The Kel-Tec P32 is a sub-compact semi-automatic pistol using the short-recoil principle of operation that is chambered in .32 ACP.[5] It was designed by George Kellgren.[6] It is manufactured by Kel-Tec CNC Industries Inc., of Cocoa, Florida and was designed for concealed carry by citizens and by law enforcement officers as a back-up gun.[7]
| Kel-Tec P32 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Kel-Tec P32, blued finish | |
| Type | Pocket pistol |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Private citizens and police officers |
| Production history | |
| Designer | George Kellgren |
| Designed | 1999 |
| Manufacturer | Kel-Tec CNC Industries Inc. |
| Produced | 1999–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 6.6 oz (190 g) unloaded.[1] |
| Length | 5.07 inches (129 mm) |
| Barrel length | 2.68 inches (68 mm) |
| Width | 0.75 inches (19 mm) |
| Height | 3.50 inches (89 mm) |
| Cartridge | .32 ACP |
| Action | locked-breech |
| Feed system | Detachable box magazine; capacities: |
| Sights | Fixed, iron (two variants) |
Design
editManufactured by Kel-Tec CNC Industries (founded 1991) in the city of Cocoa, Florida, United States, the P32 has a barrel length of 2.68 inches (68 mm).[8]
Unlike almost all blowback pocket pistols of the 20th century, P32 operates on Browning's short-recoil principle with a locked breech,[9] allowing to mitigate recoil despite the very low weight (this solution became popular in the following decades).
Similar in concept to a revolver, the P32 has no manual safety, relying instead on the long double-action trigger pull and an internal hammer block to provide safe operation.[9] The pistol meets SAAMI guidelines, and will not fire if dropped. The P32 has passed extensive SAAMI drop-testing at the H. P. White labs, as well as drop tests to military specifications. The trigger must physically be pulled for the gun to fire.[9]
The P32 is made of the following materials: SAE 4140 ordnance steel for the barrel and slide; 7075-T6 aluminum for the internal frame which houses the firing mechanism (machined from a solid block of aluminum); and Dupont ST-8018 ultra-high-impact polymer for the checkered grip, frame, and trigger.[8]
See also
edit- Kel-Tec CNC Industries of Cocoa, FL
- Pocket pistol
- Single column magazine
References
edit- ^ "P32 .32ACP Pistol | Easily Concealed Carry | EDC Gun | Specs".
- ^ "P32 7 rd Standard Magazine".
- ^ "P32 One Round Magazine Extension". Archived from the original on 17 October 2019. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
- ^ "P32-37 10rd Magazine". Archived from the original on 17 October 2019. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
- ^ Hogg, Ian; Walter, John (29 August 2004). Pistols of the World. David & Charles. p. 188. ISBN 0-87349-460-1.
- ^ Eimer, Bruce N. (7 June 2012). Armed - The Essential Guide to Concealed Carry. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. pp. 111–113. ISBN 978-1-4402-3002-8.
- ^ Ayoob, Massad (2012). Gun Digest's Backup Guns for Concealed Carry eShort: Get the best backup gun tips and inside advice on concealed carry handguns, CCW laws & more. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 12. ISBN 978-1-4402-3423-1.
Today tiny 32 autos like the Seecamp, the North American Arms Guardian and the irresistibly slim and light Kel-Tec P32 have found their way into the backup position on the bodies of many police officers and armed citizens alike.
- ^ a b "Kel-Tec P-32 Pistol". Kel-Tec CNC Industries Inc. Archived from the original on 30 July 2008.
- ^ a b c Staff (2004). "Pocket Pistols Kel-Tec's 380 And 32 ACPs Versus NAA". Gun tests.
External links
edit- Kel-Tec CNC Industries P32 page
- Kel-Tec P32 Safety, Instruction, and Parts Manual [permanent dead link]
- Kel-Tec Owners Group (KTOG)