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Kel-Tec P-32
Guns Magazine, Jan, 2000 by J.I. Galan
When they say, "Good things come in small packages," they must be talking about this little carry gun.
The ongoing trend of downsizing personal defense handguns has practically every handgun maker bent on producing ever more compact models to meet the growing demand. As more states pass right-to-carry laws and law-abiding folks opt to legally "pack heat," there has been a veritable flood of ultra-compact handguns intended for discreet concealment.
While many of the new compact and sub-compact models come in large calibers generally employed in full-size sidearms, there are a growing number of midget-size pistols chambered for the veteran .32 ACP cartridge. Introduced back around the turn of the century, the .32 ACP has been used far and wide by civilians, police and even the military, in a huge variety of self-loading pistols -- as well as in .32 revolvers, given its semi-rimmed design.
Despite being often portrayed as barely adequate for self defense by some pundits, the popularity of the .32 ACP still endures as hotter versions of this cartridge reach the market these days.
Although it cannot be argued that the .32 ACP lacks the persuasive punch of a 9mm or .38 Special, the fact remains that it will do the job with proper bullet placement, without the jarring recoil and muzzle blast of the larger calibers.
The Next Generation
Kel-Tec CNC Industries of Cocoa, Fla., is one of the most notable members of the new generation of American gun makers. Already well known for their compact 9mm P-11 and .40 caliber P-40 pistols, plus their unique folding Sub-Rifle in both of those calibers, Kel-Tec recently unveiled a decidedly exciting auto pistol chambered for the .32 ACP cartridge.
Dubbed simply the P-32, Kel-Tec's latest model follows the company's tradition of computer-designed firearms manufactured on the most modern high-speed CNC machinery.
"Superb ergonomics" could well describe the P-32. With an overall length of just over 5" and a mere 3" in height, the P-32 is basically palm-sized. That, coupled with its slim 3/4" width, makes this a highly concealable pistol, the type that can be comfortably and unobtrusively carried almost anywhere on one's anatomy.
Fully loaded with its seven-round magazine, plus one up the spout, the P-32 weighs a feathery 9.4 ounces, yet packs respectable firepower that can be unleashed with a pull of its DAO trigger. The trigger on my gun required a let-off pressure of approximately 5 lbs., which was well in keeping with the manufacturer's advertised trigger pull of 6 lbs.
The P-32's barrel and slide are made of SAE4140 ordnance steel, while the internal frame, which houses the firing mechanism, is machined from solid 7075-T6 aluminum. The checkered grip/lower receiver section and trigger are made of Dupont ST-8018 ultra-high-impact polymer. This material can be molded in just about any color desired. Although matte black is the predominant offering in the P-32, during a visit to Kel-Tec's facilities I saw versions in olive-drab, blue and even pink. KelTec offers the slide in a choice of blue, parkerized or hard-chrome finishes, all at different prices.
Lean, Mean Shooting Machine
Unusual in a pistol chambered for the relatively low-pressure .32 ACP cartridge, the P-32 employs a Browning-style locked-breech action, This obviates the need for the comparatively massive slide required in straight blowback pistols, helping to make the P-32 a lean and lightweight pistol.
Also adding to the flat and snag-free design of this pistol is the absence of a manual safety The longish trigger pull, coupled with an internal hammer block that disengages only when the trigger is pulled all the way, ensures the necessary operational safety The hammer's normal ready-to-fire position is away from the firing pin, in what could be compared to a half-cock position, as it is held securely by the hammer block safety.
The P-32 has undergone extensive SAAMI drop-testing at the H. P. White labs, as well as drop tests to military specifications at the factory passing all with flying colors. Take-down for cleaning, by the way is easily accomplished by removing the center frame pin.
Although at first glance the P-32 appears to have no sights, there is indeed a set of what the manufacturer calls "integral" sights. These consist of recesses atop the slide, covered with a dab of white paint. These sights are as basic and totally snag-free as they come. All corners and edges of the P-32 are rounded, adding to the quick-draw potential of a pistol that's meant to be carried mainly in pocket or purse.
Performance Where It Counts
The best ergonomics and materials, however, don't mean beans if a gun can't perform when it counts. I am happy to report that tests with the Kel-Tec P-32 yielded impressive results. All shooting was conducted at a maximum distance of seven yards, as this pistol is intended for up-close-and-personal confrontations of the worst kind.
A variety of .32 ACP fodder was used, including Winchester Silvertip JHP and Fiocchi SJHP, both packing 60 gr. bullets with muzzle velocities in the 900 fps range out of the P-32's stubby 2.68" barrel. Federal's 65 gr. FMJ load, rated at 1,000 fps (out of a 4" barrel) was also tried, with eminently satisfactory results.
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