.32 ACP Is it still a useful cartridge?

http://shilohtv.com Trail Boss Steve Doran talks about the .32 ACP handguns. He feels they are under rated and have been used very effectively for many years taking game and in self defense. Steve has a lot of fun with his 1903 Colt Hammerless Pocket Model 32 and it is one of his most enjoyable handguns to shoot. For the full article and more free information, other outdoor articles and videos go to www.shilohtv.com

Penetration in soft target media is based purely upon energy density as expressed in ft.-lbs./sq.-in. Quick examples

.32 ACP, 73-grain RWS RN FMJ @ 905 fps = 132 ft.-lbs./.075 sq.-in = 1760 ft.=lbs./sq.in.

.380 ACP, 95-gr. RN FMJ bullet @ 855 fps = 154 ft.-lbs. / .10 sq.-in = 1540 ft.-lbs./sq. in.

.380 ACP 85-gr. TCFMJ bullet @ 955 fps = 172 ft.-lbs. / .10 sq.-in. = 1720 ft.-lbs./sq.-in.

.380 ACP 85-gr. JHP bullet @ 955 fps = 172 ft.-lbs. / assume .20 sq-in. (if expands) = 860 ft-lbs/sq.in
Velocities in both calibers typical for pocket auto with 3.5 inch barrel.

Reduction in recoil impulse is similar in favor of .32 ACP over .380 ACP,

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[contrerados]

I believe the Walther PPK 7.65 cal. or the Czech ZVR 7.65 cal. of the same size as your handgun, are far more accurate and powerful as well as easy to carry.

[shilohtv]

@contrerados I have shot and carries the Walther and would have to disagree the trigger pull on the colt is much nicer and the gun points better, I have no comment on the CZ since I have not fired one, as far as carry, they are about the same size.

[shilohtv]

@RightWingCon81 People get too caught up in caliber and brand name, it is just something to talk about, as a policeman I saw all kinds of shootings with the biggest pieces of crap guns you have ever seen in ever caliber with every type of ammo if a guy knows how to use what he owns you are in trouble regardless of what that is. So the only thing that separates two people in a gn fight is skill or dumb luck but skill beats equipment every time

[shilohtv]

@Zeratul723 No it was during a very violent time in Detroit, riots, murders she wanted us protected. I would have thought is was odd if she had not done all she could to protect us.

[DaveTrionfi]

Love the .32 I think JHP's ruined the reputation, in reliability and stopping power. FMJ or hard cast bullets in .32 tumble around and cause havoc. Several .32's have fixed barrels and minimal recoil which make them some of the most accurate firearms right out of the box. The beretta tomcat may be the best pocket gun made and it's in a .32

[nycinwv]

@ZombieMasterEd25 Try a couple of brands. Fiocchi doesn't seem to be consistent, at least not in my Hege Waffen AP66. First batch in blue boxes seemed fine, current batch in brown boxes is doing stovepipes. Could be my gun, but in any event it's a good idea to try a few.

[PaladinHero]

I just inherited an Armi Tanfoglio black-on-black .32 pistol and was wondering if anyone could tell me how reliable it is (especially for CC). My mom was interested in it as a defense weapon but I haven't shot it yet (just received it yesterday afternoon) so I don't know how it performs. Also, any tips on cleaning and maintenance? I'd like to find a spare mag but really an instruction/cleaning manual would be great. The gun looks and feels awesome, by the way.

And thanks for the vid!

[Pushyhog]

my keltec32 will eat anything.

[ZombieMasterEd25]

im looking into buying more 32acp ammo but i dont kno if this particular 32acp ammo is any good Fiocchi .32 acp 9.95 a box of 50 but i think i herd somewhere that fiocchi in .32 acp jams up badly? my gun is the beretta tomcat if it matters

[antonarset]

What happened with his voice? There is music only...

[bigjimi57]

My grandpa gave me his 1903 .32 Colt "Pocket Automatic" when I turned 16.....he carried that gun everyday, and it was on his night table when he slept! He told me that a man

needs to "be prepared to defend himself & his family" !!! That Colt is always with me, and always will be!!!

[ere828]

Of all the calibers I shoot that 32 beats them all.my favorites are colt hammerless, cz27,and beretta 81w