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Kel Tec P32

RonC

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In my search for a pocket pistol, I had been considering a Kel Tec P32. Being the conservative, old timer that I am, I decided to go for the all metal, heavier, more years in production Seecamp pistols. I am not disappointed in the Seecamps at all. I carry one everyday, and they are amazing. I consider them to be the Rolex of pocket pistols.

But I was still itchin for a Kel Tec. Bigger than the Seecamp, but lighter. Awesome for pocket carry, and light recoil. And with a couple of add ons, even less recoil. So I bought one a few days ago.

First trip to the range was perfect. I put 50 rounds through it without a hiccup. I was actually prepared for some trouble becuase the break in period is supposed to be about 300 rounds.

Next trip, I put a grip extension on the mag. It allows your ring finger to wrap around the grip. Without the extension, you get about half your finger in contact with the grip. This made a light recoil pistol even lighter. What a noticable difference with a $5 add on. Another 50 rounds with perfect performance and even lighter recoil with the extension.

Next up is a soft rubber grip cover that even makes recoil feel lighter. While I like my Seecamps, recoil is a bit snappier because there is little to grab on these small pocket pistols. The Kel Tec is a pleasure to shoot.

I had reservations about buying a plastic gun, but so far, I am as happy as a "Pig in Shit" with this gun. I guess I would call this the Timex of pocket pistols.

 

Craig Mac

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***Gun falls over causing the cigar tube to squeeze the trigger thus shooting Ron in the leg, but at least the picture was cool.***
 

itallushrt

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I've used a KelTec PA3T (.380) as my summer carry weapon for the last two years. They are solid little guns. I polished the feed ramp on mine with a dremel tool and it cleared up some feeding problems I was having. I agree the extended floor plate on the mags is a must have.

Enjoy that little guy they are good guns.
 
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I used to have the P11 and it sucked at chambering a round when putting a magazine in. I sent it back to Kel-Tec and they did a "fluff & buff" by polishing the feed ramp. It still jammed.

I hope you have better luck :)
 

RonC

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from reading the kel tec forums, it would seem that the 32 is the most reliable, and also the longest in production.
 

vperlman

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from reading the kel tec forums, it would seem that the 32 is the most reliable, and also the longest in production.
Hey Ron, is that why you chose the 32 instead of the 380, or were there other reasons? Just curious, since I'm in the market for a mouse gun and trying to decide what to get.
 

mwlabel

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Hey Ron, is that why you chose the 32 instead of the 380, or were there other reasons? Just curious, since I'm in the market for a mouse gun and trying to decide what to get.
I'm also curious Ron. Especially with all the options out there now for larger calibers in small packages. Just a fan of the 32?
 

RonC

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Hey Ron, is that why you chose the 32 instead of the 380, or were there other reasons? Just curious, since I'm in the market for a mouse gun and trying to decide what to get.
I chose the 32 because its been in production the longest. I did a lot of reading over on the Kel Tec forum, and it seems that the 32 has the least amount of problems. Kel Tec has had enough time to get all the kinks out.

On mouse guns, I also own a Seecamp 32, A Beretta 21a, and a High Standard 22 Mag Derringer.

Whats your budget?
 

RonC

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I'm also curious Ron. Especially with all the options out there now for larger calibers in small packages. Just a fan of the 32?
seems alot of companies have been introducing pocket 380's, and there has also been quite a bit of trouble with some of these new guns.

Sig's new 380 has had 3 magazine design changes to get it too work correctly.

From what I can tell, Kel Tec 32 owners have less trouble than the 380 owners. The Kel Tec 9mm has had its share of troubles.

I am a big fan of low recoil, easy to shoot, self defense pistols. At the range that most self defense shootings occur, I have the utmost confidence in my 32.
 

mwlabel

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I have the utmost confidence in my 32.
That's all that matters then. Different strokes for different folks. But, as long you're comfortable with it - that's all that really matters. .380 is my bare minimum, but that's a personal choice.
 

Hot_Sauce

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I really like the Sig P238. Everytime I see one under the glass case at a gunshop I stare and want one. But as RonC mentioned they have had some issues. So I'll hold off on that purchase until they are all resolved.

Colt announced at the shot show this year that they will be bringing the .380 Mustangs back. May have to get one of those instead of the Sig if they aren't too spendy.
 

RonC

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Under $500. I'd really appreciate your recommendations.
My #1 choice would be the Seecamp 32. A few years ago, the waiting list was a mile long, and secondary sales were seeing them sell for $600. Now, you can get one for $400.

This gun is built like a little tank. All steel except for the grips. Like a lot of small guns, it is a little ammo sensitive, but once you find the right ammo, they function flawlessly.

There are no sights on this gun. It is designed as a pocket carry, self defense gun. I have read many times that most private citizens who use a weapon in self defense, use that weapon within 21 ft of the bad guy. Most of those times, the bad guy is only a few foot away. In most cases, you will not have time to line up sights, you will just point in the direction of the bad guy, or even put the pistol in his gut, or under his chin, and just empty your magazine.

A lot of guys will start talking about using a larger caliber, but remember the topic. We are talking a pocket gun. I have several pocket guns in 22 and 32. The Seecamp actually fits in my pocket. While its not a pleasure to shoot, its not that bad. Seecamp also makes a 380, but its more than double the price, and recoil is a bitch.

Next choice for me would be my Kel Tec 32. Its lighter, but more bulky than the Seecamp 32. Its has a cheaper feel than the Seecamp, but has been 100% reliable. Recoil is mild with the finger extension on the mag. Fits in most of my pockets easily. It has sites, but thruthfully, they are near useless.

My Seecamp is in my pocket everyday. Its the very best that you can buy.
 
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I really like the Sig P238. Everytime I see one under the glass case at a gunshop I stare and want one. But as RonC mentioned they have had some issues. So I'll hold off on that purchase until they are all resolved.

Colt announced at the shot show this year that they will be bringing the .380 Mustangs back. May have to get one of those instead of the Sig if they aren't too spendy.
Hot_Sauce ... you and I will have to connect on this when we meet at Smokey Joe's in Fife. I have lots of info to share.
 

vperlman

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Ron, I've been doing a little reading (probably a dangerous idea), and some forums talk abut the P32 having rimlock problems. What are your thoughts? Is that only on older generations? Is it real or Memorex? TIA.
 

MiamiE

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from reading the kel tec forums, it would seem that the 32 is the most reliable, and also the longest in production.
It is the most reliable .380, I own a PF9 and I had to take a dremel to the feed ramp. Polished that bad boy up good and it feeds great now. This was really only a problem in the early models. The KelTecs out now have fixed the problem, supposedly. :kissforeh
 
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I refer to those as "Two finger guns" because that's all that fits around 'em.

Then again, when I took my CCW, I used a Llama XA that was 50 years old...:rofl:
 
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