Pocket Pistol Predicament

[461]

Try saying that three times fast.

I'm the kind of guy that likes having guns for every possible need be it either real or imagined. I've had pocket pistols on my mind lately and have been doing a bit of testing and I think I'm on the verge of a decision but I want some input from the peanut gallery (that would be you all)

I've been lucky enough to come by a couple of guns that aren't easy to come by here in our lovely state, I have a Kel-Tec P32 and a Ruger LCP. Both have the same level of accuracy, both are the same basic design and both have shown themselves to be reliable. A .380 and a .32acp are not that far apart either. Basics are a wash so it comes down to a few small issues. I only need one and will probably sell the other to fund other projects, so help me out.

The LCP is a tad larger than the P32 but both do fit the same holster although you know which one you are carrying, there is also a slight weight difference in favor of the P32.

The LCP has a manual slide lock which is a big help in case of a jam, but it does not have last shot hold open. The P32 has last shot hold open but no manual slide lock.

The LCP is much snappier than the P32 in firing but is not a real issue.

The P32 (and all .32acp's) have a potential for rimlock but it hasn't shown itself an issue in this gun so far.

So what factors am I not looking at that matter? What choice do you make and why.

[Greg-Dawg]

I've been lucky enough to come by a couple of guns that aren't easy to come by here in our lovely state...

So what factors am I not looking at that matter? What choice do you make and why.

1. Legality: Are those legal to own in our lovely state.
2. Antoher legality...CCW: Do you have a permit to carry it in your pocket?

[Quiet]

I've own a 1st gen Kel-Tec P-32 for about the last 6-7 years now.
I pocket carry it whenever I'm in NV & AZ.
So far, it's been good to me and have had no major issues (had one minor issue, was experiencing FTF with my 10 round magazine, sent Kel-Tec an email, they sent me a replacement magazine spring for free and that solved the problem).
I also have yet to experience the rimlock issue.

I aquired the Kel-Tec P-32 a few years before the Kel-Tec P-3AT had come out and I had found a good deal on it (friend of LEO friend selling it with 3 mags & 3 holsters for $300).
After the P-3AT was released, I did have soem buyers remoarse since I feel that the .32ACP is the bare minimum for self-defense and a .380ACP provides slightly more power.
However, I have since handled the Kel-Tec P-3AT and Ruger LCP in NV and I felt it's not that much of an upgrade to justify the cost of switching from the P-32.

I do want to check out the Kahr Arms P-380 (if it ever gets released) as a possible replacement for the P-32.

[jazman]

From what I see on the Ruger Forum (so, consider the source) a number of folks there bought the LCP and got rid of their Kel-Tecs when they did, commenting on how much better the Ruger is made. If you can get or have them both, shoot them both a lot and keep the most reliable and one you like/feel best.

[461]

These guns are completely legal, I don't carry so it's a non issue. I own and have shot both guns to determine reliability. My issue is completely on the guns only, not any legal issues.

[redcliff]

Personally I would prefer the .380 over the 32acp. so I'd go with the LCP as long as reliability is equal and size and weight is very close.

[oghl888]

I heard the the Ruger was designed for a few thousand rounds only. Is that ture?

[redcliff]

Many sub-compact carry guns aren't designed for extensive shooting. The manufacturer expects you shoot it to break it in and get familiarity then shoot it sparingly after that.

Assuming you shot 300 rounds to break it in and a box of ammo a year through it after that it would take you 54 years to get to the 3000 round mark. Not a bad lifespan for such a compact, light weight pistol.

[461]

That's exactly the way I look at them. They're not bad to shoot but also not a lot of fun so the round counts will stay low. A few hundred break in rounds and then a few mags full every now and again at the range.

[MFortie]

How would a H&K 4 compare to the Keltec and the Ruger?

[paul0660]

Need to figure out which pocket pistol, and don't carry.............so you are talking about at home or work................?

[ZombieKiller]

G26 baby......and yes I saw- it wasn't on his list. Go LCP.....Gun Tests liked it..

[saki302]

I'd take .380 over .32 any day. If it seems like it kicks much harder, you're defintiely pumping that same difference in energy into the other guy

I personally still think my P3AT hardly kicks- maybe it's just me? I find it much more pleasant than my PPK. My seecamp seems to have almost no recoil to me... probably all depends how it fits your hands.

As for the HK4- nice gun for sure, but definitely not a pocket gun.. neither is a PPK for that matter.

-Dave

[ojisan]

I own the early P-32, which seem to be better made than the later 2nd gen 32s and 380s from what I have researched.
My early P32 has been 100% reliable. No rimlock or any other problems at all.
Yes the attraction of 380 is there, but it was not enough to get me to buy a P3AT when I could. I might buy either or both P3AT or LCP if we could, just because we can't anymore.
Smallest package / hail of small bullets / best reliability: The original P32. I would find a way to keep them both if possible. Or, I will buy either from you.

[packnrat]

i am happy with my kahr pm9
and i am not a fan of the blunder 9.

just a comprise between not having a gun and a .45 cal.

spare mags are (OUCH) pricey.




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