Posted: 2/10/2009 3:22:37 PM EDT
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I've had a P3AT as a back-up weapon for a couple of years now and have been pleased. It's pretty decent for what it is. Well, my wife got to where she didn't like carrying her Glock 26 because of bulk and weight and decided she wanted one. Of course now, with all the panic buyers, I haven't been able to find one at a decent price lately. I did, however, come across a P-32 at the gun show a couple of weeks back for $229; so I picked it up. We've put only about 70 rds through it so far, but I really like the thing. You can really forget that it's there.
Me, I still keep my M&P 9c with me all the time. But the P-32 fits the bill when deep concealment is the order of the day. Hey. I figured that the little 32 in my wife's possession is better than the 9mm sitting at home. Yeah, I know the 32 isn't a man-stopper. But it's better than nothing. I wouldn't want to get hit with it. |
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They're definitely both nice little pistols. - However... you have to watch out about rim lock with 32's. My P32 locked up so tight a couple of times that I felt that it couldn't be trusted, so I got a P3AT. With that one you don't need to worry about the rim lock issue, since the 380 is a rimless cartridge.
If you google "p32 rim lock", you'll see what I'm talking about. The problem tends to be worse if you use hollow points. |
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have a first generation P32 that has been flawless, and I prefer it to the 380 for the simple reason that it is easier to shoot. I've shot it at IDPA matches and done quite well with it. I shot a 380 and was not impressed.
For defensive purposes, FMJ should be used exclusively in both calibers. Only then do you get a minimum (for me) 12 inch penetration, and every JHP round I've seen offered for both calibers has been suspect in performance. The 380 cartridge does not offer enough of an advantage over the 32 to make up for the gain in controlablility, an extra round, a smaller and lighter package, and a slide lock. P32 for me, and I use European round nose jacketed ammo only. |
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Quoted:
I've had a P3AT as a back-up weapon for a couple of years now and have been pleased. It's pretty decent for what it is. Well, my wife got to where she didn't like carrying her Glock 26 because of bulk and weight and decided she wanted one. Of course now, with all the panic buyers, I haven't been able to find one at a decent price lately. I did, however, come across a P-32 at the gun show a couple of weeks back for $229; so I picked it up. We've put only about 70 rds through it so far, but I really like the thing. You can really forget that it's there. Me, I still keep my M&P 9c with me all the time. But the P-32 fits the bill when deep concealment is the order of the day. Hey. I figured that the little 32 in my wife's possession is better than the 9mm sitting at home. Yeah, I know the 32 isn't a man-stopper. But it's better than nothing. I wouldn't want to get hit with it. I heard a saying awhile back....... " A .32 in your pocket is better than the .44 Magnum that you have at home" 
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