What would be your first choice 32 caliber gun for defense?

[Model 15-4ever]

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.

You're right about the differences, I've experienced the same thing in loading .32 Smokeless Rimless. Euro ".32" bullets are usually .308 or .309, and the typical US ".32" bullet is usually .311 or .312 and sized based on revolver bores.

The Hornady 60 grain XTP - discontinued sadly - was .310 and worked in Euro cases. I used to load that in Euro cases no problem. The Hornady 85 grain XTP is .312 and that bulged Euro cases, although I never had a problem with accuracy or functionality in the Colt 1903. I recently have went with the Hornady 90 grain XTP which is .309 and that reloads and fires slick as a goose in the Colt.

I would not use any of the "heavy" bullet loads in any alloy frame .32 Auto, locked-breech or blowback.

I've loaded plenty of Meister 78 grain .312 RNL bullets at standard pressure for practice in Euro cases with narry a problem in either the Colt or the Kel-Tec. On the other hand, the Rimrock 75 grain FPL (used in the Buffalo Bore loads) is bad news in my experience as it will rimlock on occasion due to the short OAL required by the fat ogive on that bullet. If that 75 FPL bullet is loaded longer to avoid rimlock, the chambered round engages the rifling, and also an extracted loaded round will not clear the ejection port.

My reloading process for all of the above is the same as any other cartridge with no special extra steps needed. I do seat and crimp in separate steps but that is normal with the Dillon press. I also use the Lee Factory Crimp die for the crimping operation, as it conforms the loaded round to factory case dimensions in case of bulging.

Finally... I use a .32 ACP case checking die to verify the spec on samples of the loaded practice rounds, and 100% inspection on defensive ammo. It's a good idea on any autopistol ammo.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Seecamp only

If I'm going to carry a .32 it would have to be the exceedingly concealable Seecamp. I have one......but so far I have never carried it.

 

[OutAtTheEdge]

If I had to carry a .32, I guess it would have to be the Ruger SP101 in .327 Fed Mag.

 

[SouthNarc]

I have several 32s but I actually carry the Kel-Tec P32 quite often. Mine has the Innovative Arms upgraded sights that you can actually see.

I also have a 2017 era Beretta 81FS that is a great shooter.

 

[Cal44]

Here is my first carry gun.

31-1 with the two types of Buffalo Bore ammo I used. 100 gr wadcutters and 115 gr rnfp

 

[Hair Trigger]

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).

No, Colt's internal designation for the design was Model M, and the .32 Auto version came 5 years before the .380. There are only three differences between the 1903 .32 and the 1908 .380:
1- barrel bore
2-extractor width (which became the same with the Series II 1903)
3-magazine well width

Changes such as elimination of the barrel bushing, and the magazine disconnect occurred at the same time in the production sequence of both versions and the Types change at the same point.

So, yours is not really a pistol stamped as US Property because it was a military-issued firearm, but as a retro "feature", and it is not an original production?

Mine is a Type V, manufactured in 1944.

 

[SuperMan]

When I can't carry anything else, a KelTec .32...

...when I can carry something else, it isn't a .32.

The S&W 631 3" or SP101 3" in .327 are the only two I would consider carrying...

Bob

 

[raljr1]

Since I just bought this one and it is chambered for 32 H&R magnum, I guess this would be the one. Or Uncle Joe's 1903 Colt.

 

[gnb]

LCR .327. Great trigger ootb, 17 oz, 6 rounds of your choice of 4 flavors of .32. Its my EDC in a pocket holster and I have no complaints.

 

[Echo40]

Walther PPK/S.

Granted this one was made by Smith & Wesson and chambered in .380 ACP, but if I were going to carry a .32 Caliber Pistol, then I'd choose a Walther PPK/S.

 

[murphydog]

I know this was meant to be a revolver-centric thread but the .30 Super Carry option is pretty good, for a larger handgun.

 

[mtgianni]

CA Professional 7 shot 32 H&R. Reload would be a second one.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Skeeter Skelton wrote that he was introduced to the 32-20 by a cowboy he called "Print Reed"-"Don't kick as much as a 38."

 

[Sistema1927]

I guess that since it has been in my pocket everyday since I bought it, carried securely in an Alabama Pocket Holster, that my choice would be the 432UC.

 

[31FordA]

I'd pick the .32 I already use, the KelTec P-32. I've carried one for almost 25 years.

 

[JMD999]

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.

I agree here's his " little brother" . Nice 3"!

 

[Model 15-4ever]

So, yours is not really a pistol stamped as US Property because it was a military-issued firearm, but as a retro "feature", and it is not an original production?

Mine is a Type V, manufactured in 1944.

All of the recent Colt re-issue series are stamped in that manner, but of course you knew that.

Did you get an archive letter on your Type V? I may do that for my 1928 Type IV.

 

[T-STAR]

My choices would be my Colt Model M or my Colt Detective Special in .32 New Police, AKA 32 S&W Long.

 

[Walter Rego]

If I was not to carry a revolver, count me in as another one who would choose a Seecamp. Especially over any of the polymer .32 autos.

I was all ready to purchase a Seecamp .32 thinking it would make a good pocket carry/deep concealment pistol until I found out my CCW issuing agency disallows any caliber smaller than a .380. And I understand the .380 Seecamps are no fun to shoot. I already have a Mauser HSc that pounds the web of my hand after a magazine or two full.

 

[Bastogne71]

Model 631 32 Magnum. A two inch in the pocket and a four inch on the belt.