Full-size 32 ACP

[Bergara-man]

Hello,

I did read this thread about someone looking for a full-size 32 ACP autoloader :

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/mid-to-full-size-guns-in-32-acp.733696/

Some are looking for a full-size 32 ACP, and I am too. So I did some research and found in the Tanfoglio 2019 Catalog on page 36/37 a full-size version of the FT 7 and FT 9. The FT 7 FS:



http://www.tanfoglio.it/pdf/Tanfoglio_2019.pdf

From what I understand the FT 7 FS is the 32 ACP and the FT 9 FS is the .380 version.
They exists in shorter barrel versions, and a reduced size gun also.

These are polymer frame, steel slide, and 17 rounds mag available on the 32 ACP version.

Barrel is 4.64" long and the entire gun is 8.18" long. Weight 860 grams (30.3 ounce).

Not sure if these are available in the U.S, I see there is this EEA website, but the FT 7/9 i not listed in their catalog. I hope I can get hold of one here in Norway. Only thing I would like to see is barrel threads for a suppressor. But it should be possible to make a barrel adapter to extend the barrel with a threaded part. With a fixed barrel (not moving backwards during cycling) one does not need the spring-piston recoil system (Nielsen device) in the suppressor. It should be a nice gun too shot I think, with less recoil than the 9mm.

 

[Monac]

Yes, it will have far less recoil than a 9mm Parabellum verison of the same pistol. But if that's what you want, why not get a 22 rimfire pistol? If you just want one because you like the idea of it, I will not argue with you, because I have one myself. It's a Benelli B77 from about 40 to 45 years ago:

Beretta and Bernardelli also made 7.65mm Browning target pistols on somewhat smaller frames, but they are long out of production too.

 

[Bergara-man]

OK, I already have a 22LR pistol, the Grand Power K-22 X-Trim. It is a nice gun also, with a small suppressor it is really fun to shoot.



But, the 32 ACP is right in the middle of the 22LR and the 9mm, so it would be interesting to have one.

The 9mm I have (CZ Shadow 1) is plagued with the suppressor coming loose after a magazine or two, the IGB factory barrel threads are so loose that the suppressor just want stay firmly on. The cyckling is so violent in the 9mm, and the barrel is tilted down in the rear, it all happens lightning fast, so the bending forces on the suppressor is huge. The suppressor is the A-TEC PMM-6. Threads are 1/2-28 UNEF. I will try with a new extended barrel without threads, and have a gunsmith make the threads really tight. Maybe that will solve the problem.

I have to use a suppressor an all guns I have, bacause I have severe Tinnitus and Hyperacusis, but actually not any significant hearing loss (age 52). My hearing was tested in 2017, and I had only slight reduced hearing above 4000 Hz (4000-8000 Hz), 15dB down on the right ear at 4000 and 6300Hz, and 30dB down on my left ear at 6300 and 8000 Hz. But even with foam earplugs deeply inserted and huge earmuffs it still hurts like being stabbed with a knife when I hear a pistol shot or rifle shot unsuppressed. Hyperacusis is really strange, in my case it comes from sleep apnea and neck wear/injury, nothing I can do about it. It really has hampered my sports shooting ability, actually it is almost completely destroyed. But if I use a good suppressor I can still shoot without any problems (with huge earmuffs on of course). But I can no longer stand beside another shooter that does not use a suppressor. Anyway, shooting is such fun I want give it up at this time at least.....

 

[TTv2]

Yes, it will have far less recoil than a 9mm Parabellum verison of the same pistol. But if that's what you want, why not get a 22 rimfire pistol?

Because the .32 is a much larger bullet than .22 LR and more reliable not just because it's centerfire, but it's not a heeled bullet so feeding is more trustworthy and it's a cleaner ammo.

It's also reloadable, which is very nice because I can make the ammo for 10 cents a round using plated bullets.

Beretta and Bernardelli also made 7.65mm Browning target pistols on somewhat smaller frames, but they are long out of production too.

Dunno about the Bernadelli, but the Beretta was a long barrel version of the Model 70 and was built solely to get enough points to be imported. It was never meant to be what was.

 

[Tallball]

There are a few medium-sized 32acp pistols that might not be too hard to find.

The most obvious is the Beretta Model 81. It's a double-stack that holds about a dozen rounds. A large batch of surplus ones hit the US a year or two ago.

I think the CZ83 is slightly larger. Some were made in 32acp.

Taurus made a limited number of PT-111's in 32acp. They are DAO.

None of these are "full-sized" pistols, but they are at least "belt-sized" pistols, instead of pocket pistols like most 32's.

Beretta Model 81 32acp

• Tallball
• Aug 22, 2019

Taurus Model PT132

• Tallball
• Sep 20, 2018

 

[toivo]

The most obvious is the Beretta Model 81. It's a double-stack that holds about a dozen rounds. A large batch of surplus ones hit the US a year or two ago.

I think the CZ83 is slightly larger. Some were made in 32acp.

They're pretty close to the same size. I have the CZ, and it's a really nice pistol. Not quite as soft shooting as you might think, being straight blowbaçk, but softer than its .380 or 9mm Mak cousins. Good luck finding one, though.

 

[film495]

I have a CZ-70, all steel so kind of heavy for the size, the recoil is way more lively than a .22, and more fun to shoot than a .22 IMHO - and I reload for it if I can find the cases, wich seem to vanish at about a 50% ratio. If I was to get another .32 ACP it would probably be one of the surplus Berettas that have been on the market, which I think is a little larger and holds more rounds. CZ-70 is 8+1

 

[Walkalong]

Some are looking for a full-size 32 ACP, and I am too. So I did some research and found in the Tanfoglio 2019 Catalog on page 36/37 a full-size version of the FT 7 and FT 9. The FT 7 FS:.........From what I understand the FT 7 FS is the 32 ACP and the FT 9 FS is the .380 version....

If that exists, I want one.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Very interesting!

... and highly upsetting to 9mm or bust club.

 

[jar]

Among the larger near modern full size 31acps are the mentioned Beretta 81s but also the Savage 1917 series and Colt Pocket Hammerless series. The JP Sauer 38h, Beretta 70, Bernardelli Model 1948 Brevetta or the Walther PP also feel full size compared to most of the smaller 32acps of the period.

 

[Bergara-man]

I guess, in the U.S one could ask EEA (https://eaacorp.com/) or IFG (http://www.italianfirearmsgroup.com/ftitalia/) if they would import this model.
The pistols named "Defiant" on the IFG site is identical to the Tanfoglio models (Stock etc.).

 

[KevininPa]

I wish Bersa still had their Thunder 32 in production.

 

[toivo]

I wish Bersa still had their Thunder 32 in production.

I've got one of those too. From what I understand, they're still in production -- just not being imported into the US.

 

[Bergara-man]

A video of the Full-size FT9 FS (the .380 version) is here :



Seems like a nice gun. Double and Single Action.

 

[KevininPa]

I've got one of those too. From what I understand, they're still in production -- just not being imported into the US.

Take it for what it's worth but Wikipedia says that production has been discontinued on those since 2012.

 

[5-SHOTS]

http://www.tanfoglio.it/catalogo/defence/ft-79-fr.html

http://www.tanfoglio.it/catalogo/defence/ft-79-fscarry.html

 

[Bergara-man]

The FT 7 FS model is listed on the Tanfoglio website under "Defence & Law enforcement" models (as 5-SHOTS linked to above). I think I will send an e-mail to Tanfoglio directly and ask about factory threaded barrel possibility.

 

[chicharrones]

I wish Bersa still had their Thunder 32 in production.

Probably a good thing it's not readily available as I'd get one. I guess my Bersa .22 will have to suffice for now.

 

[lincen]

This is as close as I can get to full size newer 32acp’s.
CZ83 just bought this year,
Bersa/Firestorm bought about 4 years ago for $200,
Beretta 81FS bought new in the box for a price so high that I could have bought three of the Beretta 81 imports ! I did get two of those also.

One not pictured is a Sig P230 in 32 acp, after the CZ and Beretta, it is my favorite to shoot. Also have a Beretta model 100 with the 5.9” barrel and it is a keeper for sure.

 

[Jimbo80]

At a little more than $200 the surplus 81s were a fantastic deal. I got an 81 and an 81BB. Can't go wrong with one IMO.

 

[toivo]

Take it for what it's worth but Wikipedia says that production has been discontinued on those since 2012.

Thanks -- I stand corrected. I think my info might have been based on the fact that they stopped exporting them to the US before they actually stopped producing them.

 

[Bergara-man]

32 ACP Ammo:

Here in Norway I can at least get hold of some 32 ACP ammo from the local supplier. Sellier & Bellot 73 grains FMJ, Magtech 71 FMJ, PPU Prvi Partizan 71 FMJ and Federal American Eagle 65 grains FMJ. I'm sure you over in the US has a lot more options. I found several 60 grains JHP ammo types (Federal Hydra-shoc 65, Speer Gold-dot 60 grains, Winchester Silvertip etc). During this 2020 Covid-period many suppliers are almost empty with ammo over here.... even 22LR is harder to get, mainly CCI Std and RWS ammo is available here now.....

As for a suppressor on a 32 ACP I can't find much specially made for that caliber, but I guess one can use a .30 suppressor. Problem is that most of these are too large in diameter.....and too heavy. I would like to see a suppressor with not so large diameter, so one can see the sights above the suppressor, but I guess I will have to install a much higher front sight, and of course one need a adjustable rear sight for elevation. But does anyone know about some specially suppressors made for 32 ACP pistols ? Preferably around 1.2" diameter or so....

There is a 22 WMR/17 HMR suppressor made here in Norway (diameter 1.2" and length 7"), I will ask the factory if this will manage the 32ACP muzzle pressure if it is opened up to 0.33". The 22WMR and 17 HMR has pretty high muzzle pressure as well. But I must check with the factory first, I will not take any chanches regarding that.

 

[velocette]

Worthy of consideration is the Zastava M70, .32 acp pistol. Available from surplus dealers at less than $200.00. They come full of cosmoline, are an all steel construction. They're a rugged strong pistol that shoots to point of aim and (mine) is reliable. Photo is of my Springfield Armory 1911 9mm compact, Star BM 9mm, and my Z 70 for size comparisons. A good thing about the .32s is that ammo still available.

 

[chicharrones]

Worthy of consideration is the Zastava M70, .32 acp pistol. Available from surplus dealers at less than $200.00. They come full of cosmoline, are an all steel construction. They're a rugged strong pistol that shoots to point of aim and (mine) is reliable. Photo is of my Springfield Armory 1911 9mm compact, Star BM 9mm, and my Z 70 for size comparisons. A good thing about the .32s is that ammo still available.

Don't tempt me!!!

 

[JERRY]

in a foreign country where the common blue collar man is allowed to carry a pistol for self defense but not in a "military" caliber, a full sized 17 shot .32 acp would be a decent option.