The underrated .32 ACP may not be the first caliber on many people’s minds when considering a modern defensive round but it has a surprising amount of history behind it. Does .32 ACP deserve a second look?
If you’re interested in this little cartridge and wonder what modern options are available, you’re in the right place.
We’re going to look at this often overlooked round and see if it’s still relevant in the modern era, and we’ll tell you which .32 ACP models are available and ready for you to take home.
THE QUICK LIST
-
Best Overall
-
Best for Collectors
-
Best Budget
-
Most Compact
-
Best Tip-Up
Table of Contents
Loading…
How We Chose the Best .32 ACP Handguns
This article is a meta-analysis based on our experience with tons of handguns and thousands of rounds over the years at Pew Pew Tactical.
Using the criteria of features, ergonomics, reliability, accuracy, and value, we then polled the editors and writers to see their top handguns that met the criteria.
Best .32 ACP Handguns
1. Walther PPK/s – Best Overall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Still in production
- Also available in .380 ACP and .22 LR
- Possibly the most classy CCW pistol ever made
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
If you wanted a practical concealed carry gun, you’d be shopping for a compact 9mm striker-fire pistol.
Instead, do you want something well-made, historically significant, and effortlessly cool? Look no further than the sleek Walther PPK/s.
Sure, it can’t really compete with the likes of the Sig Sauer P365 or Springfield Hellcat. But I strongly argue that it’s better looking. This is a classic gun.
The original PPK was the weapon of choice for the two greatest spies in all of film and TV, so it’s hard to argue against that.
The PPK/s has a 3.3-inch barrel, a DA/SA trigger, and 8+1 capacity.
It’s also incredibly reliable, has minimal recoil thanks to that steel frame, and has an empty weight of just over 1 pound.
Looking for a very svelte carry option with 90 years of history? The PPK is it.
Read up on its history in Walther PPK: From James Bond to Today, or check out our review!
2. Colt Model 1903 – Best for Collectors
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Huge historical significance
- Originals and replicas are available
- Easier to shoot than our other picks
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
The Colt Model 1903, originally called the Pocket Hammerless, was developed by John Browning as a successor to his Model 1900 design.
In that respect, you can draw a direct line from this to the Colt 1911, making it a cool bit of history.
The 1903 was incredibly popular and was used by Willie Sutton, Al Capone, Bonnie Parker, and a host of other famous outlaws and a number of military and police officers.
If you want one, you can shell out enormous money for an original or spend less for a modern reproduction produced under license by U.S. Armament Corp.
It is American-made and features an 8-round magazine. It boasts an overall length of 6.75 inches and a loaded weigh of 27 ounces, making it considerably heavier than the other pistols on this list.
It’s also a neat piece of history and fun to own if you aren’t looking for a defensive pistol.
3. KelTec P32 – Best Budget
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Super affordable
- Extended magazines available
- Incredibly light
Cons
- No fun trivia associated with this one
Specs
The KelTec P32 is a modern option for those looking for a defensive carry gun, and it’s way more affordable than the rest.
This little guy gives you 7+1 in the standard mag, but you have the option to boost that to 10+1 with an extended magazine.
It’s a hammer-fired, double-action-only pistol with less than great sights but a truly excellent street price of around $250.
It has a short 2.7-inch barrel and a total length of just over 5 inches, so it’s very compact.
Oh, and it weighs 6.6 ounces. That’s not a typo. This thing actually weighs less than half a pound unloaded.
That makes it one of the best options for a deep carry.
Check out our review here for more details!
4. Seecamp LWS .32 – Most Compact
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- As tiny as pistols get
- Perfect for an ankle holster
- More available now than at launch
Cons
- No sights
Specs
Seecamp as a company isn’t really around anymore but the LWS .32 is, and it’s a heck of a little firearm.
It was a rare firearm back in the day but production has opened up now, making this a really interesting little guy to own.
The truly miniature LWS weighs in at less than 14 ounces fully loaded, with a height of just 3.25 inches and a length of 4 inches.
It has 6+1 capacity, a heavy trigger pull, and uses a delayed blowback action that’s fairly unique among handguns of this size (not that there are many of this size).
This is a neat bit of firearm design and a really small option for a backup pistol.
At contact distance, this is a good one, especially since it doesn’t have sights.
5. Beretta 3032 Tomcat – Best Tip-Up
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Tip-up action
- Reliable
- Adjustable rear sight
Cons
- Pistols this small are always difficult to shoot well
Specs
The Beretta 3032 Tomcat is one of the more popular modern .32 ACP pistols for good reason. It features a great stainless finish, offers 7+1 capacity, and it’s as reliable as you could ask a handgun to be.
It uses a tip-up barrel design, meaning you don’t actually have to rack the slide to chamber the first round when loading. This makes it a phenomenal option for those without a lot of hand strength.
If you suffer from a case of arthritis or other joint issues, the Tomcat is a game-changer.
The unloaded weight sits at 14.5 ounces and the overall length is less than 5 inches, making it another great concealed carry option.
You also get a slide-mounted safety that will feel familiar to most DA/SA pistol owners.
Not to mention, you actually get an adjustable rear notch sight. That may be a bit optimistic because pistols of this size are notoriously hard to aim, but hey, it’s an extra feature you don’t get with any other .32 ACP options out there.
What do you think of the Beretta Tomcat? Give it a rating below!
Notable Mentions
6. Walther PP – Notable Mention
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Walther PP - 1, Hitler - 0
- Ahead of its time
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Unofficial pistol of the Nazi high command
Specs
Next, we have the Walther PP, or Polizeipistole (police pistol in German).
The PP was first chambered in .32 ACP and became popular enough to act as the go-to sidearm for a number of military personnel, including the Nazi high command during World War II.
This is the very model that killed Hitler. There’s some mind-blowing trivia for you.
Developed by German manufacturer Carl Walther GmbH Sportwaffen in 1929, it offered a simple and reliable blowback-style action.
What was unique about this design was its implementation of some cool features like an automatic hammer block, combination safety/decocking lever, and loaded chamber indicator.
If you can get past the dark history, it’s a solid little pistol that gave rise to some of our favorites later on.
How to Choose the Best .32 ACP Handguns
Considering how many great 9mm pistols are available, there are basically two reasons you’d want to shoot .32 ACP. Either you want an ultra-compact backup to your carry pistol, possibly in an ankle holster, or you appreciate historical firearms and want to keep them around.
If you’re looking for a defensive pistol, stick with something modern like the .32 ACP pistols from Beretta, KelTec, or Walther.
History buffs, feel free to shoot antiques and reproductions all you want!
History of .32 ACP
The .32 ACP was developed by one of the forefathers of modern firearm design, John Moses Browning.
The .32 ACP cartridge first appeared in 1899 with the FN 1900 Browning pistol. Upon release, it quickly became one of the most popular pistol cartridges on the market, particularly in Europe.
And it spurred the development of guns like the Walther PP, a truly prolific sidearm.
Is .32 ACP Still Relevant?
Modern calibers like .380 ACP make more sense in the context of self-defense but .32 ACP actually offers lighter recoil and faster comparative muzzle velocity.
For my money, it’s the lighter recoil that’s the big thing here.
The truth is that .380 ACP pocket pistols aren’t fun to shoot. They have a sharp bark and a good bit of felt recoil that can charitably be described as “snappy.”
The .32 ACP is practically tame by comparison. It’s not a terrible choice for new shooters who want to start with a compact carry gun, particularly if they lack grip strength.
Finally, some truly iconic firearms are chambered for this cartridge and it’s made some big appearances in pop culture. That alone means we’re unlikely to see the .32 ACP go anywhere anytime soon.
FAQs
Is .32 ACP good for self-defense?
There are definitely better cartridges for self-defense, but .32 ACP is a competent round. Pistols chambered for .32 ACP are also tiny, which makes them a good backup to your carry pistol.
What is the effective range of .32 ACP?
The limiting factor isn't the cartridge itself, but the handguns that shoot it. Micro-compact pistols are most effective at very close ranges - think inside 10 yards.
Do they still make .32 ACP pistols?
Yes! The ones on this list are some of our favorites.
Final Thoughts
The .32 ACP is an underrated round these days, but that shouldn’t stop you from picking up a gun chambered in this awesome little caliber.
All of the handguns on this list are excellent firearms that are fun to own and shoot.
Which of these .32 ACP guns is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! For more tiny pistol action, check out our round-up of the Best Pocket Pistols and Best .380 Pistols.
Latest Updates
July 10, 2024: Expanded on how we chose the best .32 ACP handguns included our criteria.
June 4, 2024: Added detailed product information, updated supporting content, and removed the Sig Sauer P230.
58 Leave a Reply
Great article on small guns... I have the Beretta 3020 and love it. Using PMC Bronze 71 grain and it shoots straight...
I prefer the .32 in the Zastava M70. I have a police turn-in that shoots like a dream.
A full-power .32 can penetrate both flesh and bone fairly well and reasonably incapacitate an aggressor.
Trust me, two, or more .32 slugs can reuin a bad guy's entire afternoon.
Very good article. I’ve been looking for a new pocket pistol for ages. It looks like the Kel-Tec P32 is the one for me. Cheers!
I agree with that 100%. And I wish KFC would bring back the BBQ ribs from the early 80's
Beretta 30X??? It is better than the 3032 in every conceivable way (I own both). Why not review or at least mention this one?
Connery is holding a Walther P5 in that photo, not a PPK. For some reason he used that pistol in “Never Say Never Again”. The official Bond movie that same year, 1983’s “Octopussy”, saw Roger Moore use a P5 in place of his usual PPK as well.
I believe that safety on the Tomcat is on the frame, not the slide.
I have a 1960 Walthers PPK 0.32. Expensive to buy new and shoot but shoots great low recoil so all shots smoothly on target which makes up for being a bit underpowered. Shoot my 9s more as ammo is cheap but carry the 32 often. All metal so a bit heavy but have a nice holster.
I had three FN 1900 and one FN 1910. I love the 1900 due its reliabiliy and very narrow profile.
The recoil spring OVER the barrel is a very smart solution: reduces the muzzle jump, allows the use of sights with a silencer installed and, with some training, it's possible to rack the slide with a single hand, pressing the slide over the barrel with the thumb.
When speaking of Seecamp you mention they're not around anymore and in the next sentence state they have 'really opened up production.'
Seecamp is very much alive and well and producing .25/.32 & 380 models. As an avid 'mouse gun' collector, my two Seecamps (1982/.25 & 2018/.32) outperform every other gun I own. They just work.
The only other gun I have that does just as well is a 1982 S&W .38 Special. My Ruger sp101 does well but has had a couple of hiccups...no big deal, spring(s) related. Fixed.
My Heckler & Koch compact 45 is a true working monster. Smoothest weapon I have ever holstered in my life...never have had an issue but I defer to Seecamp because of the smaller caliber.
My Walther ppk/s .22 is also one of the smoothest machines I've ever used, but I have had 5 instances (over 28yrs) where .22 ammo failed and I had to rack the slide. But that's ammo, not the gun.
As you can see I only choose handguns that just work.
My Seecamps are little pocket rockets. I carry my .38 at all times appendix and my 32 in my pocket. My sp101 sits in my car and my .25 Seecamp in my office desk. The Heckler & Koch sits in a case in the kitchen and is only for end of the world scenarios. : )
That, and my Mossberg 590.
I think the most important item one can have in an end of the world scenario are bandoliers. Having the ability to strap ammo to your person is extremely important. They distribute the weight and obviously give you extra carry options.
I've never liked large guns. I'm 6'2"/220 and built like an athlete but I prefer really small guns. 99% of the time one could brandish a tiny firearm and as long as it makes a *bang* sound, it'll be all you need.
Because ask yourself this question; If an active shooter with an AR-15 or AK-47 is wandering around the mall, are you really going to try and 'get them' with your .357 or 9mil?
Unless you're extremely lucky it will not go too well for you. Because more than likely that person is wearing protective gear and their adrenalin has skyrocketed. Your adrenalin has as well, but you didn't plan for this; he did.
So this is why I only carry small weapons...because in closed-combat they're all you need. And as well, I'd prefer not killing someone...Why? The legal hassle. Plus, are you sure all of your projectiles will hit their mark...what happens when you also take out little Billy who was standing 30ft away?
Anyhow...I'm blathering on about guns and situational attacks again. I'll stop.
Thank you for this article, Megan.
There was a time in history when clip was a common term for the usage Merv used.
Curious. While you have some valid points I am curious how a small firearm would be different from a 9mm or 357 in an active shooter situation.
want 32 magnum pistol
What if aa registwhat if you buy it and all the parts aren't there..there's a lot of comments for a very rare and impossible to buy or have in your possession without a liscence. I guess the ammo is available due to the number of guns manufactured.
I heartily agree with your statements of the .32 acp being under rated and, of course, having a mild recoil. I have owned or still do own most of the pistols on your list. My favs have been the Walther PP (a WWII version) and a pristine Colt 1903, which I foolishly sold (with box &paperwork!). A number of years ago in I believe, the Marshall- Sanow stopping percentage evaluations, based on actual shootings resulting in a one shot stop, the .32acp was only a few percentage points behind the .380. Resultantly, I chose the Kel-Tec P32 for a pocket gun. I got that pistol when they first came out and carried it as, mostly, a back up. It did get shot regularly and eventually I replaced it with.......wait for it......another new P32! By that time the P3AT had come out (and yes, I have one of those as well) but I picked the P32 partly because of it's relative "stopping" percentage to the .380, but also because the P32 carries one more round! And the difference in recoil! Mind you, I am not particularly sensitive to recoil, but the P32 is, in comparison to most small .380 firearms, a joy to shoot! That would seem to make it something which is more likely to be practiced with, a huge factor in effective personal defense! Now, if ammo would just come back down to a reasonable price point that'd be nice!
Art B
You should take a look at that data again. The important number is the failure to incapacitate rate… Which was 40% for 32 compared to only 16% for 38.
Left out the North American Arms Guardian. Still made here in the USA. Available in .32 or .380 ACP, and also their proprietary .32 NAA they developed with Corbin.
Another note on the Walther PP, is that the PP was the first successful production DA/SA. All the earlier guns were SA and many later are DAO.
Walther is still making the PPK, but it would be nice to see them reintroduce the PP.
Nice article; please make a correction to the statement “Seecamp as a company isn’t really around anymore“ the original company still makes high quality firearms, you can reach a live person if you call them, their customer service is exceptional and their website is literally the name of their company.
Great article. I own a few of the pistols listed here. However, my SIG 230 is in .380 ACP. I've never seen the .32 version here in the US. On a similar note I have a Beretta 85, also in .380 ACP. Again, I don't recall ever seeing the .32 version here. And I think Walther is currently only putting out .380s in Arkansas. You might have to really be patient if you really want a .32 version of the bigger guns shown here.
I have a Beretta .32 purchased in Mississippi from a local gun shop. It was used but in excellent condition. It is a good solid shooter and excellent when I can't carry a larger weapon.
Very nice article, please post many more.
I consider the PPK the best looking of the bunch; but the Guardian would be my choice considering price and affordability.
I have one 84bb. The Tomcat-CZ70-Savage 1917-P32-and I'm still trying to get the rest. Looking at an FEG AP-MBP. I had a PP it was stolen in a burglary. I wish someone made a 500ish colt hammerless clone
No mention of the Baretta 80 serie in 32? Oh my goodness. I guess its imported so it can be a bit rare and overpriced.
Easily the best 32 out there though. Has actual sights and double stack mag.
love the keltec p32 .. used to drop it in my pocket and not worry about it ..till i shot my trigger finger and kneecap with it while taking keys out of the same pocket.. do use a pocket holster and dont put anything else in the same pocket..put fmj in so it feeds well .. 32 is semi rimmed and a lot of hollow points are too short and get hung up on other rounds in mag.plus fmj has better penetration..
You probably shouldn't own any firearms if you are that stupid .
Absolutely zero sympathy.
The frame on my Beretta Tomcat 3032 cracked. VERY poor design. Beretta started making this POS in the late 90s and discovered the weak frame about ten years later and issued a warning not to use ammo producing greater than 130 ft/lbs- like we all check the muzzle velocity when we buy ammo. Beretta has legendary POOR customer service. Newer Tomcats are still cracking. The Tomcat is an unreliable, cheaply made gun. Don't bet your life on this POS.
The area of the Tomcat's frame that cracks is in a non-critical area. That area can be cut from the frame entirely. It has no effect on the performance of the firearm. This is a known thing. It is usually seen in the blued frames, not the Inox framed guns.
I don't see how a cracked frame is safe to shoot regardless of where it is, particularly where the slide travels. No quality built pistol should have a frame failure using the caliber of bullet it is advertised for. I have many brands of guns, only one with a cracked frame- Beretta.
Well you don't own many guns. The series one Colt Delta Elite had a problem with that. Calling the quality of a Beretta into question speaks volumes to your firearms knowledge.
Exactly.
That "D" actually wrote what he wrote makes me think he's friends with Clem, further up the comments.
In 2023 & 2024, Beretta released the 3032 Covert and 30X models and addressed these problems. I have over 500 rounds in each of mine (71 and 73 grain) and they are still running great!
My favorite is a Beretta model 81 with 12 + 1 capacity.
I own a seecamp, and I love the fact that you have 6 rounds in the palm of my hand, it hides anywhere, and is my last resort, but I would feel protected with a . 32acp that has another inch or two barrel length. It's too bad that the browning 1903 is so expensive, because that and the seecamp combined would cover my self defense needs. I also own compact versions of two of the popular full power caliber pistols even though they are compact models , they still are hard to conceal in warm weather, shorts without belts are out of the question. I tend to rely on belly bands, but still have that pistol "bite" quality. I dunno maybe I'll trade in one of my favorites to acquire that Browning!
I appendix a Model 36 .38 Special from 1982 and pocket my .32 Seecamp. It's been the best combination I've ever carried.
I love My P32. It weighs nothing, I mean like cell phone weight nothing. It is ultimately concealable, any pocket, anytime. It always shoots with correct ammo it has the kick of a butterfly yet tears up cans and bottles with surprising effect. It won't shoot through the neighborhood if I fire at an intruder, the extended clip makes it fit like a glove but the stock clip is fine. My tiny wife can shoot it. Some will Call me crazy, but this is the gun I have at hand when I sleep despite having a S/W 9, a 357, Sig 9, and buck mark .22 (also a favorite good defense gun, I love the low recoil). If I find a back up p.32 I will buy it. I specifically bought the 32 instead of the 380 because of the recoil difference and am thrilled I did.
It is a magazine, not a clip. There terms are not synonymous.
I personally love the .32 caliber and the new high pressure options has my kicking around the idea of having a machinist re-chamber my Glock 42 but I’m waiting on a beretta 12 round magazine to see about fit
Beretta Tomcat. Have two, mine and wife's. Pop-up bbl is all the difference being in our late 70's. Round in the chamber, no racking the slide. Point and pull no BS.
76 years old arthritic hands. need 32 auto lite weights and durability
Small hand and arthritic thumb need small and lightweight automatic 32
Same Richard. 32 ammo to much any380 help. 76 years old arthritic hand need small and lightweight
I own several Beretta Tomcats and the Kel Tec P32. The Tomcats are fun to shoot. For self defense the 32 round is really a last ditch, close quarters round and you can fire every round in the gun as fast as you can pull the trigger - especially with the Tomcat - with almost zero recoil.
Extremely difficult to find ammo for this tiny .32 gun.
Also, when you can find
The .32 ammo it is twice
the price of 9 MM ammo.
I bought the KT P-32 for $200
3 or 4 yrs. Back &
A couple things about this post:
• The second photo of the PP is actually a PPK/S
• The pistol Connery is holding in the Never Say Never Again image is a Walther P5 (just like what Moore used in the official Bond film of the same year, Octopussy)
• Have fun trying to find a P230 in .32—they exist, but are super uncommon
Everybody bad mouths the .32 ACP. The point of the .32 ACP is that is the gun you carry when you should be unarmed. I don't have a .32, but do have a .25 ACP (Raven). Also have (3) .380 ACP pistols. Point is - can you keep (5) out of (5) shots in a 4" circle??? With the Raven, I could hit a ~6" balloon at 35 to 40 feet consistently. With a ~15 oz. loaded S&W "J" Frame, in .38, couldn't get the same number of hits. (Better with the .380s.) YES - got my series 70 COLT 1911 when they first came out, and spent a rainy afternoon polishing the action. Back then I was able to shoot accurately well pass 25 yards. Now 50 years latter, I have trouble just racking the slide on a 1911. Wonder what a next generation .32 pistol and advanced .32 ammo would be like??? Maybe something like a lock breech pistol and a "magnumized" .32 ACP (~24,000 psi - like .32 H&R revolver cartridge).
I agree wholeheartedly, not enough experimentation with that great little bullet!
Looks like the new .30 Super Carry is the 2022 model/version .32 ACP. If the performance is as good as the FEDERAL folks claim, then a modernized COLT 1903 or something similar (KEL TEC?) could be an ideal CCW for any number of folks. Note - April 2022 issue of AMERICAN RIFLEMAN article on the .30 Super Carry is a must read.
My favorite .32 acp is a Walther Model 4. This a WWII bring back by my uncle, was the first handgun I ever fired. Still, it is an accurate and reliable little .32. I have acquired several model 4's over time, all of the third variation. Encountered still today, I have no hesitation of using the model 4; when a .32 is appropriate.
My Dad bought a Colt 1903 in 32ACP way back in the 1960s as a concealed carry piece. I inherited it and carried it for many years myself. It is a true classic of design and function. The last time I carried it was when I was walking at night and early mornings in an area that is considered to be marginal. I retired the Colt for a .380 Bersa Thunder Plus for it's much larger capacity about 8 years ago.
I think .32 acp for pocket carry is the best choice. If you are just an average person who wants to conceal carry going out at night or traveling, a Kel Tec P32 is a great choice. It is just as easy as carrying a wallet or cell phone. Plus, .32 is easy and fast to shoot with enough power to penetrate.
I have four from the list above: PP, Tomcat, Seecamp, and Keltec. The Keltec with a Crimson Trace laser is my choice for carry. The Tomcat is second, since it is easy to load with the tip up barrel. The Seecamp slide is very difficult for me to retract to load a round, so I don’t carry it. The PP is a fun gun.
Keltec by far
Never had a jam, accurate and easy to carry, you will have it on you when the “real gun” is home
Aim fir the eyes, more directly the orbit -even if it doesn’t penetrate the brain the bad guy will have a difficult time aiming
Had my experiences with .32 in my younger years. Good round until the time came to use it for real then it wasn't so great.
Aren’t like half of these guns discontinued?
That you wrote out 'like' where it wasn't needed as a verbal tic is terrifying.
No....just no