There has been a lot of discussion about Kel Tec 32s and other pocket automatics. Given this interest in my fellow members, I want to share my thinking on carrying a weapon.
There have been literally millions of pocket automatics manufactured since 1900. There is nothing new about the concept. Browning Colt, Walther, Sauer, Savage, on and on and on have built 25, 32, and 380 ACP pistols.
The one new thing is polymer construction, which makes for a smaller package.
For many years, the 38 Special cartridge was the standard for police officers in America (the 32 ACP was used in Europe). Most police officers who have had to fire a 38 Special in anger have agreed that it was a marginal stopper, at best. The 32 ACP is even more dismal in this respect.
However, the 32 ACP has been used in one role very effectively, and that is assassination. Why would it work for this but not against a determined attacker? The answer, I believe is adrenaline, awareness, and determination. When somebody is going to kick your @$$, he doesn’t feel pain like when he is unaware. He needs to be struck a decisive incapacitating blow. The assassination victim, on the other hand, is unaware that the killer is closing in on him. He is relaxed and the killer has all the time in the world to place a shot that will kill, usually into the CNS or other vital area.
It is similar to hunting, an unaware deer will drop like a stone when hit with a well-placed shot from a marginal caliber, but run like hell when he is afraid, even if shot by a 30’06 or other respectable caliber.
My analogy leads me to believe that in carrying a weapon, since I’m not a murderer, I will be dealing with someone who started it and is highly excited or p!$$ed off. This individual will need a much stronger dose of lead than a pocket automatic can deliver. Therefore, I will stick with carrying a minimum 38 Special pocket revolver, or the good ol’ Colt Gummint Model 45 ACP.
That's my ruling.
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45 ACP: Give 'em a new navel!
There have been literally millions of pocket automatics manufactured since 1900. There is nothing new about the concept. Browning Colt, Walther, Sauer, Savage, on and on and on have built 25, 32, and 380 ACP pistols.
The one new thing is polymer construction, which makes for a smaller package.
For many years, the 38 Special cartridge was the standard for police officers in America (the 32 ACP was used in Europe). Most police officers who have had to fire a 38 Special in anger have agreed that it was a marginal stopper, at best. The 32 ACP is even more dismal in this respect.
However, the 32 ACP has been used in one role very effectively, and that is assassination. Why would it work for this but not against a determined attacker? The answer, I believe is adrenaline, awareness, and determination. When somebody is going to kick your @$$, he doesn’t feel pain like when he is unaware. He needs to be struck a decisive incapacitating blow. The assassination victim, on the other hand, is unaware that the killer is closing in on him. He is relaxed and the killer has all the time in the world to place a shot that will kill, usually into the CNS or other vital area.
It is similar to hunting, an unaware deer will drop like a stone when hit with a well-placed shot from a marginal caliber, but run like hell when he is afraid, even if shot by a 30’06 or other respectable caliber.
My analogy leads me to believe that in carrying a weapon, since I’m not a murderer, I will be dealing with someone who started it and is highly excited or p!$$ed off. This individual will need a much stronger dose of lead than a pocket automatic can deliver. Therefore, I will stick with carrying a minimum 38 Special pocket revolver, or the good ol’ Colt Gummint Model 45 ACP.
That's my ruling.
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45 ACP: Give 'em a new navel!