Beretta Tomcat with crimson trace grips. Accurate, reliable, and very concealable
What would be your first choice 32 caliber gun for defense?
- Thread starter Cal44
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I still have my 432PD, which used to be one of many "favorite dog walking guns." It's a nice little revolver, but what I always really wanted was a 2" Model 30-1. Never got one. But there is still time! 
I don't have a .32-caliber autoloader of any kind but wouldn't mind warehousing a PPK, or even a PP or PPKs, if one happened to come along. Just in case, I do have a set of .32 ACP dies and a few hundred pieces of pick-up brass. Just in case…
I don't have a .32-caliber autoloader of any kind but wouldn't mind warehousing a PPK, or even a PP or PPKs, if one happened to come along. Just in case, I do have a set of .32 ACP dies and a few hundred pieces of pick-up brass. Just in case…
AJ
US Veteran
I still have my 432PD, which used to be one of many "favorite dog walking guns." It's a nice little revolver, but what I always really wanted was a 2" Model 30-1. Never got one. But there is still time!
I don't have a .32-caliber autoloader of any kind but wouldn't mind warehousing a PPK, or even a PP or PPKs, if one happened to come along. Just in case, I do have a set of .32 ACP dies and a few hundred pieces of pick-up brass. Just in case…
My Model 30-1 2" with Hogue Grips. Was reamed out to .32 H&R Magnum. Not real pretty, but was a project piece, functions well and the price was right.
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I have several J frame setup for 32 H&R, The alloy ones are ve=ry easy to carry
AJ
US Veteran
Have never seen one in the wild. If I do, I just might own it.
Only 32 is a Seecamp.
max503
Member
IF I was to carry a 32 it would be a modern Charter Arms revolver, because that would be the only affordable option to me.
Marshal Tom
Member
The new Lipsey's 432UC that I just purchased. May well be the best thought out snubby to date.
I still have my 432PD, which used to be one of many "favorite dog walking guns." It's a nice little revolver, but what I always really wanted was a 2" Model 30-1. Never got one. But there is still time!
I don't have a .32-caliber autoloader of any kind but wouldn't mind warehousing a PPK, or even a PP or PPKs, if one happened to come along. Just in case, I do have a set of .32 ACP dies and a few hundred pieces of pick-up brass. Just in case…
Handloading the .32 ACP has a few quirks.
The standard for .32 ACP in the US is to load a .310 or .311 bullet into a case with comparatively thin case walls.
The standard for .32 ACP/7.65 Browning in Europe is to load a .308 or .309 bullet into a case with comparatively thick case walls.
The problems start when you start mixing .311 bullets with European cases and then combine that with a pistol that has a fairly tight chamber.
I've found the FEG AP7 and AP7K pistols (top) have more generous chambers and are not picky about ammo at all. Stuff a .311 or .312 cast bullet in a European case and it'll feed the wasp waisted looking cartridge just fine.
On the other hand the Walther PP pistols below both have very tight chambers and are ammo picky. In order to get reliable feeding in those, I either have to hand sort cases by head stamp, or post size the case.
I do that using a Lee Collet style factory crimp die. They don't make one for .32 ACP but you can use the one made for the 32 S&W long and insert a spacer below the adjustment screw to make it work with the shorter .32 ACP round. In addition to the collet it has a carbide sizing ring at the base.
I run this as a fourth die on the press after using a normal seating die for the bullet. Its sole function is to size the completed round down to minimum dimensions. Practically speaking this means it is also sizing those .311 or .312 bullets in thicker European cases down a couple thousandths of an inch while they are inside the case.
It's by far the easiest approach if you load for a number of .32 ACP pistols.
My second choice behind a Walther PP is the Beretta Model 81 (bottom).
On the plus side it's a 12 + 1 round double stack .32 ACP pistol, it has a better DA trigger than the PP, and the open slide design is extremely reliable.
On the negative side it is large for a .32 ACP pistol which can work against the reason you might want to carry a .32 ACP pistol in the first place.
On the plus side it's a 12 + 1 round double stack .32 ACP pistol, it has a better DA trigger than the PP, and the open slide design is extremely reliable.
On the negative side it is large for a .32 ACP pistol which can work against the reason you might want to carry a .32 ACP pistol in the first place.
Charlie Foxtrott
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Eddie Southgate
Member
My Beretta 81BB .
Even though rather collectible and high dollar to replace, this 632 centennial 32 h&r magnum has had a lot of carry time with me.
Here now, what is all this talk about .32 revolvers? I was taught the only .32 worth having is a semi-auto. My LLAMA works just fine. It is the newer model that looks and handles like a 1911. It fits nicely in several of my small semi-auto holsters, and I can drop in in my pocket, if need be, which is something I've done on occasion.
When walking in the Pa woods I routinely carry a 4in 32-20 k frame and savage 23 sporter or #2rb both in 32-20. They are all loaded with 9gr of 2400 and a 100gr xtp.
Model 15-4ever
Member
That is the newer Colt re-issue circa 2019. US Armament manufactured it under Colt license, since apparently Colt couldn't produce anything that nice.
FYI.... the Model M refers only to the .380 version of the pistol, often called the Model 1908 (to further confuse the issue with the Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket .25 ACP).
Model 15-4ever
Member
Yes. If you know what you are doing, pocket carry of a hammer J frame is not much of an issue.
