Kel Tec p32 problem

[351 WINCHESTER]

This is just a heads up for k/t owners. I took my p32 out to give to my wife and it would not chamber a round. I noticed the firing pin was stuck forward. I took it apart and the hammer had peened the back of the firing pin to the extent that it was hanging up inside the channel. I took off the offending metal and for now the gun is back up and running.

I have had this pistol for a long time and it's been shot close to a thousands rounds if not more.

Just something to keep in the back of your mind if you own a k/t pistol.

 

[Onward Allusion]

Yup. KT P32's are not made for those types of round counts. I had one where the metal was peening on the inside rear of the slide. It would lock the slide back and would take great force (like slamming the slide against a counter) to get it dislodged. After dremeling clean the peening, it ran fine. KT's are fine guns as long as you set your expectations correctly; carried a lot but shot sparingly. Once you get a KT running flawlessly, it's time to carry it 99% of the time and bring it out to shoot a mag or two every couple of months. I know. I've had 8 of them and sold only the one from this post.

 

[MedWheeler]

Thanks for sharing. I carry one that has likely only seen maybe 250-300 rounds. I don't carry it much, just while traveling to and from my no-carry job site. But, I do carry another Kel-Tec (PF9) at other times.

Oh, yeah, I just remembered that a recent uniform change that now requires tucked-in shirts at my once-per-week pizza delivery gig has relegated the PF9 to console duty, and the P32 now rides front pocket during that detail, too.

I'll keep an eye on them.

 

[Willie Sutton]

Noting that sending it to KT and waiting a week or two will result in a newly overhauled example at no cost to you.


Willie

.

 

[jonnyc]

The peening and firing-pin problem could both also be the result of worn springs. These little pistols need regular maintenance and spring replacement.

 

[kokapelli]

I have a P3AT that had well over 3000 rounds through it before one of the frame rails finally failed and the only thing I ever did is occasionally replace the recoil spring.

I sent the pistol back to KT and they sent a brand new pistol at no cost, so my experience with KT has been very positive.

 

[Snowdog]

My P32 is one of those "shoot little, carry a lot" for me. With FMJ, it is absolutely reliable but I admit that it hasn't seen too many rounds. Definitely less than 500 total. I only carry it when doing yard work such as mowing.
It's an early model with the internal extractor, serial 014xx. I shot at a fox trotting towards me years ago during an outbreak of rabies. The single shot missed, but sent the critter running in the opposite direction. I've made a habit of sticking it in my right front pocket before mowing ever since.

I could use more range time with it, but it seems to be fine in the accuracy department when perforating paper.

 

[gazpacho]

I have an early P32 that is still stock, with over 3000 rounds through it. Still works fine. I have read testimonies of guns with over 5000 rounds.

I no longer carry it, as I have 380 and 9mm choices that I now prefer.

Still, I have kept the P32 as it has been such a reliable firearm.