[cluznar]

When someone asks how I like the P-32 and why the P-32, here is what I tell them.

I have owned many handguns over the years, some I really liked, and some I didn't. But after shooting many different guns, I wanted 2 guns to rely on for carry and home defense. I did a lot of research on handguns and calibers, and I was looking for something that was easy to carry and would simply do the job.
That was when I ran across info on the .32 acp. It had been used in Europe by civilians and military/police for many years and was very popular. So I purchased my P-32 and started shooting it. "BINGO" I was in luv. The little P-32 was pocket perfection. A small light gun, that shot flawlessly and was plenty accurate. With very little recoil it is easy to get off follow-up shots. I liked that, because I would rather put 2 or 3 quick rounds in center mass than be off target with a larger caliber. I now carry the P-32 all the time. I have also since, purchased a Bersa Thunder .32 acp that I use mostly for home defense, though sometimes I carry it. But the P-32 is "always" with me.
I have shot the pocket .380 pistols, and though good, I was not fond of the recoil. The P-32 I can shoot 1 hand or 2, recoil is almost nothing. So, it is small, light, dependable, and accurate, and even fun to shoot. Why would I want anything else? My only two pistols are now .32 acp and I feel fine about it. :yahoo:

 

[Toakey45036]

Cluznar, I also carry the P32, but primarily around the house and yard. I live in a very safe housing developement where everyone watches out for strangers or unusual events. The worst crime reported, since I've lived here, was someone taking something out of an unlocked car or decorations taken from outside a house (teenagers?). That being said, I keep a loaded Glock 26 with a 15 round magazine in the mantel clock. I feel safe enough at home with the 32 ACP (with the Glock backup), but when I leave the house I switch to a 7 round 380 ACP or my new Ruger LCR, 6 round, 327 Federal Magnum revolver. I agree that many people over the pond used the 32 ACP for a long time, but I think you will find nowadays they have switched to higher calibers.

Society has changed. It used to be the threat of being shot stopped most/alot of bad men, but today it seems like they don't have any fear of the drawn gun or they are too high on drugs to even see it. I think "adequate" stopping power is more important nowadays, hence my decision on what I carry.

 

[cluznar]

Nothing wrong with owning higher calibers. But I have owned a good amount of higher calibers, and after doing research on .32 acp and also shooting it, I am sure that it will protect me. Once a woman had someone with a knife break into her home. They guy took her to the bedroom. When they entered the bedroom she told him she has money. But instead of money, she pulled a .22lr pistol and shot him once in the chest. He fell to the floor and died. If 1 round from a .22lr did that, and I put 2 or 3 quick shots in center mass with a .32 acp. I think it will do fine. If you feel better carrying/using larger calibers, then you are free to do so. I am fine with the .32 acp.

 

[rrog]

Always with me...

The best gun for self defense is the one you have with you! Because of its size, I can always have the P32 with me. Even in workout gear, such as shorts and tee shirt, you can have it with you. For that reason, I find myself carrying the P32 more than all my other guns. The two I like the best are my Ruger SP101 and my Glock 23. But like I said, the one I most often carry is the P32.

rrog

 

[Blue_State_Saint]

The best gun for self defense is the one you have with you! Because of its size, I can always have the P32 with me. Even in workout gear, such as shorts and tee shirt, you can have it with you. For that reason, I find myself carrying the P32 more than all my other guns. The two I like the best are my Ruger SP101 and my Glock 23. But like I said, the one I most often carry is the P32.

rrog

The bolded is spot on. Also, bullet placement is everything. Evan Marshall & Ed Sanow, in their book Handgun Stopping Power: The Definitive Study related a story of a 'duel' between two occupants of a rooming house. Seems that they were having an argument and they decided to settle it as a duel. One of the 'duelists' showed up with a .22 LR; the other showed up with a 1911. The 1911-bearing transient laughed at the .22 in the other individual's hand, then fired seven times--all hitting the other participant. He staggered from the effect of the shots, then slowly raised his .22 . . . and fired one round at the 1911 bearer, hitting his heart and rather quickly killing him. The .22 shooter then went back to his room, changed his shirt, and walked to a bus stop, where he got on a bus, transferred to another bus, then got off at a hospital and walked into the ER, where the staff pulled seven FMJs out of his chest. Yes, he survived, and was eventually sent to prison for the shooting.

It's all about where the bullet goes, not about the size of the bullet.

 

[C-Ration]

cluznar,

Hold on to that Bersa Thunder .32 because they don't make them anymore. They still warranty them but if anything major needs to be repaired such as a slide, they trade it out for a different model. I was looking at a larger .32 yesterday just to have for the pleasure of shooting. I found a Beretta model 81 in .32 ACP that I just love but they are going for $690+ these days! I guess I am going to have to save up and get one down the road.

 

[cluznar]

C-Ration.....I do not plan on getting rid of the Bersa. It shoots flawlessly and when I reach 2,000 rounds I will stop shooting it and just use it for home/carry. I luv both the Kel Tec and the Bersa, two great guns. :rayof:

 

[michael t]

You have 1 of 1000 that was imported by Bersa Best take good care of it . Come visit me at http://bersachat.com and I will give you all the tricks on keeping your Bersa 32 and 380 thunder happy .
You can also post about KelTec in the KelTec section. Several members also carry and own KelTec over their.

 

[TxCajun]

I never knew that Bersa made some Thunders in 32. Must be a real *****cat of a shooter.

Ha! The software doesn't like the "P" word.

 

[cluznar]

TxCajun.......Bersa should never have stopped ,making the Bersa Thunder .32 acp. It is one fine shooting pistol. So glad I got one before they discontinued them. I even have custom oiled Zebra wood grips on it with a right side thumbrest. :spot::spot:

 

[jpshaw]

Whatever you have that you like and can shoot good with is a whole lot better then the beast in the safe. Heard a guy asked another, who was operating a back hoe, "you still have that Judge revolver with you". The backhoe operator said; "you better believe it" and pointed up to his truck 200 yards up the hill. "It's right there in my console." I thought my KT in my pocket was a lot better then that.

 

[9inthepocket]

I'm a big fan of big caliber pistols. My main everyday carry is either a double stack 10mm or a 15 round .45 (with +P ammo no less) but there are times when I need the little P32 for a quick trip to the convenience store in my sweats or shorts. It's always in my pocket now since it doesn't hurt in the least to take it even when I'm carrying the heavy iron.