I have a confession to make about .32 ACP

Rothdel · February 7, 2018, 11:38 AM

I love the stupid things. I don't know why. I don't carry one but I have developed an all encompassing passion to collect all things .32.

This started after receiving my C&R license. I simply did not realize the shear number of 32 auto firearms there were out there and the history and variation in this caliber. Even Modern firearms are interesting to me in this caliber. Also the ability to fire 32 in some 32 H&R and 327 federal revolvers is exciting.

To Date I have picked up:

FN 1922
Mauser 1914
Ortgies
CZ 50
Seecamp

Then several ruger 327 revolvers.

what else am I missing that I should be looking at?

HighValleyRanch · February 7, 2018, 11:51 AM

Savage 1907, J.P. Sauer 1913, Walther PP series

carguychris · February 7, 2018, 12:10 PM

Beretta 1935 aka 935, 70, 81/82. The company recently imported a batch of 81FS pistols for the first time since ~1996, so if you want one, you better snatch one up.

Some interesting Beretta .32 rarities are the 70T, 74A, and 100, which are long-barrel post-GCA "target" versions of the 70, and the 90, an uncommon Walther PP competitor that was built at an ultimately unsuccessful new plant in Rome (the slides are marked ARMI ROMA rather than the familiar GARDONE V.T.) and that looks remarkably similar to the SIG P230/232.

Other relatively common vintage .32s are the Remington Model 51, J.P. Sauer 38H, and Mauser 1910, 1914, 1934, and HSc. Newer interesting .32s include the SIG P230 (uncommon in this caliber), HK HK4 (offered in rare and usually pricey 4-caliber sets!), and Bersa Thunder; the latter isn't regularly cataloged in .32 but batches of them have been imported and can be found on the used market.

arquebus357 · February 7, 2018, 12:39 PM

What ???

Nobody mentions the ultimate skinny carry piece, the Kel Tec P32 ? I love this little gun. I know, not much smaller than the Ruger .380 LCP. It is a lot slicker in my opinion.

JERRYS. · February 7, 2018, 01:14 PM

I like the .32 anything. id gladly trade my Sig P232 .380acp for something similar in .32acp

Cheapshooter · February 7, 2018, 01:40 PM

My first C&R purchase was a Walther-Manhurin PP in 32acp. I also have a CZ 50, and a Kel-Tec P32.
Many years ago I had a Mauser 1914, and sincerly wish I would have had my #1 rule when I foolishly sold it.

carguychris · February 7, 2018, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JERRYS.

id gladly trade my Sig P232 .380acp for something similar in .32acp

P230. See my earlier post. Glad I could help.

Armybrat · February 7, 2018, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arquebus357

What ???

Nobody mentions the ultimate skinny carry piece, the Kel Tec P32 ? I love this little gun. I know, not much smaller than the Ruger .380 LCP. It is a lot slicker in my opinion.

Had a very early 1st Gen P32 with hard chrome slide. Never had a problem or a failure with the tiny thing. I regret trading it off several years ago.

lifesizepotato · February 7, 2018, 02:14 PM

Hardly a confession. I'd go as far to say that most serious gun connoisseurs have a soft spot, if not outright affinity for, the old 32acp.

My two favorites are the HK P7K3 and Benelli B77, if you're looking for suggestions on something modern and interesting.

fredvon4 · February 7, 2018, 02:23 PM

As a soldier stationed in Germany I imported into the USA 2 Walther PPK 32s I got at a close out sale in Rod N Gun clubs that were closing in droves during a big draw down of forces in the 90s

Wish I had bought all 6 they had... $125 each....dang

BeornLS · February 7, 2018, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arquebus357

What ???

Nobody mentions the ultimate skinny carry piece, the Kel Tec P32 ? I love this little gun. I know, not much smaller than the Ruger .380 LCP. It is a lot slicker in my opinion.

Don't forget another plus of the P-32....7 round mag instead of 6 on the LCP or P3AT.

Some like 8 rounds of .32 better than 7 rounds of .380, assuming you're carrying chambered of course.

SIGSHR · February 7, 2018, 02:40 PM

Later Model Mauser 1914 Commercial, late war CZ-27. Even bought spare magazines, barrels and slides for them.

ligonierbill · February 7, 2018, 03:26 PM

You need to find a FN 1900. John Moses invented the .32 Auto and this pistol. Looks unwieldy, shoots great. You can still find them at reasonably prices. And of course, the elegant 1910.

PS: Don't forget the original Remington 51. That one worked!

FITASC · February 7, 2018, 03:55 PM

While I loved my Walther, finding that brass was a real PITA, so I switched to 32 SWL in revolvers.......

smee78 · February 7, 2018, 04:47 PM

I will also throw my hat into the ring for loving the little 32 cals. The little FEG in 32acp and a NAA 32acp are two not on the list. I really love my Beretta 81, it is one of my favorites. Now revolvers in 32 are a whole different thread.

JERRYS. · February 7, 2018, 08:10 PM

I owned a Beretta model 90 (Roma) in the last 80s-early 90s and foolishly let it go. it was what I would call a Beretta PPK. it was a great shooter.

Ignition Override · February 7, 2018, 08:30 PM

The WW2 Sauer 38H.

Was this mentioned? Feels smaller than my WW2 Mauser Hsc, but more solid (safer to dry fire: but I have snap caps), and such a cool, nifty little gun!

The decocker stays inop, but gun Not used for concealed carry.

Want a Large selection of Sauers and Mausers?
The Nov. Wanenmachers show in Tulsa had quite a number.

You might pay a 20-30% "European Value Added Tax" (German "Mehrwertssteuer"), based on gun prices at the show.

ammo.crafter · February 7, 2018, 08:36 PM

I love my 1941 PP in 32acp; with modern ammo it's a bit move effective then the old hardball.

Enjoy them all.

Sequins · February 7, 2018, 08:43 PM

I wish Walther would throw us 007 fans a bone and release a PPK in 32 to go with that 380 version they just re-released.

Ignition Override · February 7, 2018, 08:58 PM

Semi-duplicate post.

"Disregard"..."Roger that New York Center, last call disregarded".

James K · February 7, 2018, 09:08 PM

Some of the recommended list are fine for a collection, but not for any serious purposes. (Note I did not say, as some do, that no .32 is any good for defense.)

But two makes stand our as especially questionable - the several Mauser pistols and the Ortgies. The Mausers all have a peculiar and unique loading system which is meant to speed reloading but which can create delay and mishandling if one does not practice with it (preferably to the exclusion of other makes). The Ortgies also has serious flaws, the worst being a tendency to break firing pins (nose and "feet"). While the firing pin has two "feet", only one is operative and they have been known to break while under tension, releasing the firing pin on a loaded round, startling anyone in the vicinity, to say the least.

Jim

PSP · February 8, 2018, 05:33 AM

These are mine;
My Seecamp saw daily use for many years. An almost perfect pocket carry gun.
The Walther PP is simply beautiful.
A CZ 83 was a lot of fun but prone to rimlock. Accurate but frustrating.
My favorite is the already mentioned Sig P230. Very reliable and accurate. A Gem.

Love to own but don't;
Sphinx AT-32. Never brought to the U.S. Bigger brother, .380, is a sweet gun. Rimlock too I wonder?
Beretta 81.
PPK, just in case I have to break a plate glass window.

tallball · February 8, 2018, 08:11 AM

I am shocked that no one has mentioned the Colt Model 1903. I have a lot of 32's, and it's my favorite. The little PPK-looking FEG is a sweet pistol that is very well balanced. I got one for about $200 recently.

wild cat mccane · February 8, 2018, 01:07 PM

P32 isn't special just by round count.

My Magguts LCP magazine now carries 7 rounds. No rimlock issues.

Tom2 · February 8, 2018, 01:40 PM

I used to have a 1968 ppk that I spent a bunch to have refinished to mint, wish I kept it. Also did same with a WW2 Beretta pistol. I probably dumped it because it tossed brass in my face! I used to love to mess with vintage .32s. Now all i got is a little CZ 70 that shoots fine and even with the lousy trigger and crappy little sites, shoots nice groups at 50 yards at point of aim. IF you try hard. Fun guns that don't make too much noise or recoil. Practice with fun guns counts, too!

February 7, 2018, 11:51 AM	#2
HighValleyRanch Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2005 Posts: 4,066	Savage 1907, J.P. Sauer 1913, Walther PP series __________________ From the sweet grass to the slaughter house; From birth until death; We travel between these two eternities........from 'Broken Trail"

February 7, 2018, 12:10 PM	#3
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	Beretta 1935 aka 935, 70, 81/82. The company recently imported a batch of 81FS pistols for the first time since ~1996, so if you want one, you better snatch one up. Some interesting Beretta .32 rarities are the 70T, 74A, and 100, which are long-barrel post-GCA "target" versions of the 70, and the 90, an uncommon Walther PP competitor that was built at an ultimately unsuccessful new plant in Rome (the slides are marked ARMI ROMA rather than the familiar GARDONE V.T.) and that looks remarkably similar to the SIG P230/232. Other relatively common vintage .32s are the Remington Model 51, J.P. Sauer 38H, and Mauser 1910, 1914, 1934, and HSc. Newer interesting .32s include the SIG P230 (uncommon in this caliber), HK HK4 (offered in rare and usually pricey 4-caliber sets!), and Bersa Thunder; the latter isn't regularly cataloged in .32 but batches of them have been imported and can be found on the used market. __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak Last edited by carguychris; February 7, 2018 at 12:15 PM.

February 7, 2018, 01:40 PM	#6
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	My first C&R purchase was a Walther-Manhurin PP in 32acp. I also have a CZ 50, and a Kel-Tec P32. Many years ago I had a Mauser 1914, and sincerly wish I would have had my #1 rule when I foolishly sold it. __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

February 7, 2018, 03:55 PM	#14
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,441	While I loved my Walther, finding that brass was a real PITA, so I switched to 32 SWL in revolvers....... __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

February 7, 2018, 04:47 PM	#15
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	I will also throw my hat into the ring for loving the little 32 cals. The little FEG in 32acp and a NAA 32acp are two not on the list. I really love my Beretta 81, it is one of my favorites. Now revolvers in 32 are a whole different thread. __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

February 7, 2018, 11:38 AM	#1
Rothdel Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2015 Posts: 190	I have a confession to make about .32 ACP I love the stupid things. I don't know why. I don't carry one but I have developed an all encompassing passion to collect all things .32. This started after receiving my C&R license. I simply did not realize the shear number of 32 auto firearms there were out there and the history and variation in this caliber. Even Modern firearms are interesting to me in this caliber. Also the ability to fire 32 in some 32 H&R and 327 federal revolvers is exciting. To Date I have picked up: FN 1922 Mauser 1914 Ortgies CZ 50 Seecamp Then several ruger 327 revolvers. what else am I missing that I should be looking at?

February 7, 2018, 12:39 PM	#4
arquebus357 Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2016 Location: Atlanta, Georgia area Posts: 455	What ??? Nobody mentions the ultimate skinny carry piece, the Kel Tec P32 ? I love this little gun. I know, not much smaller than the Ruger .380 LCP. It is a lot slicker in my opinion.

February 7, 2018, 01:14 PM	#5
JERRYS. Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,968	I like the .32 anything. id gladly trade my Sig P232 .380acp for something similar in .32acp

February 7, 2018, 02:14 PM	#9
lifesizepotato Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2011 Posts: 210	Hardly a confession. I'd go as far to say that most serious gun connoisseurs have a soft spot, if not outright affinity for, the old 32acp. My two favorites are the HK P7K3 and Benelli B77, if you're looking for suggestions on something modern and interesting.

February 7, 2018, 02:23 PM	#10
fredvon4 Junior member Join Date: January 18, 2010 Location: Lampasas Texas Posts: 154	As a soldier stationed in Germany I imported into the USA 2 Walther PPK 32s I got at a close out sale in Rod N Gun clubs that were closing in droves during a big draw down of forces in the 90s Wish I had bought all 6 they had... $125 each....dang

February 7, 2018, 02:40 PM	#12
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	Later Model Mauser 1914 Commercial, late war CZ-27. Even bought spare magazines, barrels and slides for them.

February 7, 2018, 03:26 PM	#13
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,448	You need to find a FN 1900. John Moses invented the .32 Auto and this pistol. Looks unwieldy, shoots great. You can still find them at reasonably prices. And of course, the elegant 1910. PS: Don't forget the original Remington 51. That one worked!

February 7, 2018, 08:10 PM	#16
JERRYS. Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,968	I owned a Beretta model 90 (Roma) in the last 80s-early 90s and foolishly let it go. it was what I would call a Beretta PPK. it was a great shooter.

February 7, 2018, 08:30 PM	#17
Ignition Override Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2008 Location: About 20 nm from the Big Muddy Posts: 2,884	The WW2 Sauer 38H. Was this mentioned? Feels smaller than my WW2 Mauser Hsc, but more solid (safer to dry fire: but I have snap caps), and such a cool, nifty little gun! The decocker stays inop, but gun Not used for concealed carry. Want a Large selection of Sauers and Mausers? The Nov. Wanenmachers show in Tulsa had quite a number. You might pay a 20-30% "European Value Added Tax" (German "Mehrwertssteuer"), based on gun prices at the show. Last edited by Ignition Override; February 8, 2018 at 04:46 PM.

February 7, 2018, 08:36 PM	#18
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	7.65 I love my 1941 PP in 32acp; with modern ammo it's a bit move effective then the old hardball. Enjoy them all. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

February 7, 2018, 08:43 PM	#19
Sequins Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2014 Posts: 394	I wish Walther would throw us 007 fans a bone and release a PPK in 32 to go with that 380 version they just re-released.

February 7, 2018, 08:58 PM	#20
Ignition Override Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2008 Location: About 20 nm from the Big Muddy Posts: 2,884	Semi-duplicate post. "Disregard"..."Roger that New York Center, last call disregarded". Last edited by Ignition Override; February 8, 2018 at 04:48 PM.

February 7, 2018, 09:08 PM	#21
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Some of the recommended list are fine for a collection, but not for any serious purposes. (Note I did not say, as some do, that no .32 is any good for defense.) But two makes stand our as especially questionable - the several Mauser pistols and the Ortgies. The Mausers all have a peculiar and unique loading system which is meant to speed reloading but which can create delay and mishandling if one does not practice with it (preferably to the exclusion of other makes). The Ortgies also has serious flaws, the worst being a tendency to break firing pins (nose and "feet"). While the firing pin has two "feet", only one is operative and they have been known to break while under tension, releasing the firing pin on a loaded round, startling anyone in the vicinity, to say the least. Jim

February 8, 2018, 05:33 AM	#22
PSP Senior Member Join Date: June 2, 2006 Location: Bowling Green Virginia Posts: 4,487	These are mine; My Seecamp saw daily use for many years. An almost perfect pocket carry gun. The Walther PP is simply beautiful. A CZ 83 was a lot of fun but prone to rimlock. Accurate but frustrating. My favorite is the already mentioned Sig P230. Very reliable and accurate. A Gem. Love to own but don't; Sphinx AT-32. Never brought to the U.S. Bigger brother, .380, is a sweet gun. Rimlock too I wonder? Beretta 81. PPK, just in case I have to break a plate glass window.

February 8, 2018, 08:11 AM	#23
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	I am shocked that no one has mentioned the Colt Model 1903. I have a lot of 32's, and it's my favorite. The little PPK-looking FEG is a sweet pistol that is very well balanced. I got one for about $200 recently.

February 8, 2018, 01:07 PM	#24
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,623	P32 isn't special just by round count. My Magguts LCP magazine now carries 7 rounds. No rimlock issues.

February 8, 2018, 01:40 PM	#25
Tom2 Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,676	I used to have a 1968 ppk that I spent a bunch to have refinished to mint, wish I kept it. Also did same with a WW2 Beretta pistol. I probably dumped it because it tossed brass in my face! I used to love to mess with vintage .32s. Now all i got is a little CZ 70 that shoots fine and even with the lousy trigger and crappy little sites, shoots nice groups at 50 yards at point of aim. IF you try hard. Fun guns that don't make too much noise or recoil. Practice with fun guns counts, too! __________________ Your gun is like your nose, it is just wrong for someone else to pick it for you!