I'am thinking about getting either the P-32 or P-11 for CCW- when I can't carry my full size pistols. It seems about half of the people love their Kel-tecs, the other half consider them junk. Talk to me.

Mine was fine, not quite a "keeper" mostly because my S&W hi-caps did not really work in it.
The real Kel-Tec lovers can be found at WWW.Ktog.org
Tricks, tips and modifications can also be found there, along with pictures.

I just can't see starting off w/an IFFY gun...but that's just me.  

If you get your dealer to agree to mail the pistol in for repair before buying, you should be ok.  The loudest complaints you hear are the people, like me, that have sent it back more than once using UPS overnight at $35 each time.  That gets painful for a $250 pistol.  If you can get your dealer to handle it for $5 (or whatever it costs him to send it USPS), you'll be much better-off.z

I just can't get my mind around buying a pistol that needs to go back to the factory like all the stories I've heard here.

I'll just stick to my Makarov and G27 I guess.

have two of the .32's.  neither one likes Win. ammo.  other stuff runs fine.

first 38T is see is mine.  

the .32 is on the light side, just better than being naked.  the .380 will bump up the odds and is just a smidgen larger over all than the little .32's.  great hideouts.  

shot a couple PT11's a few years ago.  dandy little guns.  i just happened not to like them.  was me, not the guns.  my .02

For something that you will only use in the most extreme circumstance to defend your life or a family member why would you put your trust in a weapon that as you state yourself half of the opinions you hear consider them junk. I think that your mind would be much more at ease knowing that if that time ever came when you had to defend yourself your weapon would not fail you. It is just not worth it just to save a few bucks, in my opinion.

I have a couple of Kel-Tec P-32's, I never leave home without one, after 400 rounds not a single malfunction, lightweight, cocealable.
Remember the first rule of gunfighting "HAVE A GUN."
Kel-Tec P-32 is a fine weapon for what it was designed for.

I bought a P11 soon after they came out.  I put probably 300 rounds through it, total.  It shot so far to the left that I had to hang the rear sight halfway out of its dovetail to get it shooting to POA.  

The trigger was long and extremely heavy.  I bought the replacement spring, and it helped some, but not enough.  I bought the belt clip for it, and it worked OK.  I also got the trigger shoe for it, and it didn't work very well.  In spite of a tendency for the mag to rattle when fully loaded, I still kept it for a few years, and carried it occasionally.

When I noticed some significant peening on the slide / barrel contact surfaces, I decided I'd had enough.

the k .40 cal was the most uncomfortable small handguns ive EVER SHOT.The triger is lousey and hard as heck to pull back to fire.also ruffs up you shootin hand knukles.no sir too brutal.no acuracy..the 9mm has to be better.

Funny all these people ragging on KelTec's.  All they can talk about is what they "heard".

I have a P32 that has not had a single malfunction in over 1000 rounds.  When it wears out, I will buy another.  It's a perfect gun for carry when I can't conceal a larger weapon.

A .32ACP in the pocket is better than a <insert caliber here> left at home.

I use my P-32 for those times when I need to carry a gun but "can't carry a gun."  I bought it NIB last year and have probably 600 rounds through it, the ONLY malfunctions of any kind have been rimlocks with Cor-Bon JHP.  Everything else has functioned 100% of the time.  I carry 73gr Fiocchi FMJ because it's hot, accurate (relatively speaking, considering no real sights), has excellent penetration for a .32, and is 100% reliable in my Kel-Tec.  I absolutely trust that it'll go bang 7 times should the need ever arise (God forbid).  Of course, when I can, the Glock 32 is with me but for those times I have to leave it home the Kel-Tec goes with me.  It'll do its part if I do mine.

I like my P-32.

My P-32 has gone band every time it was supposed to.  No complaints here.

Funny all these people ragging on KelTec's. All they can talk about is what they "heard".

There have been plenty of people that have posted about trouble with Kel-Tec's they own.  You must have not been paying attention.

Just so you won't say something like that again, here's pictures of mine:

users.upstate.net/zoom/P-32/

It's already been back twice.  The frame and barrel are both ruined.

I have a P32 that has not had a single malfunction in over 1000 rounds.

I've seen plenty of P-32's at the range, and I have never seen one work well.  I doubt you have a 1,000 rounds through it without problem.  I don't think mine, ever after going back twice, has made it through an entire magazine without a jam.  Just think about all of the times it's jammed and get back to us.  The things are garbage, but for the weight and small size, it's worth carrying if you wouldn't carry otherwise.z

I bought a P-40 for the wife, but I ended up carrying it most of the time. I had it fluffed and buffed. It has a tigger job and a wide trigger shoe installed so the pull is MUCH better than stock.

The P-40 is a handfull! A 1911 is a creampuff after shooting the 40.

I like it because of the size. It really carries well.

I found that 135 to 165 grain is a beter choice instead of 180.

Quoted: It's already been back twice.  The frame and barrel are both ruined.

Oh that sucks.  The bottom of your barrel looks just like what happened to my slide & barrel.  I'd hoped their metallurgy problems were due to an early procedure (I think I bought my P11 in 1996) but it appears they are still having issues.  

Too bad because I wouldn't have minded getting a P32 someday.

Now I am also rethinking my desire for an SU16 when it becomes available.

I bought a P-11 a few months ago for really concealed carry. I've put about 300 rounds through it.

Anyone want to buy a slightly used P-11? Cheap!

Seriously, I am selling it. I have a thing against CCW pistols that aren't 99.999% reliable. I had a P-32 a few years ago and sold it under that same premise. Fooled me twice. It's back to Glocks and HKs for me.

My P11 would feed FMJ range rounds all day with zero malfunctions.  However, I'd get 2 or 3 failure-to-feed incidents with each mag when using JHPs.  Obviously that's not an acceptable reliability rate with personal protection rounds.  After consulting KTOG I polished the feed ramp and attempted to <<<slightly>>> open the forward ends of the mag lips so the nose of the top round would be a little higher.  I was being so careful with that I'm not really sure I made a difference (No precision measuring tools).

My next trip to the range I put 40 rounds of JHP through it as fast as I could squeeze the trigger & change mags.  Zero malfunctions.  My confidence level is much higher.

Given the price (I got mine for about $230) I can't complain about having to do a little polishing.  If it was a Kimber I'd expect something closer to perfection out of the box.

Yes, it is a long double-action trigger pull.  After practice I'm used to it, just giving it a firm, continuous squeeze.  Some polishing to smooth that will probably be my next project.

As for the P32, I don't have one but I was talking to a guy at the range who loved his.  It is definitely designed for concealment.  He told me that he was talking with a cop and mentioned that he had his CWP and was carrying.  The cop asked if he could frisk him for practice.  The cop frisked him twice and didn't find the gun.  It was inside his front waistband with the belt clip.  It was one of those golden moment when he lifted his shirt and showed the cop where it was.

I personally am satisfied with my KelTec.  Others have said they've had trouble.  Go browse the boards at www.ktog.org and you can get a feeling for the issues and also customer support in case you do have a problem.

Good luck.

We saw them at the Vegas show, and now my wife wants a P32. She's getting to be more of an avid shooter, and I would rather have her carry 7-10 rds of .32 than nothing. If she's comfortable with it, she'll use it. One of the guys at the dealer we saw them at was carrying one in his fanny pack. He said he has put 400 rds through his without a hitch. I want it for a pocket gun as a backup, or when that's all I can have with me. They're really light and won't weigh down your clothes. Last summer I carried a Glock G36 in a Bianchi professional holster in the middle of my back. It wasn't bad, but it is still a little heavy for light clothes. I was wearing light exercise pants after I was in the hospital for my leg, because they weren't constricting. The P32 would have been nice (or the Kahr P9 I want too).

I have the P32 and Sub 2000 in 40 Short and Weak. I will bet my butt on either one. Can't comment upon the others.

I have not shot one, don't know anyone that has one. Have looked at several and they just felt cheesy and cheep{my .02}. My Butt's worth to much to bet on a cheep/cheesy mousegun.

On the other end I'm extremely impressed with my Kahr P40.

The extractor on my former P11 broke after a little over 1000 rounds.  Kel-Tek replaced it promptly.  To be fair to them, I had read that a new design of extractor had been introduced after my P11 was produced, but I sold the pistol after the extractor was replaced.  I'm still kicking myself in the ass, that was a great little gun... and pretty accurate once you mastered the trigger.

I have yet to find practice ammo that my P32 likes 100 percent... ranging from occasional light strikes with Fiocchi and (more frequently) Aguilla to some nasty FTF's and FTE's with Blazer.  However, it's been perfectly reliable with Cor-Bon's and Gold Dots.

Hello...

    I have a Grendel P-12 which looks and shoots just like the Kel-Tec.  My Grendel is chambered for the .380 round and I plan to use it for concealed carry after I receive my CC permit.  I've had this gun for years and have had no problems.  Have Never had any misfires and for what I paid for it new, was a good deal.  I believe I bought it new about 10 years ago for around $150.  Very easy to conceal, EASY to field strip and clean, accurate at close range only.  My only complaints are that it's DA only and has a long and hard trigger pull, and muzzle flip due to the short barrel.  After about 50 rounds you're ready to put it away!  Not the best quality gun ever made, but for a reliable concealed carry gun, you can't beat it.  Ten plus one in the chamber and have her loaded with 90 grain Cor-Bon ammo.

Happy and SAFE shooting!
   

I've got the P32 and it is cool as hell. I carry it in times and places where otherwise I would have had to go unarmed. I also carry it all the time as a backup to whatever primary pistol I'm packing at the time. Why not? Its like carrying a wallet. My bother has a P11 and he really likes it. Both guns have had between 700-1000 rounds through them and have been completely reliable. The P32 is also surprisingly accurate considering its rudimentary sights. I'm grabbing the first P3AT I see for my girlfriend.

I have a P32 that I carry in a Don Hume pocket holster when I can't carry a real gun.  It has functioned 100% for about 300 rounds fired.  I carry Glaser Blues in it, the RN profile seems to enhance feeding.

I like mine.  Not to say that some of them aren't bad, but damn near everyone I know who CCWs has one as a backup and they all like them a lot.

My P32 goes every where with me. Nice face gun.

Quoted: ... It seems about half of the people love their Kel-tecs, the other half consider them junk...

Most (not all) of the "half" who consider them junk have never owned/fired one.  Some will admit this and attribute their dislike to the look or feel of the weapons - they are entitled to their opinions.  You will also hear from a few who truthfully tell you they owned one and had problems - the same is true of any make of firearm (or car, or computer, etc.) out there.

I sold many Kel-Tecs when I was a dealer and never had to take one back.  My wife & I personally own 5 - 2 P-32s (his & hers), a P-11, a SUB-9, & a SUB-2000.  I've never had any problems with any of these guns.  My P-32 is the gun that is always with me, as a back-up to a larger, primary weapon or as a primary weapon when I just can't conceal anything else (Deep South = hot & humid!).  I use Glaser Safety Slugs as my primary load, but it feeds Hornady XTP HPs without problems, as well.  

In short, I have been very happy with the Kel-Tecs I have encountered  - I plan to get their new .223 folding rifle as soon as I can get my hands on one.

Just recommended the P32 on a different post. I'm about to get my CCW (dropped off my paperwork last Monday) and my current in-house choices are my Glock G21 and my K-T P32. Considering I'm pretty skinny and temps are going up to the 80s, guess which one I'll be carrying?

The P32 goes anywhere, is my "I'm not carrying" gun, fits in my back pocket without printing and is accurate enough for "Oh, crap!" moments. I've only put about 300 rounds through it - all FMJ so far - but haven't had any failures of any type (no fluff and buff, either).

Of course, once I can afford a used G36 to split the size difference....

Ahh, fu*k it, I'm getting the P-32! Thanks for the feedback.

I can't figure out why anyone would buy a P-32 over a P-11?  Why settle for a .32 instead of a 9mm?  The size is pretty close between the two!?

Quoted: I can't figure out why anyone would buy a P-32 over a P-11?  Why settle for a .32 instead of a 9mm?  The size is pretty close between the two!?

It's not close in real world application.  The overall dimensions are similar but the P32 is smaller, especially being thinner.  That lack of thickness makes the P32 far easier to carry in a pocket, or otherwise conceal.  

Ross

The P-32 also has a smoother DA pull.

Nothing iffy about my P32.  I carry an ankle holster at least a few days a week.

Love it.

i have a P11 that has been reliable for about 500 rounds. i'd trust it to carry if it didn't have my Glocks and SIGs.

i have one of the very early production P32's. The only complaint i have is that it will not feed with 7 rounds in the mag. i have to download by 1 round. But 6+1 is good enough for me on a little mousegun. Otherwise, it's been perfectly reliable for somewhere around 400 rounds.

i suppose my experience must be rare though, since i'm one of those guys that has put tens of thousands of rounds through his Glocks with no kb's.

i'd wait for the new Keltec P3AT. Barely larger than the P32 and .380 to boot.

i did a fluff and buff as soon as i bought mine.


very reliable.

and I only use fmj, I don't think the hp has enough penetration.

I carry it everywhere, and have a 9mm w/15+1 in the car

TXL

lol..i have a P32 and luv it..for the for what its worth dept..as far as ammo goes for these things..we did generic ballistic testing with wet phonebooks..the FIocci had the most penetration but is a solid bullet, the winchester silver tip  made the biggest hole but worst penetration (sorry i dont have any measurements, this was done along time ago)..we tried sum other HP and they jus got clogged with paper and never flattened out..SO..what i carry is this..i stagger between the fiocci and silver tip..so i figure ill make a hole and then fill it with silvertip..lol..

Quoted: To whomever groans about having a .32, I would suggest you look at the FBI website regarding shooting deaths.

You've got a valid point but I'm less concerned with killing an attacker as I am *stopping* the attack quickly. If someone's rushing me with a knife and I dump three .22s in his chest, he may bleed out - eventually - but he'll likely be able to close the gap and make life uncomfortable for me. If I peg him with two rounds of, say, 12 gauge slugs or buckshot... who knows? If he's one tough sonofabitch, he might try... but I don't see him getting too close.

The trick is finding a concealable, controllable, pleasant-to-shoot 12 gauge pistol.

I have a P-32 and a P-11.

That said, I have 100% faith in the P-11 9mm. I carry it every day. It's not a Colt Gold Cup... it's not pretty, it's not super accurate. it IS:

99.99% reliable with every round I have shot through it short of dirty 125gr round nose lead reloads from HSM. Probably 500-900 rounds of win white box 115's with ONE dud round that WOULD NOT FIRE (pulled trigger 8 or nine times...thats one advantage to this gun...DAO with second strike)Win USA JHP, Win 127 +P+ (Kel-Tec dosn't like this round to be fired in their pistol, but I think COR-BON 115s were worse) lots of 124gr Gold Dot... random Federal HP's... some EFMJ... all of it goes bang.

Very concealable, given my 130lb beanpole frame, I can hide it well. It's narrower than a Glock (26), lighter than a Glock, and smaller overall.

It's as accurate as it needs to be. It'll shoot 3-4" groups at 15 yards with a little trigger time. Benched out I'm sure it'd go under 3" at 15 yards. I have hit chest size steel plates at 50 yards with roughly 80% success (7-9 out of 10 round mags). I have seen it shoot GOOD groups, less than two inches for a ten round string at 15 yards with ammo it likes (EFMJ... oddly)

Also have a P-32...feed it Fiocci FMJ... it works. Got lucky and hit a clay target at 25 yards first shot but couldn't quite duplicate the feat, though if it was a badguy he'd be dead. Not positve I'd trust this one with my life yet... but carry occasionally. Only 200-300 rounds with a couple of failures to eject with weaker UMC ammo and really dirty gun (purposly didn't clean it for 100 rounds). One failure to eject with Win USA FMJ resulting in a double feed (looked like soft brass in the ammo, probably not the guns fault)

All that said, I'm in the market for a Glock 26 or XD-9 compact (leaning towards XD), as I've tired of the long DAO trigger in the Kel-Tec (mine was smooth from the beginning). I like the idea of a 4-6lb trigger with less travel to improve my accuracy over the KT. Not to mention faster split times. Also, KT has night sights available for $80 and lifetime factory warrany on gun and factory installed sights. But the XD has Sig dovetails and the Glock has a good selection of night sights also available.

For what thats worth heavy.gif Fire away...

Currently 6 Kel-Tecs in the house.

I will add more when the P-3ATs arrive in my neighborhood.

GL