Keltec 32 Review

**Shipwreck** · 08-06-2006, 01:35 PM

A couple of ya'll asked me to post a review after I fired the thing today - so here it is...

Fired 80 rounds of ammo thru it - 2 different kinds. Winchester White Box FMJ (purchased at Wal-Mart) and Fiochi (bought at the range, and actually $2 cheaper than Wal-Mart).

All rounds went thru with no issues - no jams of any kind. I saved a few rounds from each brand for carry ammo - I plan to keep FMJ in the gun for penetration. Probably, I will carry the Fiochi. The Winchester worked fine, but while it is FMJ, it has a flat nose. This makes the round a little shorter - like a hollow point. Since I don't wanna worry about rimlock in the future, I'll stick with a regular shaped FMJ.

I had shot about 150 rounds of 9mm thru my P99 and Glock 34 prior to shooting the Keltec. So, for the first 2-3 mags, I REALLY had to adjust to the trigger and its breaking point. I know where the breaking point is on the other 2 guns, and I just run the trigger to that part and then stop before I do the final firing. This took me a while to figure out the DAO trigger.

Gun did well. I tried it at 5 ft, 10 ft and 15ft. Dead on at 5 ft. 10 feet is about 2 inches high and to the right. At 15 feet, I had mixed results. Remember, I was using 8.5X11 standard sheets of paper for targets, though. So, it is a small target (like the ones we use for the postal matches here on the website).

I didn't buy the gun for long distance shooting, though. Face it - it is a weapon of last resort - or for when U just can't conceal anything else. WHen I get used to the trigger, I may get a bit more accurate w/ it at longer distances - but it is essentially something U would use if you and your attacker were in the same room together.

The range I go to is a dark, indoor range. I am SO, SO glad I painted the front sight white last night. I would have sucked horribly if not for that. I may or may not paint the rear sight - but if I do, I need a different color to contrast (I won't be able to do dots; I'd have to paint the entire rear blade)

Anyway - I give the gun a thumbs up for what it is. I'll fire it periodically to keep in practice. And now, I think I will buy an extra mag or 2. I didn't wanna spend anymore money on it until I knew if it was fine. I think I still am happy w/ my choice of 32 over 380. My hand wasn't really sore until the end of 80 rounds, and that was after shooting 150 rounds of 9mm before it. I think the 380 would make the gun a bit more uncomfortable.

So, for U guys thinking of buying one - go ahead

**jwkimber45** · 08-06-2006, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the report!! Sounds like a decent little pocket gun....

**Shipwreck** · 08-06-2006, 01:44 PM

Well, the report is better now that I went and fixed all my typos

It was definetly worth the $219 I paid for it.

I used to want the Inox Beretta Tomcat - but the damn thing is so thick. This gun is unbelievably small.

**2400** · 08-06-2006, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by Shipwreck

The range I go to is a dark, indoor range. I am SO, SO glad I painted the front sight white last night. I would have sucked horribly if not for that. I may or may not paint the rear sight - but if I do, I need a different color to contrast (I won't be able to do dots; I'd have to paint the entire rear blade)

These guys have GREAT sight paint.
http://www.brightsights.com/index.shtml

**Shipwreck** · 08-06-2006, 02:45 PM

I know - but it is too expensive. Testors is fine w/ me. And, I already had the white. If I do the rear, it will be in flourescent Orange I think...

**2400** · 08-06-2006, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Shipwreck

I know - but it is too expensive. Testors is fine w/ me. And, I already had the white. If I do the rear, it will be in flourescent Orange I think...

I guess that depends on what you consider expensive. I've been using their paint for several years and haven't made a dent in it yet. Looks like the box I bought will last me forever. It lasts longer and I like it better than the model paint and fingernail polish I used to use.

**jwkimber45** · 08-06-2006, 03:15 PM

Yeah, a buddy of mine has one. I'd like to get one to stick in my fishing vest pocket.

**Shipwreck** · 08-06-2006, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by 2400

I guess that depends on what you consider expensive. I've been using their paint for several years and haven't made a dent in it yet. Looks like the box I bought will last me forever. It lasts longer and I like it better than the model paint and fingernail polish I used to use.

Well, as this is the only gun I needa pain, and I am satisfied w/ the white - I think it would be a waste of money for me.

Anyway, thanks for the info

**scooter** · 08-06-2006, 04:54 PM

I still think paint is unneccessary,I mean the lil' ones are good for a firefight in a telephone booth but not much more...

**Shipwreck** · 08-06-2006, 05:23 PM

I think having at least a dot on the front sight helps, even in an upclose situation...

**scooter** · 08-06-2006, 05:28 PM

Front yes , the rear........I dunno? Whatever turns yer crank I guess

**Shipwreck** · 08-06-2006, 05:47 PM

So far I've only painted the front...

**Baldy** · 08-06-2006, 07:35 PM

Good report Ship. I am thinking of getting the wife and me both one. We have seen them and handled them but never fired any. Painting the front sight will help a little in a point shoot deal, but you will never have time to pick up the rear sight. The eyes just will not see all three things clear.

**Shipwreck** · 08-06-2006, 08:26 PM

Yes, I think I will leave the rear as is. It's too big of a pain in the butt to try and do it w/o it looking sloppy anyway...

**JHG** · 08-06-2006, 09:51 PM

my p32 came with painted (white) front and rear sights ... BTW Shipwreck the wwb will rim lock due to the flat nose. I carry the Fiocchi and it is about $2.00 per fifty cheaper in my area.

**Shipwreck** · 08-06-2006, 09:59 PM

Did U buy it used? I saw a couple of used ones at the show that had been painted. But, I've never seen a new one pre-painted.

As for carry - yes, I've decided to buy the Fiochi from now on, and to also only use it for carry. W/ the cheaper price, it would be silly not too. The site that did penetration tests w/ ammo in the Keltec pretty much lists the WWB and the Fiochi at about the same.

**michael t** · 08-06-2006, 10:32 PM

The old ones were painted New Gen 2 are not I have my front Orange My eyes seem to find that. Rear no way be suprised how good you can get with practice. The 32 is fun to shoot still trying to get the 380 same Better but I still like 32. . If you going to use ball leave the Win at store that stuff isn't a good carry.
Glad you joined the party. Keep her clean and lubed no 5oo rounds between cleaning and she will keep you happy

**michael t** · 08-06-2006, 11:14 PM

Ship I was on other board I saw you asking about lasor I won't even get in to that subject.
I noticed you were talking about grip. Well since I have a Bersa I decided to try the Bersa finger rest on my 380 KT. Now ring finger has a home. I can't say if it helped shooting as I haven't tried out yet. Just slip off base Pad and slip Bersa on.
I still have one worry. The Mag release on these is plastic so don't do speed loads slaming the mag home hard. I hold the mag release open insert mag then release.I wonder if the finger rest will force the mag to be under downward pressure and cut thru the Mag release soon or later. I ve been assured by Wilson owner of many KT this not the case. So you might get one and try.I also don't think I would hold in front of trigger guard not much their. I shoot mine one handed as I think thats way will be used for real. Pull, point, shoot. No 2 handed hold no fancy stance just Oh S### !!! bang bang.........

**JHG** · 08-07-2006, 05:41 AM

Yes, mine (I am pretty sure)is a Gen1 which I bought new in early 2003(?). I would have to pull receipts to double check the age. But, it has the hex shaped slide and a numeric serial number which were changed for Gen2. I knew they had made a few changes between gen1 and Gen2 but did not know they quit painting the sites. But, It has been shot an average of 200 rounds per month since the purchase. I guess I have around 7000 rounds pushed down the pipe. I have experienced one malfunction (rimlock) during it's entire life .... not bad

**Shipwreck** · 08-07-2006, 06:17 AM

Originally Posted by michael t

Ship I was on other board I saw you asking about lasor I won't even get in to that subject.
I noticed you were talking about grip. Well since I have a Bersa I decided to try the Bersa finger rest on my 380 KT. Now ring finger has a home. I can't say if it helped shooting as I haven't tried out yet. Just slip off base Pad and slip Bersa on.
I still have one worry. The Mag release on these is plastic so don't do speed loads slaming the mag home hard. I hold the mag release open insert mag then release.I wonder if the finger rest will force the mag to be under downward pressure and cut thru the Mag release soon or later. I ve been assured by Wilson owner of many KT this not the case. So you might get one and try.I also don't think I would hold in front of trigger guard not much their. I shoot mine one handed as I think thats way will be used for real. Pull, point, shoot. No 2 handed hold no fancy stance just Oh S### !!! bang bang.........

Thanks for the info.

Yes, I heard ab`out holding the mag release down while putting the mag in. This is something I try to remember to do, but frequently forget.

I don't think I will put the bersa extension on it, because then it will become bigger, and I bought it for its size.

For now, I did shoot it 2 handed just to see the accuracy. And, when I shoot it 2 handed, I do prefer to put a finger on the outside of the trigger guard. It helps steady the gun too - especially this gun. So, I doubt I will buy the laser afterall.

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