Hello. I would like to buy a nice .32 cal pistol just to have. I've never owned a .32 cal, and thought it would be fun to have one. It would be something to just play with at the range and enjoy plinking around with once in a while. I've got plenty of carry guns, and range shooters already, so this would be just for enjoyment. Could you folks tell me who is still manufacturing .32 cal pistols? Preferably all steel, or metal. Thank you.
Suggestions for .32 autos
- Thread starter meatballs
- Start date
- Status
Can't help you with who's still making a metal one. KelTec makes a plastic one.
But for a .32 for enjoyment, look at old guns.
I have a Colt 1903, and a FN 1910 in .32 and both are cool little guns, and are fun to shoot. I think the 1903 is probably a tic neater in practice, while the FN has more history behind it.
I don't think you'll find a metal .32 built in the last 50 years that exceeds the workmanship of the early 20th century guns.*
*ETA: I had a brain fart and forgot about Europe. Beretta still makes the Tomcat in .32, and you can find reasonably new (i.e. less than 25 years old) examples of the PPK or Sig P230 in .32. There are some CZ's as well (vz 83, I think?) made into the early 90's in .32 that could probably be found without too much trouble. I still think you should at least look at the older guns. There's so many cool .32's from then.
But for a .32 for enjoyment, look at old guns.
I have a Colt 1903, and a FN 1910 in .32 and both are cool little guns, and are fun to shoot. I think the 1903 is probably a tic neater in practice, while the FN has more history behind it.
I don't think you'll find a metal .32 built in the last 50 years that exceeds the workmanship of the early 20th century guns.*
*ETA: I had a brain fart and forgot about Europe. Beretta still makes the Tomcat in .32, and you can find reasonably new (i.e. less than 25 years old) examples of the PPK or Sig P230 in .32. There are some CZ's as well (vz 83, I think?) made into the early 90's in .32 that could probably be found without too much trouble. I still think you should at least look at the older guns. There's so many cool .32's from then.
Last edited:
Caliper_Mi
Member
New .32 ACP and good quality, first thing that comes to mind is Beretta.
I'll second the old pistol suggestion though. I have an old Savage pistol that is a fun one.
I'll second the old pistol suggestion though. I have an old Savage pistol that is a fun one.
bannockburn
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 26,309
Walther PP and PPK, Beretta Roma, Puma, and Tomcat, and SIG P230 all come to mind when considering very high quality all metal .32 ACP pistols.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
A CZ27 can be nice, but they can be a bit pricey in good condition.
MedWheeler
Member
Bersa Thunder can be found used in .32.. not sure if it's still being made in that caliber.
Jim Watson
Member
The Keltec and Bobcat are neat little deep concealment pistols but not much fun to shoot and not very impressive for "show and tell."
The guys have mentioned most of the fine old blue steel guns, but there are others.
From the USA you could look for
Colt 1903
Savage 1907 and 1917
Remington PA51 (less common in .32 than .380)
There are dozens and scores of makes and models of European .32s. That was a common caliber for police and some military from 1900 til the 1970s and a lot of them were sold surplus here.
The guys have mentioned most of the fine old blue steel guns, but there are others.
From the USA you could look for
Colt 1903
Savage 1907 and 1917
Remington PA51 (less common in .32 than .380)
There are dozens and scores of makes and models of European .32s. That was a common caliber for police and some military from 1900 til the 1970s and a lot of them were sold surplus here.
My two favorite pistols in .32 acp are the Walther PP and the CZ83
Walther if you want a pretty pistol that is loads of fun to shoot and the CZ83 if you want what is really the pinnacle of .32 acp pistol design.
The PP will be MUCH easier to find and they go from $300 and up depending on condition and special markings.
The CZ83 will be harder to find as not many .32s came into the country but at fifteen rounds it does offer the largest magazine capacity of all the pistols not counting some strange Spanish made horseshoe magazine guns.
Walther if you want a pretty pistol that is loads of fun to shoot and the CZ83 if you want what is really the pinnacle of .32 acp pistol design.
The PP will be MUCH easier to find and they go from $300 and up depending on condition and special markings.
The CZ83 will be harder to find as not many .32s came into the country but at fifteen rounds it does offer the largest magazine capacity of all the pistols not counting some strange Spanish made horseshoe magazine guns.
giggitygiggity
Member
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2009
- Messages
- 2,251
I have the Walther PP. Such a classic. I recommend either the PP or the PPK because once you have one you're pretty much James Bond.
usp9
Member
Some of my favorites are the CZ83, Walther PP and the Sig P230. I'd love to have a Beretta 81.
I wouldn't say the Seecamp is a fun gun like the other three. Just as reliable though.
I wouldn't say the Seecamp is a fun gun like the other three. Just as reliable though.
Ignition Override
Member
Onmilo answered first: the superb CZ-83 in .32 Auto. My CZ-82 is in 9x18 Mak and a superb gun.
Also have the Sig 232, but in .380 Auto. It is similar to my Sauer 38H in .32 Auto, its "father". If they had Only continued producing these after WW2 (in the west), today's prices might be much lower.
Other than gun/.32 ammo prices (plus scarcity of some tiny spare parts), the Sauer 38H would be my Favorite handgun.
Also have the Sig 232, but in .380 Auto. It is similar to my Sauer 38H in .32 Auto, its "father". If they had Only continued producing these after WW2
(in the west), today's prices might be much lower.Other than gun/.32 ammo prices (plus scarcity of some tiny spare parts), the Sauer 38H would be my Favorite handgun.
Last edited:
Candyman87
Member
Walther PPK is a classic in .32. I have a Manurhin PP in .32 that's an absolute pleasure to shoot.
MICHAEL T
Member
For the beretta tom cat near impossible to get still can't load one with good ammo and even the new frames have cracked. Get a old beretta in 32
Bersa Imported 1000 32's all sold so would need to be a used one.
Sorry the little KelTec 32 are number 1 in 32's in my family .
Bersa Imported 1000 32's all sold so would need to be a used one.
Sorry the little KelTec 32 are number 1 in 32's in my family .
Jim Watson
Member
Benelli B77
Maybe the biggest .32 ACP.
Maybe the biggest .32 ACP.
Tallball
Member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2014
- Messages
- 7,814
I own or have owned several.
Beretta Tomcat - small no-fun-to-shoot little hideout gun
CZ70 - doesn't fit my XL hands very well, but reliable, reasonably accurate, seems well made, easy to disassemble
FEG AP(something) - alloy, excellent balance, nice to shoot, everyone loves it
Colt 1903 - has tiny sights, but everything else is great: reliable, accurate, fun to shoot, great balance, looks great, a real gem
Beretta Tomcat - small no-fun-to-shoot little hideout gun
CZ70 - doesn't fit my XL hands very well, but reliable, reasonably accurate, seems well made, easy to disassemble
FEG AP(something) - alloy, excellent balance, nice to shoot, everyone loves it
Colt 1903 - has tiny sights, but everything else is great: reliable, accurate, fun to shoot, great balance, looks great, a real gem
commygun
Member
Another vote for the Walther PP. Just a pussycat in .32, accurate, ergonomic, and stylish as well.
TruthTellers
member
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2015
- Messages
- 1,075
If you want to enjoy just shooting it, then you'll have to look at older, almost turn of the Century guns. They'll have the largest grips, best sights, etc.
I guess look at the Colt 1903, that's the original .32 Auto. Then there's the old Savage's, some of the Walther's, etc.
The good thing about older .32's is there's a lot of them! It was the most popular cartridge in Europe and it had some success in the US.
I guess look at the Colt 1903, that's the original .32 Auto. Then there's the old Savage's, some of the Walther's, etc.
The good thing about older .32's is there's a lot of them! It was the most popular cartridge in Europe and it had some success in the US.
I have a 1914 Mauser in .32 that shoots surprisingly well and is very well made. Also have a French MAB Model C in .32 that shoots good, but has an awful trigger. French Cop gun, as I understand it, made for business not pleasure.
The BERETTA'S are probably the best.
Meatballs,
I have shot quite a few .32ACP pistols and think the best one is the WALTHER PPK. Mine is a German made one, so beware any of the stainless models, as they are made under license.
Shot side by side, I found my PPK easier to shoot than the larger PP model, although the PP was also quite accurate. I have average size hands and the smaller, ROUNDER grip on the PPK transmits less shock when the gun recoils, with less perceived recoil. I found the PPK easier to shoot for this reason.
Both are good, the PPK is better in my opinion.
The COLT 1903 is a joy to shoot, but is single action only and big. It is a pocket pistol in name only.
The BROWNING/FN 1910 is another matter. This little gun can be pocketed and is more accurate than the very small "guttersnipe' type of sights would suggest. On the downside, it is single action only.
The larger model 1922 is a 1910 with a longer barrel, an added on slide extension and longer grip. It has the same excellent quality as the 1910, except many of the NAZI marked guns.
John BROWNING designed both the 1903 and 1910. Both are superb guns, with the highest quality workmanship.
I have also shot the KEL TEC and was not impressed with the gun's durability. It worked, but for how long.
The NAA Guardian is very small, all steel and double action only. It unfortunately kicks quite hard, much harder than the KEL TEC.
BERETTA made two of the best .32ACP pistols. The 3032 TOMCAT and the much larger model 81 and 82 Cheetah series.
I have owned several of the TOMCAT model and will occasionally pocket carry it. It is light, reliable, very concealable and easy to operate because of the tip up barrel. It is also a double action, which I consider a huge plus.
I have shot this gun for 90 round at a session without pain, so it is a keeper. I had to buy a second as my wife liked it so much, she took it for her own.
The Cheetah series is the complete opposite. They are one of the largest .32ACP pistols ever made that became popular. I have a model 82 and it is very easy to shoot with recoil only slightly heavier than a .22 rimfire. It is also, the most reliable of .32ACP pistols and very accurate, with good sights and handling. If you are looking for a house or car gun and recoil is an issue, this may be the solution. I would try the .380ACP versions first. They are exactly the same size, much easier to find and recoil is not much heavier.
These are the ones that I have had personal experience with and can recommend. The PPK and BERETTA'S are the best of the lot that I have shot.
I would like to shoot a CZ-83 and SIG 230, as both have proven to be very good guns in .380ACP, but have not had the chance. I know that gun writer Leroy THOMPSON thought very highly of a .32ACP CZ-83.
The bad news is that ALL THE REALLY GOOD .32ACP pistols are no longer available as new production, with the possible exception of the BERETTA Tomcat.
Jim
Meatballs,
I have shot quite a few .32ACP pistols and think the best one is the WALTHER PPK. Mine is a German made one, so beware any of the stainless models, as they are made under license.
Shot side by side, I found my PPK easier to shoot than the larger PP model, although the PP was also quite accurate. I have average size hands and the smaller, ROUNDER grip on the PPK transmits less shock when the gun recoils, with less perceived recoil. I found the PPK easier to shoot for this reason.
Both are good, the PPK is better in my opinion.
The COLT 1903 is a joy to shoot, but is single action only and big. It is a pocket pistol in name only.
The BROWNING/FN 1910 is another matter. This little gun can be pocketed and is more accurate than the very small "guttersnipe' type of sights would suggest. On the downside, it is single action only.
The larger model 1922 is a 1910 with a longer barrel, an added on slide extension and longer grip. It has the same excellent quality as the 1910, except many of the NAZI marked guns.
John BROWNING designed both the 1903 and 1910. Both are superb guns, with the highest quality workmanship.
I have also shot the KEL TEC and was not impressed with the gun's durability. It worked, but for how long.
The NAA Guardian is very small, all steel and double action only. It unfortunately kicks quite hard, much harder than the KEL TEC.
BERETTA made two of the best .32ACP pistols. The 3032 TOMCAT and the much larger model 81 and 82 Cheetah series.
I have owned several of the TOMCAT model and will occasionally pocket carry it. It is light, reliable, very concealable and easy to operate because of the tip up barrel. It is also a double action, which I consider a huge plus.
I have shot this gun for 90 round at a session without pain, so it is a keeper. I had to buy a second as my wife liked it so much, she took it for her own.
The Cheetah series is the complete opposite. They are one of the largest .32ACP pistols ever made that became popular. I have a model 82 and it is very easy to shoot with recoil only slightly heavier than a .22 rimfire. It is also, the most reliable of .32ACP pistols and very accurate, with good sights and handling. If you are looking for a house or car gun and recoil is an issue, this may be the solution. I would try the .380ACP versions first. They are exactly the same size, much easier to find and recoil is not much heavier.
These are the ones that I have had personal experience with and can recommend. The PPK and BERETTA'S are the best of the lot that I have shot.
I would like to shoot a CZ-83 and SIG 230, as both have proven to be very good guns in .380ACP, but have not had the chance. I know that gun writer Leroy THOMPSON thought very highly of a .32ACP CZ-83.
The bad news is that ALL THE REALLY GOOD .32ACP pistols are no longer available as new production, with the possible exception of the BERETTA Tomcat.
Jim
- Status
