KELTEC FAILURE! It Finally Happened.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

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[@gsxawd981]

What type of European 32acp would you recommend?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@gsxawd981 Chuck recommend the Fiocchi specifically made in Italy vs the US. I think I've got some S&B that I can take a look at. I'll let you know what I find out.

[@russvonhagen241]

The advice I heard is that rimlock on the P 32 is more likely when using hollow point ammo which is slightly shorter leaving a gap for the problem to occur. The recommendation is to use FMJ on the P 32 due to its much better penetration for a lower power round. The Fiocchi 73 grain is the best choice for penetration and preventing rim lock.

[@austinleal9470]

OK lucky gunner

[@chuckhaggard1584]

Check out the Fiocchi 73gr FMJ if you can find it, specifically the made in Italy stuff. Very reliable, and the bullet reliably yaws while giving 15-16" of penetration.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Thank you for your insight and support Chuck!

[@chuckhaggard1584]

@@TheSuitedShootist PS; it makes me sad that they are linking commercials for super crappy holsters to your video.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@chuckhaggard1584 right? I feel like I need a disclaimer. Although it's funny to see Urban Carry advertise on the ASP videos explaining why they're trash

[@libra7624]

absolutely, that yaw creates a good wound channel to but up to us to put that shot where it needs to go both heart and head, i have been using Fiocchi 73 grain wich is the better rim design but also same hot load specs in european police pistols i collect, shooting 32 for decades i have always known about rim lock and how cases can differ but i dont seem to have hardly any rim lock issues even with non european spec ammo, loading and the way you load 32 is important to, watch as you load and tap mag, but not just that if you use a mag for thousands of rounds mags can cause rim lock even more so its important to remember mags dont last forever, i use spring kits to rebuild mags. over the decdes i maybe had one rim lock, so a piece of the space shuttle i am more likely to get hit with then a rim lock i didnt cause myself, rim lock can be more then just ammo related, you can still get it if you load the magazine wrong or not doing your part having good functioning magazines, even a 73 grain european round can rim lock its just not as likely as say a 71 grain american made round wich is visually different but i love Fiocchi 73 grain since its the hoter round specifically for use in my classic 32 acp firearms, Fiocchi knew about this decades ago in the differences in the case wich is why they stick with the old school 32 casing and pressures

[@dynamicfirearmsinc432]

The Fiocchi is the best stuff to use in the Kel-tec I live in Florida and was up at Kel-Tec and the technician told me about that ammo and to use it not on a regular basis though because it’s very strong even though it’s a browning type lock up

[@deere3321]

After watching this video I tried to intentionally rim lock my P32 using Sellier and Bellot which is made in the Czech republic. I couldn't do it. Good video.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad you liked it!

[@thesarge4457]

Never had my Kel-Tec P32 lock up like that, but your info helps me to be aware of it if this should ever happen, thank you Sir. THE SARGE

[@brianbriggs2548]

Just get you some Sellier Bellot 73 gr. Hot stuff

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Yup, that & Fiocchi are my go-tos

[@tomh7708]

A number of years ago, I bought a brand new Kel-Tec in .380 as a backup gun for work. Loved everything about it. I took it to the range but it would not fire. I was at a loss. I tried everything I could think of as to why the pistol wasn't going bang. I couldn't figure it out. So, I packed up and went back to the dealer where I purchased it. They were just as surprised as me as to why this gun would not fire. I contacted Kel-Tec and they wanted the pistol sent back to the factory. They provided a shipping box and the gun was on it's way. Kel-Tec had it back to me in short order and it worked great. Kel-Tec said there was no firing pin in the slide. It left the factory without a firing pin. It seemed this pistol missed quality control/test firing. Kel-Tec was quick to fix the problem. This pistol has worked every time since. I like the little Kel-Tec pistols but I'm just a little wary now. Needless to say, after the problem was identified, I purchased a SW .38 snobby. It now fills the role of backup gun.

[@linarn4671]

i just heard some bad customer service reviews about Kel tec, what a shame. very bad customer service it seemed, maybe not always but I've heard several.

[@fargoalspach557]

I own 3 KelTecs and the one time I reached out they were nice and quick to the point I needed a screw , from my KS7 after about 500rnds one came loose on the range. They asked for my serial numbers I gave them the part # for that exact screw they sent me the part free, when I received it they sent an extra . Innovators of cool tools and my experience with them was positive.

[@chefheath]

This is why we watch the Lucky Gunner videos with Chris Baker... I use the Sellier and Bellot in my Keltec P32 and Fiocchi in my Beretta Cheetah.

[@Xellos14]

Great info, glad folks aren't giving up on the .32 just yet.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Wish it was more widely embraced

[@MJCorey]

Yep, I've heard / read about the dreaded rim lock of .32acp. I bought 250 rounds of Euro ammo with my Kel Tec P32 so I've never experienced a problem.

[@heeebeeegeeebeee]

Thanks for sharing. I've been really enjoying your channel recently since I started working in an office.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad to have you! Thanks for watching.

[@sBentonfamily]

I load my p32 with a Winchester silvertip in the chamber and the first round in the mag. Below are FMJ rounds. This will prvent lock up and allow hollow points for the 1st two rounds iif you believe in them. Also. Imreplaced fhe Kel Tech springs with Wolf Springs. 0 malfunctions with the Wolf Springs.

[@feudist]

Kel Tec Owner's Group is the go to for all matters KelTec. They invented the "Flyer Wire" that prevents riimlock with JHP.

[@michaeldaltonsr8954]

TY 4info!! Was considering .32 for wife. Long story, but KTP32 good fit.

[@williams7968]

I’d never heard of Flyerwire until just now. Thanks for the info.

[@rickyjones1784]

Will they install the flyer wire for you?

[@feudist]

@@rickyjones1784 KTOG is a website for enthusiasts. IIRC, it was a fairly simple DIY mod. HTH

[@rickyjones1784]

Where can you order a flyer wire kit ?

[@Miata822]

Good info. I always carry Fiocchi FMJ. HPs are counterproductive for defense in a 32 (lower penetration & no real expansion). HPs are said to increase the likelihood of rim-lock anyway due to their shorter overall length.

[@stendak]

First time hearing about it, thank you. Very useful info.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@selfresponder6043]

Thanks for the info, I carry a Walther PPK.32 with S&B FMJ. I once had a rimlock with the reloads that I used to carry, fortunately it happened during training on the second round. I had to remove the mag and used my pocket knife to press down the round below the top round. Reloaded rounds were a bit shorter than the S&B FMJ rounds. I am now very careful when loading my mags and will not use shorter rounds eg. JHP.

[@pineyhills9066]

This makes compete sense to me now. My P32 loves Geco ammo but I had a lot of rim lock issues with the Buffalo Bore hard cast ammo I wanted to use for my carry load.

[@tim4169-w8j]

fiocchi if you can find it

[@TheCastleKeeper]

S&B 7.65 Browning 73gr. FMJ runs the hottest at around 950fps out of my KT P32. It makes it to 13" FBI, so it is ideal. And usually cheaper than usa.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

That's what I'm running

[@RedHuntsman]

If you want more heat look at Underwood .32 ACP +P Xtreme Defense is rated at 1050 and I consistently hear it reach supersonic. Unfortunately they US spec the .32 ACP brass, but you just have to be more careful in loading the mags with it. Also I run a heavier recoil spring on my P32 as I only shoot Euro loads and the Underwood +P. It really helps keeping the gun on target given with this micro subcompact pistol

[@MyMillionMeterLife]

Funny you talked about ammo but didn’t mention how fmj vs other impacts this. The geometry of a 32 jhp round is different and can cause this and incidentally more us rounds aren’t fmj. I’d be curious to know what bullet type jammed up

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I only run ball, since JHP doesn't reliably reach the depths required.

[@10thmtn86]

Interesting on the Euro vs US spec .32 ammo. My pocket autos are .380 (LCP Max backed up by an older LCP gen 1) partly to avoid this issue, but mostly because of ammo availability. You also discovered the old adage that "two is one, one is none." I always carry a pair when out and about. Years ago (before a redesign by Ruger) I had the takedown pin fall out of one LCP, which resulted in the slide shooting off the frame downrange. I put what was left of it down, pulled my other LCP out of my left pocket, and kept shooting lol.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Thankfully for this drill I also had my 22 LCR in my Enigma, so I was able to transition.

[@michigunsanta8680]

I usually keep a Underwood extreme defender chambered, one at the top of the mag and the rest Fiocchi FMJs. No problems ever.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I know some folks will do that, most famously with Winchester Silver Tip in the pipe with a mag full of FMJ behind it.

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

@@TheSuitedShootistYeah, those Underwood Defenders are far superior to even Fiocchi and S&B rounds. I shot a bunch of 1 gallon water jugs to compare the Defenders to the S&B' FMJs. The S&B FMJs would split the jugs and perform respectably. The Underwood Extreme Defenders would make the jugs explode so violently that it would splash water all over me even from 7 feet away. The Defenders penetrate to the same depth in gel blocks as S&B's as well. So even if you're leery about a whole magazine rimlocking on you, loading one as your first round in the chamber gives you a better chance of stopping a threat with your first shot. The Defenders are just that good.

[@photobyTaps]

Great video, thank you. I wonder if there is a tool to reshape brass to the rounded version?

[@chutethemall8099]

Rimlock is rare, and typically caused by improper loading procedure: load each round with it's rim in front of the rim on the round below it. Also, it's more common on shorter 60g jhp ammo than longer .71-.73g fmj ammo, so Keltec has produced a magazine spacer for those who insist on using shorter ammo. Since the jhp ammo is unlikely to expand anyway, the fmj ammo is likely more effective. And if it happens in a gunfight, just pull out a NY reload (second gun) because nothing is faster.

[@nyuu444]

Really appreciate you sharing this info with us.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angelobartolomeu5679]

I heard something on these lines with 303 british, specifically ww2 surplus ammo and new production brass. The new brass does not has the bevels that the old brass had, so it rimlocks more frequently

[@chuckhaggard1584]

The older military .303 had a pronounced bevel to the back side of the rim, one of the most obvious examples of this is the 7.62x54 Russian service rifle round, the bevel is huge.

[@Subtlenimbus]

Don’t blame that poor p32. 32 acp rim lock is pretty much considered operator error these days.

[@raymondclay5822]

I bought a 1000 round case of Prvi Partizan .32 auto to go with my P32. I looked the ammo over and cannot see a bevel. Then I snapped a photo and zoomed in on it. Sure enough, the back end has a 45° bevel and the front side is rounded instead of being squared off. All of this should be a moot point for me since I bought 71 grain FMJ but it's still interesting. I wonder if my little P32 will eat the entire case that I bought or if it will die trying?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

It's not really a 1000 round gun. I'll periodically run the Werner 5^5 just as a skills check.

[@benf.2402]

I have a Colt Model 1903 in .32 that (twice) experienced rimlock with Winchester ammo. I switched to Sellier & Bellot and it hasn't occurred again. I thought it was the case length but the different rim profile explanation makes sense, too.

[@magnemodi1599]

Good reminder about rim lock. I use Sig-Sauer .32 ACP in my P-32 and have never experienced rim lock with that ammo. I did have a lock up when using Winchester ammo and stopped using it even for practice. I love my .32 cal in the hot months it doesn't print even when I'm in shorts and a t-shirt. I am never without a gun.

[@ronmoore6598]

I did Not know about this, and great information to pass along. Thank you! Liked and subbed!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@oldcop18]

First I’ve heard of rim lock, but I have the LCP .380 and it’s never malfunctioned in almost 10 years.

[@tominmo8865]

Great info, thanks. I had no clue.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad to help

[@RedHuntsman]

I've found that the Mexico and SA made ammo tends to use US .32 ACP brass spec. Look specifically for European cartridges, which are generally labelled with 7.65 Browning. They will also have a headstamp of 7.65 Br or something similar. Sellier & Bellot 73grs ammo is good Euro ammo.

[@wbsims2996]

The P32 did not fail, the cartridge case failed. I have had my p32 for about 20 years. Never experienced rim lock or had any other failure with my P32 nor my Beretta mod. 81. I love my .32CP pistols and carry my Keltec as much or more than any other handgun. I pocket carry with a pocket holster or pocket clip, or owb with a forbus paddle holster. Easy to forget it's there. Your P32 did not break nor fail, your ammo failed you. Underwood Extreme Defender ammo is loaded in Starline Brass and has the chamfered casehead.

[@georgerudowski3352]

I have found the overall length to vary. I cull all the short ammo and waste them. The short one could move forward. And if it is stacked under a good one it could slip forward causing rim lock also. Thanks for the info.

[@jackjones9460]

How about checking with a reloading business or machine shop to see if they have a tool to cut that square edge to a bevel? I don’t own a .32 so never saw this but have notice my surplus Russian Mosin Magant ammo has a double bevel on its rim. I think I now know why.

[@AbsoluteDefiance]

Good stuff. Thanks.

[@Lex5576]

Most of us P-32 owners are quite familiar with this. I’ve always ran PPU(Partizan) and S&B in mine, never had rimlock. I can count the number of stovepipes and light primer strikes on maybe both hands, but that’s considering over 1500 rounds put through it . I have ran some Hornady defense loads in it without any issues, but I don’t use it much.

[@loquat44-40]

Very good information. I know of rimlock, but normally most lay the blame on using the shorter hp bullet loaded rounds allowing the rounds more readily to slip behind the underlying round. But raise a very good point. I tend use european ammo or brazilian amo because I think it more often not underloaded. you raise a very good point. For carry FMJ to be sure I will chuck rounds in battery powered drill and make sure with fill that the back of the case is beveled. Right now I have S&B ammo and I will check those surfaces.

[@RonaldHug-ri9gh]

i recently bought a p32 so im trying to decide whats the best round for edc. it looks like the fiocchi 73g is the best. i hear they hot load a bit as well. i heard about the rimlock but didnt know about the beveled rear of the casing. excellent info.

[@GlenMones-le6yf]

2002 I purchased a generation one Kel-Tec p32 I love it I wanted to carry hollow points which is a shorter profile so I purchased Kel-Tec anti-rimlock kits.. it's a floor plate with a flat piece that takes up the spare room and the magazine.. I bought one for both magazines and one for my 10 round magazine.. I no longer carry hollow points in my p-32 but I do carry Underwood extreme cavitator bullets which are shorter profile than an FMJ so the anti-rim lock kits prevent rim lock with the extreme cavitator..BTW my son has a Kel-Tec p32 Gen 2 but I prefer the Gen one mine seems to be extremely reliable and accurate out to 40 ft

[@michaeldaltonsr8954]

TY!! Was not aware of this. Was shopping for CC for wife. She's shot all, up to, including .44 mag. But @ 7decades, we both losing hand strength. She still hard-core revolver/I can go semi- or revolver. So the KTP32 is good fit 4her. Glad to hear this before I shop for much fodder!!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I really like the LCR 22 as well

[@rickyjones1784]

Looking for a video on the flyer wire modification

[@Dan-oo1tm]

P32 and P3AT, I have never had a problem. I mean never a malfunction in either gun. I used to shoot them a lot, now I just change the ammo in the magazines every 6 months or more. All of it goes bang, never a surprise. I hear about these Kel-Tec problems but I have no problem literally betting my life on them.

[@johnscreekmark]

Not a gun failure…a loading failure.

[@jimmyholt8087]

I like the 32, however I have always found them to be a little sensitive to the ammo being used. Remington 32 auto has always shot reliably for mine

[@SkunkCreekRanch]

Old video, I know, but I'm just now seeing it, and have been packing my old P32 again in the last year or so. Back in the days when I still frequented KTOG, several of the old, old timers there always said run Fiocchi, though I do not remember there being an explanation why. That being said, I've only got Fiocchi FMJ and some new PMC FMJ that I chronographed recently and the difference was about 30 fps in favor of the Fiocchi.

[@chris9465]

Reload your own! You can seat whatever bullet you want to max mag length in order to prevent rim lock. Also, with 2.5gr of powder per cartridge, you'll get 2800 rounds out of a pound of powder.... you may also choose to research "flyer wire" style magazine modifications to also prevent rim lock.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

For someone who already has a reloading setup that's a great option.

[@fbweaver63]

i've had rimlock happen before with a ww1 eibar pistol. i have never heard that about european brass before, though. thank you. i'll look into that.

[@KansaSCaymanS]

Were you using JHP ammo? As I understand it, the problem occurs because JHP rounds are slightly shorter than FMJ ball ammo, which allows them to shift back and forth in the magazine under recoil, even if you loaded the magazine correctly to begin with. This, combined with the slightly protruding base of the cartridge is what leads to rim lock. I believe that S&B (and maybe Fiocci) slightly bevel the leading edge of the rim, so that even if there is overlap, the cartridge can still be stripped forward.

[@ultra4e]

Good to know, thank you

[@oldannyboy37]

Seems like the P32 is a bit more consistent quality wise than Kel-Tec's other items. I don't think I've ever seen a P3AT go more than 200 rounds without something breaking (no exaggeration, I've had like 3 break in my hands). I've had a PF9 come apart in use in less than 200 rounds too. Had a P11 for a while that made it about 500 and seemed to be going strong, and that's about as durable as I've ever seen any Kel-Tec product be.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

That's been the general experience of the folks I know that run these little 32s

[@oldannyboy37]

@@TheSuitedShootist glad they do something right at least, and maybe it's a testament that they can do better if they work at it.

[@clange50]

Agreed, p32 and sub2000s are tanks, others..ymmv.

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

I started carrying Kel Tecs back in the 1990s as backup guns for execution protection and police work and have owned a bunch of different models. In my experience, their best guns are the P32, the SU-16, the P11, and the Sub2k. The PF9 is also pretty good too. When you go outside of these models, it gets real sketchy with QC. But in my experience, the guns that Kel Tec does well, are very reliable over time as long as they aren't abused. Never once had a light strike problem or a catastrophic failure. Would depend my life on them.

[@donh1572]

Wow, thanks for the tip!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Happy to help!

[@philp411]

Yup. Also, check your mag spring to be sure it’s not weak.

[@cdlund2840]

Rim lock in the P32 is the shooters fault as you found out. You should only use good FMJ like S&B or Fiocchi. You need to pay attention to loading the mags. It very easy to avoid rim lock in a 32.

[@RevGunn-jq3cq]

Wow! That was a golden nugget!

[@linarn4671]

well after your change in amo and extensive use can you give us an - (update.) because I'm having troubles with my K-32 also. not sure its the amo.

[@4325air]

Back in 2016 my KelTec P3AT was an absolute, A-number-one, total, over-the-top, complete...fiasco. Out of 722 rounds, I had 79 malfunctions: 10 failure to feed, 18 failure to eject, 51 failure to fire. 11% failure rate with 7 different brands of ammo, varying from 90, 92, to 95gr and FMJ/JHP/Hornady plastic tip. I have over 50 years of pistol experience, and I own quite a few (that are utterly reliable). I religiously cleaned and lubed this P3AT properly. I finally got through a box of 50 rounds--Winchester white-box FMJ--without a malfunction, after replacing the recoil spring with a Wolff spring. But by that point I had no confidence in the pistol, and I was not about to invest in another 500 rounds and $$ just to see if I had "turned the corner" on reliability. I should not have invested all that $$ in over 700+ rounds of ammo, but I kept telling myself that maybe a different brand/type bullet would be the key to reliable operation. Not. What a piece of junk. Don't know about the rest of their line of firearms, but for me, I'll never touch another KelTec. They remain in business, so they must have customers, but I wonder how many REPEAT customers KelTec has had! Broke the bank and bought a Sig P238--better sights, less felt recoil, better grip, safety lever. Having over 600 rounds with not a single malfunction of the Sig, and 8 brands of ammo and three types of bullets. Utterly happy with the Sig!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

The P3ATs seemed to be much more problematic, but I hated my LCP too because that package is too small and light for a 380. It's great in 32.

[@jimsullins9162]

Thanks. That was very useful. Never heard of that before. Now I'm informed :)

[@markhicks5962]

I'm about to make a flat stick of metal to slide in the rear of my P32 magazines because I just bought one of those damd things and 3 boxes of PMC Bronze for it. They say KT used to make a piece of metal to drop in the back side of the mags to keep rds from backing up and catching on the one below it. In the meantime I guess I'll try to find some Fiocchi or Seller $ Belliot ( sp?) for it and rim lock can't be fixed by racking slide or anything like that so I'll carry a x tra mag for it, they are small enuf.

[@HALO-2304]

I heard that .32 had the possibility of rim lock, which is part of the reason why the Seecamp was designed for the Silver Tips. I've never had it happen to me, but now that I know the difference between Euro and US ammo, I'll have to keep it in mind. Thanks for passing it along!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Talking with Chuck about this in more detail, those Silvertip and the XTPs are still prone to rimlock. The hack is to have the chambered round be something like that, with Fiocchi or S&B behind it for better feeding.

[@HALO-2304]

@@TheSuitedShootist I was told the Seecamp magazine was designed with the specific OAL of the Silvertip to prevent rounds from somehow jumping forward in the magazine and causing rim lock. Just about everything else would only fit three in the magazine. I almost miss that gun. It was rather unpleasant to shot, despite being all stainless. I've been thinking of getting a Beretta 3032 again. That was a nice gun, but a bit chunky for what it is. Knowing what I know now, I'll certainly be better prepared when and if I do.

[@clange50]

@@HALO-2304 That is what I have read also, so far as people saying FMJ will not work in them. They are made for jhp.

[@HALO-2304]

@@clange50 You can only load three or four in the magazine before the length becomes an issue. Also, I found one FMJ offering from Fiocchi that would fit.

[@bobshelton9049]

Where can you get European Ammo.32?

[@jameslooker4791]

Not all 32 is the same length either. Kel tec gives you a spacer to push the short rounds forward.

[@clange50]

This is what people have known for 20 years. Per my other comment. Keltec mags are for FMJ. If you go short, jhp, rim lock is possible. Other 32s are designed for jhp (seecamp if I recall), so they can't use FMJ. It's a quirk of the cartridge.

[@grahamohea2424]

I have a .32 ACP in an NAA Guardian that I've owned for over 20 years. I've known rimlock is a theoretical possibility on these semi-rimmed cases, but I've never had it happen to me in my Guardian (though I have had it happen on one of my .22LR pistols).

[@tomh7708]

Thanks for this info!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carebear8762]

Remember it being discussed in the gun mags as an issue with semi-rimmed rounds, back in the '90s when the .32 heat was the Seecamp and the waitlists were almost a year out. Never heard any personal or even "friend of a friend" actual problems. Never saw any at the range I worked at. You could always buy a lathe and turn down the corner on each US round, that seems an efficient solution. And solid justification for buying a lathe. ;) In all seriousness, my only .32 is an old Ruby. I think the ammo I bought was Fiocchi, I'll have to look at the rims. Might look at my .25 and .38 Super rims as well.

[@clange50]

It's more overall length. I have a p32, designed and intended for FMJ. Normal FMJ ball is no problem. Shorter rounds can possibly lead to rim lock. I have some flat nose winchester fmj, that is shorter than normal, and deliberately induced rim lock to see if it was possible. It was, locked solid. So only rounded traditional FMJ for me, no short rounds. JHP doesn't penetrate enough anyway, imo. But if you want to do jhp in a p32, I'd modify the magazine for just jhp (google flyer wire).

[@joeschmo5403]

Surprised this didn't happen sooner, usually when I see someone use a keltec in a course (usually a pf9) they can't make it through the first day, I've heard about the issue with .32acp before but I didn't know the "why" behind that issue so thats new to me 👍

[@TheSuitedShootist]

I've got somewhere between 300-500 rounds on the gun so far

[@1st1shot]

I owned a PF9 for a short time. It was a total POS

[@joeschmo5403]

@@TheSuitedShootist Thanks that makes much more sense to me now I normally notice bizzare issues in the pf9 around the 500 round mark I suspect the 32 would hold up slightly better, that was helpful

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@1st1shot the P32 seems to be the outlier with less manufacturer-related problems than the rest of their line. This is something that can happen to any rimmed or semi-rimmed semiautomatic handgun. But I certainly wouldn't recommend KelTec over the other available options for 9mm pistols.

[@gunsandcommissions]

@@TheSuitedShootist And this is why you vet your guns in training. Those who don't are in for a rude awakening if they need to use them. In training, I've learned so much about simple things like how the clothes I wear can hamper my ability to draw, fire, move, manipulate, and reholster. Or how much lube my otherwise stone cold reliable G43x needs to keep running reliably once it gets hot and dirty. And, more importantly, what to do when it doesn't. I've also learned that my 43x is just as reliable with the 15 round Shield Arms mags as it is with the factory Glock 10 round mags. There is so much anecdotle BS online about the performance of these mags. "My brother went to a range and the guy in the booth next to him had nothing but problems with them." or "I heard about a class where the only guy in the whole class that had constant issues with his gun was running Shield Arms mags." I've run mine exclusively in group classes with lots of loading and reloads with them being dropped on concrete over and over and stepped on and they are flawless. They are the Gen 1 mags with the plus 10% springs and their first gen mag release in the gun. The gun is a Gen 1 G43x with the silver slide, which is said to have a tighter magwell that causes issues with dropping mags freely. So, worst case scenario for these mags and they are flawless. I know I'm a sample size of one and this is also anecdotle, but vet your gear before you go online to a large audience and start spewing BS that you have no personal experience with.

[@ogarzabello]

Yes, I knew about it, but not about the difference between American vs European ammo.

[@bwofficial1776]

St. John Browning had a rare slip-up by designing .32ACP as semi-rimmed. I agree with the others that Euro-spec ammo is probably better. .32 was very common over there and they've worked out how to make it more reliable. It's also said to be loaded a little hotter, perhaps a good thing since .32 isn't a powerhouse. This is probably the gun Kel-Tec got the most right. Great design company, not so great when it comes to execution and production.

[@Varmint.357]

Im wanting a p32 so this video helped me out. My CZ 70 is probably the most reliable semi auto i currently own but i have had rimlock in it before using my reloads and JHP ammo (shorter OAL?).

[@ginosartor8975]

You have to take the magazine apart to clear that

[@seekertwo1]

Great video! I've preferred European-made ammo for guns like the .32ACP and .25ACP because it's usually loaded warmer than the American-made stuff. I didn't know about the rim dimensions, but it makes sense. My old FIE Titan shelf-queen choked often on American .25ACP but runs like a top with Fiocci and S&B. Thanks for teaching me something new!

[@clange50]

I would caution the difference is mainly FMJ vs JHP, not really euro vs US IMO. If there is a rim difference, I would think it is less important than overall length. In other words IMO, you should not trust some better bezel on euro JHPs. Use FMJ, or mod your mags for JHP length if you want to use JHP.

[@billetboy4070]

I don't think the bevel is the root cause. The Hollow point round is shorter than the fmj, Hence it can slide forward in the mag. The rim can now slide over the round below it. When I carry 7 +1, the +1 and last rounds are hollow point

[@youtubewatcher4792]

Thanks this is very useful info!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sidneywhite749]

Will the mexican ammo work.

[@johnwatson9518]

Did you contact Keltec? What did they say about ammo? How did you unlock the rim lock?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Nah, there wasn't really a need to. I ended up rapping the magazine base pad sharply a few times until the cartridges realigned.

[@Benjamin911ish]

Fiocchi makes a great HP that uses the Hornady XTP bullet. Little hotter than Hornady loads it and might have that beveled edge you’re talking about.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Problem is that JHP tends to underpenetrate out of these small guns, so with sub-calibers, I prefer to prioritize penetration over expansion

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

NEVER run HPs in a 32acp. They WAY under-penetrate.

[@paulmartin6895]

The way to not have that problem. When you load the mag is to have the cartridges behind each othersince the 32ACP is semi rimmed. Of the loaded mag so that your top cartridge is forwarded of the the next one so when feed the one will be ahead of the next one. I have the same model and that is what I do. I also reload my own ammo. It all comes to how you load the mag.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

After having taken MAG-40, I'd never consider running reloaded ammo for defensive use. The loading tip is useful, but there are a few things that can happen after it's loaded, so I so think it's useful to also have all that's less prone to rim locking.

[@paulmartin6895]

@@TheSuitedShootist if you have any of the other 32's you can shoot the 32 ACP in them because of being semi rim. I use them in my 327 Mag

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@paulmartin6895 this is my only 32

[@paulmartin6895]

@@TheSuitedShootist no problem. Just wanted to let you know for what else that cartridge can be used in. My P32 is my pocket gun

[@johncrain3591]

Good bit of info. If the gun was "bricked" when the rims locked, how did you manage to fix it?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Bounced the magazine a couple times to get that to round to jump the one underneath. The only "immediate action" for it is a fresh mag.

[@Mike1614YT]

The Fiocchi 73-grain FMJ is the best choice for this gun. S&B is also good. This is mentioned several times in comments and is the answer to this issue

[@tachyongti]

this is usually only caused by using hollow points in 32 guns without using a back spacer in the magazine to push the rounds foward so that they all line up perfectly on top of each other. the hollow points give extra space in the magazine allowing them to get in front of or behind each other when stacked. this usually doesn't ever happen if the rounds are FMJs that are stacked perfectly on top of each other. without the spacer, you shouldn't ever use anything except FMJ in 32 ACP. edit- see Hugh Butler's comment, four down, to see where to buy this for the P32.

[@bjperez9076]

Learned my new thing for the day, thank you!!! Dumb question: is this a thing with other calibers? I don't have a .32 but regularly carry 380.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

.380 is rimless so I don't think this should be an issue for you

[@bjperez9076]

@@TheSuitedShootist I never realized there was a difference and just read a bit more after seeing your comment. Makes sense now! I appreciate it!!!

[@houseofstylz]

Thanks for the post. Just to be clear, we’re you using FMJ? I’ve watched the vid a couple of times and haven’t heard that definitively. Thanks.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Yea. I run FMJ because it penetrates to the desirable depths better than hollow points. If you look at the Lucky Gunner testing, there were only a couple that made it past 12" consistently.

[@blacklove79]

Thanks

[@dancortes3062]

There is a metal strip that Kel Tec used to sell for their P32 mags to prevent rimlock with hollow points. You take apart the mag, insert the metal strip and it takes up the remaining space in the mag so that the rounds don't have an opportunity to rimlock. I have no idea why Kel Tec didn't have these strips pre installed with the magazines, maybe it was to make extra money by having it as a option to buy separately. They might have been discontinued because I tried looking for them a little while ago and couldn't find them. Conventional hollow points do not usually perform well in .32 anyway, so your not really at that much of a loss.

[@wbwills2]

Yes. Thx. Like & subscribed.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Welcome aboard!

[@dennisparker4935]

DONT post " KEL TECH FAILURE" ... post I had an ammo failure using my KEL TECH. this is misleading and implies there was an issue with the fire arm... however thanks for the heads up on the ammo

[@johnfaris5376]

I’ve never had an issue with my p 32, it has been very reliable and I shoot everything thru it. Still when I carry I’ll stick with euro rounds just in case.

[@RedHuntsman]

Consistently use Baby UpLULA to load your magazines. This helps avoid rim lock with US .32 ACP brass. Yes, 7.65 Browning is slightly different than US .32 ACP. Also, the European loadings are hotter than US.

[@gunsandcommissions]

Interesting tidbit of info on the case profiles. I wonder if this is the case with some other calibers that don't have a rebated rim. I'm looking at a Federal HST 9mm round right now and it's beveled like the European 32 rounds. Same with Speer Gold Dot and Lawman, as well as S&B FMJ. Not judging and I totally get it, but maybe it's just really cheap ammo for the class? Or just a case of "covid quality control". Who was the manufacturer of the faulty ammo?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

From the conversation I had w/ Chuck, this is a known issue that far predates COVID. I don't think it's really an issue for non-rimmed brass

[@Godscaliber1911]

Carrying my P32 right now!

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Hope there's good ammo in it www.luckygunner.com/labs/pocket-pistol-caliber-gel-test-results/#32ACP

[@scubaguy007]

Yes, I bought a P32 back in late 1998. For me, it was a cute and fun gun, but the man at Gun Store warned me about rim lock. I was always conscious of it when loading mags and checking the mag after I dropped it. I seemed to drop it a lot too. Big clumbsy hands I guess. That said, you do you, but a .32 is a backup gun at best. Sure, they'll get off you, but 9mm is my minimum caliber. 9 rounds of 124gr. Federal HST in a Glock 43 is perfect for me on a minimalist level. But the Block 19 has been my major EDC since 2001. And my daily attire doesn't have a suit jacket. At 4 o'clock ISWB, I have to squat to print, and I don't squat. Unless I drop that damn P32 mag. 😉🤣😂🤣

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

I hear you and agree about 9mm being the minimum serious caliber. But for most of us, there are times during the hot summer when any other gun will print, causing problems with sheeple. The P32 loaded with Euro FMJs or Underwood's nasty 55gr Extreme Defender rounds still has twice the energy of a 25ACP and is there when you need it and will not print, instead of a Nine that gets left at home or in a vehicle. Sometimes we just can't dress around our weapons 100% of the time.

[@roverjohn]

There's no reason rim lock would have prevented a mag extraction so what the heck caused that?

[@kfsrmn]

Worse, my hammer spring broke. I learned about rim lock a long time ago. I wont use American 32ACP. Also the Euro ammo is loaded hotter. FMJ only. JHP is prone to rim lock.

[@johnelder4273]

I was failure with "rim lock" which is why I don't own a .32 pistol. In light of the "European" differences I will reconsider.

[@crawdadlando4053]

380 as well. Tulammo is the most trusted 380 acp.

[@davidshermanlittle919]

Usefull plus

[@robertstephens6775]

If you look at the magazine and if there are any spaces between the front of the wall of the magazine and the rounds then you are going to have problems. That means fmj only and none other.

[@MarvelousSeven]

Federal 68 grain JHP has enough OAL to avoid rimlock.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

Except JHPs don't seem to consistently get enough penetration

[@bretwalley4673]

Why carry a .32?

[@TheSuitedShootist]

As opposed to what? Not trying to be combative, just trying to get a sense of what other options we're comparing?

[@bretwalley4673]

@@TheSuitedShootist ruger lcp .380 is just as easy to carry and conceal.

[@TheSuitedShootist]

@@bretwalley4673 it absolutely is, it also comes with substantially more recoil. Heads up the 32s shoot way better than 380s in the same size. With sub-caliber cartridges you've gotta be able to put one in an eyeball. Both rounds get FBI levels of penetration, but neither is going to expand out of barrels that short, so shot placement becomes even more critical.

[@clange50]

Easier shooting so faster follow up shots, 1 more round, last round bolt hold open. I agree, it is marginal. But if the question is a gun or no gun, I would rather have a p32 in my pocket.

[@ginosartor8975]

I learned about it with my very first 32 pistol that I bought about 20 years ago use PPU put your Serbian made ammo or use fiocchi which is italian-made ammo

[@Brian-uy2tj]

It wasn't the gun, it was still operator error. This isn't the only semi auto that will do this if YOU load the ammo carelessly.