Kel-Tec P32
What do you guys think about the Kel-Tec P32?
Fine up-close-and personal SD pistol; shoots anything; 100% reliable (based on my experieince).
It's low power makes it my last-resort gun, i.e., I'll carry heavier caliber gun unless the P32 is the only thing that will conceal for that day's wardrobe.
Sometimes take it as a BUG (back up gun) but that costs me the loss of use of one front pocket.
Only carryi it in a pocket holster.
Originally Posted By 101viper:
What do you guys think about the Kel-Tec P32?
mine goes bang everytime... keep it as a backup. in left front pocket w/out holster. It's a last resort defense gun, not that any gun should be first.
would you take a Kel-Tec P32 over a Ruger LCP that cost $100 more for a gun that won't be used very much
Originally Posted By 101viper:
would you take a Kel-Tec P32 over a Ruger LCP that cost $100 more for a gun that won't be used very much
Your now comparing .32 acp to 380 acp. If the comparison is P3AT to LCP that are both 380's. My honest answer is I dunno. The P3AT has some timing issues. I'm working through those on a P3AT now ad will post solutions soon. The LCP I am not as famalier with but hae read about a major recall and factory snaffu. What I do know is theP32 is flawless and I carry one daily.
i want to get the P32 but i just want to make sure it is the right one and that i should get it over the spending another $100 and the increase in ammo cost to go up to a 380 ruger LCP
Size-wise, if you hold a KelTec .32 in one hand at arm's length, and the .380 at the other arm's length, you can't tell them apart. The LCP and KelTec .380 are nearly identical, though the LCP has a slide stop.
I've carried a .32 KelTec daily for 6 years or more, since before the current extractor. I carry it everywhere, even around the house. Reliable, featherlight.
I have shot the LCP and was surprised at how manageable it was. The only other .380 I've shot was a Sig P-230, which I found obnoxious, harsher than my all steel HK P-7M8 9x19.
I think it's the locked breech that does it, all the other .380s and.23s I know of are straight blowback. These lock up the lug on the breech in the ejection port just like a Sig or Glock.
In these short 1.5 inch barrels I don't think there is much practical difference between .380 and .32 ACP terminal ballistics. I went with the P32 for the extra round and the slide lock.
It's not much, but it is better than throwing rocks. Mine has been perfectly reliable.
Originally Posted By Chas:
In these short 1.5 inch barrels I don't think there is much practical difference between .380 and .32 ACP terminal ballistics. I went with the P32 for the extra round and the slide lock.
It's not much, but it is better than throwing rocks. Mine has been perfectly reliable.
this. 7+1, less recoil, and slide lock beats any perceived superiority of 380
I've had mine for about 5 years and i love it for a pocket type carry gun. Ive put tons of different brands of ammo through it and never had any problems. I'd either save the $100 or by a larger gun. If god forbid you ever have to fire on somebody i seriously doubt they are gonna know the difference between a .32 and .380. Now a .40 cal or .45 thats a different story.
Edit: I have been looking at the LCR though ive been wanting a small hammerless and i really like the crimson trace grip on it.
Ive had a p-32 since 2003. I carry it everyday, anywhere its legal. I carry ball ammo cause "I" would rather have penetration than expansion with a projectile with low ft/lb of energy. (some drive Fords, some drive Chevys...)
Plus, I can still find .32 on the shelf.
Honestly the .32 carries well and sees more real EDC work than any other pistol. My 17 is on duty four days a week for work, my kahr PM9 and 19 switch up...the only constant is the kel tec as it compliments all of them. I trust it.
I carried a P-32 as my dedicated pocket/BUG (I've carried a pocket-gun daily, regardless of what may or may not be on my hip at the time, for 25 years now) from the time they first came out until the P3AT came out. Even though mine was an early one, it didn't have any issues and still doesn't.
A P3AT is now my AD/ED gun-in-the-pocket, but my wife still has my P-32 and uses it whenever we have to go to a formal event and she has to carry one of those dinky little black formal purses that can't quite hide a "real gun."
I have no complaints about mine. Been working its' ass off for a couple years, now.
Just be sure to clean the lint out of the nooks and crannies

I just wanted to let you guys know because of this thread, I acquired a new P32 in black today at the gun show.

I like mine mainly because of the size. I normally carry a Glock 33 in .357 SIG but because of clothing I can't always. I don't like the downsize in stopping power but it is definately better than nothing and you can pretty much carry it wearing anything. I figure on eventually getting one for the wife but with kids I don't want to chance them getting into her purse with it not having any safety. I also have heard excellent things about Kel-Tecs warranty. Just hope I don't need it.
I have one as a BUG. It's been reliable. Lightweight and I carry it in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. Also carry a spare 10rd mag in a DeSantis pocket holster.
Originally Posted By BIKECOP29:
I have one as a BUG. It's been reliable. Lightweight and I carry it in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. Also carry a spare 10rd mag in a DeSantis pocket holster.
+1 I use this same holster with my P32. I tried several pocket holsters and the Nemesis is the best I found in a mass produced holster for the P32.
Originally Posted By 101viper:
would you take a Kel-Tec P32 over a Ruger LCP that cost $100 more for a gun that won't be used very much
I just traded a LCP with crimson trace laser grips for a P32 and 150. I didn't like the LCP due to the triggerguard smacking my finger on every shot and the iron sights were way off, with the ammo I had. I really like shooting the P32 a lot better and the factory sights are pretty close on mine. The P32 is lighter and I'm not sure if there are any mags for the LCP that will give you either 7+1 or even 10+1 for the exrended mag. I don't even notice the P32 in my pocket whereas the LCP was quite noticable. I personally would definately take the P32 over the LCP if the diff was 100. I think new I can get a P32 for around 270 and an LCP would run around 310. After shooting the LCP and the 32, I would still pick the 32 even at new prices.
Now finding ammo, well that's another story.
ETA, The trigger on my LCP was verry "bumpy" whereas the 32 has a surprisingly smooth trigger pull.
Mine has been 100% reliable- but while using the right ammo for the pistol ( ball ammo). While it's not my first choice for my concealed carry weapon- it's certainly better than nothing. I can place all 7 rounds into the chest area at 25 yards with it- so accuracy is good for a gun of its size. I'm happy overall with my pistol.
I have both and think both are great. The LCP was free too, can't beat a deal like that.