Kel-Tec has a mixed reputation. It has it’s followers and it’s haters, like most guns, but some guns and brands are more controversial than others. This is one of those brands. I can’t say that I am their most loyal follower, but I am far from a hater. My experience with Kel-Tec is somewhat limited, as I have only fired a handful of Kel-Tecs.
However, most of them have been P32’s, and I can say that I like these guns. In fact, I own a Kel-Tec P32 with a chromed slide and it has been very good to me.
I have put roughly 600 rounds through this gun and it has been flawless. The sights are not very good and do not allow you to reach out too far, but I am still able to qualify with it for concealed carry without any problems. The trigger is long, as would be expected in a “BUG” (Back Up Gun) type of gun that lacks a safety. Recoil is very light and manageable though. It is an ugly gun in my opinion. I am not in love with the caliber, .32ACP.
It leaves a lot to be desired in a self defense caliber. On top of that, I carry FMJ in this gun because I don’t trust any of the JHP’s in this caliber to penetrate deeply enough to hit vitals. Some people complain that JHP’s don’t feed well in theirs. I wouldn’t know. I don’t even think it is worth my time to find out as I have no interest in a JHP in this caliber.
That said, it’s a great size. Carrying it is so easy and although I don’t carry it often, it is good to have something rather than nothing. It is so light at times I can forget that I am carrying it.
Here you can see how it compares to my Glock 27 (my primary carry gun).
You can see how it compares for thickness. I installed a “clip” on mine so that I can carry it inside the waistband without a pocket or holster. I don’t like to carry it that way in general, but there are times when it is necessary. Although the caliber is weak and I don’t relish the thought of having to engage bad guy’s with this gun, it’s still lethal when shots are put into the right spot.
This little round actually “started” the first World War when Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by a man using a Browning pistol chambered in .32ACP. The price wasn’t bad. I bought it used from my dad for $200 with 3 mags and a couple hundred rounds of ammo.
These P32’s are great little guns in my opinion. The few samples I have seen have done very well. I know I said it was ugly, and it isn’t much to look at, true. However, there is beauty in this little gun.