Think of it as the steel framed version of the BERETTA model 81.
Leroy THOMPSON of GUNS magazine tested one years ago and recommended it.
The negative is the weight, it is an anvil.
The MAUSER HSc is a sleek choice in this range, but has a heavier trigger and may not be as durable as the WALTHER PP. Skeeter SKELTON did a torture test of the PP series and HSc. The HSc broke.
Good luck with your choice.
Jim
That is a positive for me.
I have a Beretta 81 in .32 ACP and it is a really nice shooter. I picked it up as a police trade in at just under $300. Plenty of honest carry wear, but like new inside. Same for my CZ 83, another police trade in. Again, just under $300. Keep your eyes peeled. Both are well worth the money.
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rev579
Member
Great post Jim
krupparms
Member
I have seen a few P.P.s around here at the L.G.S..They go for about $300 /$400 depending on condition. Some are very nice. I believe they are ex German Police pistols. I have my dads old 1903M Colt in .32ACP. And an extra one in much better condition. I have 
a Beretta Tomcat that shoots very well & is very accurate for it's size! The .32acp. is a good round especially with some loads. I enjoy shooting this round as it is lite and easy to shoot. And a good round to reload.
a Beretta Tomcat that shoots very well & is very accurate for it's size! The .32acp. is a good round especially with some loads. I enjoy shooting this round as it is lite and easy to shoot. And a good round to reload.
bannockburn
Member
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- Apr 24, 2007
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- 26,308
The Good
Years ago I had one of those former German police Walther PP's and it was an excellent shooter. Condition was like new with almost no wear anywhere on the gun. The nice thing about it was you were getting a Walther but weren't paying retail for it. Also don't overlook the same gun but made by Manurhin of France. If you can find either one at a decent price I think it would be a great buy in a .32.
Years ago I had one of those former German police Walther PP's and it was an excellent shooter. Condition was like new with almost no wear anywhere on the gun. The nice thing about it was you were getting a Walther but weren't paying retail for it. Also don't overlook the same gun but made by Manurhin of France. If you can find either one at a decent price I think it would be a great buy in a .32.
I second the cz 70. 3.5" barrel, Solid steel with 8 rd mag. Easiest pistol in the world to disassemble as well. You can get one on gunbroker right now between $150 and $275. They are milsurp so don't expect a prom queen. A runner up would be the FEG pa-63 in 7.65. I have the same model in 9x18 and it does have some thunder to it because of the alloy (aluminum?) frame. In .32 it would be perfect. It is a nice PP copy and conceals quite well.
bigfatdave
Member
MedWheeler said:
There is always the extended mag from KelTec with more grip surface. I've managed to cause rimlock in the longer mag, by deliberately loading in the rounds to make it happen, which I couldn't do in the shorter mags ... but I've never had it happen naturally.
I have very large hands and don't really have a problem with the P32 stock grip, honestly. Mine is grippy enough that I can present it just fine, although for anything more precise than point-shooting at 7 yards or less, I have to carefully arrange my hand on that tiny grip. Sights and my skill are the limiting factor with that little gun (I think of it as a wallet that shoots) - there's nothing mechanically inaccurate about it, really. The tiny grip and sights simply amplify the errors of the shooter.
+1 on the Walther/Manurhin PP series guns. I have a french-built PP in .32acp, and other than some slide bite (remember, 2xl or 3xl gloves here) if I'm not careful gripping the gun, it's a pleasure to shoot. Mags and holsters are commonaly available for PP-type guns.
The CZ50/70 (essentially the same gun with a 20 year update) is a nice budget competitor with the PP as well, although spare mags and holsters for modern CC might be tricky to find. Mine is reliable, I've managed to find a couple extra mags for it, also.
And yes, the Colt 1903 pocket hammerless (AKA "Model M") is about as good as it gets in an all-steel blowback .32acp gun. Good grip, nice trigger, mechanically sound, ergonomics, low recoil, JMB design, etc etc
1903 downsides, again, will be mags and modern holsters. There are mechanically sound but ugly outside 1903s out there, and refinished ones - I got mine for $375 earlier this year, it shoots wonderfully, feels great, and has a half-assed re-blue job from a previous owner.
Vodoun da Vinci
Member
Good Wood indeed...super thanks for sharing that slide show, Mr. Banks!
Soon as I get all the things on my "list" and get the reloading bench back up to snuff I have got to have a Beretta 81 or 82. And a Walther PP/PPK/PPK/s in .32 ACP.
My Wife's Colt 1903 made in 1930...
Of all the calibers and guns I have shot and loved, and all the stuff I have loaded for, I enjoy the .32 ACP more than any. Sad to see it going away and kind of left in the dust in modern pistols.
I thought it was pretty cool that Beretta was making the Pico with a .32 ACP option...can you even get a new Walther in .32 now?
VooDoo
Soon as I get all the things on my "list" and get the reloading bench back up to snuff I have got to have a Beretta 81 or 82. And a Walther PP/PPK/PPK/s in .32 ACP.
My Wife's Colt 1903 made in 1930...
Of all the calibers and guns I have shot and loved, and all the stuff I have loaded for, I enjoy the .32 ACP more than any. Sad to see it going away and kind of left in the dust in modern pistols.
I thought it was pretty cool that Beretta was making the Pico with a .32 ACP option...can you even get a new Walther in .32 now?
VooDoo
bigfatdave
Member
shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiny
It was nice of her to let you borrow it for a minute to photograph.
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