I just bought a new Gen2 P32 yesterday. Took it to the range for it's test flight. 50 rounds of Aguila 71gr ball ammo with no failures what so ever. Ran flawless. Shot it at 5 yards, less than 1 inch groups slow fire, 4 inch groups rapid fire. Next range trip will be at 7 and 10 yards, but anticipate acceptable accuracy. For the money, this little pistol is hard to beat.
@@jackwoods535 ... I shoot Bullseye Pistol competitively. One handed at 50 yards. So even with a terrible trigger like the P32 has, 5 yards is nothing.
@@jackwoods535 ... As long as you keep the sights aligned, it matters not that you have a 2 pound trigger or a 20 pound trigger. Sure, that's easier said than done, but it's 100% factual. What kind of pistols do I shoot? Everything from a 30 year old $200 Ruger 22/45 to a $5000 custom Colt M1911A1, and everything in between.
Personally, I think that the .32 ACP is an underrated cartridge. Now, I'm not saying that it's a powerhouse. However, here's the thing...you don't see very many pocket .32s on the market. Plenty of pocket .380s, and that's awesome, but these polymer framed pocket pistols in .380 ACP can be a handful for some individuals. I don't feel like someone should have to make the jump from .380 to .22. .32 ACP is a nice, happy medium. Less recoil than a .380, and more power than a .22. It would be awesome to see more firearms and ammunition manufacturers release more options in .32 ACP. I keep a .45 handy, but there are people who have a hard time with larger calibers, and even medium calibers. The Kel-Tec P32 is among those that offer a choice for that demographic.
Well...i wouldn't wanna get shot 2-3 in the chest with one! Just sayin. Pretty cool little pistols. I have one coming in the next day, or two. It could be my "no excuse gun"....no excuse to not have a gun on me.
I now have one of the P-32's and it has shot flawlessly. I cleaned and lubed and went to range. Shot 50 rounds flawlessly and shot well with 1 or 2 hands. It is thin and light and I take it with me everywhere. IMO it is the perfect pocket pistol.
Purchased one a few years back at a gun show after visiting all the sellers with smaller caliber concealable weapons There was one thing that made up my mind besides the light weight, smooth profile, price.and the fact that no .380 ammo was available anywhere at the show. That was, when asked what they thought was the best conceal carry to purchase, 3 out of 5 sellers reached into their own pockets and pulled one out to show me. Lucky for me the other 2 tables still had one for sale....
Good review. And you are right the Kel-Te .32 is a nice inexpensive gun and it is great for concealed carry. People worry about caliber size way too much IMO, when bullet placement is much more important. Also, you'll be faster reacquiring your target with a small caliber round in case you miss with the first shot.
I just got one of these but it was used. One of the things I like about it the most is the fact that the slide, barrel, and other metal parts are all a gold finish and the grip is maroon. Gives it a nice look.
Those in the know, know NONE of those hollow point loads expand in a pistol like this, or if they do, the penetration is insufficient. Just use any old FMJ that your gun likes.
@@ignatiusDOWN I thought nobody used expanding ammo in .32acp, because it just won't penetrate enough. Like, you don't want to shoot 22lr HP out of a rifle, because it'll only penetrate like 4-6"... but if you shoot it out of a handgun it won't expand and will penetrate 12"+. As for .32ACP, I don't know anyone that uses anything, but ball ammo. I know Underwood makes Xtreme Defenders in .32ACP now, which are an amazing round in .380 and other calibers... so I think it would be worth having if you can afford it.
The biggest thing a p32 has over other 32acp pocket pistols is price. Most other 32acp pocket pistols on the market cost as much as a full size handgun.
Grabbed one new back in June of 2021 for $239 . Loved it. Had the opportunity to grab another last week for $239. Did not hesitate on that purchase. Recommend if you own one order the steel spring rod. Best $6 bucks you can spend to upgrade this pistol.
12 years later; I bought a p32 about six months ago and have put 300 rounds through it. There have been zero problems absent a couple of rim lock jams. This is a situation which has to be considered. Because hollow points are a little shorter than a fmj round there is a possibility of the rims locking together and creating a pretty serious jam. Most reviewers and I agree, say to use fmj ammunition as hollow points just don’t expand at the speeds that a 32 produces and if they do expand they just don’t penetrate enough. Stick with fmj. You get good penetration and, because of the length of the cartridge you don’t have the rim lock problem. With fmj I have not had any malfunctions at all! The other thing to consider is recoil. Micro 9’s and even pocket 380’s try to jump out of your hand when you fire them and in the case of the micro 9’s down right hurts. If you don’t like shooting the gun you won’t practice with it and with the mouse gun practice is essential! It was your video which convinced me to buy the p32 and I couldn’t be happier, thanks for your efforts.
+Minombre Miapellido I think most significantly it was the calibre of the most common pistol in use in the Trenches of the First World War. The Ruby Pistol in .32ACP was the most widely issued sidearm not just for officers but for front-line troops and no war before or since has the pistol been so important as when scrabbling through maze-like trench systems. It apparently performed well, certainly better than the revolvers of the time.
There were also soldiers in that war who were wounded 12+ times, often multiple shots at onces, theres also several examples of that same sidearm botching many suicides durring the fall of the reich. The germans used a .380 and 9mm in ww2 called (top of my head) 9mm luger and 9mm kurtz or krutz i forget, but they didnt call 380 380
And by the French Army during WWI to kill Germans, it was apparently enough in the trenches but they used the Spanish Ruby pistol, 9+1 capacity, a lot back then.
The people of the U.S. have ignored the .32 acp and the .32 is a good CCW. Bersa and Walther discontinued their .32 guns which is really a shame. I carry a Bersa .32 and it is very accurate and dependable and 10 round mags.
Love my Kel-Tec P32. My smallest pocket carry I have. Doesn't like HP and must be careful loading to prevent rimlock. After removing mag it is often difficult to remove unfired round in the chamber due to OAL of the unfired round.
In 2003 I purchased a brand new Kel-Tec 32 first gen .. I purchase anti-rim lock kits from Kel-Tec and install them in my magazines so I could carry Hornady xtp hollow points without rim lock issues the gun is drop Dead reliable and accurate out to 50 ft it is the gun I carry when I want the lightest smallest effective pistol in my pocket in my DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster
I called keltec yesterday looking for those anti rim lock kits, they told me they stopped selling them because new mags are a improved shape so no more rimlock concerns with HPs.
If I'm not mistaken the 32 acp was known and used worldwide back in the day, German police and military used it for many years in many of their pistols, very controllable and useable , far better than a sharp stick or the 45 in your dresser at home.
Without a doubt. People seriously underestimate small calibers. They do a lot more damage than people think and they're more efficient that larger calibers for their size (with the right ammo to get enough penetration).
I have the first generation of this pistol. It had a smaller ejector, and different sights. I think they made a big inprovment on the ejector, but made a major step back on the sights. Well, I guess you can not have your cake and eat it too.
Just carry FMJ, or u can load every other round in the mag hollow point. That way u can still run some hollow point ammo, and they can't rimlock. Make sure to start the first round in the magazine FMJ, then HP, FMJ, and so on. Safe shooting 👍
@@markedman3990 great idea, or convert one of ur mags into a flyer wire mag that pushes ur shorter Xtreme defender or xtp bullets forward, not allowing rimlock. Look it up, mine work great.
@@luissquinones1071 that will definitely keep that from happening. In fact I think Kel-Tec used to have a part on their website for that purpose. You solved the problem on your own 👍
@@markedman3990 Yeah I tried to buy it from keltec but I think it's discontinued. Glad I kept researching and found the flyer wire anti rimlock link on a blog. I use a couple mags in that configuration for my favorite Xtreme defender ammo n xtp or ftx ammo by hornady and I use fiocchi or other hot loaded euro fmj loads in my regular mags. Lots of fun at the range...
Interesting review, thanks. It's my understanding that Keltec recommends that their pistols should not be fired when empty. A snap cap should be used instead.
Been carrying this pistol in my pocket for 11 years. Great little pistol but I would suggest running a lot of rounds in this pistol to make sure that it functions properly before carrying. Mine is a little choosey about ammo. I had several stoppages with FMJ and Win Silvertips. I found Speer Gold Dots work best in mine. I ran over 100 rounds of Gold Dot without a stoppage.
I've had my p32 pistol for years and I like it a bunch, I seldom have a miss fire, but it's pretty much very reliable, and I carry it everywhere I go. I even purchased a couple of 10 round magazines, it will hurt somebody if I ever had to defend myself. Wouldn't trade it for anything. Good video. THE SARGE
Are people not smart enough to make use of Kel Tec's lifetime warranty? I know someone who had quite a few problems with this pistol, but Kel Tec repaired it for him, works flawlessly now.
I have the P32 and I love it. I have 3 other larger pistols but this is the one I have on me most of the time since it is so easy to carry in my pocket. I am considering buying a crimson trace for it.
The 32 ACP is a semi-rimmed case.. my recommendation is to carry hardball.. unless you purchase keltec anti rim lock kits and install the magazines . If you wish to use hardball after that in those magazines you must remove the rim lock bar in the magazine to use hardball . To tell you the truth hollow points really don't expand much so I would stick with FMJ hardball
On take down. Grip the gun normally and with your trigger finger pull the slide back about 1/4" to 1/2" at the same time start pulling the pin out with your finger nail. You will get the feel of it after a few attempts. It will release as you slide it back. Its goes back the same way. No need to lock back slide.Great video!
Not always. Mine's a nail buster even with the slide removed (I polished the pin, but I think the spring's just too stiff, no matter how many times I oil, remove and replace the pin). Also, my slide never locks back (acts like a P-380). I can work around these issues, just saying the behavior you describe is not a given on all P-32s. Great little CCW, though. Never without it.
you are exactly right, tom. I put my center finger over the end of the barrel, pull back exactly 1/4" and you can feel where the pin comes out easily. how cool, I used to almost stab myself with my pocket knife everytime I disassembled it, lol.
i own the same gun and it is a amazing gun, and it hits so much harder then it looks make NO mistake 2/3 rounds to the chest of a large person within 10-15 yards and there dead , wearing nothing but basketball shorts and a white teeshirt and my wallet is more of a hassle to cary as well as my cell phone , no joke , i shoot fmj out of this cause i dont realy see the reason for a hollow point on anything under a 9 mm and i have never had a jam of anykind my freinds are glock fanboys and are constantly looking for this gun at a gun store , they seem to be rare and i wouldnt trade my little 32 for a newer 9mm or 45 glock
FMJ is the only way to go with the P32. Hollow points can rim lock because they're shorter than FMJ rounds. Kelt-tec used to sell a magazine modification kit that was essentially a plastic spacer placed vertically along the backside of the mag. This pushed the hollow points to the front o the magazine and didn't let them move back and forth and rim lock. Kel-tec no longer sells the modification kit. I tried it for a while and removed it and now shoot only FMJ. It's a great pistol and I never go anywhere without it.
I still love the 1903 hammerless Colt 32, mine was passed down from my grandfather, maybe thats why I like it so much. Just a fun gun and perfect conceal carry
I just ordered a parkerized p32 for my wife's cc and a hard chromed as my back up and/or pocket gun for summer use and for quick runs to the store. we're very excited over this gun. picked .32 for my wife. any larger is just too much recoil for my wife in guns this size. Her beretta 3032 is just too wide for daily comfy carry. I picked this gun because I want to carry every time even when i don't want to get dressed up to accommodate carrying a gun.
a robber with a gun is a coward. It might not have great stopping power per say....but a robber hearing or seeing a .22 gun being shot at him, will make him run
Years ago when I was a consistent 4 season bicycle commuter my EDCs were a P32 and PF9. Wore the P32 in the six position in a Remora sticky during warm weather. The PF9 was in a nice Galco Miami Classic knock off under the outer layer. Both were consistent and dependable. Had a Ruger LCR in .22 mag I'd used once in a while as well just to change things up. Moved to New Zealand in 2016, so I gave all my guns and ammo to my son. I had a Ruger 10/22 w/4 25 rd banana mags and a 50 rd drum, Taurus Judge, KT P11, Beretta Cats Tom and Bob in.32 and .25, MB Maverick 20 gauge PA. New Zealand restrictions are ridiculous. You have to be a member of a shooting club, have 4 of your neighbors vouch for your character as to whether they would feel safe with your possessing firearms, submit to a mental health exam, agree to a visit and interview by the police, verify to police your gun safe and keep a register of all rifles and ammunition. You have maintain a stamped, current verification by your gun club that you target practice at least once per month. EVERYTHING related to firearms including cases, bags cleaning rods, dummy rounds, gun oil, etc. has to be included in your active registry. You have to maintain an active hunting license renewal and verified proof to have hunted at least bi-yearly. I just said, "Fck it, I'll carry a spear." lol
I have the original Grendel top load 380. Has never failed me and it is a bit snappy when you shoot it. Doesn't like hollow points! Loaded with hardball and I carry it in the car for a backup gun now that I'm retired. Carried for years in an ankle holster when I was a patrol Sergeant on the Sheriff's Department. Best cheap gun I ever bought.
Keltec P32 is just a great gun for what it is and is one of my favorites, 32acp in a small frame works great. Ever shoot a 380 in the same size/similar size frame all day? Probably not... Bought mine used for $170, had probably 10% or less finish on the slide (looks like holster wear to the extreme)but it has been 100% reliable for me. Whoever had it before me definitely carried it alot and I know why they trusted it. I recommend this gun for one to keep on you at all times or at least as the minimum for what I'd carry, exception being NAA .22s....
This is for the person who has to have an extremely small, light, concealable centerfire pistol. Decent trigger, almost no recoil, groups surprisingly well out to about 20' for me (but comes apart rapidly after that). It's been reliable for me over the few hundred rounds I've put through it. 7+1 rounds of .32 ACP beats heck out of harsh language.
my dad has a German Walter 32 ACP pistol from WWII. and i compared the ballistics charts between CCI mini mag .22 and some federal premium .32 and they are pretty much the same...
I live in Cocoa Florida and lived her for a few years and i never knew this company till a few days ago and they happen to be less than a mile away from me.
I own one. In fact, I've attached an Arma laser which makes it easier for me to shoot without depending upon my old, astigmatic eyes for quick target acquisition. I've two comments about the gun. First, since it is in .32 caliber, I wish they made it slightly double stacked so that the magazine could handle more rounds and still keep the gun concealable. Secondly, the magazine release button is too exposed that I find the magazine disengaged sometimes when I keep the gun in my pocket.
Thinking of each .32 as a single 00 Buckshot pellet, landing 8 shots should have the same effect as a spread of 12-gauge 00-Buck. I'm not saying a little P-32 is better than a pump shotgun, I'm just saying a mag dump of a P-32 should deter an attacker as much as a single hit from a shotgun. Of course a shotgun is better, easier to aim and in half a second you've got another shell to fire... but one weights 7 pounds, the other weighs 7 OUNCES.
My wife-- though she was not my wife at the time-- came to visit me and commented that she had considered getting a gun, but had been advised to get a big bore as they had "stopping power." I'm of a very different view, and laid out three smaller guns , two .32s and a a .380., for her. She immediately grabbed the P32 and pronounced it ideal. We shot it, she bought one and now carries it with her wherever she goes. We are both glad that she has it.
@excelerater I own both. They are both good, but the .380 does not hold open on the last shot, and has a lot more recoil then you would think for a .380. I also seem to jam it from time to time, most likely limp wristing due to such a little pistol in my big meat claws, lol. I prefer the .32 actually, but decided to give it to my mother, and I kept the .380.
I carry my P32 more often than all my 9mm carry pistols. With the pocket clip option I don’t need any sort of holster. I have pinky extensions on my 7 round mags, as well as some 10 round mags. I cut some inner tube and it covers the grip perfectly adding a little extra grip and thickness. I would never get rid of this gem. In the low crime world where I live, I don’t think I’d ever need more.....but I sure have bigger and badder, they just stay home most of the time.
I think it may have revolutionized the superlight subcompact market when it hit the shelves, still hard to find something lighter and as small save maybe the new ruger or smith 380s which were a shameless direct copy of this weapon. Even the new weapons argueably don't have the same feel as the P-32. Thank you for letting us look at this fine little weapon. :-)
I have a kel-tec p12 380 and it is the perfect conceal carry and the extended mag. gives it 13 in the mag. and 1 in the chamber thats some nice shooting so if your looking for a conceal carry get yourself the p12 380 you will not be disappointed.
Where did all these .32 pustols come from? Well, the CZ 45 in .25 ACP sure had an impact. Along with the .32 ACP cartridge. Why NAA and Seecamp don't make a 2.5 or 3" in .32 ACP is beyond me. They could even add Tru Glo Tritium sights on them. Which i added to my Bodyguard 380. Excellent sights. An LCP Max .32 could be interesting. Add those Bodyguard 380 night sights with a 10rd magazine thats rated for buffalo bore 75gr Hardcast. Now thats really good. The NAA Guardian should handle that load. The .32 ACP has its place. Another good load is the Hornady XTP 60gr. That works great in a Seecamp
years ago I had one. its not a bad pistol the magazines didn't like hollowpoints. but firing 73 gr fmj it worked well, and it was surprisingly accurate at 7 yrd. whats nice is how small and thin it is, 32 acp isnt much but it is effective at close range depending on shot placement. good pocket or purse pistol on a budget
I've found nothing to equal my home defense plans like my remaining 1911 .45. I've found nothing gives confidence in a remote area, (hiking in the woods or gassing up @ 2 am along the freeway) like my .357 snubby. But a .32 FMJ has the penetration and wound channel of a .22LR from a shoulder-fired weapon. At "here-to-the-doorway" distance, a magazine of these in the face will make any psychopath go bother somebody else.
Well said...This is ideal for taping to the underside of your bed should you get any unwanted guests at 3am ...Believe me ..You start pumping rounds into someone with this at close range and they are going to drop to the floor..Don't care how "Hard" they THINK they are...Still ideal for home protection! OK it is not going to impress the guy's at the gun-club..But it was not designed for this. I love this little Kel-Tec P32
I was always going to buy the gun reviewed here, but I waited so long that Ruger came out with its .380 LCP, so I bought it instead. I have two other Kel-Tec's and I love them. My Kel-tec Sub-2000 in 9mm is my favorite and most shot gun that I have. I can hit things with it rapid fire like crazy. And just by chance I got one that is supper accurate. I can hit a gnats ass stretched across a rain barrel at 100 yards. Not sure what a gnats ass has to do with it, but it is accurate.
Sootch, this is a good pistol i did change the guide recoil spring with a metal one. This 32 is made to kill at close range, here around the shop we call them GET THEM OFF ME GUNS !!! And they do that very well i no we dissagree about hell cat but keep shooting it & you like the p32 better & better!! Stay safe my friend!!
@ROFLpwnedvideos That is because Kel Tec made the P3AT and P32 before Ruger copied the design. I'm not saying that Ruger's LCP isn't a great gun, it's just Kel Tec made them first. Cheers
Great video Sootch, it looks like a good little gun. Personally I would not go below a .380. I am looking at my different options for one now. I am currently using a XD 40 sub compact which I feel it a GREAT gun but in the summertime I would like something smaller. Oh by the way...."Long live the Republic"!!!
From what I've seen the real weak point in the gun is the recoil spring pin which is made of a flimsy plastic. The fix I saw, (which with my machining and mechanical back ground would be easy) was to get a stainless steel nail the same diameter as the pin, chuck it up in a drill with the head of the nail facing out and then to run it on an abrasive surface until the head is taken down the the correct diameter, lightly sand the edges to de burr, clip the shank to the right length and de burr the end. You've just recreated the pin in long lasting stainless steel.
@RugerMan73 Take a closer look on that comparison. The LCP is a nice COPY of the KelTec design though I will agree the LCP is more aesthetically pleasing.
@RugerMan73 I own a lot of Keltec pistols. I do find they do not have the fit and finish of more expecive pistols. I do not mind, but would not fault anyone for being bothered by that. It does look somewhat unfinished, and there are a lot of similar options out there now.
Good review and strip info. I have one of these pistols since 2001. Its an early one with a pinned estractor. Its very finicky on ammo, but in later models it might not be. I use Winchester 71gr silvertips. They are real slippery and I have never had a malfuction with them and its a nice hot load for .32 acp. I have put a lot of rounds through it, they are pretty durable.
Another awesome vid Sootch. As an owner of the P-32 P-3AT, P-11 and Sub2000 in 9mm. I am a big fan of this company and products. I always enjoy how Ruger likes to assume the creation of this market niche. They act as though they invented this type when truth be told they plagiarized this firearm in the .380 cal. Guess imitation is the greatest form of flattery. JT out.
Kel-Tec based the P3AT on this gun. Ruger then made an almost exact copy in the LCP (not the LCP 2). I have a P32 and an LCP. My Alabama pocket holster will hold both pistols perfectly. Also I recommend the Lehigh Defense solid copper bullets. They have consistent penetration that meets FBI standards, and they produce a wider wound cavity than ball ammo. Underwood also loads this bullet, and those are the ones I buy.
The year is 2023. It is time for double stack 32s using all the fancy new micro 9/LCP Max tech.
I just bought a new Gen2 P32 yesterday. Took it to the range for it's test flight. 50 rounds of Aguila 71gr ball ammo with no failures what so ever. Ran flawless. Shot it at 5 yards, less than 1 inch groups slow fire, 4 inch groups rapid fire. Next range trip will be at 7 and 10 yards, but anticipate acceptable accuracy. For the money, this little pistol is hard to beat.
@@jackwoods535 ... I shoot Bullseye Pistol competitively. One handed at 50 yards. So even with a terrible trigger like the P32 has, 5 yards is nothing.
@@jackwoods535 ... As long as you keep the sights aligned, it matters not that you have a 2 pound trigger or a 20 pound trigger. Sure, that's easier said than done, but it's 100% factual. What kind of pistols do I shoot? Everything from a 30 year old $200 Ruger 22/45 to a $5000 custom Colt M1911A1, and everything in between.
Personally, I think that the .32 ACP is an underrated cartridge. Now, I'm not saying that it's a powerhouse. However, here's the thing...you don't see very many pocket .32s on the market. Plenty of pocket .380s, and that's awesome, but these polymer framed pocket pistols in .380 ACP can be a handful for some individuals. I don't feel like someone should have to make the jump from .380 to .22. .32 ACP is a nice, happy medium. Less recoil than a .380, and more power than a .22. It would be awesome to see more firearms and ammunition manufacturers release more options in .32 ACP. I keep a .45 handy, but there are people who have a hard time with larger calibers, and even medium calibers. The Kel-Tec P32 is among those that offer a choice for that demographic.
Well...i wouldn't wanna get shot 2-3 in the chest with one! Just sayin. Pretty cool little pistols. I have one coming in the next day, or two. It could be my "no excuse gun"....no excuse to not have a gun on me.
Agreed. An LCP2 in .32 would be amazing!
A 9mm barely has recoil
The One True Caliber
The recoil of 9mm is substantial in a small pistol.
I now have one of the P-32's and it has shot flawlessly. I cleaned and lubed and went to range. Shot 50 rounds flawlessly and shot well with 1 or 2 hands. It is thin and light and I take it with me everywhere. IMO it is the perfect pocket pistol.
Have this P32 for 5 years and absolutely love it. Almost no recoil.
U still got it 5 more years later?
I bought a PF9, expecting a fair amount of recoil for a 9.9 ounce pistol. I found it quite mild, and even comfortable to shoot.
@@backdoorshut I've had mine since 2003.
The P-32 looks like the perfect pocket gun.
Conrad Luznar , it is.
Purchased one a few years back at a gun show after visiting all the sellers with smaller caliber concealable weapons There was one thing that made up my mind besides the light weight, smooth profile, price.and the fact that no .380 ammo was available anywhere at the show. That was, when asked what they thought was the best conceal carry to purchase, 3 out of 5 sellers reached into their own pockets and pulled one out to show me. Lucky for me the other 2 tables still had one for sale....
Any gun is better than no gun.
That's the concept most don't comprehend.
The best gun is the one that you will always carry every day no matter what.
Good review. And you are right the Kel-Te .32 is a nice inexpensive gun and it is great for concealed carry. People worry about caliber size way too much IMO, when bullet placement is much more important. Also, you'll be faster reacquiring your target with a small caliber round in case you miss with the first shot.
Bingo!
Carried one for years. Over 500 rounds without one mishap. I also use the extended mag as shown. 8+1. Great gun.
I just got one of these but it was used. One of the things I like about it the most is the fact that the slide, barrel, and other metal parts are all a gold finish and the grip is maroon. Gives it a nice look.
Ten years later there is some really outstanding .32 ammo choices making it even more effective.
Those in the know, know NONE of those hollow point loads expand in a pistol like this, or if they do, the penetration is insufficient. Just use any old FMJ that your gun likes.
Nothing better for defense in a 32 than a hot European FMJ like S&B or Fiocchi
Underwood makes some high penetrating solid projectile 32acp Ammo that has really good wound track but consistently penetrates 10 to 14” in gel. 👍🏻
@@ignatiusDOWN I thought nobody used expanding ammo in .32acp, because it just won't penetrate enough. Like, you don't want to shoot 22lr HP out of a rifle, because it'll only penetrate like 4-6"... but if you shoot it out of a handgun it won't expand and will penetrate 12"+. As for .32ACP, I don't know anyone that uses anything, but ball ammo. I know Underwood makes Xtreme Defenders in .32ACP now, which are an amazing round in .380 and other calibers... so I think it would be worth having if you can afford it.
The biggest thing a p32 has over other 32acp pocket pistols is price. Most other 32acp pocket pistols on the market cost as much as a full size handgun.
Kel TEC .32 ..sooo much lighter weight & size than other .32s & .380s ..keltec .32 much less felt recoil ..
Grabbed one new back in June of 2021 for $239 . Loved it. Had the opportunity to grab another last week for $239. Did not hesitate on that purchase. Recommend if you own one order the steel spring rod. Best $6 bucks you can spend to upgrade this pistol.
Good prices for 2022
Where did you order from?
12 years later; I bought a p32 about six months ago and have put 300 rounds through it. There have been zero problems absent a couple of rim lock jams. This is a situation which has to be considered. Because hollow points are a little shorter than a fmj round there is a possibility of the rims locking together and creating a pretty serious jam. Most reviewers and I agree, say to use fmj ammunition as hollow points just don’t expand at the speeds that a 32 produces and if they do expand they just don’t penetrate enough. Stick with fmj. You get good penetration and, because of the length of the cartridge you don’t have the rim lock problem. With fmj I have not had any malfunctions at all! The other thing to consider is recoil. Micro 9’s and even pocket 380’s try to jump out of your hand when you fire them and in the case of the micro 9’s down right hurts. If you don’t like shooting the gun you won’t practice with it and with the mouse gun practice is essential! It was your video which convinced me to buy the p32 and I couldn’t be happier, thanks for your efforts.
Solution, Use Full Mental Jacket ammo.
I've had one for 15 years, definitely my back pocket carry gun for summer.
I have one with the 8 round magazine, excellent EDC.
.32 acp the caliber used by the German officers in WWII. It was used by the German police well into the 70s
+Minombre Miapellido I think most significantly it was the calibre of the most common pistol in use in the Trenches of the First World War. The Ruby Pistol in .32ACP was the most widely issued sidearm not just for officers but for front-line troops and no war before or since has the pistol been so important as when scrabbling through maze-like trench systems. It apparently performed well, certainly better than the revolvers of the time.
+Minombre Miapellido General Patton always carried a .32 both in combat and in civilian life.
And the preferred caliber of Bond,,, James Bond.
There were also soldiers in that war who were wounded 12+ times, often multiple shots at onces, theres also several examples of that same sidearm botching many suicides durring the fall of the reich. The germans used a .380 and 9mm in ww2 called (top of my head) 9mm luger and 9mm kurtz or krutz i forget, but they didnt call 380 380
And by the French Army during WWI to kill Germans, it was apparently enough in the trenches but they used the Spanish Ruby pistol, 9+1 capacity, a lot back then.
The people of the U.S. have ignored the .32 acp and the .32 is a good CCW.
Bersa and Walther discontinued their .32 guns which is really a shame.
I carry a Bersa .32 and it is very accurate and dependable and 10 round mags.
I'm looking for a 32 pistol but I'm so confused about which one to get. What do you recomend?
Love my P32. My everyday EDC!!! Lightweight and easily concealed!!!
Love my Kel-Tec P32. My smallest pocket carry I have. Doesn't like HP and must be careful loading to prevent rimlock. After removing mag it is often difficult to remove unfired round in the chamber due to OAL of the unfired round.
I regretted trading off my P32 so much I bought another one. Great CCW, reliable with FMJ ammunition
Yeah... and probably the only ammo you wanna run in it anyways. (...unless you want xtreme defenders or something, but they're Expensive!)
Wow! Once upon a time, we were both 9 years younger. Keep em coming bro, my gun cabinet has grown thanks to your recommendations.
In 2003 I purchased a brand new Kel-Tec 32 first gen .. I purchase anti-rim lock kits from Kel-Tec and install them in my magazines so I could carry Hornady xtp hollow points without rim lock issues the gun is drop Dead reliable and accurate out to 50 ft it is the gun I carry when I want the lightest smallest effective pistol in my pocket in my DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster
I called keltec yesterday looking for those anti rim lock kits, they told me they stopped selling them because new mags are a improved shape so no more rimlock concerns with HPs.
Why would you carry hollow points in a 32acp?
I love the P-32, it is a firearm you will carry all the time.
Well done, I don't always agree with everything you say, but there's a reason I look for your reviews before buying.
Thanks,
If I'm not mistaken the 32 acp was known and used worldwide back in the day, German police and military used it for many years in many of their pistols, very controllable and useable , far better than a sharp stick or the 45 in your dresser at home.
Without a doubt. People seriously underestimate small calibers. They do a lot more damage than people think and they're more efficient that larger calibers for their size (with the right ammo to get enough penetration).
My favorite back up I keep a gold dot hp in the pipe with 7 sellier and bellot fmj in mag it's cycles flawless with fmj
I have the first generation of this pistol. It had a smaller ejector, and different sights. I think they made a big inprovment on the ejector, but made a major step back on the sights. Well, I guess you can not have your cake and eat it too.
I love my little Kel Tec P32 and P3AT. Pull, point, pull the trigger and it goes pow everytime. The only issue I have with the 32acp is rim lock.
Just carry FMJ, or u can load every other round in the mag hollow point. That way u can still run some hollow point ammo, and they can't rimlock. Make sure to start the first round in the magazine FMJ, then HP, FMJ, and so on. Safe shooting 👍
@@markedman3990 great idea, or convert one of ur mags into a flyer wire mag that pushes ur shorter Xtreme defender or xtp bullets forward, not allowing rimlock. Look it up, mine work great.
@@luissquinones1071 that will definitely keep that from happening. In fact I think Kel-Tec used to have a part on their website for that purpose. You solved the problem on your own 👍
@@markedman3990 Yeah I tried to buy it from keltec but I think it's discontinued. Glad I kept researching and found the flyer wire anti rimlock link on a blog. I use a couple mags in that configuration for my favorite Xtreme defender ammo n xtp or ftx ammo by hornady and I use fiocchi or other hot loaded euro fmj loads in my regular mags. Lots of fun at the range...
Interesting review, thanks.
It's my understanding that Keltec recommends that their pistols should not be fired when empty. A snap cap should be used instead.
I have had my gen 1 from 2001, bought it new, never one failure.
Been carrying this pistol in my pocket for 11 years. Great little pistol but I would suggest running a lot of rounds in this pistol to make sure that it functions properly before carrying. Mine is a little choosey about ammo. I had several stoppages with FMJ and Win Silvertips. I found Speer Gold Dots work best in mine. I ran over 100 rounds of Gold Dot without a stoppage.
Used to carry a PT-22 by taurus, few days ago I traded it for a first gen P32, Very hapy with it.
I've had my p32 pistol for years and I like it a bunch, I seldom have a miss fire, but it's pretty much very reliable, and I carry it everywhere I go. I even purchased a couple of 10 round magazines, it will hurt somebody if I ever had to defend myself. Wouldn't trade it for anything. Good video. THE SARGE
Are people not smart enough to make use of Kel Tec's lifetime warranty? I know someone who had quite a few problems with this pistol, but Kel Tec repaired it for him, works flawlessly now.
I have the P32 and I love it. I have 3 other larger pistols but this is the one I have on me most of the time since it is so easy to carry in my pocket. I am considering buying a crimson trace for it.
Heads up for all. Fort Scott Munitions has a killer Tumble Upon Impact round available for the .32 acp(all copper) available now!
The 32 ACP is a semi-rimmed case.. my recommendation is to carry hardball.. unless you purchase keltec anti rim lock kits and install the magazines . If you wish to use hardball after that in those magazines you must remove the rim lock bar in the magazine to use hardball
. To tell you the truth hollow points really don't expand much so I would stick with FMJ hardball
We need a new revisit of this pistol
On take down. Grip the gun normally and with your trigger finger pull the slide back about 1/4" to 1/2" at the same time start pulling the pin out with your finger nail. You will get the feel of it after a few attempts. It will release as you slide it back. Its goes back the same way. No need to lock back slide.Great video!
Not always. Mine's a nail buster even with the slide removed (I polished the pin, but I think the spring's just too stiff, no matter how many times I oil, remove and replace the pin). Also, my slide never locks back (acts like a P-380). I can work around these issues, just saying the behavior you describe is not a given on all P-32s. Great little CCW, though. Never without it.
you are exactly right, tom. I put my center finger over the end of the barrel, pull back exactly 1/4" and you can feel where the pin comes out easily. how cool, I used to almost stab myself with my pocket knife everytime I disassembled it, lol.
Simple:)
@@DROPOUT2001 did u ever send it back for repairs? I think they have life time warranty.
i own the same gun and it is a amazing gun, and it hits so much harder then it looks make NO mistake 2/3 rounds to the chest of a large person within 10-15 yards and there dead , wearing nothing but basketball shorts and a white teeshirt and my wallet is more of a hassle to cary as well as my cell phone , no joke , i shoot fmj out of this cause i dont realy see the reason for a hollow point on anything under a 9 mm and i have never had a jam of anykind my freinds are glock fanboys and are constantly looking for this gun at a gun store , they seem to be rare and i wouldnt trade my little 32 for a newer 9mm or 45 glock
FMJ is the only way to go with the P32. Hollow points can rim lock because they're shorter than FMJ rounds. Kelt-tec used to sell a magazine modification kit that was essentially a plastic spacer placed vertically along the backside of the mag. This pushed the hollow points to the front o the magazine and didn't let them move back and forth and rim lock. Kel-tec no longer sells the modification kit. I tried it for a while and removed it and now shoot only FMJ. It's a great pistol and I never go anywhere without it.
another awesome review man
Sportsman Guide was selling these for $150 bux plus a $25 egift card a couple weeks ago..
I still love the 1903 hammerless Colt 32, mine was passed down from my grandfather, maybe thats why I like it so much. Just a fun gun and perfect conceal carry
I just ordered a parkerized p32 for my wife's cc and a hard chromed as my back up and/or pocket gun for summer use and for quick runs to the store. we're very excited over this gun. picked .32 for my wife. any larger is just too much recoil for my wife in guns this size. Her beretta 3032 is just too wide for daily comfy carry. I picked this gun because I want to carry every time even when i don't want to get dressed up to accommodate carrying a gun.
a robber with a gun is a coward. It might not have great stopping power per say....but a robber hearing or seeing a .22 gun being shot at him, will make him run
I have been carrying a Kel-Tec P32 for about 6 years as both a backup gun and a primary gun.
Excellent review! I have one of these pocket pistols and followed along with your field stripping and re-assembly. Awesome job!
Years ago when I was a consistent 4 season bicycle commuter my EDCs were a P32 and PF9. Wore the P32 in the six position in a Remora sticky during warm weather. The PF9 was in a nice Galco Miami Classic knock off under the outer layer. Both were consistent and dependable. Had a Ruger LCR in .22 mag I'd used once in a while as well just to change things up.
Moved to New Zealand in 2016, so I gave all my guns and ammo to my son. I had a Ruger 10/22 w/4 25 rd banana mags and a 50 rd drum, Taurus Judge, KT P11, Beretta Cats Tom and Bob in.32 and .25, MB Maverick 20 gauge PA.
New Zealand restrictions are ridiculous. You have to be a member of a shooting club, have 4 of your neighbors vouch for your character as to whether they would feel safe with your possessing firearms, submit to a mental health exam, agree to a visit and interview by the police, verify to police your gun safe and keep a register of all rifles and ammunition. You have maintain a stamped, current verification by your gun club that you target practice at least once per month. EVERYTHING related to firearms including cases, bags cleaning rods, dummy rounds, gun oil, etc. has to be included in your active registry. You have to maintain an active hunting license renewal and verified proof to have hunted at least bi-yearly. I just said, "Fck it, I'll carry a spear." lol
Wow. Your videos have evolved in ten years.
"Why would I think that." Love your video's thanks for sharing!
Great vid sootch00, because of your vid, bought a p32 a month ago. Shot 100 rounds thru it without a problem.
I bought one over a year ago, but I didn't see Sootch's vid until after I bought it. Nice to see that I made a good decision!
I have the original Grendel top load 380. Has never failed me and it is a bit snappy when you shoot it. Doesn't like hollow points! Loaded with hardball and I carry it in the car for a backup gun now that I'm retired. Carried for years in an ankle holster when I was a patrol Sergeant on the Sheriff's Department. Best cheap gun I ever bought.
Thanks Sootch! Another possiblity for a college age daughter who's not a gun nut like her dad. Keep up the good work. God Bless!
Keltec P32 is just a great gun for what it is and is one of my favorites, 32acp in a small frame works great. Ever shoot a 380 in the same size/similar size frame all day? Probably not... Bought mine used for $170, had probably 10% or less finish on the slide (looks like holster wear to the extreme)but it has been 100% reliable for me. Whoever had it before me definitely carried it alot and I know why they trusted it. I recommend this gun for one to keep on you at all times or at least as the minimum for what I'd carry, exception being NAA .22s....
This is for the person who has to have an extremely small, light, concealable centerfire pistol. Decent trigger, almost no recoil, groups surprisingly well out to about 20' for me (but comes apart rapidly after that). It's been reliable for me over the few hundred rounds I've put through it.
7+1 rounds of .32 ACP beats heck out of harsh language.
my dad has a German Walter 32 ACP pistol from WWII. and i compared the ballistics charts between CCI mini mag .22 and some federal premium .32 and they are pretty much the same...
Always have mine with me. I carry hard ball fmj.
Better penetration
I carry one Underwood “Extreme Cavitator” in the chamber the rest are Fiocchi FMJs. 👍🏻
Everyone should own a P-32.
I live in Cocoa Florida and lived her for a few years and i never knew this company till a few days ago and they happen to be less than a mile away from me.
nice little pistol. the outtakes at the end crack me up.
I own one. In fact, I've attached an Arma laser which makes it easier for me to shoot without depending upon my old, astigmatic eyes for quick target acquisition. I've two comments about the gun. First, since it is in .32 caliber, I wish they made it slightly double stacked so that the magazine could handle more rounds and still keep the gun concealable. Secondly, the magazine release button is too exposed that I find the magazine disengaged sometimes when I keep the gun in my pocket.
Awesome video. That's a neat little pistol.
I remember the Grendel .380. You could reload them with a .223 stripper. Wish I still had it.
Thinking of each .32 as a single 00 Buckshot pellet, landing 8 shots should have the same effect as a spread of 12-gauge 00-Buck. I'm not saying a little P-32 is better than a pump shotgun, I'm just saying a mag dump of a P-32 should deter an attacker as much as a single hit from a shotgun. Of course a shotgun is better, easier to aim and in half a second you've got another shell to fire... but one weights 7 pounds, the other weighs 7 OUNCES.
Shot placement is key only 1 .32 acp to the dome will put anyone's lights out. and threat neutralized.
your right people exaggerate I promise if someone shoots you in the face with a 22 25 acp its all over
your right people exaggerate I promise if someone shoots you in the face with a 22 25 acp its all over
00 buck is the same equivalent as a 9mm.
Not only that, but try conceal-carrying a pump shotgun.
Funny bloopers at end, thanks for the laugh & great review. Just bought the p32, I love it.
My wife-- though she was not my wife at the time-- came to visit me and commented that she had considered getting a gun, but had been advised to get a big bore as they had "stopping power." I'm of a very different view, and laid out three smaller guns , two .32s and a a .380., for her. She immediately grabbed the P32 and pronounced it ideal. We shot it, she bought one and now carries it with her wherever she goes. We are both glad that she has it.
and they lived safely happily ever after into old age.
@excelerater I own both. They are both good, but the .380 does not hold open on the last shot, and has a lot more recoil then you would think for a .380. I also seem to jam it from time to time, most likely limp wristing due to such a little pistol in my big meat claws, lol. I prefer the .32 actually, but decided to give it to my mother, and I kept the .380.
Great video - I own a P-32 and I am very happy about it. great conceal gun, great accuracy, great recoil handling… love it.
+piero san giorgio avant tout le monde utilisais ca,meme l'armée.
If u put a new guide of steel in i buy 1.
I carry my P32 more often than all my 9mm carry pistols. With the pocket clip option I don’t need any sort of holster. I have pinky extensions on my 7 round mags, as well as some 10 round mags. I cut some inner tube and it covers the grip perfectly adding a little extra grip and thickness. I would never get rid of this gem. In the low crime world where I live, I don’t think I’d ever need more.....but I sure have bigger and badder, they just stay home most of the time.
Where you get the clip?
@@---tx9xx internet/ kel tec accessories?
If anything the grendel reminds me of the Kel-tec PMR-30, especially the carbine version they've shown prototypes of.
Thoroughly enjoy what you do, nice back ground info on the designer as well.
I put sights, upgraded trigger and springs ,great gun
Have had mine since 2000. No problems with gun; sometimes have trouble finding ammo. The gun, however, is concealable, affordable and reliable.
I think it may have revolutionized the superlight subcompact market when it hit the shelves, still hard to find something lighter and as small save maybe the new ruger or smith 380s which were a shameless direct copy of this weapon. Even the new weapons argueably don't have the same feel as the P-32. Thank you for letting us look at this fine little weapon. :-)
32 been around way way back 1920 to this date, the gangsters loved them, I have Savage, priceless to me very accurate
I have a kel-tec p12 380 and it is the perfect conceal carry and the extended mag. gives it 13 in the mag. and 1 in the chamber thats some nice shooting so if your looking for a conceal carry get yourself the p12 380 you will not be disappointed.
Where did all these .32 pustols come from?
Well, the CZ 45 in .25 ACP sure had an impact. Along with the .32 ACP cartridge.
Why NAA and Seecamp don't make a 2.5 or 3" in .32 ACP is beyond me.
They could even add Tru Glo Tritium sights on them. Which i added to my Bodyguard 380. Excellent sights.
An LCP Max .32 could be interesting.
Add those Bodyguard 380 night sights with a 10rd magazine thats rated for buffalo bore 75gr Hardcast.
Now thats really good. The NAA Guardian should handle that load.
The .32 ACP has its place.
Another good load is the Hornady XTP 60gr. That works great in a Seecamp
Nice gag reel, Sootch. I still carry a P11 everyday.
yeah got me one its good 10 shots + 1 in 9mm
great review and informative on a great lil piece of kit for ccw, you crack me up with the outtakes bro, keeping it real ha! take care.
years ago I had one. its not a bad pistol the magazines didn't like hollowpoints. but firing 73 gr fmj it worked well, and it was surprisingly accurate at 7 yrd. whats nice is how small and thin it is, 32 acp isnt much but it is effective at close range depending on shot placement. good pocket or purse pistol on a budget
Keltec said their new mags handle HPs well, if you send them your old mags they'll send you new ones at no cost.
@animaster9 the .22 is much smaller but at the same punch you get more rounds and a smaller frame other than that the .32 is fine
I've found nothing to equal my home defense plans like my remaining 1911 .45. I've found nothing gives confidence in a remote area, (hiking in the woods or gassing up @ 2 am along the freeway) like my .357 snubby. But a .32 FMJ has the penetration and wound channel of a .22LR from a shoulder-fired weapon. At "here-to-the-doorway" distance, a magazine of these in the face will make any psychopath go bother somebody else.
Well said...This is ideal for taping to the underside of your bed should you get any unwanted guests at 3am ...Believe me ..You start pumping rounds into someone with this at close range and they are going to drop to the floor..Don't care how "Hard" they THINK they are...Still ideal for home protection! OK it is not going to impress the guy's at the gun-club..But it was not designed for this. I love this little Kel-Tec P32
Its more like a 22 mag not a 22 long rifle mr expert
is that not an eight round mag now? that extension on the magazine is a +1 extender, i have it on my p3at. love those guns. take them anywhere.
I was always going to buy the gun reviewed here, but I waited so long that Ruger came out with its .380 LCP, so I bought it instead. I have two other Kel-Tec's and I love them. My Kel-tec Sub-2000 in 9mm is my favorite and most shot gun that I have. I can hit things with it rapid fire like crazy. And just by chance I got one that is supper accurate. I can hit a gnats ass stretched across a rain barrel at 100 yards. Not sure what a gnats ass has to do with it, but it is accurate.
One of my favorite pistols. Wish I could find a threaded barrel for it
P32 and a Maverick 88 covers all my bases home and away.
Sootch, this is a good pistol i did change the guide recoil spring with a metal one. This 32 is made to kill at close range, here around the shop we call them GET THEM OFF ME GUNS !!! And they do that very well i no we dissagree about hell cat but keep shooting it & you like the p32 better & better!! Stay safe my friend!!
Marvelous ending. :)
@ROFLpwnedvideos That is because Kel Tec made the P3AT and P32 before Ruger copied the design. I'm not saying that Ruger's LCP isn't a great gun, it's just Kel Tec made them first.
Cheers
Been looking at em. my mouse guns are all in 25 auto and 32. including a PPK. I like no external safeties when I can get em
Great video Sootch, it looks like a good little gun. Personally I would not go below a .380. I am looking at my different options for one now. I am currently using a XD 40 sub compact which I feel it a GREAT gun but in the summertime I would like something smaller. Oh by the way...."Long live the Republic"!!!
From what I've seen the real weak point in the gun is the recoil spring pin which is made of a flimsy plastic. The fix I saw, (which with my machining and mechanical back ground would be easy) was to get a stainless steel nail the same diameter as the pin, chuck it up in a drill with the head of the nail facing out and then to run it on an abrasive surface until the head is taken down the the correct diameter, lightly sand the edges to de burr, clip the shank to the right length and de burr the end. You've just recreated the pin in long lasting stainless steel.
My brother bought one and I tried it and loved it . I am getting one ASAP.
@RugerMan73 Take a closer look on that comparison. The LCP is a nice COPY of the KelTec design though I will agree the LCP is more aesthetically pleasing.
@RugerMan73 I own a lot of Keltec pistols. I do find they do not have the fit and finish of more expecive pistols. I do not mind, but would not fault anyone for being bothered by that. It does look somewhat unfinished, and there are a lot of similar options out there now.
Good review and strip info. I have one of these pistols since 2001. Its an early one with a pinned estractor. Its very finicky on ammo, but in later models it might not be. I use Winchester 71gr silvertips. They are real slippery and I have never had a malfuction with them and its a nice hot load for .32 acp. I have put a lot of rounds through it, they are pretty durable.
Another awesome vid Sootch. As an owner of the P-32 P-3AT, P-11 and Sub2000 in 9mm. I am a big fan of this company and products. I always enjoy how Ruger likes to assume the creation of this market niche. They act as though they invented this type when truth be told they plagiarized this firearm in the .380 cal. Guess imitation is the greatest form of flattery. JT out.
Kel-Tec based the P3AT on this gun. Ruger then made an almost exact copy in the LCP (not the LCP 2). I have a P32 and an LCP. My Alabama pocket holster will hold both pistols perfectly. Also I recommend the Lehigh Defense solid copper bullets. They have consistent penetration that meets FBI standards, and they produce a wider wound cavity than ball ammo. Underwood also loads this bullet, and those are the ones I buy.
I have a kel tec 32 great pistol no games at all shoot good
another Kel-Tec Masterpiece and maybe my future CC back up pistol :-)