Opinions of the Kel-Tec P-32

In My Humble Opinion
1

Do shooters here have opinions of the Kel-Tec .32 ACP?
I bought one for a friend who wants to take the Arkansas Conceal & Carry course. I’ve not fired it yet, but after reading on the net, I’d like one myself. My only concern is that while better than a .22, it’s not a lot better than throwing rocks, and the reliance on being double action only, having no safety.
The thing is concealed in my pocket, and I’m a little guy, dressing out at 120.

Sorry, I forgot to add a a link: Kel-Tec P-32 - Wikipedia

2

Wish I could help, but, I have no solid info.
Closest thing is: A year or two ago I wanted to get their niner (P-9? P-11?) at any rate, it was the one that was the lightest to carry. Every review had good things to say about it. So, I went online to some forum (SDMB???) and nobody could recommend it, because the slides wore out too quickly. All of the reviews had fired about 500 shots, and that was it. After that, I lost all interest in anything by Kel Tec. OTOH, I never intend to fire more than 500 shots in any of my weapons, but, just the same…
That’s all I got.

Oh, no, wait…I have something else: there’s nothing wrong with a .32. If it’s better than a .22, you ain’t nothing bad!

Best wishes,
hh

3

I carry one every day, and I have more guns than you have hair follicles.
Almost.

The P-32 and P3-AT are the same size, so get the .380 if you want. I like the extra 10 round magthat fills my hand better, and I like the lanyardattachment so I can wear it around my neck if I need.

Is it my first go-to weapon? Nah. I usually carry a .40, .45 or even 9mm on my belt, as well as the .32 in my front pocket.

Summertime means shorts or even a bathing suit, and I promise you that even in my lightest shorts or swimsuit, that .32 is there and it satisfies the first rule of gunfighting: bring a gun.

I don’t really want to take on a couple of gang-bangers with it, but I see it like this- do **you **want to get shot with one? If I put one in your face at the ATM will you continue robbing me or skedaddle? Especially if I start pulling the trigger? You’ll run, trust me.
If someone has the good fortune to surprise me and demand my wallet, I’ll just say “OK” and reach in my pocket and come out shooting. Jarquavious won’t really expect that, and Winchester Silvertips are nothing to sneeze at, no matter what caliber.

I have the hard chrome version, and like it. You’ll need to put a couple hundred rounds through it to clean it up and make it reliable. Don’t limp-wrist it and it will suit you fine.

You’ll carry an extra mag, right? Try these. They also make shorts.

More than cargo pants, these have big deep front pockets. I often carry my 442there instead of the .32

Best part is they have a small vertical pocket at each hip for an extra mag or a knife.
I carry one of each, natch!

Get either the .32 or .380 with the extended 10 (or 9) round mag, an extra for your hip, and one in the pipe and you’ve got 19 or 21 rounds that no one wants coming their way.

Find a range, practice, and get a carry permit. Stay safe, and pay attention.

4

Yeah, I have one…but…uh…what ducati said.

5

Every web site on the Tec says it needs them.

I thought the .380 was a lighter load than the .32 ACP and would just annoy the the guy hit with it. It’s the 9mm kurtz, is it not?

6

.380 ACP aka 9mm Kurtz averages a 90gr slug at approx 1000 fps delivering 200ft lbs of energy vs a .32 ACP with 70grs at 900 fps and 125 ft lbs.
I’d go for the P3-AT myself.

7

Thanks. Perhaps I will.

8

ducati - That was a most informative post. I might actually have to look into the P3-AT myself.

9

Perhaps I’ll start an “ask the gun guy” thread!:stuck_out_tongue:

10

I have a Keltec PF9, which is very close in size and a 9mm. I like it, it fits in my pocket perfectly and the bang-y end goes pew pew pew when I want it to. I’ve had a few misfeeds, but I think that was from me gripping it too tight and wrong and pressing the mag release accidentally (it’s my first handgun).

11

It sounds to me like you need some training. No disrespect intended, but when you pick up a gun to fire it and drop the mag instead, it’s dangerous for you and all those around you. Gripping a handgun too tightly won’t cause a misfeed. A new, not broken-in gun will.

Find a range with instructors in your area and take a beginners class. You will really learn a lot, and you will become a safer shooter.

We all must strive every day to be the safest shooter we can be. We owe it to ourselves, our families, and everyone within, say 200 yards! [/rant]

12

EvilTOJ certainly needs more practice but the mag release looks like it’s in the perfect place for an accidental drop.

13

Quick Google search turns up firearm forum posts where the mag is releasing inside the holster.

Some owners have filed down the button.

14

That sucks for something you can carry in your pants pocket or your sock.
In defense of EvilTOJ, I think my problems with the Ruger .22/.45 were with the magazine and my inexperience with that particular firearm. The .22 LR wasn’t made for a semi auto, and the cartridges tend to not sit right in the mag. Seating the mag takes some attention, too.
Evil, instructors are good, I had my Dad, but you seem to know to be careful. Just go and shoot the damn thing, a lot, and you’ll decide if it is your inexperience or a problem with the magazine.
Be careful !
:slight_smile:

15

I have a Ruger LCP, which is nearly identical to the Kel Tech P3-AT.

16

No experience with the Kel-Tec, but in general:

While a .32 would not be the gun I would choose to stop a three-hundred pound bodybuilder on PCP, it’s not a BB-gun. People have died from being shot with .22s, and most people who see a gun, hear it go bang, and realize they now have a hole in them are going to be demoralized. The .32 serves the purpose it was made for: a credible firearm small enough to fit in a pocket, ankle holster, etc.

17

Let’s hope we don’t have to find out. I sure wouldn’t want to shot by one :slight_smile:

18

Also argue for the P3-AT.
OTOH, the OP was clear that he doesn’t have a whole lotta bodymass to help mask the weapon, and that may argue for the slightly smaller weapon.

I’d suggest going to a range that rents Kel-Tec weapons and trying them out.

The P-32 was designed by the same guy who designed the rather legendary Grendel P-10 .380 semi-automatic pistol, so I’d expect pretty decent engineering.

19

Thanks for the rant, ducati, nothing like being told I don’t know what I’m doing. :rolleyes:

I am also left-handed, so the mag release presses into my palm a little bit. You know that meaty bit right below where your index finger connects to your palm? Yea it presses right into that button if you squeeze too hard. The mag wasn’t falling all the way out, it was dropping about half an inch and the bullet would be halfway up the feedramp.

My mom has some land and we shoot her guns on it sometimes, but I’ve never owned guns until this year. This was also my very first time with a semi-auto, I’d only shot revolvers before. I’ve gone to a range a few times since then and it’s all better now, and better ammo seems to have helped as well.

Also from what I’ve heard/read on the internet, kel-tecs have a reputation for misfeeds when they’re brand new, and could use some fluff and buff to smooth out the action. I’m gonna shoot bullets through it instead.

20

I didn’t say that. YOU did…

It wasn’t my intention to belittle you. Your own statements indicate a basic lack of experience and training with a dangerous weapon. I feel it would behoove you to seek an experienced firearms trainer for your own safety.

There is certainly no shame in seeking expert advice regarding firearms.
Calligraphy is something you can teach yourself since no one is in jeopardy. Firearms, forklifts, and parachutes are dangerous in the hands of a novice. They require proper training.

As an instructor, owner, and general Gun Guy I feel very strongly about gun safety and feel I would be remiss if I didn’t offer the suggestion.

It’s not personal. It’s safety.