32 vs 380 vs another 380, with data this time

Based on the range trip prior, I wanted to revisit the 32 vs 380 topic, and since I have both now I figure I have all the dogs in this fight.

Pistols in question are a Kahr P380, Ruger LCP and a Keltec P32:


First off, I got the scale out and weighed them. I saw some conflicting data online and figured it's easy enough to get my own on this with the actual guns, all with mags in and loaded with carry ammo. Had the scale give me grams and converted since when in US mode it displays fractions instead of decimals on ounces.

I pulled chrono data from several sources of people actually testing the same bullets in the same gun, so the ft/lbs of energy is based on my carry ammo. I should have chronoed this myself and probably will at some point, but this wasn't that day.



Next up was some accuracy testing, but instead of from a bench I wanted something more practical. I setup an IDPA target at just over 7 yards and fired 2 shots from low ready to make it consistent. I switched guns between each run, and also had my G34 in the mix just to see how much faster a full size was. It's significant, but not what we're here for.



The target after. At least my misses were in the C zone! I pasted anything outside the A between runs.





At 7 yards I was trying not to "point" shoot, but with the P32 that's about what it is. You can see the diminishing sights as we go down the chart (P380 vs LCP vs. P32):



So let's put it all on one chart. Weight and Power are basically facts, "Accuracy" is just a thing based on my performance today at 7 yards. The P32 is very new to me, and I'm sure this would change once I've got more time behind it, but for today this is what it is:



Draw from it what you will.

Thanks for the time and effort!

Cooooool!

Thanks for the data.


CD

Nice research good job

That's actually very instructive, and mildly surprising to me in terms of weight : power values.

Trying to shave some weight off the package, I got this micro trigger guard "BORAii" holster. Drops the fully loaded, holstered "ready to carry" weight to under 11oz for the p32:



I got one for the P380 as well, but I don't like it with that pistol at all. The P380's sights snag on things and slide release digs into my leg through my pants pocket. Some might say "man up and deal with it", but I'm concerned about the damage it does to the pants. Ruining good pants sucks. The P32 however basically has no sights to snag and no slide release at all so it rides really nicely. The P380 also tends to 'rotate' around because it's so top heavy compared to the weight of the holster trying to keep it aligned. So far, the P32 isn't doing that rotate thing but I've only been wearing it walking around vs. the P380 which I've had in my pocket while doing some fairly athletic stuff.

Time will tell if the mag release gets activated just sitting out like that.

My other option with this would be to put the 'clip draw' back on there and put a small piece of paracord going from the holster to my belt so it comes off during the draw, but if I'm going to clip something into my waistband, it might as well be a real holster and proper handgun.

Jayne said:

Trying to shave some weight off the package, I got this micro trigger guard "BORAii" holster. Drops the fully loaded, holstered "ready to carry" weight to under 11oz for the p32:

View attachment 166287

I got one for the P380 as well, but I don't like it with that pistol at all. The P380's sights snag on things and slide release digs into my leg through my pants pocket. Some might say "man up and deal with it", but I'm concerned about the damage it does to the pants. Ruining good pants sucks. The P32 however basically has no sights to snag and no slide release at all so it rides really nicely. The P380 also tends to 'rotate' around because it's so top heavy compared to the weight of the holster trying to keep it aligned. So far, the P32 isn't doing that rotate thing but I've only been wearing it walking around vs. the P380 which I've had in my pocket while doing some fairly athletic stuff.

Time will tell if the mag release gets activated just sitting out like that.

My other option with this would be to put the 'clip draw' back on there and put a small piece of paracord going from the holster to my belt so it comes off during the draw, but if I'm going to clip something into my waistband, it might as well be a real holster and proper handgun.

Click to expand...

I have not seen those holsters; I appreciate your mentioning them. I'm going to try one with my LCP Custom. Should make it easier to pocket carry vs the larger pocket holster that came with it.

@Jayne , personally I Really appreciate your tests on these Real carry guns. I have something here called "The Board". Most all visitors have seen and held it. It is a 2x12 treated pine board. I shot it with Everything that we have all heard is No Good. This includes from .22 short through the .38 full wadcutter. With the exception of the .22 short, Everything blew through and took a chunk outta the back. These little guns Are formidable.

I carried the p32 - 5 o'clock, cheap neoprene holster, for a lot of years in places that really would have preferred i not have a gun if they had ever found out... It passed a couple of searches. (I don't apologize for staying armed in Detroit). In fact, once I did get "in trouble" with it and the detective I was dealing with said something like "I use the same thing for my backup gun and it does better than a lot of other officers' backups..."
I can tell you with great certainty that when a bad guy comes for you, he is not generally able to spot that the muzzle of the .32 is only 0.025" smaller in diameter than a 9mm - he just sees a barrel pointed at him and tends to rethink his poor life choices quite rapidly.
Paired with a crimson trace that I picked up for maybe $50 on clearance.... I would still trust that thing with my life. at least a good many hundred shots down the pipe, probably into the thousands, of just running a couple mags through now and again to cycle out the old ammo and it's never even had a hiccup. My wife takes it from time to time because it's small and light enough that she can IWB it and barely notice.
I know - i'm probably just one of the lucky ones that never had problems... but i'll take any luck i can get.

BatteryOaksBilly said:

I Really appreciate your tests on these Real carry guns.

Click to expand...

Thanks. Trying to add some value where I can (besides snarky comments).

I've been trying to double the amount of time that I carry which requires some creativity. These smaller pistols make it easier, and if it's easier, I'm more likely to do it. I'm taking a layered approach to personal protection, so unarmed skills, contact weapon, handgun. More tools for more situations with "shoot 'em" not being the default.

Interesting side effect to shooting these small guns more is that if I'm not using the slide release to drop the slide I've reverted to the slingshot method vs. the 'reach over' or whatever it's called. My brain doesn't like the idea of my hand/fingers potentially waving in front of the muzzle while reaching for the tiny slide and now just flips back to the old school method.

Not tacticool, I'm aware.

Good stuff!

Good info! I had a P32 but I prefer the P3AT . Both of these ugly little guns will benefit from a minute or two of deburring the mould line on the outside of the pistol and inside the trigger guard. There was some sharp edges in there, but they scrape right off.

I carry the P3AT more than anything else, as it disappears into the inside the front pocket clip holster. Uncomfortable to shoot , but certainly accurate enough to "point and click".

If you get a chance, a 22LR or a 22magnum vs P32 would be fun to compare.

Thanks for posting this. It's good stuff!

It think it is this model. I'll double check it today:

https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Tread-C...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B008UGE6B0



It keeps the bottom of the grip just above pocket line so it's easier to get hold of.


EDIT: Yes, this is the one I'm using (checked it when I carried it today)

cw380 Wallet holster in the back pocket. Haven't shot my ass off yet. Scary thing is I will sometimes forget I even have it on me.