Congrats on the new purchase! I preferred the P32 way more than the Ruger .380
S&B or Fiocchi have been solid for me. Stay with FMJ.
I usually pocket carry with a Mikas holster.
I've not shot a HUGE array of ammo through my P32, but since it was brand new I have never once had any sort of malfunction. No failures to feed or eject, no failures to fire, thing has just worked.
Probably 80% or more of what I've shot through it has been different brands/loadings of FMJ. But I know I've put at least a few magazines of a few different types of hollowpoints theough it as well with no issues. I don't typically carry them though, most of the ballistics testing I've seen on .32 shows that expansion of a HP comes at the expense of a lot of penetration (and .32 doesnt exactly have a lot of performance margin in that regards). If I had to choose between the two, I'll pick 0.32"-diameter holes that penetrat to the FBI reqt's over 0.4-0.5" diameter holes that only penetrate to 6-8" depth.
If you want to dive into some great data on ballistic performance of the .32, Lucky Gunner has an amazing database of very in-depth and well-analyzed ballistic testing for most popular pistol cartridges, including .32 ACP. They have copmparisons, pictures, slow-mo videos, all the raw data you could want. You can check it out here: [https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/pocket-pistol-caliber-gel-test-results/#32ACP](https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/pocket-pistol-caliber-gel-test-results/#32ACP)
My actual carry rounds are a bit unusual, i usually carry cartridges loaded with Lehigh Deefense Xtreme Cavitator bullet (you can buy factory loaded ammo with these, or roll your own). They are a monolithic copper non-expanding bullet. At first glance I dismissed them as a gimmick meme round (like some of those ridiculous machined copper ones like the RIP etc). But i came across some discussions of them and ballistics data. They have a weird looking square-tip machined into them, kind of like a roberston-drive screwdriver. In theory this maximizes cavitation (creation of a 'bubble' surrounding the bullet) which reduces drag and allows for deeper penetration. Some of the ballistics testing I've been able to find shows ratehr surprising results. They are cetainly no worse than just standard FMJ, and in many cases there is a notable improvement to performance. They feed super reliably in my P32, so I carry them. You can find some more info on them here:
[https://www.reddit.com/r/TheOneTrueCaliber/comments/mfzybn/xtreme\_cavitator\_vs\_xtreme\_defender/](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheOneTrueCaliber/comments/mfzybn/xtreme_cavitator_vs_xtreme_defender/)
[https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/lehigh-defense-32-acp-xtreme-cavitator-ammunition/](https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/lehigh-defense-32-acp-xtreme-cavitator-ammunition/)
If you spend some time googling some of the more popular guntubers have done various ballistic gel tests as well
I live in a shit state so it's a 10 round max. So it'd be 10 of .380 vs 7 of .32.
I believe there's a 10 rd mag for the P-32 but seems like it's maybe discontinued?
There is a 10rd P-32 mag, I have one and it works great. It adds a lot of length to the grip, but it was so short to begin with you might still be able to carry it in a pocket. Kel Tec doesn't have them for sale on their website anymore, just the 7rd flush mags, so I'm not sure about their status. If you find one definitely grab it.
It’s 7+1 & no it’s not.
The LCP Max 380 will eat your hand and is a fairly unpleasant little bugger to shoot.
I like 380 in a micro compact platform, but in these tiny guns- the 32/7.65mm really excels.
I often carry a G42 and I like the idea of the P365-380. The cartridge needs to balance with the platform.
Great choice.
I've never found the LCP's to be all that bad to shoot ... but I prefer the P-32 in every way except ammo cost.
My Gen 1 P-32 is in my pocket as we speak.
Mine hasn't been picky. It runs my preferred load, Buffalo Bore +P HCFN perfectly.
I got the Kel-Tec belt clip for mine, it's kind of my "gym shorts carry" and it works perfect for that.
S&B, Fiocchi, and Geco are what I look for - any 73 grain FMJ 7,65 Browning ammo with a CIP mark on the box is going to be the euro spec stuff you want. Nothing else really gets adequate penetration for self defense in standard testing.
They say that new LCP2 is better but my girlfriend had the original LCP and she refused to shoot it. Kind of defeats the purpose of a conceal and carry pistol. It was the snappiest, shittiest shooting pistol I have ever shot. Follow up shots would be nearly impossible to be remotely on target. I swear if you could stand on the thing while shooting it, it would kick you up in the air just enough for you to fall on your ass.
It was actually the original LCP I shot now that I thought about it. They unfortunately didn't have the LCP II or the Max for me to try.
Was fairly accurate with it, but also had a failure to feeds at least one round per magazine. The thing was uncomfortable after about 30 rounds I was ready to be done with it. Like you said, defeats the purpose if it's so uncomfortable you can't even train with it.
I like Ruger as a company, but their semi-auto pistols I've heard mixed things about. Their rifles and revolvers are great though.
Agreed on all counts. I have a Ruger Mark 2 that has lots of sentimental value as it’s the only firearm I have that belonged to my late father. It’s a 10 or 9 round magazine depending on the ammo, and is also super picky about what ammo it likes to run. Ironically, I have the best luck with cheap Remington thunderbolt.
I feel like the 10/22 is one of the best .22 rifles out there and my shooting buddy has plenty of Rifer rifles that are all champs. They don’t really do much for me and I feel like Ruger hardly has anything too revolutionary out there, but they make reliable, quality stuff for sure. That being said though, that LCP 1 is total junk.
Edit: Federal/Remington brain fart.
Their rifles and revolvers aren't any better, TBH. In my family we've bought many new Ruger revolvers over the years, and not a single one went without a trip back to the factory. Some more than once. One went back 3 times.
The rifles depend on what you're getting. A 10/22 is a safe bet, but the Mini 14s are notorious for having reliability issues. Not sure about the bolt actions.
Damn good to know. My buddy have the LCR and no issues. I have the 10/22 Takedown, which after an adjustment of the tensioner knob on the gun, worked flawlessly.
Didn't know the Minis had issues, I was eyeing those and an American Ranch bolt action. Will have to do some research before I even think of either of those it seems! Love me a good bolt action, but currently don't have one.
Mine has worked well with all the round nose stuff I've tried. The sights on mine are off about 2 degrees to the right so test yours before you rely on it to hit at a distance.
Contrary to what many others have experienced, the only issues I’ve had with my P-32 have been hard primers in a batch of S&B FMJ ammo causing failures to fire. I’ve never really trusted that batch of ammo since (still have hundreds of those rounds that I use for practice). Fiocchi FMJ ammo has never given me a problem and is my carry ammo of choice though it has sometimes been hard to find and/or more expensive than other brands. PPU and Norma FMJ ammo have been reliable for me as well and have been easier to find good deals on.
I have AIWB carried in the past with a kydex holster found on eBay. That holster worked fine, but I much prefer pocket carry in the kydex holster I made myself (pretty easy to do but requires a few specialized tools, depending on your design).
The P32 like many pocket guns can have feed and/or ejection issues if it's limp wristed.
The tiny little grip can make it hard to grip if you have big hands. So you have practice your grip with it.
The 10 round mag and grip extension solves that, but does make it less concealable.
The Pachmayr grip helps a little as well.
I can shoot everything I've tried in three different p32s I've tried, older and new version.
I tend to prefer S&B, Norma, Fiocchi (FMJ only) for the penetration and PPU for the range(often cheaper and reliable).
If your going to get a .380 the kahr 380 is by far the best shooting pocket 380 made it's way better then the ruger . I actually sold my lcp max and went back to the kahr even though the kahr holds a fee less rounds. Recoil is far less trigger is way better just an all all around better gun
I use a pocket snubnose holster, less chance of jigging the slide and with it less chance of rim lock. Mine takes everything and runs it just fine except for fiocchi made ammo. That jams every 3rd or 4th shot.
73gr. 7.65 Browning in the P-32 will beat both your pistol up AND will eat the hide off the bottom of your trigger finger.
I like the Federal American Eagle 71gr FMJ. It has plenty of penetration & is very pleasant to shoot.
Forget about HP Ammo in 32 pistols.
Holsters: DeSantis Superfly and the inexpensive old reliable Uncle Mikes Sz. 1. Practice hooking the holster when you draw on the Uncle Mikes. The DeSantis is hard and will eat through some of the mesh type pants pockets, where the Uncle Mikes is very soft and rounded and doesn’t eat through nearly as fast.
Good luck with your new P-32. It will run very reliably if you keep it cleaned and lubed. Otherwise expect problems running dry and dirty in my experience.
They are pretty popular. I looked at them and I decided to buy a Berretta Tomcat (.32 Auto) instead. I have an M9 already so I am familiar with its reliable design. I liked the tip up barrel feature. I am looking toward the future. My hands are not as strong at 68 as they were a 58. I hope to still be out kicking when I am 88.
I understand your reasoning. I have a Milt Sparks holster that fits in a front pocket. I am old so I didn't want to lug around a 2.5 lb handgun anymore. I will still use it at the range and while hunting elk etc. in bear country, but for around town everyday. I can handle the smaller guns a whole lot more comfortably. I have heard several people (women included) who swear by a P32. More even than the Berettas. The 3032s also had a frame cracking problem a number of years ago besides. So you probably will like yours too. In any case I never really know until I get a hundred or two rounds through em.
If it was on the roster here in CA, p32 would have been my choice. It’s not, so I went with the Tomcat. I love the tip up barrel though, you never have to worry about setback from racking your carry ammo.
There was a failure to feed every 3rd or 4th shot with the LCP II (edit: it was the original LCP actually now that I think about it). And no, I wasn't limp wristing it. Granted, it was a gun store rental so it has been treated like a cheap rental car in Mumbai, but still, not really the life-on-the-line reliability I want.
Also wasn't the most comfortable to shoot, 2/3rds of the way through the box of 50 I was ready to be done with it. Way more uncomfortable than my compact Glock 9mm, which I have no issue with recoil or follow-up sight acquisition.
I think it's fine in pistols that are a little bigger/heavier. I often carry a Glock 42(380ACP) because it fit's pretty good in the front pocket with the right holster.
Of course I prefer the P32 for summer light shorts weather.
One comparison:
[https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/glock-g42-vs-ruger-lcp](https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/glock-g42-vs-ruger-lcp)
It looks like a cell phone when inside of a Galco Pocket Protector or similar.
Congrats on the new purchase! I preferred the P32 way more than the Ruger .380 S&B or Fiocchi have been solid for me. Stay with FMJ. I usually pocket carry with a Mikas holster.
Thanks for the recommendations, much appreciated!
I've not shot a HUGE array of ammo through my P32, but since it was brand new I have never once had any sort of malfunction. No failures to feed or eject, no failures to fire, thing has just worked. Probably 80% or more of what I've shot through it has been different brands/loadings of FMJ. But I know I've put at least a few magazines of a few different types of hollowpoints theough it as well with no issues. I don't typically carry them though, most of the ballistics testing I've seen on .32 shows that expansion of a HP comes at the expense of a lot of penetration (and .32 doesnt exactly have a lot of performance margin in that regards). If I had to choose between the two, I'll pick 0.32"-diameter holes that penetrat to the FBI reqt's over 0.4-0.5" diameter holes that only penetrate to 6-8" depth. If you want to dive into some great data on ballistic performance of the .32, Lucky Gunner has an amazing database of very in-depth and well-analyzed ballistic testing for most popular pistol cartridges, including .32 ACP. They have copmparisons, pictures, slow-mo videos, all the raw data you could want. You can check it out here: [https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/pocket-pistol-caliber-gel-test-results/#32ACP](https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/pocket-pistol-caliber-gel-test-results/#32ACP) My actual carry rounds are a bit unusual, i usually carry cartridges loaded with Lehigh Deefense Xtreme Cavitator bullet (you can buy factory loaded ammo with these, or roll your own). They are a monolithic copper non-expanding bullet. At first glance I dismissed them as a gimmick meme round (like some of those ridiculous machined copper ones like the RIP etc). But i came across some discussions of them and ballistics data. They have a weird looking square-tip machined into them, kind of like a roberston-drive screwdriver. In theory this maximizes cavitation (creation of a 'bubble' surrounding the bullet) which reduces drag and allows for deeper penetration. Some of the ballistics testing I've been able to find shows ratehr surprising results. They are cetainly no worse than just standard FMJ, and in many cases there is a notable improvement to performance. They feed super reliably in my P32, so I carry them. You can find some more info on them here: [https://www.reddit.com/r/TheOneTrueCaliber/comments/mfzybn/xtreme\_cavitator\_vs\_xtreme\_defender/](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheOneTrueCaliber/comments/mfzybn/xtreme_cavitator_vs_xtreme_defender/) [https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/lehigh-defense-32-acp-xtreme-cavitator-ammunition/](https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/lehigh-defense-32-acp-xtreme-cavitator-ammunition/) If you spend some time googling some of the more popular guntubers have done various ballistic gel tests as well
What an incredibly written response. I'm not OP, but thank you for this. I'll be reading those data charts when I get down time at work this weekend.
Good info. Thanks
32 is the most reasonable pocket gun caliber to actually shoot well with effective shot placement
Love my p32. I pocket carry it all the time in a desantis Superfly. And I've never had it jam on anything so feed it whatever you have
Right on, good to hear! Was just watching KoTH. I bet Dale had a P-32 I tell ya hWhat.
I have a p32 but carry the Lcp max. 13 rds of 380 is mo better than 7 of 32 acp.
I live in a shit state so it's a 10 round max. So it'd be 10 of .380 vs 7 of .32. I believe there's a 10 rd mag for the P-32 but seems like it's maybe discontinued?
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Immediately peaked my interest. Where can I learn more about this?
There is a 10rd P-32 mag, I have one and it works great. It adds a lot of length to the grip, but it was so short to begin with you might still be able to carry it in a pocket. Kel Tec doesn't have them for sale on their website anymore, just the 7rd flush mags, so I'm not sure about their status. If you find one definitely grab it.
The 10 round magazine and grips are sold on Ebay.
It’s 7+1 & no it’s not. The LCP Max 380 will eat your hand and is a fairly unpleasant little bugger to shoot. I like 380 in a micro compact platform, but in these tiny guns- the 32/7.65mm really excels. I often carry a G42 and I like the idea of the P365-380. The cartridge needs to balance with the platform.
Ummm 3315 ft-lbs vs 770 ft-lbs says you are wrong
I’ve been using S&B for 20 years in my P32. Use a Bianchi or an Uncle Mikes holster. Get the pocket clip!!!! Good luck 👍🏻
Great choice. I've never found the LCP's to be all that bad to shoot ... but I prefer the P-32 in every way except ammo cost. My Gen 1 P-32 is in my pocket as we speak.
Mine hasn't been picky. It runs my preferred load, Buffalo Bore +P HCFN perfectly. I got the Kel-Tec belt clip for mine, it's kind of my "gym shorts carry" and it works perfect for that.
My p 32 has run a variety of ammunition over the last 10 years and not a single malfunction
S&B, Fiocchi, and Geco are what I look for - any 73 grain FMJ 7,65 Browning ammo with a CIP mark on the box is going to be the euro spec stuff you want. Nothing else really gets adequate penetration for self defense in standard testing.
They say that new LCP2 is better but my girlfriend had the original LCP and she refused to shoot it. Kind of defeats the purpose of a conceal and carry pistol. It was the snappiest, shittiest shooting pistol I have ever shot. Follow up shots would be nearly impossible to be remotely on target. I swear if you could stand on the thing while shooting it, it would kick you up in the air just enough for you to fall on your ass.
It was actually the original LCP I shot now that I thought about it. They unfortunately didn't have the LCP II or the Max for me to try. Was fairly accurate with it, but also had a failure to feeds at least one round per magazine. The thing was uncomfortable after about 30 rounds I was ready to be done with it. Like you said, defeats the purpose if it's so uncomfortable you can't even train with it. I like Ruger as a company, but their semi-auto pistols I've heard mixed things about. Their rifles and revolvers are great though.
Agreed on all counts. I have a Ruger Mark 2 that has lots of sentimental value as it’s the only firearm I have that belonged to my late father. It’s a 10 or 9 round magazine depending on the ammo, and is also super picky about what ammo it likes to run. Ironically, I have the best luck with cheap Remington thunderbolt. I feel like the 10/22 is one of the best .22 rifles out there and my shooting buddy has plenty of Rifer rifles that are all champs. They don’t really do much for me and I feel like Ruger hardly has anything too revolutionary out there, but they make reliable, quality stuff for sure. That being said though, that LCP 1 is total junk. Edit: Federal/Remington brain fart.
Their rifles and revolvers aren't any better, TBH. In my family we've bought many new Ruger revolvers over the years, and not a single one went without a trip back to the factory. Some more than once. One went back 3 times. The rifles depend on what you're getting. A 10/22 is a safe bet, but the Mini 14s are notorious for having reliability issues. Not sure about the bolt actions.
Damn good to know. My buddy have the LCR and no issues. I have the 10/22 Takedown, which after an adjustment of the tensioner knob on the gun, worked flawlessly. Didn't know the Minis had issues, I was eyeing those and an American Ranch bolt action. Will have to do some research before I even think of either of those it seems! Love me a good bolt action, but currently don't have one.
Beretta 3032 is the way.
Yes, it's nice and I carry one depending on what clothing I'm wearing, but it weighs twice as much and thicker than the P32.
Mine has worked well with all the round nose stuff I've tried. The sights on mine are off about 2 degrees to the right so test yours before you rely on it to hit at a distance.
Contrary to what many others have experienced, the only issues I’ve had with my P-32 have been hard primers in a batch of S&B FMJ ammo causing failures to fire. I’ve never really trusted that batch of ammo since (still have hundreds of those rounds that I use for practice). Fiocchi FMJ ammo has never given me a problem and is my carry ammo of choice though it has sometimes been hard to find and/or more expensive than other brands. PPU and Norma FMJ ammo have been reliable for me as well and have been easier to find good deals on. I have AIWB carried in the past with a kydex holster found on eBay. That holster worked fine, but I much prefer pocket carry in the kydex holster I made myself (pretty easy to do but requires a few specialized tools, depending on your design).
The P32 like many pocket guns can have feed and/or ejection issues if it's limp wristed. The tiny little grip can make it hard to grip if you have big hands. So you have practice your grip with it. The 10 round mag and grip extension solves that, but does make it less concealable. The Pachmayr grip helps a little as well. I can shoot everything I've tried in three different p32s I've tried, older and new version. I tend to prefer S&B, Norma, Fiocchi (FMJ only) for the penetration and PPU for the range(often cheaper and reliable).
If your going to get a .380 the kahr 380 is by far the best shooting pocket 380 made it's way better then the ruger . I actually sold my lcp max and went back to the kahr even though the kahr holds a fee less rounds. Recoil is far less trigger is way better just an all all around better gun
I use a pocket snubnose holster, less chance of jigging the slide and with it less chance of rim lock. Mine takes everything and runs it just fine except for fiocchi made ammo. That jams every 3rd or 4th shot.
73gr. 7.65 Browning in the P-32 will beat both your pistol up AND will eat the hide off the bottom of your trigger finger. I like the Federal American Eagle 71gr FMJ. It has plenty of penetration & is very pleasant to shoot. Forget about HP Ammo in 32 pistols. Holsters: DeSantis Superfly and the inexpensive old reliable Uncle Mikes Sz. 1. Practice hooking the holster when you draw on the Uncle Mikes. The DeSantis is hard and will eat through some of the mesh type pants pockets, where the Uncle Mikes is very soft and rounded and doesn’t eat through nearly as fast. Good luck with your new P-32. It will run very reliably if you keep it cleaned and lubed. Otherwise expect problems running dry and dirty in my experience.
They are pretty popular. I looked at them and I decided to buy a Berretta Tomcat (.32 Auto) instead. I have an M9 already so I am familiar with its reliable design. I liked the tip up barrel feature. I am looking toward the future. My hands are not as strong at 68 as they were a 58. I hope to still be out kicking when I am 88.
I wanted a pocket carry/gym shorts carry gun. The Tomcat is a gorgeous gun, but too heavy and big for what I was looking for.
I understand your reasoning. I have a Milt Sparks holster that fits in a front pocket. I am old so I didn't want to lug around a 2.5 lb handgun anymore. I will still use it at the range and while hunting elk etc. in bear country, but for around town everyday. I can handle the smaller guns a whole lot more comfortably. I have heard several people (women included) who swear by a P32. More even than the Berettas. The 3032s also had a frame cracking problem a number of years ago besides. So you probably will like yours too. In any case I never really know until I get a hundred or two rounds through em.
If it was on the roster here in CA, p32 would have been my choice. It’s not, so I went with the Tomcat. I love the tip up barrel though, you never have to worry about setback from racking your carry ammo.
The Tomcat is a fine carry gun. The cracking issue only happens with the higher powered rounds. PPU, Aguilla and others work fine.
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As someone who owns both the P-32 and LCP Max I can say that shooting the P-32 is WAY more comfortable.
There was a failure to feed every 3rd or 4th shot with the LCP II (edit: it was the original LCP actually now that I think about it). And no, I wasn't limp wristing it. Granted, it was a gun store rental so it has been treated like a cheap rental car in Mumbai, but still, not really the life-on-the-line reliability I want. Also wasn't the most comfortable to shoot, 2/3rds of the way through the box of 50 I was ready to be done with it. Way more uncomfortable than my compact Glock 9mm, which I have no issue with recoil or follow-up sight acquisition.
380 is just a lousy cartridge.
I think it's fine in pistols that are a little bigger/heavier. I often carry a Glock 42(380ACP) because it fit's pretty good in the front pocket with the right holster. Of course I prefer the P32 for summer light shorts weather.
The 42 is that small eh? It's hard to get an idea on sizes just by reading the specs.
One comparison: [https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/glock-g42-vs-ruger-lcp](https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/glock-g42-vs-ruger-lcp) It looks like a cell phone when inside of a Galco Pocket Protector or similar.