Pistol Chambered For .32ACP

Best Pistol Chambered In .32ACP

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I picked the Kel tec for concelment reasons. I own both a P32 and a PPK and the ppk is outstanding for this caliber. Both guns have been totally reliable and accurate. Tough choice. I would get the ppk over the ppk/s in 32.
The Kel Tec for total hide out and the ppk for general use.
 
I hope to be the proud owner of a Beretta Model 82 .32 soon. I would like an 81, but neither model is plentiful. Gotta take what one can find. I've been outbid on two model 81's.

For carry it is my .32 Seecamp. Although the Beretta could be carried, I would opt for more power in that size gun. The 82 will be a range gun.
 
I have owned a Nazi marked PPK and a commercial PPK/S in .32 Auto. They are well made, reliable, accurate firearms but the .32 Auto is not not the optimal defense cartridge.
 
I Vote Walther

All listed in the poll are great guns. I own NAA Guardian in .32 and it definitely has its place. I will honestly have to say, my favorite pistol and the one I carry most often is a Manurhin Walther PP (.32). I like the size and feel of the gun. It is very accurate and mine has been 100% reliable with all types of ammo. The light recoil makes it very comfortable to shoot and follow up shots are very quick. The 9 shot (8+1) capability make the small package quite attractive.
 
Yup...and .32 ACP was good enough for Hitler to kill himself with.

My two aren't on the poll but I like them a lot.

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Colt M1903

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Savage 1917

Tinpig
 
I voted Kel-Tec, thats what my wife carries and its a good little gun. As long as it goes bang when you pull the trigger its good.
 
I have a CZ 70 chambered in .32 ACP. Really nice little shooter. I picked it up at a gun show a few months ago for $125. For so cheap I couldn't walk away and leave it sitting there. I don't have any other .32s so I had to pick up a few boxes of ammo. Next time I went to the range the little begger came along with me. I was really surprized at how smooth and easy to shoot it was. She's a keeper!
 
My personal choice would be the P32 Kel Tec for the price it is hard to beat, sorry to hear other people have issues with theirs my P3AT was nothing but reliable.
 
I always find it interesting when people start talking quality. Just because the Keltec has plastic it doesn't feel "quality" whatever that means. It's perfect for it's job and every bit at reliable as the others mentioned. How is that not quality? I've heard that same silly argument for years about Glocks, and, despite the fact that they have more than proven themselves, people still say they are reliable but not quality. Go figure.
 
I voted for Kel Tec because it is IMO the best for the money. I have 2 KT p32's, blued and parkerized. Both have been 100% reliable. The Seecamp or the NAA might be more appealing to the eyes, but I don't really care since it is concealed in my pocket most of the time.

I can't recommend the newly made PPK/S though (by S&W). I had a horrible experience with one that I bought new. Biggest POS I have ever owned. But thats another story.
 
Beretta Tomcat 3032 is a good .32 acp gun , yes i know it had problems with the slide and frame cracking, i had no problems with mine so far , and i like Beretta handguns they are good guns.

yes a .32acp is effective enough to kill the archiduke ferdinand and start ww1 and powerful enough to end hitlers life ....it sure beats a .22 or .25 caliber .
 
The Kel-Tec P-32 is highly reliable (my two have been and are). It's easy to forget that a P-32 is in your front pocket. What's not to like?
 
JMOfartO:

The title of the thread was "pistol chambered for 32ACP", and the poll was the question of "the best pistol chambered in 32ACP"...

Since the question of "best" is subjective in a gun owners mind depending on his/her experience I'm thinking there is no one "correct answer". Each of us chooses a particular firearm for several reasons, some of which could make absolute no sense to someone else who might be shopping for the same type firearm.

For example if I were asked what 32ACP pistol I considered (from my personal experience) the best "value" for the money I'd say the "KelTec P32" hands down.. Heck I paid $225 for a new one a few years ago, it was absolutely reliable and reasonably accurate and when I sold it to a buddy he gave me my $225 back.. Fine little plastic gun and if all a person wanted was a good 32ACP pistol they need look no further.

If I were asked what 32ACP pistol I would not chose, again, it would be the Beretta Tomcat, hands down. My Tomcat was a pos, the folks at Beretta CS were of the same quality as the Tomcat, and I was so put off by both that I've sworn off Beretta's forever.. Of course at my age (66) forever is not such a big deal..

In fairness I will say my Tomcat was a first series, and later on the pistol was "beefed" up and apparently the current models are just fine. I'm just one of those "screw me once, shame on you", "screw me twice, shame on me" kinda guy, so no more Beretta's in this hacienda. If YOU have a Tomcat and it works good for you, then I'm sure you have a fine 32ACP firearm.

My original interest was for a Seecamp because everything I read said it was the "best" 32ACP when all considerations were taken into account. Quality, size, performance, etc. Trouble is that back then they were almost impossible to get, and scalpers were charging an arm and a leg for them, when you could find one.

So, I bought an NAA Guardian. The Guardian is basically a clone of the Seecamp LWS32 as the Ruger LCP is a clone of the KT P32. Imitation is not necessarily a bad thing, and my Guardians (I had two) were both excellent pistols. Reliable, accurate, of good quality and I would recommend one to anybody. I had a slight function issue with the 1st one, but NAA has great CS/repair, and I sent my Guardian back to NAA, it was fixed free, and never bobbled again.. NAA even sent me a new free mag for my inconvenience. Nice folks at NAA.

Finally two years ago I realized I could buy a new Seecamp for basically the same price of a new Guardian, or new Tomcat. I ordered one and only paid $375.00 for it. I had to wait a couple of months to get it, but once I had it, I was ruined.. It was simply heads and heels above the competition TO ME in terms of overall quality that all others paled in comparison.

The tiny size of the LWS32 makes it just vanish in the pocket. (Rear pocket for me). The old bugaboo about how Seecamps will only shoot Silvertip jhp's is absolutely wrong and if you doubt me visit the www.seecamp.com forum and read the posts for yourself. I have three (one LWS380/2 LWS32's) and they all love Speer Gold Dots.

Seecamps DO require jhp's with the soul exception (to the best of my knowledge) of the Winchester white box Q4255 which is a truncated fmj round. I use the cheaper Q4255's for plinking, altho I would certainly not hesitate to use them for a cc round if necessary. I just prefer Gold Dot jhps..

I will say that because of the tiny size of the Seecamp the pistols ARE more affected by ammunition out of spec.. That is the reason Larry Seecamp recommends a person carrying a Seecamp for personal protection to buy a new box of whatever ammo he/she prefers, (say a box of 20), and that person shoot 13 rounds and if all goes well, load up the final 7 and he/she is good to go.

My wife and I have done that and once a year or so we shoot up the old ammo and reload with fresh ammo using the same procedure. Never a concern for reliability.

If you don't think the Seecamp is the highest quality of manufacture between those guns mentioned I suggest, respectfully, that you probably have not held and shot a Seecamp.

I believe a KT P32 would make anyone a very good choice in 32ACP. I think for those who don't care for a European "heel" mag release, and prefer a "takedown" button for cleaning and someone who wants to shoot fmj's the Guardian is a fine choice over the LWS32. I believe anyone needing a "tip up" barrel for some reason should consider a NEW model Tomcat, and I think someone who wants the very best, and I believe smallest 32ACP on the market would be well served by a Seecamp.

I think folks who buy a Seecamp over the others is simply someone who is looking for "quality" and performance, vs just performance. I think having what is considered the "best of the best" is just something some folks enjoy having, (I'm one of them) and I'm old and retired and I can't afford the "best of the best" of many things, but I can in this particular situation, so that's what I bought, and that's what I cc daily.

There are no wrong answers in any of those guns mentioned, just different choices. Mine is not necessarily right for you, nor is your choice necessarily right for me.

No offense to those who might disagree.:)

Best Wishes,

Jesse
 
There doesn't seem to be a perfect gun

Of the four guns mentioned in the poll i think they are all reliable but they all have pros and cons.

L.W. Seecamp .32 This gun is the smallest, smaller than the NAA Guardian by a hair. Which is great. It has some quirks. One, its ammo picky(meaning its only reliable with certain ammo, A problem for me personally). At one time they only recommended Winchester silvertips. The current recommendation goes as follows: Winchester Silvertips, Winchester Q4255 71 gr. FMJ, Hornady 60 grain SJH/XTP, Speer Gold Dot, or Federal Hydra Shoks. This is still very limiting as far as choices. Secondly, Neither this or the Guardian fit well in my hand. My palms are large, but not bricklayer large. These are the guns that i would buy for my 110lbs little sister, who has tiny hands Also, the 380 version of this pistol is not only twice the MSRP but you have to order and replace a draw bar spring every 300 rounds. These are hand made so quality is sometimes hit or miss. MSRP .32 caliber- $446.25, California Edition $525.00, and .380 auto $795.00 (WoW lol)


NAA Guardian .32 This is a little over 2 ounces heavier than the Seecamp. The weight of having the feel of a real gun in your hand is nice but the bulging bulk will hurt its concealability. Its made of great materials though, 17-4 pH stainless steel. Unfortunately, I notice every ounce in my front pocket. Others may notice it too. This gun is said to shoot any 32 ACP ammo you can find and has a lifetime warranty. Its too small for my hands, but I may be able to get over this issue with the Seecamp and the Guardian with some practice. This size Guardian is also available in .25 NAA. A caliber which hasn't caught on since its inception, thus its hard to find. There is a larger/heavier Guardian available in both .380 auto and .32 NAA it can come with laser grips. .32 NAA will clear 1200 FPS out of the Guardians short barrel, making it the fastest pocket pistol cartridge available.. I've read on their website that sometimes a case with get pinched on the last round, affecting its ability to be reloaded. This only bothers people who reload their own ammo. Not me. I apologize to the Seecamp fans, but i would choose this for its ability to feed any ammo and from my experience I've had with NAA's customer service with my mini revolvers. They were very good. MSRP $402.00-$449.00



Walther PPK/S .32 We all know Walther has a long history and are good, but what about "Walther Bite"? This is a great gun but its on the large side for a pocket gun wouldn't you say? If you put a Seecamp or a 32 Guardian in a wallet holster its going to pass for a wallet not a gun. This one is just to big for that. At 20.8 ounces without the magazine and 6.1 inches in length this is the largest and heaviest gun listed.(and only holds 7 rounds) Why not stick a brick in your pants? That being said, I imagine its the best recoiling one listed because of the large comfortable grip surface and its heavier weight. You just have to get creative about the way you carry it. It will not be as easy to hide as the other guns listed here.You can also run around the house pretending to be James bond. If one were to purchase this i would be careful of its manufacture. Some reviews say that the quality of these has improved over time. I would get one recently made. MSRP $626

KEL-TEC P-32 The KEL-TEC P-32 is the lightest .32 Auto pistol ever made. It holds seven rounds. This is larger than both the guardian and the Seecamp, but still only 5.1 inches long. They advertise that though it only weighs 6.6 ounces unloaded its "locking dynamics and superior ergonometry, perceived recoil and practical accuracy are comparable to much larger guns." I own a Ruger LCP which is a clone of the the P-32's slightly larger brother the keltec P3AT(380 ACP). My Ruger's recoil is somewhat brisk but manageable, though we are talking about a different cartridge. This gun is not as pretty as the others. This guns weight will prevent the wearing out of pockets, but you may forget your wearing it and accidentally walk through a courthouse's metal detector one day. I like these guns and think that keltec designs are cutting edge and appealing. They also tend to be affordable.


Description MSRP
Blued Finish $ 318.00
Parkerized Finish $ 361.00
Hard Chrome Finish $ 377.00


I know I'm long winded in my explanation but here it goes. If i could get over the Seecamp and Guardians size i would get the Guardian. for me personally the Walther is too big and the Keltec is almost too light. For me (because I'm kinda poor)its always come down to what kind of gun would i rather lose by the police confiscating it. I'm sorry to the cops on here but not all of you are honest. The type of gun that i would rather lose this way would be one that is inexpensive to replace. So if you look at price and availability the Keltec wins. I would keep the more expensive ones at home in the safe. If you have money just buy one of everything. Everyone should have a backup CCW just in case the primary one is confiscated.
 
Another Walther PP Series

I have carried a Manurhin Walther PP in .32 for years. Great gun, accurate, and reliable ~ bought it on Gun Broker for $380

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I recently purchased an Interarms PPK/S in .32. The stainless steel version is nicer for summer carry in humid conditions and mags interchange with my PP ~ Bought it on one of the auction sites for $410 a couple of weeks ago

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The Model PP and PPK/s have an 8 shot mag with 1 in chamber = 9 shot, not 7

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My Manurhin has gone through a couple of thousands rounds with out any malfunctions using both hollow points and FMJ. The day I got my PPK/S, I took it to the range and shot Federal Hydra Shocks, Fiocchi FMJ, Patri Partizan FMJ and Remington FMJ, through it without even a hiccup. I have been very pleased with both of these guns
 
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I chose my keltec 32. For the price and avalaible options this little bug is awesome. I did have one issue with it but I figured it out and has since fired about 200 rounds through it flawlessly. This one is definetly a keeper for me. This is a true pocket bug. 8 rounds should be sufficient for up close and personal.
 
I carry a Beretta Tomcat 3032 and have put about 300 rounds through it without a problem and no jams. I have been told of their frames cracking, but have yet to see one crack.

My buddy raved about his NAA Guardian .32acp, but every time we went to the range it jammed about every other round. It embarrased/worried him enough that he stopped carrying it and eventually sold it. Also I started carrying the Tomcat due to back problems while carrying a larger pistol, from full sized to compact .45acp, 40s&w, and 9mm. The Beretta is small, light enough, and fits in my back pocket without printing or protruding.

I also would like to say that the .32acp is pretty good round with great velocity and any caliber pistol is better than going unarmed any day.
 
Tell you what. You like your 32acp, gets some good ammo. Hardcast FN, buffalo-bore. Your velocity and energy will be greater than any average 380 out there. And I've tried it in 3 different 32acp pistols, and they've all worked great. Check it out. And while you're at it, check out their 380acp and 9mm makarov hardcast ammo if you're interested. Hardcast is not the same as lead, so there's no fouling issues. But these things will definitely do the job.

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=132
 
I'd steer you away from the NAA .32 simply because both my wife and I tried it and it just didn't fit our small hands.
If you like it though, try it. It'd be the last on my list though.
 
I had a Kel Tec P32, i thought it was not far removed from junk. I also didn't like the semi-rimmed .32 and it's effect on limiting what ammo i could use, even with "flyer wire" mag modifications.

I stepped up to a Ruger LCP .380 which is just slightly larger, but is much, much better built. I am very happy with it.

I had a Savage 1907 and gave it to my godson, it's a nice pistol, but the trigger pull on my example was atrocious, as were the sights.
 
I answered this when it originally appeared but I didn't have the appreciation of the Sig P230 then that I do now. In .32acp it is a very nice, soft shooting and accurate pistol. I still carry my Seecamp, but I relly enjoy the Sig, even more than the Walther PP or CZ83 (which I no longer own).

Here are my .32acp personal favorites;
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This is thread is an oldie, for sure. :scrutiny:

I own the NAA Guardian .32 ACP. It's decent and fun to own, but it has it quirks. The biggest reason I bought it a couple years back was because .380 ACP ammo was hard to find in quantity. .32 ammo at the time was available by the buckets for cheap prices in FMJ varieties. I still have enough of that ammo to last quite a while. :)
 
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