KEL-TEC 380ACP or 32ACP
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 214
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From: WV USA
Has enyone had any experance with either oh these pistols? I looked at one in 380 and it is very light and small. Just wondering if anyone has had any problems with either of these guns The reson Im looking at this gun is just an extra gun I have many 9mm 45 and larger carry guns just looking at it as and extra. PS those that look down at a .22 .32 .380 have never been hit with one at VERY close range.
THANKS
THANKS
#2
I have no personal experience with them.From looking at a couple they're not my cup of tea.Anyway,you didn't mention what's your interest in these guns. If it's for protection I would look for a compact 40S&W or a 9mm as a minimum.I don't put much faith in a 32 or 380 and as far as that goes a 9mm for protection.
Ruger Redhawk
Ruger Redhawk
#3
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 580
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From: va USA
I know two people who have purchased Kel-Tec 32's as plinking pistols. Both said their pistols jammed a lot. One guy said his gun was accurate enough for a "fun" gun at close range.
If your life is on the line, you need a quality pistol that you know will shoot EVERY time you pull the trigger. If you have any illusion on using either pistol for personal protection, go with the 380. The 380 is a 9mm short and is a heavy hitter when compared to a 32.
If your life is on the line, you need a quality pistol that you know will shoot EVERY time you pull the trigger. If you have any illusion on using either pistol for personal protection, go with the 380. The 380 is a 9mm short and is a heavy hitter when compared to a 32.
#4
Typical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 703
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From: Havre de Grace MD USA
I would consider a Bulgarian Makarov which is a better round than either the .380 or the .32. Bullet shape more like a .45. Cheap to feed, cheap to own and extremely reliable.
#5
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 0
From: S Texas
Mrs. Charley carries a Kel-Tec P32 on a daily basis. It has been reliable, after breakin, and functions well with Winchester Silvertip JHP. Seems slightly more than "pocket pistol" accurate, and is easy to shoot.
Don't have any firsthand experience with the .380 version, I would expect recoil in such a small, light, handgun to approach unpleasant, even with the .380.
Don't have any firsthand experience with the .380 version, I would expect recoil in such a small, light, handgun to approach unpleasant, even with the .380.
#6
Fork Horn
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: woodbury CT woodbury ct
i own both the 32 and the 380 versions and do like them both alot. lighter than my wallet and virtually the same size. both are reliable for me, never had a jam even before break in. i do carry the 380 every day all day. i prefer a larger gun but it;s just not comfortable at work (i;m a chef so figure in 110+ degrees and constant movement). size wise both are almost exactly the same, i;d go with the 380 just for sheer bullet size. good articles on both guns at www.gunblast.com
#7
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,279
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From: Little Egg harbor NJ
I can only give my opinion on the 380 acp. My wife has a sig p 232 380 and its a fantastic gun. I love it and shoot it more than she does. Its plenty accurate at 30 yards for self defense and plinking. Its just a great round. I personally love it.
Brian
Brian
#8
Typical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 703
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From: Havre de Grace MD USA
i prefer a larger gun but it;s just not comfortable at work (i;m a chef so figure in 110+ degrees and constant movement).


#10
Typical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 826
Likes: 0
From: Wabash, IN
A .32 in the pocket is better than an empty hand.
I bought the soon-to-be-ex ball & chain a Beretta .32ACP and it works fine....................one thing though with these semi-autos, many factory loads don't feed well - they seem a little under-powered. The Win Silvertips, CCI Gold Dots & Fed HydraShoks all are dependable feeders. I handload them now on the high side and NEVER have any feed failures anymore.
BTW -- the Kel-tecs are OK. They are definitely not gonna last forever, but will probably last forever as a carry piece as long as you don't put 100rds through it every week for life.
I bought the soon-to-be-ex ball & chain a Beretta .32ACP and it works fine....................one thing though with these semi-autos, many factory loads don't feed well - they seem a little under-powered. The Win Silvertips, CCI Gold Dots & Fed HydraShoks all are dependable feeders. I handload them now on the high side and NEVER have any feed failures anymore.
BTW -- the Kel-tecs are OK. They are definitely not gonna last forever, but will probably last forever as a carry piece as long as you don't put 100rds through it every week for life.




