Kel-Tec P32

Consort · May 15, 2013, 02:35 PM

I have a Kel-Tec P32 that I pocket carry as a BUG. The slide used to lock back on an empty magazine, but it doesn't any longer. I've experimented with different mags....same result. Any ideas??

Old_Dog · May 15, 2013, 03:30 PM

Yes, buy a better gun next time. There is a reason why so many say that you get what you pay for. That especially applies to complex mechanical things like guns. You can send it back as Kel-tec gives you a lifetime warranty because they could not sell their guns otherwise.

Seriously, when your life is at stake, you should not skimp. Just something I learned over 4 decades of using a gun.

Jacobie · May 15, 2013, 03:37 PM

So old dog, what problems have you personally had with your p32? I have owned a number of them with no problems.

Consort · May 15, 2013, 03:43 PM

Old Dog - I appreciate your reply. Please note that this particular pistol is reponsible for me being here today as it enabled me to neutralize an attacker when my duty weapon, a .40 Sig-Sauer 226 DAK, malfunctioned. Kel-Tec quality might be suspect in your eyes, but I am appreciative of the little P-32 and so are my wife and two daughters.

Dan-O · May 15, 2013, 05:22 PM

Guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

My guess would be a weak slide stop spring part #284 on the schematic. Call KT customer service. They should send you a replacement for free. Might want to tell them what is happening to see if they concur. Guess it could also be a weak mag spring, or a deformed follower too. Im guessing it is a weak slide stop spring though. Or the gun just needs a good deep cleaning (detail strip) as lint might have found it's way in there and bunched things up.

Nathan · May 15, 2013, 06:35 PM

I too like my KelTec P32. It is too bad when Internet negativity flows like that. Mine runs fine. Sounds like Dan-0 found a solution.

PT-92 · May 15, 2013, 08:03 PM

Looks like there's no bark left to that "old dog.'

Consort · May 15, 2013, 09:30 PM

Thanks Dan-O. I will check that spring. I'll weigh in later and let you now what I learn.

Jacobie · May 15, 2013, 10:19 PM

Nathan, I to like kt, except for the .380. I have owned one and always had problems, but I will chalk it up to user error.

To the other guy, glad to hear your p32 saved you.

PT-92 · May 15, 2013, 10:42 PM

BTW, I have a couple of P11's which I regard as one of the best options available for a compact Hi-Cap 9mm (10-15 rounds depending on choice of Mag as it will accept the S&W 59 mag)--they have been rock solid going on ten years now with K's fired via one and not quite 1K through the other (I like to buy two of the same CCW so I can shoot the utter crap out of one while making sure the other remains reliable [just my own deal]).

I also have the Sub 2K (a couple) which is about the most practical carbine I have ever owned (literally can fold it up and carry it in a briefcase).

Point is that for a "small" company (relatively speaking) they have brought some revolutionary products to market (look at the compact .380 craze that started with Kel-Tec quickly to be copied by others) and now the most recent example, namely, the KSG beast of a shotgun which I have had the good fortune of shooting (but not owning one yet as I am tapped out at the moment).

They have announced that they are upgrading their facilities as we all KNOW they have a major production problem (as far as meeting demand) and it predates the panic which has only exacerbated the problem.

RJay · May 15, 2013, 10:57 PM

Yes, there is a small spring in the receiver that locks the slide. It has been known to work loose and or break. Call or E-Mail Kel-Tec and they will send you a new spring kit, no questions asked. Easy job to do. On such a small gun I don't feel the hold open latch serves much purpose, I've been thinking of disconnecting mine, just too lazy to do so. In reference to Kel-Tec quality, odd, I've had mine for several years and I'm quite pleased with it. I have my choice of carry weapons, Colts, S&Ws, even a couple of Rugers. So yes, you get what you pay for and I'm quite pleased with my little P-32. It is light, reliable and is the gun that slips into my pocket most of the time instead of a 36 ounce .45. I also have a NAA Guardian but that is also a little chunk of steel to be carrying around. Just my 2 cents and I have a few more pennies.

Sid · May 16, 2013, 04:04 PM

Keltec is not a "small" company. It is now the third largest manufacturer of handguns in this country. Their products are innovative and give good value for the money. I am on my second P32 and have shot thousands of handloads through it without a problem. The small size, reliability and lightweight make it easy to just slip into my pocket. That is the reason it is so popular.

sgms · May 16, 2013, 09:07 PM

With you on the P-11 PT92. Retired my P32 when I got one of the P-11's, Hard on the hands but one of the smallest high cap. 9's out there.

PT-92 · May 16, 2013, 09:56 PM

Quote:

With you on the P-11 PT92. Retired my P32 when I got one of the P-11's, Hard on the hands but one of the smallest high cap. 9's out there.

sgms,

You are spot on with that--IMO (and it appears your's as well as many P11 owners I should think) the P11 is designed to be a marvelous tool for the role of SD/HD/CCW, but a "fun day at the range gun" it is not

. Personally, I practice with it frequently enough that I am totally comfortable and confident should the need ever arise that I have to deploy it in SD (of course, that comfort level is subjective and may/will vary from one individual to another).

But for other shooting occasions, be it either plinking, range or competitive, I have other much more forgiving models (A few weeks back I finished firing about 75 rounds of both cheap 115gr bulk and hot 135gr Critical Duty via the P11 and then switched over to my SIG 1911-22 and it literally felt like I was shooting BB's).

sgms · May 16, 2013, 11:51 PM

PT-92, you added a great deal of detail and all of it correct.

michael t · May 16, 2013, 11:55 PM

Theirs 3 are P-32's for the gals and I have a PF-9 and a P3AT

Last daughter is wait for her CCW to come in mail. She wants a P3AT . All of these KT have served well and never had any problems .

bonefamily · May 17, 2013, 12:11 AM

The P-32 is a great pistol - one of their best, IMO

franco45 · May 17, 2013, 07:06 PM

Carry mine as a bug daily and as primary when at the gym. 100% since day one. Old Dog, I too am curious about your personal experience with Kel-Tec's and especially the P32.

Consort · May 17, 2013, 09:07 PM

I contacted Kel-Tec and a new spring is on its way; I'll keep you posted.

Te Anau · May 19, 2013, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Yes, buy a better gun next time.

Geez.....

Terry A · May 19, 2013, 11:10 PM

My wife's P32 worked great, except for Herters ammo. But that's got to be one of the worst ammo brand s around.

We sold it and got her a S&W Bodyguard after she shot several hundred rounds thru it. Her friend who bought the P32 never had any complaints with it either.

JasonJ · May 20, 2013, 08:27 AM

Strange, as the Herter's brand ammo is made by S&B, one of the better manufacturers of 32acp.. in fact I use S&B 7.62x54r as my ammo of choice in my Mosin Nagant for deer hunting.

but.. every guns different..

May 15, 2013, 02:35 PM	#1
Consort Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2011 Posts: 134	Kel-Tec P32 I have a Kel-Tec P32 that I pocket carry as a BUG. The slide used to lock back on an empty magazine, but it doesn't any longer. I've experimented with different mags....same result. Any ideas??

May 15, 2013, 03:30 PM	#2
Old_Dog Member Join Date: May 6, 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 62	Yes, buy a better gun next time. There is a reason why so many say that you get what you pay for. That especially applies to complex mechanical things like guns. You can send it back as Kel-tec gives you a lifetime warranty because they could not sell their guns otherwise. Seriously, when your life is at stake, you should not skimp. Just something I learned over 4 decades of using a gun.

May 15, 2013, 03:37 PM	#3
Jacobie Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2005 Location: Ky Posts: 325	So old dog, what problems have you personally had with your p32? I have owned a number of them with no problems.

May 15, 2013, 03:43 PM	#4
Consort Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2011 Posts: 134	Old Dog - I appreciate your reply. Please note that this particular pistol is reponsible for me being here today as it enabled me to neutralize an attacker when my duty weapon, a .40 Sig-Sauer 226 DAK, malfunctioned. Kel-Tec quality might be suspect in your eyes, but I am appreciative of the little P-32 and so are my wife and two daughters.

May 15, 2013, 05:22 PM	#5
Dan-O Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 2011 Location: Northern Colorado Posts: 969	Guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks. My guess would be a weak slide stop spring part #284 on the schematic. Call KT customer service. They should send you a replacement for free. Might want to tell them what is happening to see if they concur. Guess it could also be a weak mag spring, or a deformed follower too. Im guessing it is a weak slide stop spring though. Or the gun just needs a good deep cleaning (detail strip) as lint might have found it's way in there and bunched things up.

May 15, 2013, 06:35 PM	#6
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,825	I too like my KelTec P32. It is too bad when Internet negativity flows like that. Mine runs fine. Sounds like Dan-0 found a solution.

May 15, 2013, 08:03 PM	#7
PT-92 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2007 Location: "Undisclosed Bunker" Posts: 1,464	Looks like there's no bark left to that "old dog.'

May 15, 2013, 09:30 PM	#8
Consort Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2011 Posts: 134	Thanks Dan-O. I will check that spring. I'll weigh in later and let you now what I learn.

May 15, 2013, 10:19 PM	#9
Jacobie Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2005 Location: Ky Posts: 325	Nathan, I to like kt, except for the .380. I have owned one and always had problems, but I will chalk it up to user error. To the other guy, glad to hear your p32 saved you.

May 15, 2013, 10:42 PM	#10
PT-92 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2007 Location: "Undisclosed Bunker" Posts: 1,464	BTW, I have a couple of P11's which I regard as one of the best options available for a compact Hi-Cap 9mm (10-15 rounds depending on choice of Mag as it will accept the S&W 59 mag)--they have been rock solid going on ten years now with K's fired via one and not quite 1K through the other (I like to buy two of the same CCW so I can shoot the utter crap out of one while making sure the other remains reliable [just my own deal]). I also have the Sub 2K (a couple) which is about the most practical carbine I have ever owned (literally can fold it up and carry it in a briefcase). Point is that for a "small" company (relatively speaking) they have brought some revolutionary products to market (look at the compact .380 craze that started with Kel-Tec quickly to be copied by others) and now the most recent example, namely, the KSG beast of a shotgun which I have had the good fortune of shooting (but not owning one yet as I am tapped out at the moment). They have announced that they are upgrading their facilities as we all KNOW they have a major production problem (as far as meeting demand) and it predates the panic which has only exacerbated the problem.

May 15, 2013, 10:57 PM	#11
RJay Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,936	Yes, there is a small spring in the receiver that locks the slide. It has been known to work loose and or break. Call or E-Mail Kel-Tec and they will send you a new spring kit, no questions asked. Easy job to do. On such a small gun I don't feel the hold open latch serves much purpose, I've been thinking of disconnecting mine, just too lazy to do so. In reference to Kel-Tec quality, odd, I've had mine for several years and I'm quite pleased with it. I have my choice of carry weapons, Colts, S&Ws, even a couple of Rugers. So yes, you get what you pay for and I'm quite pleased with my little P-32. It is light, reliable and is the gun that slips into my pocket most of the time instead of a 36 ounce .45. I also have a NAA Guardian but that is also a little chunk of steel to be carrying around. Just my 2 cents and I have a few more pennies.

May 16, 2013, 04:04 PM	#12
Sid Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2009 Posts: 362	Keltec is not a "small" company. It is now the third largest manufacturer of handguns in this country. Their products are innovative and give good value for the money. I am on my second P32 and have shot thousands of handloads through it without a problem. The small size, reliability and lightweight make it easy to just slip into my pocket. That is the reason it is so popular.

May 16, 2013, 09:07 PM	#13
sgms Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2010 Location: Arizona or Ohio depending Posts: 1,021	With you on the P-11 PT92. Retired my P32 when I got one of the P-11's, Hard on the hands but one of the smallest high cap. 9's out there.

May 16, 2013, 11:51 PM	#15
sgms Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2010 Location: Arizona or Ohio depending Posts: 1,021	PT-92, you added a great deal of detail and all of it correct.

May 16, 2013, 11:55 PM	#16
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 4,044	Theirs 3 are P-32's for the gals and I have a PF-9 and a P3AT Last daughter is wait for her CCW to come in mail. She wants a P3AT . All of these KT have served well and never had any problems .

May 17, 2013, 12:11 AM	#17
bonefamily Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2012 Location: central Ohio Posts: 304	The P-32 is a great pistol - one of their best, IMO

May 17, 2013, 07:06 PM	#18
franco45 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2010 Location: Toledo Ohio Posts: 475	Carry mine as a bug daily and as primary when at the gym. 100% since day one. Old Dog, I too am curious about your personal experience with Kel-Tec's and especially the P32.

May 17, 2013, 09:07 PM	#19
Consort Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2011 Posts: 134	I contacted Kel-Tec and a new spring is on its way; I'll keep you posted.

May 19, 2013, 11:10 PM	#21
Terry A Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2008 Location: Washington, Pa Posts: 764	My wife's P32 worked great, except for Herters ammo. But that's got to be one of the worst ammo brand s around. We sold it and got her a S&W Bodyguard after she shot several hundred rounds thru it. Her friend who bought the P32 never had any complaints with it either.

May 20, 2013, 08:27 AM	#22
JasonJ Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2007 Posts: 151	Strange, as the Herter's brand ammo is made by S&B, one of the better manufacturers of 32acp.. in fact I use S&B 7.62x54r as my ammo of choice in my Mosin Nagant for deer hunting. but.. every guns different..