.32 ACP notions...

[cluttonfred]

Waiting for my Beretta 81, I've got .32 ACP on the brain, so I am thinking of guns in that caliber that would be fun but probably don't exist. I am not thrilled with the very limited current production .32 ACP options (Kel-Tec P32, Beretta Tomcat, NAA Guardian, Colt 1903 repro....). So here are a few ideas:

--A polymer-framed semi-auto along the lines of a 7/8 scale Glock 43X so even slimmer and holding 10 rounds of .32 ACP;

--Six rounds of .32 ACP in a very light small frame revolver (Ruger LCR, S&W J-frame, etc.) with an ejector star made for the semi-rimless cases (moon clips would be fun, too);

--An all-metal (aluminum or steel frame) single-action semi-auto, a modern take on the Ruby, dead simple, just the one safety/slide catch, with thin grips to make an easy to conceal package.

Any of these sound interesting? Let's hear your ideas!

 

[JTHunter]

Might be a "fun gun" but the caliber and choice of ammo is too limited for a HD/SD situation. I have a Colt 1903 but it needs a new barrel.

 

[cluttonfred]

True enough, but it wasn't that long ago that good .380 ACP or 9x18mm Makarov ammo for HD/SD was hard to find and expensive, mostly you just saw ball ammo. If more .32 ACP pistols are sold, we will get more and better ammo choices.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

If going revolver route I think I would go with the 32 Mag or Long rather than trying to make the ACP work there. I had hopes for the Charter Arms in .32 Mag but it stumbled on the sight issue for now and is large for what you're looking at I think.

I like the Kel Tec well in .32 and really appreciate the Seacamp.

Have you looked at a Seacamp? Very well made even if it isn't your ideal.

I would be concerned that once you get to 10rds of 32 it will be large enough that people will go 380 or 9mm instead and not be interested in the additional capacity. Tough balancing act.

Or, have you checked out the Zastava M70? May be worth a look, likely heavy though.

 

[OneFreeTexan]

Have revolvers in both 32 S&W Long, & 32 H&R Magnum......all are nice shooters, and because they have light recoil (steel guns), it is easy to stay on target for follow up shots. Probably my most enjoyable guns to shoot.

 

[jar]

There are a whole array of available 32 acp pistols available. Until someone comes up with some desirable feature that is not already readily available I cannot imagine much demand.

Are there any features that might entice someone like me to jump on a new unknown product over one already out there with a long known track record?

 

[Tallball]

Taurus made a little-known version of their PT111 (the newer version is called the G2, I believe) in 32acp. I think it was called a PT132. I have one. I would prefer that it didn't have a DAO trigger, but it is something like the polymer-framed semiauto mentioned by the OP.

Taurus Model PT132

• Tallball
• Sep 20, 2018

My Colt 1903 has tiny sights, but it is a very good shooter. I personally wouldn't desecrate such a beautiful antique by having larger sights put on it, but it certainly seems as if that could be done.

Colt 1903

• Tallball
• Jan 7, 2018
• 1

The Hungarian FEG version of the Walther PP in 32ACP is a very nice pistol. It's well balanced and pleasant to shoot. It has an aluminum frame, so it isn't too heavy. My FiL talked me out of my first one, so I got this to replace it. They were about $250 apiece, plus shipping and FFL. They show up pretty often on Gunbroker.

FEG AP9 32acp

• Tallball
• Dec 28, 2017

If you want a longer barrel and better (adjustable) sights, the Beretta Model 100 is pretty much the go-to, though they are somewhat rare.

Beretta Model 100

• Tallball
• Sep 24, 2017

 

[milemaker13]

I could go for a larger sized .32 for a range toy/ plinker. Like a 1911 or whatever. It is a nice easy to handle round. But ammo prices could be better.

 

[George P]

Waiting for my Beretta 81, I've got .32 ACP on the brain, so I am thinking of guns in that caliber that would be fun but probably don't exist. I am not thrilled with the very limited current production .32 ACP options (Kel-Tec P32, Beretta Tomcat, NAA Guardian, Colt 1903 repro....). So here are a few ideas:

--A polymer-framed semi-auto along the lines of a 7/8 scale Glock 43X so even slimmer and holding 10 rounds of .32 ACP;

--Six rounds of .32 ACP in a very light small frame revolver (Ruger LCR, S&W J-frame, etc.) with an ejector star made for the semi-rimless cases (moon clips would be fun, too);

--An all-metal (aluminum or steel frame) single-action semi-auto, a modern take on the Ruby, dead simple, just the one safety/slide catch, with thin grips to make an easy to conceal package.

Any of these sound interesting? Let's hear your ideas!

Go buy yourself a S&W I-frame in 32 SWL; while not 32ACP, it is a fun cartridge to shoot (and you can easily keep that expensive brass for reloading - try doing that with 32ACP getting flung into grass or a pile of mixed stuff................

 

[ThomasT]

Taurus made a little-known version of their PT111 (the newer version is called the G2, I believe) in 32acp. I think it was called a PT132. I have one. I would prefer that it didn't have a DAO trigger, but it is something like the polymer-framed semiauto mentioned by the OP.

You lucky dog. I wish I had of bought one of those when they were for sale.

The only 32acp I own is a very nice Walther/Manhurin made in 1957. I need to get a spare clip for it. (Thats for all you magazine Nazi's)

I have 3 32 long and 3 32 mag revolvers and my favorites are the two Ruger Single Six models with 5.5" barrels and adjustable sights. I love shooting those guns. The perfect size round for the gun and easy on lead and powder. And lots more punch than a 22/22mag in the same gun. They are some of the best gun buys I have ever made.

There is already a few SD loads made for 32acp but I don't know that they are all that much better than the regular FMJ loads. I do load 32acp with 100gr lead RN bullets that make around 800fps and are just a little above the same bullet in a standard 32 long. But some of my 32 long are more powerful at over 900fps from a 4" barrel. And I still have room to go up if I want.

 

[swoter]

I have a Single-Six also in 32 mag, great gun. Also have two Smith & Wesson J-frame 32 longs. And now two 32 acp in the Beretta 81s. I like 32 caliber!

 

[Jeb Stuart]

this old Rossi SWL in NEW condition. Great accuracy in single action.

 

[blue32]

A few years ago I reached out to a few aftermarket barrel manufacturers to see if anyone would be willing to chamber a Glock 17 barrel blank in 32 auto. Storm Lake said no and the others didn't respond. From what I can tell the extractor works well enough. The rounds will even feed from the magazine as is. It wouldn't be too difficult to file the follower on the outside edges and shim the inside body to get a better fit. Maybe a few coils off a gen 3 recoil spring assembly and some cuts in the slide to reduce weight so it would cycle better.

 

[Kendahl]

The Hungarian FEG version of the Walther PP in 32ACP is a very nice pistol. It's well balanced and pleasant to shoot. It has an aluminum frame, so it isn't too heavy.

How's the trigger?

 

[Tallball]

How's the trigger?

I haven't shot it for a while. IIRC, the DA is a bit stiff and/or long, but the SA is quite nice. (Speaking of the FEG.) I also have one of the FEG steel-framed PPK copies in 380acp, and a Browning Hi-Power copy that I bought in 1988 or so. All three are solid guns.

I am quite willing to shoot 32acp through my 32 H&R magnum revolvers. I won't do it with my 32 S&W long revolvers (they were not made with that much pressure in mind). I don't remember for sure which ones, but two of them go bang with 32acp every time, and the accuracy isn't too bad. I think one of them is my Single Six. (My experience is that some 32 magnum revolvers shoot 32acp just fine, some will fire about three rounds out of six, and some won't ignite them at all. I assume it has something to do with the length of the firing pin.)

I have various 32 caliber handguns, but for the moment my new-to-me Beretta 81 is my favorite. Mine has a very nice SA trigger and is a lot of fun to shoot. Most of you likely already saw the pics, but I put some nice Altamont grips on it.

Beretta Model 81 Walnut

• Tallball
• Sep 14, 2019

My 32 H&R magnum Ruger Single Six is a fun revolver. I may be misremembering, but I think the barrel is 6.5". It's a great round for small game, and would be useful for two-legged varmints if needed.

Ruger Single Six 32 H&R magnum

• Tallball
• Dec 13, 2018

 

[Tallball]

"You lucky dog. I wish I had of bought one of those when they were for sale."

Ratshooter, the PT132 will show up on Gunbroker every once in a while. I don't recall that mine was very expensive (my vague memory is $250-$300 plus FFL and shipping). In general it's not a hugely popular round, and not many folks are aware of that particular pistol. I wish that the trigger wasn't DAO. IIRC all of them were made that way, but since it's just a PT111 in a different caliber, it seems like it probably wouldn't be too hard to make into a SA/DA. (Admittedly that's just a guess on my part.)

 

[TTv2]

I too am not thrilled with current .32 pistols, except the Kel Tec as it is occasionally on sale for $150 brand new online. The NAA Guardian (wish they would just drop the entire line) and the Beretta are heavy, pricey chunks of steel with both being poor designs.

I've seen custom .32 ACP Ruger Mark's online and I would love it if Ruger made a production gun like that as the only true target .32 is the Beretta 100 and like Tallball said, they're rare and rare means expensive as do extra magazines. Actually, f Ruger ever did make a .32 Mark IV it would be a true target .32 ACP pistol as the Beretta 100 was basically a Beretta 70 with longer barrel and better sights.

I'd also like to see Ruger do the LCP II in .32 ACP as I just think .32 in that size pistol is more sensible. Ruger seems completely averse to ever making a .32 ACP pistol and the US market really doesn't have any desire for .32 semi auto pistols, but I think that has to do with so many of the guns being poor designs like the NAA or Beretta, being old and not really a realistic choice for defense or plinking, and because .380's are more popular.

I wouldn't mind seeing a 5 shot .32 revolver just barely larger than an NAA Black Widow, but it would be in .32 S&W Long, not ACP.

I really don't know if there is any .32 semi pistol that would ever light the market on fire for more of them. I feel that gun is the LCP II with its better trigger, decent sights, and lower recoil. Larger size .32's, even if Ruger made a Mark IV in the caliber, I'm not sure would sell as I don't know if bullseye or competition shooters are looking for a low recoil pistol that's more reliable than .22 and has more power too.

Were we still living in a free country, what would get .32 popular is a full auto Vz 61 with the stock. Even in full auto and firing at 1000 rds a minute, the recoil is very controllable, something .380 would very likely not be.

 

[TTv2]

If going revolver route I think I would go with the 32 Mag or Long rather than trying to make the ACP work there. I had hopes for the Charter Arms in .32 Mag but it stumbled on the sight issue for now and is large for what you're looking at I think.

I like the Kel Tec well in .32 and really appreciate the Seacamp.

Have you looked at a Seacamp? Very well made even if it isn't your ideal.

I would be concerned that once you get to 10rds of 32 it will be large enough that people will go 380 or 9mm instead and not be interested in the additional capacity. Tough balancing act.

Or, have you checked out the Zastava M70? May be worth a look, likely heavy though.

The M70 is not a conceal carry gun, it was built specifically for Yugo police to open carry. It is a nice shooter tho once you get use to it.

Larger size .32's with rds of more than 10 rounds... I wouldn't even choose a .32 or a .380 at that point, I'd rather have a 9mm. I'll occasionally think about the Bersa Thunder Plus that's 15 rds of .380 and I just say to myself, "9mm's are available in similar size guns, have more power, ammo is cheaper."

The Charter Professional issues are getting fixed now that Charter has been made aware of the issue. At 22oz for a 7 shot .32 Mag that can shoot 100 and 115 grain bullets, they are not much bigger than a Glock 43XL and shoot a more potent load.

 

[Tallball]

Sorry for the photo outburst. I am that rare creature, a 32 caliber handgun fan.

I know that the CZ82/83 was available in 32acp. They must be rare as hen's teeth. I've never seen one. That would be an excellent firearm. I might be wrong about this one, but I think I heard that a small number of Sig P230's was made in 32acp. That would be pretty nice.

The Kel-Tek P32 is a great up close and personal pocket pistol. Mine was dirt cheap used in nice condition. It's never given me problems. I wish it actually had sights, instead of just a trough.

KelTec P32

• Tallball
• Jun 11, 2018

There is a decent 32 H&R magnum sub revolver currently being manufactured and widely available, at least on Gunbroker. It's called a Charter Arms Undercoverette. Mine has the normal Charter Arms trigger, which is actually pretty good. I found this used for... IDK, $250ish? Mrs. Tallball keeps it handy if I am out of town. Most of them aren't pink, but she thought it was cute.

Charter Arms 32 Magnum

• Tallball
• Feb 12, 2018

The old S&W i-frames in 32 S&W long were dirt cheap not long ago. IDK if that's still the case, but I would assume so. It's not a popular cartridge (though our local Academy has it sometimes). I got this one for $120-something. As you can see, the finish is a mess, but it's in good shape mechanically. The sights are tiny and the trigger is kind of stiff, but it's fun to shoot. It's from 1915-16.

Smith and Wesson Hand Ejector in 32 S&W long

• Tallball
• Jan 1, 2018

 

[jar]

I might be wrong about this one, but I think I heard that a small number of Sig P230's was made in 32acp. That would be pretty nice.

Yes, there was a Japanese Police contract for P230/32acps and they also had a safety in addition to the hammer decocker. Every once in awhile I see one for sale and there were a few over-runs that were released by Sig a decade or so ago but I've yet to find one that I might afford.

 

[jstert]

with more persons of a wide variety of ages and physical abilities seeking ccw permits, gun makers should make the market for 32acp. every current mainstream 380acp pocket semi auto, e.g. ruger lcp, taurus spectrum, s&w bodyguard, etc., could be attractively useful in 32acp as well. no caliber war necessary here, the key is lawfully arming more peaceable folks who are more likely to be prey but who are put off by a higher recoiling pieces. as it stands now there is way too little choice between 22lr and 380acp in defense handguns.

 

[ThomasT]

I really don't know if there is any .32 semi pistol that would ever light the market on fire for more of them. I feel that gun is the LCP II with its better trigger, decent sights, and lower recoil. Larger size .32's, even if Ruger made a Mark IV in the caliber, I'm not sure would sell as I don't know if bullseye or competition shooters are looking for a low recoil pistol that's more reliable than .22 and has more power too.

I said in another thread that I wish Taurus would have made the TCP in 32acp. I found a used one on GB a couple of months ago of course in 380 and I am glad I have it but it would be much more pleasant to shoot if it were a 32 instead of a 380. For a cartridge at this power level that gun is tough to shoot. An LCP in 32acp would be great. But it won't ever happen. But if they did I bet Ruger couldn't make them fast enough.

And a Ruger auto in 32 based on the MK series guns, now your'e talking. I thought I was the only person who had ever thought of that.

 

[cluttonfred]

Lots of good idea here! It would be easy for Kahr to make a run of .32 ACP variants of their .380 ACP models as well. Something like a "CT32" would be great.

 

[Barr]

Great advertising campaign would be a throwback to the Savage 1907 and “10 shots quick!” Savage would be too expensive to make feature for feature today but a lookalike locked breech in .32 or .380 ACP would sell.

 

[FredWyn]

Didn't a .32 start World War I?