Seecamp 32 vs Kel-Tec 32 vs Beretta Tomcat
- Thread starter Ghostrider_23
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PX15
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NCHornet:
I don't see why anyone should take offense at your post.
You prefer the NAA Guardian over the Seecamp, that's all.. Not a problem for me.
I don't think of my cc mousegun as being a "practical work horse". I simply put it (in it's wallet holster) in my back pocket when I pick up my wallet and car keys.. Always available, no work involved. No wear involved, just what works for me.
For my needs the LWS32 is "just" enough smaller and more concealable than the Guardian to be my choice for daily cc.. The NAA, as I mentioned earlier is a fine mousegun, I just prefer the Seecamp.
Both of us are right in that our preferences are just that, "preferences", and what works best for you just doesn't for me, and vice-versa.. I think both of us are well armed.
Best Wishes,
J. Pomeroy
I don't see why anyone should take offense at your post.
You prefer the NAA Guardian over the Seecamp, that's all.. Not a problem for me.
I don't think of my cc mousegun as being a "practical work horse". I simply put it (in it's wallet holster) in my back pocket when I pick up my wallet and car keys.. Always available, no work involved. No wear involved, just what works for me.
For my needs the LWS32 is "just" enough smaller and more concealable than the Guardian to be my choice for daily cc.. The NAA, as I mentioned earlier is a fine mousegun, I just prefer the Seecamp.
Both of us are right in that our preferences are just that, "preferences", and what works best for you just doesn't for me, and vice-versa.. I think both of us are well armed.
Best Wishes,
J. Pomeroy
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
No problems here with anyone's post~! 
351 WINCHESTER
Member
If you can find a kel tec .32 that works I think you will be happy. I have 2 that work just fine. The secamps are expensive and are ammo restricted. They were designed to shoot the w/w silvertip, but I suppose they will digest anything that will fit in the mag. They are heavy as are the naa. Try and find a first generation kel tec with serial no above 80,000 or so. Some of the earlier ones had weak extractor springs. I'm not a fan of the 2nd generation k/t's as I don't trust the extractor and the frankenbolt that holds it and the firing pin stop. If you find a good k/t you won't even notice it in your pocket due to it's size and very low weight.
I have a KT P3AT b/c it's basically the same size & weight as the P32, and it disappears in my pocket. I never did a fluff & buff, and mine has been literally 100%. I guess I got a good one.
I didn't buy it to hand down to my grandkids. I bought it as a 24/7 go everywhere gun that would last me a while. I shoot it enough to stay proficient with it, but not so much that I'm worried about its longevity.
The Seecamp looks nice, but for the weight (and cost), you could likely carry a more potent gun in a more powerful caliber. Just my $.02
I didn't buy it to hand down to my grandkids. I bought it as a 24/7 go everywhere gun that would last me a while. I shoot it enough to stay proficient with it, but not so much that I'm worried about its longevity.
The Seecamp looks nice, but for the weight (and cost), you could likely carry a more potent gun in a more powerful caliber. Just my $.02
2ndamd
Member
All three choices are better at the things you listed. It depends what your criteria or priority is. Here is a ranking by question:
Shoots better
1. Beretta
2. NAA
3. Kel tec
Carries better
1. Kel tec
2. NAA
3. Beretta
Reliability
1. NAA
2. Beretta
3. Kel-tec
My choice is for a gun that shoots well in a .32 your ganna need to place the bullets where they need to go.....Beretta. But, if you need a 7 oz gun that does not feel like it is there.....than Kel-tec.
When teaching the elderly the tip up barrel design was very useful because you did not have to rack a slide. Hey those slides can be hard to grasp with the proper hand strength for some people.....even petitte women can struggle with some slides.
Shoots better
1. Beretta
2. NAA
3. Kel tec
Carries better
1. Kel tec
2. NAA
3. Beretta
Reliability
1. NAA
2. Beretta
3. Kel-tec
My choice is for a gun that shoots well in a .32 your ganna need to place the bullets where they need to go.....Beretta. But, if you need a 7 oz gun that does not feel like it is there.....than Kel-tec.
When teaching the elderly the tip up barrel design was very useful because you did not have to rack a slide. Hey those slides can be hard to grasp with the proper hand strength for some people.....even petitte women can struggle with some slides.
Ghost Walker
Member
Interesting thread! I’ve owned a 2nd generation Beretta, ‘Alley Cat’ for the past 8 years. It took me all of 2 or 3 years to finally make up my mind as to which mouse gun I wanted to carry in my front left pocket.I’ll agree that a Kel-Tec is a, ‘best buy’. Many of my associates carry one, and recommended that I should do the same. Seecamp has its fans; I don’t happen to be one of them. Who cares, ‘Why’! The Guardian was my second choice; but, it does have that last round, ‘stovepipe problem’. (Which some people tell me is, actually, an advantage!)
I finally settled on the Beretta 32 acp because (1) it fit inside my pocket, and (2) I wanted a pistol that transitions well from recent – if not immediate – use of a full-size semi-auto. Contrary to what many believe, that wide backstrap is actually an advantage! I’m able to draw my BUG from a pocket, grab a sight picture, and empty the magazine into an 8” circle all the way out to 16 yards.
I doubt I’d be as accurate with any other BUG. (As a matter of fact, I KNOW I wouldn’t!) While I never appreciated these features until I finally owned the pistol, that wide backstrap and pop-up barrel actually do come in handy for: transitioning, shooting straight, loading, and unloading. It ain’t about weight; it ain’t about price; and, within reason, it ain’t about size.
It, also, ain't about frame composition or material either. It really doesn’t matter what any of these little BUGS is made out of because ALL of them have an effective operating life of something less than 5,000 rounds.
When you need a BUG, it’s got to fit your hand and, possibly, go up against a much larger gun! So far, my Beretta, ‘Alley Cat’ has served me well. In 800 to 1,000 rounds I've had: no misfires; no jams; goes, ‘bang’ every time; and, inside 16 yards, it’ll hit whatever I point at.
If I went out tomorrow morning to buy another BUG, I’d get another Beretta 32 acp - Only this time it would be one of the new stainless or titanium models.
Not pretty, just plain functional!
brett30030
Member
KT due to light weight, the old reliability stuff has been overcome long ago for the 32 and the 38, but not their new 9.
Some in the Seecamp community remind me of the old Grey Poupon commercials, while the KT folks are that "please pass the jelly" crowd
Some in the Seecamp community remind me of the old Grey Poupon commercials, while the KT folks are that "please pass the jelly" crowd
hexidismal
Member
I just wish somebody was still making serious quality pocket guns with single action triggers and a manual safety. I'd really like a pocket backup, but the DAO guns are just not for me. Seems like the only ones available are junk guns like cobra and davis.
JERRY
Member
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- Jun 5, 2003
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- 3,840
well,
i choose the Seecamp, having had all the others mentioned in the past....
the beretta wins over the seecamp for "shootability" due to its larger grip, but then its not as small.
the kel-tek wins in the weight dept. but is far out classed by the Seecamp in workmanship, durability, and reliablity.
i chose the Seecamp because its the best balance of all three issues with true pocket mouse guns, and it will last longer than i will....
i choose the Seecamp, having had all the others mentioned in the past....
the beretta wins over the seecamp for "shootability" due to its larger grip, but then its not as small.
the kel-tek wins in the weight dept. but is far out classed by the Seecamp in workmanship, durability, and reliablity.
i chose the Seecamp because its the best balance of all three issues with true pocket mouse guns, and it will last longer than i will....
ArchAngelCD
Member.
2ndamd,
While your post was well done I don't think it's really useful to Ghostrider. You gave detailed lists ranking the Beretta, NAA, and Kel-Tec pistols but he asked about Beretta, Kel-Tec and Seecamp. I'm sure it's just a mis-type since the NAA pistol was written about in this thread a lot.
While your post was well done I don't think it's really useful to Ghostrider. You gave detailed lists ranking the Beretta, NAA, and Kel-Tec pistols but he asked about Beretta, Kel-Tec and Seecamp. I'm sure it's just a mis-type since the NAA pistol was written about in this thread a lot.
Ghost Walker
Member
What was that?Ghostrider_23
Member
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- 413
WOW
I have seen and handle all of them and here's my thoughts.
The Beretta as nice as it is seems a bit wide and heavy, though it can be fitted with a laser handle.
The Seecamp is nice but for the price and seeing it's a 32, I'd rather spend the extra money and get something a bit more powerful chamber in a 9mm or 380.
I think the Kel-Tec is the way to go. It's very light, has a belt clip and can be fittied with a laser as well. Not expensive at all and has a life time warranty. The 32's seem to have had all the bugs worked out of them unlike the 380's and at the legal defense distance, 7 rounds center mass will do the job.
I have seen and handle all of them and here's my thoughts.
The Beretta as nice as it is seems a bit wide and heavy, though it can be fitted with a laser handle.
The Seecamp is nice but for the price and seeing it's a 32, I'd rather spend the extra money and get something a bit more powerful chamber in a 9mm or 380.
I think the Kel-Tec is the way to go. It's very light, has a belt clip and can be fittied with a laser as well. Not expensive at all and has a life time warranty. The 32's seem to have had all the bugs worked out of them unlike the 380's and at the legal defense distance, 7 rounds center mass will do the job.
Of the three choices you list I voted Seecamp the Kel Tec is Bic-ish the Beretta pocket guns I have tried had reliability issues.
If N.A.A. Guardian were on the list then I may have voted that way allot of bang for the buck in a small package and not as finicky.
If N.A.A. Guardian were on the list then I may have voted that way allot of bang for the buck in a small package and not as finicky.
Dallas Jack
Member
Question for you guys that have experience with all three guns. How do the triggers compare?
I voted for the Kel Tec because that is the only one I have handled.
Dallas Jack
I voted for the Kel Tec because that is the only one I have handled.
Dallas Jack
I have only fired my LW380 Seecamp beside my brothers P380AT Kel-Tek, but I rate the Seecamps trigger far ahead of the Kel-Tek. As a dbl action trigger IMO it is hard to beat in a non target factory arm but I can`t honestly say how it compares with the Beretta or NAA.
Glockman17366
Member
I own a Beretta Tomcat and it's been a nice little pistol. I really like the tip up barrel to load that last round.
But it's a fat little beast!!!
Also, one wants to grip this piece fairly low to avoid getting bit by the slide.
So, I voted for the Seecamp. I've seen 'em...never fired one though.
But it's a fat little beast!!!
Also, one wants to grip this piece fairly low to avoid getting bit by the slide.
So, I voted for the Seecamp. I've seen 'em...never fired one though.
PX15
Member
FWIW:
I've already posted once on this issue, but after reading all the posts I'd like to comment again.
I think the original question was which of the three listed:
1. Carries Better
2. Is more accurate
3. Has better reliability
Just my opinion, but without a doubt (for me) the Seecamp carries better. The KT and NAA aren't bad, but the LWS32 is just enough smaller to conceal easier in my rear wallet holster.
Accuracy is sort of a trick question. I depend on my mousegun to be a last ditch up close and personal self defense weapon. I'm talking 3' or less, probably less.. Or, just pull it out, point it at the threat and pull the trigger.
But, there is no doubt that even the minimal sights on the KT & NAA offer better "target type" shooting than the Seecamp, (which has no sights). But I didn't buy my mousegun for target shooting, I use it for close up self defense and in that situation no sights are necessary.. I'm a "point and shoot" kinda guy, I would be watching the threat, not the sights regardless of which pistol I had.
I've had my P32 for a couple of years and it has always performed just fine. I 've had my Guardian for 8-10 years and it's been just fine too. I don't think a person would be poorly served with either. I'm not selling mine.
So, I'm convinced that if a person has a KelTec or NAA Guardian they are satisfied with then if they're happy, I'm happy for them.
I think over the long haul the LWS32 and the NAA would probably be more reliable, and I think for plinking duty the KT & NAA would do better than the LWS32, and I think everyone should just get what makes them feel "warm and fuzzy" and don't worry about what opinions of the other two might be from folks who probably haven't fired all three to compare anyway.
Best Wishes,
J. Pomeroy...
I've already posted once on this issue, but after reading all the posts I'd like to comment again.
I think the original question was which of the three listed:
1. Carries Better
2. Is more accurate
3. Has better reliability
Just my opinion, but without a doubt (for me) the Seecamp carries better. The KT and NAA aren't bad, but the LWS32 is just enough smaller to conceal easier in my rear wallet holster.
Accuracy is sort of a trick question. I depend on my mousegun to be a last ditch up close and personal self defense weapon. I'm talking 3' or less, probably less.. Or, just pull it out, point it at the threat and pull the trigger.
But, there is no doubt that even the minimal sights on the KT & NAA offer better "target type" shooting than the Seecamp, (which has no sights). But I didn't buy my mousegun for target shooting, I use it for close up self defense and in that situation no sights are necessary.. I'm a "point and shoot" kinda guy, I would be watching the threat, not the sights regardless of which pistol I had.
I've had my P32 for a couple of years and it has always performed just fine. I 've had my Guardian for 8-10 years and it's been just fine too. I don't think a person would be poorly served with either. I'm not selling mine.
So, I'm convinced that if a person has a KelTec or NAA Guardian they are satisfied with then if they're happy, I'm happy for them.
I think over the long haul the LWS32 and the NAA would probably be more reliable, and I think for plinking duty the KT & NAA would do better than the LWS32, and I think everyone should just get what makes them feel "warm and fuzzy" and don't worry about what opinions of the other two might be from folks who probably haven't fired all three to compare anyway.
Best Wishes,
J. Pomeroy...
I owned a Seecamp. It was a very nicely made and finished gun, but it should be for the money. It also was quite heavy and had a lousy trigger.
I carry a KelTec. It is much, much lighter, about the same size, and the trigger is very smooth. It is also more accurate by a large margin.
If both guns were the same price, I would still buy the KelTec.
I carry a KelTec. It is much, much lighter, about the same size, and the trigger is very smooth. It is also more accurate by a large margin.
If both guns were the same price, I would still buy the KelTec.
romma
Member
Keltec all the way! Those other pistols appear to be fine machines, but when pocket carrying a gun day in and day out, I prefer the light beater of a gun...
I would be really upset if I ever got nick or a ding in either the Seecamp, or the NAA... They are pretty little pistols!
I would be really upset if I ever got nick or a ding in either the Seecamp, or the NAA... They are pretty little pistols!
Last edited:
RI_Shooter
Member
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2007
- Messages
- 4
Kel-Tec
I have owned all three of these guns. The Beretta is way to big, too
thick, and too heavy for it's power. Despite its size and weight it also
has fairly heavy recoil, and mine jammed. Several other people I know had them and they jammed also.
The Seecamp is a far better gun, but it is also heavy, has pretty
heavy recoil, and is actually too small. It's a one finger on the grip
gun.
I have Kel-Tec in both .32 and .380. Both have been 100%
reliable with a wide variety of ammo. I personally prefer the .32.
It has very little recoil, is extremely accurate, and has a good
double action that is both smooth and light. I have found both
the accuracy and the trigger to be the best of the three. In addition
these are in wide use in my department in both .32 and .380 as BUG's.
I have seen many of these gun's pulled from pockets and fired and
literally watched lint from pocket carry flying away, with no function
problems.
As far as longevity, an earlier poster commented correctly. None
of these weapons are intended to fire endless thousands of rounds.
I do know of one P3AT with nearly 2000 without a problem, and at
least two more with over a thousand. Also a great many in the 500-
1000 rnd range. My friend has a P-32 with nearly a thousand rounds
through it. We can't find any sign of wear whatsoever.
I have all the usual brands: SIGS, Glock, Beretta, Walther and others.
I generally prefer guns with a high level of build quality and good fit
and finish. That preference doesn't blind me to reality. The Kel-Tec is
by far the best choice of the three. Easiest to carry, best trigger,
best accuracy, and lowest recoil.
I have owned all three of these guns. The Beretta is way to big, too
thick, and too heavy for it's power. Despite its size and weight it also
has fairly heavy recoil, and mine jammed. Several other people I know had them and they jammed also.
The Seecamp is a far better gun, but it is also heavy, has pretty
heavy recoil, and is actually too small. It's a one finger on the grip
gun.
I have Kel-Tec in both .32 and .380. Both have been 100%
reliable with a wide variety of ammo. I personally prefer the .32.
It has very little recoil, is extremely accurate, and has a good
double action that is both smooth and light. I have found both
the accuracy and the trigger to be the best of the three. In addition
these are in wide use in my department in both .32 and .380 as BUG's.
I have seen many of these gun's pulled from pockets and fired and
literally watched lint from pocket carry flying away, with no function
problems.
As far as longevity, an earlier poster commented correctly. None
of these weapons are intended to fire endless thousands of rounds.
I do know of one P3AT with nearly 2000 without a problem, and at
least two more with over a thousand. Also a great many in the 500-
1000 rnd range. My friend has a P-32 with nearly a thousand rounds
through it. We can't find any sign of wear whatsoever.
I have all the usual brands: SIGS, Glock, Beretta, Walther and others.
I generally prefer guns with a high level of build quality and good fit
and finish. That preference doesn't blind me to reality. The Kel-Tec is
by far the best choice of the three. Easiest to carry, best trigger,
best accuracy, and lowest recoil.
gb6491
Member
I voted for the Kel-Tec P32 because of the one I own. It has been reliable, accurate, and easy to carry. No knock on the other guns listed, but this particular pistol just gets it done for me.
Regards,
Greg
Regards,
Greg
PX15
Member
JMOFO:
Personal choice in a firearm is just that, "personal choice".. I think most of us have the ability to "buy" the "other" choice, but if the one we already have is doing the job for us, why change?
I started with the Tomcat, went to the Guardian (good move), then on a whim bought a P32... Then later when I found out that the Seecamps were again available and reasonably priced I bought one of those. With the exception of the Tomcat, which honestly was a pos, the other three are basically "toss ups" as to which is better in one area or less favored in another.
So if your KelTec, or Guardian, or even a later series (improved) Tomcat does the job you want it to do, you can trust it with your life, and it brings a smile of satisfaction to you just knowing you feel adequately armed then you have the weapon you need.
I prefer my LWS32, lust after an LWS380 (on order actually), but would feel well armed with either my P32 or Guardian.
YMMV
J. Pomeroy
Personal choice in a firearm is just that, "personal choice".. I think most of us have the ability to "buy" the "other" choice, but if the one we already have is doing the job for us, why change?
I started with the Tomcat, went to the Guardian (good move), then on a whim bought a P32... Then later when I found out that the Seecamps were again available and reasonably priced I bought one of those. With the exception of the Tomcat, which honestly was a pos, the other three are basically "toss ups" as to which is better in one area or less favored in another.
So if your KelTec, or Guardian, or even a later series (improved) Tomcat does the job you want it to do, you can trust it with your life, and it brings a smile of satisfaction to you just knowing you feel adequately armed then you have the weapon you need.
I prefer my LWS32, lust after an LWS380 (on order actually), but would feel well armed with either my P32 or Guardian.
YMMV
J. Pomeroy
Since "better" is the accumulation of different factors, let's see . . .
Hands down, the ultra-light little Kel-tec P32 does. It is super thin in width and thus conceals better. It is also very light . . . again, giving the nod to the Kel-Tec.
The Beretta should . . .
Like someone said, a well-broken in Kel-Tec that shucks everything you through into it makes a very reliable gun.
I own the Kel-Tec for concealability, lightness of weight, etc. It can be thrown into a pocket and taken virtually everywhere without fear of being spotted. Thus, it is . . . or was . . . my ultimate BUG.
Today though, I've transitioned to a J-frame snubbie. Why? It is a great wheelgun and totally reliable. It also groups like this at ten yards! You can't get this kind of accuracy in a little .32 automatic.
For comparison, here's my best ever group at 10 yards with the Kel-Tec P32:
T.
PX15
Member
S&Wfan:
Congratulations on your shooting skills... I couldn't group like that at ten yards with a sniper rifle when I was young...
Best Wishes,
J Pomeroy
P.S. Here's a photo of my favorite S&W snubby. I have absolutely no difficulty with "one hole groups" @ ten yards.. I often have 5 of them in a row.
Congratulations on your shooting skills... I couldn't group like that at ten yards with a sniper rifle when I was young...
Best Wishes,
J Pomeroy
P.S. Here's a photo of my favorite S&W snubby. I have absolutely no difficulty with "one hole groups" @ ten yards.. I often have 5 of them in a row.
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