The 32 acp…love it or hate it.

I am in the love it camp. It’s definitely a round that has its quirks but I tend to like things of that nature. Bersa used to make a Thunder 32 but discontinued it. I would have loved to get my hands on one of those. I used to own the Kel Tec P-32 and P3AT simultaneously so I could compare them side by side. I preferred the P-32 between the two. I would love to get my hands on a Beretta 82 (single stack version of the 81) but those are super rare and expensive. Maybe one of these days.
 
Felt recoil.

I mean if you already own a 380 and like it why not but when you can get a 9 mm in the same size package why would you buy a 380? Then why not a 45 instead of a 9 mm et cetera et cetera.
Do they make a 9mm in the same size as my LCP2? I really think felt recoil should be the least of your worries if you need to defend yourself, and the 380 is pretty mild and way more potent than a 32acp.
 
Do they make a 9mm in the same size as my LCP2? I really think felt recoil should be the least of your worries if you need to defend yourself, and the 380 is pretty mild and way more potent than a 32acp.
You win.
 
What I wish for is a new made Colt 1903 type .32 with some of the better updates, such as a magazine release behind the trigger area on the frame and a more modern 1911 shaped safety. The big problem I have with modern .32s is the barrels are too short. I want a 4 inch model.
You ought look at the Star and Llama versions, for something of an immediate answer.
But, I agree, it would be spiffy if TISAS built a Commander-size 1911 in 32acp. Or RIA on one of their Baby-Rocks.

I had two Model 1903 Colt Hammerless pistols that I have always regretted trading away years ago. Both would be worth a fortune today.
I miss this one. Built in 1924. It was a sure shooting firearm.
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This one is equally dear, 1915 production. Finish is actually better than in the photo.
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Now, "worth a fortune" is very relative. The top one cost me US$225 in 1998, and I managed to get barely US$400 in 2010
The lower one I picked up in 2021 for US$757 (incl Tax), which is right at Fair Market Value for decent condition 1903s.
 
Hmmm...I may have been mistaken before. I forgot about the Kel-Tec P32 when I was looking at comparisons to the LCP. The P32 is indeed a step up in ease-of-carry and +1 in capacity. And it looks easier to shoot.

My new range has a lot of Kel-Tec products for sale. Maybe I'll have to see if they have a P32. Honestly, if I like it, I may just sell the LCP and LCR.
 
Do they make a 9mm in the same size as my LCP2? I really think felt recoil should be the least of your worries if you need to defend yourself, and the 380 is pretty mild and way more potent than a 32acp.

to defend oneself one must consistently hit one’s target.
to consistently hit one’s target one must practice sufficiently.
if felt recoil is unpleasant then sufficient practice is avoided.
if insufficient practice is the norm then inconsistent accuracy is the consistent result.
 
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to defend onself one must consistently hit one’s target.
to consistently hit one’s target one must practice sufficiently.
if felt recoil is unpleasant then sufficient practice is avoided.
if insufficient practice is the norm then inconsistent accuracy is the consistent result.
Worthy of repeating
 
Years ago, the CZ83 and Bersa Thunder .32 were around. Not common place, but could be had. Wish I would've gotten one of each then. Unfortunately, being a dolt at the time, got the .380s instead because of bigger is better thinking. Keep in mind that I had 9s at that time. Was looking for something smallish. LCPs and the like weren't out yet. And after owning an LCP, I'll get a P32 instead. Unfortunately, my Zastava M70 doesn't hit pocket gun status.
 
The Bersa has a couple things going for it: decent front sight, windage adjustable rear (no elevation), small enough to conceal but large enough to get a solid grip. The trigger takes some getting used to but the single action is crisp enough to rapid fire with accuracy. Like others, I waffled on a CZ 83 for too long and missed out. When I saw the Bersa in a pawn shop for $240 a few years ago I didn't hesitate.

The stock magazine is the biggest shortcoming. For reasons I can't figure out the people at Bersa thought the 32 needed a large finger rest protruding out of the bottom of the magazine. I cut a Kel Tec P32 baseplate to fit in its place for concealability but there's probably better options as the modification cuts the mag capacity down to 8. Then there's that slide mounted safety. Rack that thing in cold weather with the hammer down without a firm grip and you'll just about slice your hand open.
 
The Bersa Thunder in 32 does have that unusual magazine but I’ve found that you can also use the regular looking 380 mags. The picture of mine above has the 380 mag in it and it functions fine.
 
to defend onself one must consistently hit one’s target.
to consistently hit one’s target one must practice sufficiently.
if felt recoil is unpleasant then sufficient practice is avoided.
if insufficient practice is the norm then inconsistent accuracy is the consistent result.


The problem with your theory is that everyone is different, some people do not need to practice, and others will miss when the time comes no matter how much practice they had with the 32acp.
 
I don't hate the 32acp but at the same time never had a desire to own one. I have enjoyed looking at all the old 32 pistols people have been posting :)

I would like to have a 1903 or maybe a PPK in 32, not for carry but just to play with and have around:)
 
32 Seecamp is my GOMA gun.
Stick in his eye and let'r rip.
He won't ask for seconds.


For those not familiar with a GOMA gun.
It's short for Get Off Me Assh**le !
 
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Beers on me, @CDW4ME. :cool:
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Nice thing about .32 ACP is you don't have to bother with hollow points

Congratulations! You posted a statement I've never seen on a gun forum before.
A lot to unpack in such a short phrase.
Is "nice" not to have to "bother" with HP. :eek:
But, the statement was not the cliché "They all fall to hardball" :barf: sometimes posted by someone rationalizing 45 acp FMJ.
Nooo. This is in reference to 32 FMJ.
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I do own an old Davis .32 derringer that I bought for my wife eons ago for about $50. Was considering picking up a .32 pistol until I saw the prices on the good ones, thanks but I'll buy another 1911 instead.
 
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