Back-up gun help...

[michaelchica]

I can't decide between a .380 and a .32...any suggestions? Open to any and all opinions.

Thanks

[daschnoz]

What kind of gun are you looking at?

Here's what happens - a gun will be designed in 32ACP. Then, since Americans think that a bigger hole is better, the gun is reworked to fire 380. The length on both rounds is the same, so it's not to big of a deal. Where the problem arises is when you shoot it.

A gun that was designed to fire 32 was ergonomically designed around the kick of a 60-70gr pill at around 900fps. The frame, grip, and trigger guard are sized based on the kick of a 32. When they adapt it to 380, you're now shooting a 90-100gr pill at the same speeds. That's a 40-50% increase in power due to the bullet weight. Now, the frame and grip are too small and the gun wants to throw itself out of your hand. The only reason why the gun remains in your hand is because the inside of the trigger guard has caught the front of your trigger finger (I fired about 5 rounds from a friend's P3AT - OUCH).

Here's my rule - if the gun was originally designed in 32 and adapted to 380, buy it in 32. The Walther PPK and above mentioned KelTek P3AT come to mind. The PPK is what it is, the P3AT is a reworked P-32.

I carry a Beretta Tomcat - 32ACP, but that's me.

[LastManOut]

Consider the same caliber, same ammo for both. Makes sense to me, like two .38's

[unloved]

A Kel-Tec P11 is about the same size as a PPK. Why not go 9mm?

[michaelchica]

Haven't really looked at guns yet, I was just trying to decide on the caliber first.

[normanvin]

I would not rule out a 9mm. Go look at some next to each other. See which fits your hand best.

Nothing says that you need to bring home the first one you look at.

[unloved]

I'd recommend going with the larger caliber within your overall size envelope. For example;KT P32 and P3AT are nearly identical in size so you might as well go for the .380.

They are pretty snappy little things, but a magazine extension makes a BIG difference.

Or, you could just get one of each!

[Brick]

My son's former PD allowed .32 ACP as a back-up only if Winchester Silvertip ammo was used and my Father and many other Police Officers from the 30s through 50s used
.32 S&W Long as service revolvers, so .32 is as small as I'd go.

But there is a lot to be said about having your back-up the same caliber as your main so outfits like a Glock 22 (main)combined with a Glock 27 (back up) make lots of sense since magazines are usable from main to back-up.

[WellArmedLiberal]

I love my Beretta Tomcat Inox in .32, but I'm still getting at least one FTE every 20-30 rounds, so it hasn't proven reliable enough for me to carry yet. I would definintely checkout the Ruger LCP...and I would personally also carry a S&W 642 revolver, reliable and nice draw.

Currently I'm carrying a Kahr PM9 and it has never given me trouble, has great sights, easily concealable, and never makes me feel like I'm carrying a mouse gun. I think it's the best carry piece out there.

[saltz1979]

.380 for me. I have a P3AT and a Seecamp on order that should be here in two months.