32 auto or 380
I would like to know which would be better for a carry pistol,32 auto or 380 I'm leaning towards the 380 but just not sure?
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If you look at ballistic on the two different cartridges there is REALL not much Difference. the 32 is not .320 and the 380 is not.380 in diameter. 0 -
The best carry pistol is one you can shoot the most accurately and operate most easily. If you have the opportunity to test fire the models you're considering that would be the thing to do.
Personally I carry a revolver for reliability. If I happen to get a dud round there's no messing around clearing the gun, you just shoot again.0 -
380... 32 around 130 ft. Lbs of energy / .380 about 200 ft. Lbs of energy better yet 9mm around 350 ft. Lbs of energy 0 -
I carried the Ket-Tec P-32 until they brought out the 3AT.
I like the idea of a bigger diameter bullet.0 -
While bluntly speaking, both rounds are fairly anemic in terms of power, there is a reasonably significant ballistic difference between .32ACP and .380ACP (aka "9mm short").
A typical .32ACP load will put out a 60 grain bullet at 1000 fps for just under 150 ft-lbs of energy.
A typical .380 load will put out a 90 grain bullet at just under the same 1000 fps for roughly 50% more energy.
Plus the heavier and wider 9mm bullet from the .380 will both offer better penetration and punch a larger hole than the smaller lighter 7.65mm .32ACP bullet.
Given that the current crop of small .380 pistols really aren't significantly larger or heavier than typical .32ACP pistols, and given all of these are easily slipped into a pocket, I don't see **ANY** reason to choose a .32 ACP anymore, except maybe that you already have one and are unable or unwilling to get something else.
Note that I agree with Henry here as well. Most of the small automatic pistols (including the Ruger, Kel-Tec, etc) have reliability issues, and the small slides coupled with stiff recoil springs makes it difficult to clear a jam should they malfunction.
An aluminum alloy frame .38 revolver is a good bit bigger than the small .380s and heavier, but its still carryable in a pocket, FAR more reliable, and a good bit more powerful.
So if you're looking for a small carry gun, I'd suggest taking a look at the small revolvers too.0 -
As someone who regularly carries a .32 I will risk the wrath and giggles for carrying a mouse gun and give my opinion that with either of the rounds you mentioned you should go for the platform rather than the round. If the only consideration was power I would carry my .500 S&W. If only reliability were a consideration I might do the same or I might carry a Remington 870 Express. The .32 ACP may be an "anemic round" but I've never had anyone volunteer to be shot with it to see if it hurts. European police carried the caliber as a sidearm for many years as well so ...... !
I prefer the ease of carry of the P32 and have never had any of the "issues" with either of the 3 that I own. I typically carry in a hip pocket. Now, the KelTec P3AT probably isn't significanthly bigger but will have a bit more weight, same story with the PF9 in 9mm. So, I stick with what I'm comfortable with.
I recommend try carrying one for a couple of days and see how easy it is to carry before settling on a caliber.0 -
I carry a P32. When the P3ATs came out, I bought a couple. I still carry the P32. I can shoot, so the caliber doesn't much matter to me.
The .32 is pleasant to shoot. The .380 isn't.
The .32 doesn't require stiff springs, and seems more reliable than the .380.0 -
Just to muddy the water a little more - have you looked at the new generation of micro 9mm parabellum (Luger) pistols? I picked up a Kahr PM-9, it is smaller than my PPK, but with Speer +p 124 grain Gold Dot "Short Barrel" loads it is more formidable than either .32ACP or .380. Surprisingly mild to fire. 0 -
Gold Dot Short Barrel loads?? Never heard of them, what are they? 0
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