The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: ericire12 on March 24, 2009, 12:19:07 PM
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Yes, I joined the Mouse Gun Club the other day. I bought a Kel-Tec P32 at a local sporting goods store that looks just like this one:
(http://www.downrange.tv/reviews/data/8/large/Grey.jpg)
I had been trying to track down either a .32 or a .380 for weeks now, and every single gun store in my state has been out (believe me, I called them all repeatedly) and each said that it would be months before they would get more in. I did find one P3AT, but I was not going to pay the $360 they were asking for it - they all but laughed at my cash offer of $300. I got this P32 simply by being in the right place at the right time - they had just gotten two in their delivery about an hour earlier, and the lady who got to the gun counter just before me bought the first one. I paid $250 for the little pea shooter, which is not bad considering the supply/demand issues we are seeing post election.
I have not been to the range yet, but I have to say that I am very impressed so far. The quality of the gun seems top notch. It weighs in at a meager 6.9 oz on my postal scale and 10.1 oz fully loaded. That puts it at roughly 1 oz lighter then the P3AT and approximately 2 oz lighter then the LCP. The .32 mag also packs 7 rounds where as the .380 is limited to 6. There is a trade off of 50 ft/pds of energy in the .32 vs .380, but thats fine by me.
I really have been impressed with the mag release..... its really the perfect size, shape, and location.... not to mention that it practically throws the mag across the room when you depress it. It has the updated and beefier extractor so after a feed ramp polish, I feel very confident that functionality wont be a problem. This is also my first single stack handgun, so that is really nice.
I bought this little squirt basically to fill the deep cover need for a "GAT" (shout out - Michael Bane) when circumstances and attire dictate that I cant carry my Glock 26. (Just as an aside, I picked up my 26 after a couple days of handling only the Kel-Tec, and I wont say it "felt like a brick", but rather a Ton of Bricks - Wow, super heavy).
I also purchased a DeSantis Nemesis for pocket carry:
(http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/armalaser/desantis3web.jpg)
Man, this holster is AWESOME! It really does a remarkable job displacing the 10 oz of weight and really makes it feel no heavier then a cellphone in the pocket. I have also found it remarkable that it stays in the pocket EVERY SINGLE TIME I draw! Additionally, it does a wonderful job at breaking up the outline of the pistol and makes any printing look like a billfold - Wallet carry is great with this holster as well. Above all, the thing I have to say I like most about this holster/gun combo is the fact that I can have my hand in my pocket and on the gun with it looking as casual and nonthreatening as anyone else with their hand in their pocket. I can go from discreet "standing there guy" to putting a gun in your face in under two seconds.
Right now I am carrying Federal Hydra shocks (very deep hallow points, by the way), but may switch over to Corbons to get the absolute most energy I can out of this gun.
It will be several weeks before I can get to have a little range time, but I will give a full rundown when I can find the time to go..... and if I can find some ball ammo for the break in.
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Some one let me try their P 32 at the local range last year, nice little pistol, I liked it. I'm not to impressed with .32's but they used to be pretty popular and with newer bullets it should make a nice little back up and plinker.
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Congrats on the new member of your family.
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Nice little find on the Kel-Tec..
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Nice...can't wait for the range report.
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HOLLY @#$%!!! (did you, not expect that reaction???)
Congratulations! Cool little gun, look forward to hearing how it shoots. Is it rated for +P?
(http://media.midwayusa.com/midwayusa/StaticPages/highres/689309.jpg)
Considering penetration, think you'd do more damage with something like these than hollow points in this caliber?
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e12,
As you know I have the P3AT and it has been utterly reliable with every ammo I have ever fed it (even reloads) and I did not do a 'fluff and buff' so yours should do real well.
About the mag, yeah mine really drops the mag fast too. (If I run out of ammo I figure I can shoot the mag at 'em ;D ) Extra mags can be ordered at the Kel Tec site.
Nice buy! It will be your constant companion, mine is.
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e12,
As you know I have the P3AT and it has been utterly reliable with every ammo I have ever fed it (even reloads) and I did not do a 'fluff and buff' so yours should do real well.
About the mag, yeah mine really drops the mag fast too. (If I run out of ammo I figure I can shoot the mag at 'em ;D ) Extra mags can be ordered at the Kel Tec site.
Nice buy! It will be your constant companion, mine is.
Re mag: Yeah, if I lay the gun flat on the table and depress the mag release it will completely 100% eject the fully loaded mag from the gun!
Re Fluff and buff: I dont think I will do a complete fluff and buff. I looked over the entire gun with a bright light and the proverbial fine tooth comb, and I cant see any imperfections from the machining process that need to be addressed. I will look closely again after a couple hundred rounds, but I dont think one will be needed. I do like a polished feed ramp however, so I probably will give that a go..... may all just be personal preference though.
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That doesn't look like a Glock. :P ;D
Nice find. A buddy of mine has one that I've shot...and I like it a bunch.
+1 on the BB ammo.
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Desantis has a great market for the little pocket rockets. Nice buy on the Ket Tec. Hope you find lots of pleasure with it at the range.
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I had one, but was uncomfortable with it. Now I have been hearing from more and more of you that love yours. I have been in the fondle and drool mode for a few months, and my become a renewed owner.
The biggest wrinkle came last week when I had the chance to lay the .380 and 9 mm side by side. The 9 isn't that much bigger. Need to try it in the pocket. The kid behind the counter wouldn't let me play, so it will be another trip back.
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I had one, but was uncomfortable with it. Now I have been hearing from more and more of you that love yours. I have been in the fondle and drool mode for a few months, and my become a renewed owner.
The biggest wrinkle came last week when I had the chance to lay the .380 and 9 mm side by side. The 9 isn't that much bigger. Need to try it in the pocket. The kid behind the counter wouldn't let me play, so it will be another trip back.
CAREFUL with the 9. I think it was DDMack that has one and the slide cracked.
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That's really strange about the P3AT because the MG's except the LCP are all over the place in NE Ohio.
Richard
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CAREFUL with the 9. I think it was DDMack that has one and the slide cracked.
Yes, DDMack reported it first
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php/topic,480.0.html
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Congratulations!!!!!
I had to get my P3AT from a dealer on GunsAmerica.com in Texas, as all the NC dealers were sold out. Back in Spring 08.
I researched on the Kel-Tec forum for some recon and advice, good, bad, etc,...
The predominant advice was get a metal mag release, OR depress the mag release when inserting a magazine. If you don't, over time, the plastic catch will wear and spontaneous mag dropping can occur.
The other was a simple procedure called the "fluff & buff", this guy eats, breathes, and sleeps Kel-Tec, amongst others.
Here's the link:
http://goldenloki.com/gunsmith/keltec/fullrp.htm
The inside of my trigger guard had a seam that was annoying, I think Haz was the one that recommended some 400 grit "gently" to the inside of the trigger guard and the seam magically goes away...
Other than that, a range "round" or two to break in, I liked the Mag-extensions....(big hands), and it is a great pistol.
It likes to be clean, and going to the range with 200rds. may need a halftime "swab & wipe". My preference is a IWB "belt clip"
on my left side. (Lefty). But am really looking at a pocket holster for it at the next show in 2 weeks.
I have had no issues, and rely on it. I think I paid $265.00 plus the FFL transfer...
Just thought I'd share what I found out. FWIW. It's a great "little" pistol. (The LCP is a close copy).
Look fwd. to the range report.
Love that Mousegun porn.... ;D
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/P3AT002.jpg)
Loved the blue too.... ::)
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The guy that did the "fluff and buff" article is a terrible, terrible man. His penis will one day fall off for what he did to that Mosin Nagant! :'( Not to mention the SKS.
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The predominant advice was get a metal mag release, OR depress the mag release when inserting a magazine. If you don't, over time, the plastic catch will wear and spontaneous mag dropping can occur.
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/P3AT002.jpg)
Loved the blue too.... ::)
A metal mag release would be a nice upgrade. I will see how the plastic one wears after a few rounds. I think I will be getting a metal guide rod to upgrade from the plastic one... its only $5.... as well as a +1 extension ( will make it an 8+1 carry gun), and an extra mag..... Other then that I'm good to go....... And if anyone from Kel-Tec is reading this, instead of the new-fangled plastic box the pistol came in, I would much rather have had an extra mag instead and had it come in the old cardboard box (PM me to send me a free mag).....
.... BTW my frame is technically GREY, but it does have a little hint of blue to it.... I'm not crazy about it, but I thought I could always order a new frame easy enough, or just spray paint it or dura coat it if I get sick of it.
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Believe it or not You Tube has a couple of great videos on installing the metal mag catch, the pistol breaks down like an old Sears & Roebuck single shot 12g. No visible wear on my orig. recoil spring guide after 500+ rds. in a year. I agree a metal one would be better.
Watch for part 115 (ejector) in the P3AT manual ( probably the same on the .32), that thing is small and will grow legs and run off. Customer service is actually top notch; real people you can have a conversation with, if you ever need them. (Not Likely) 8).
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A metal mag release would be a nice upgrade. I will see how the plastic one wears after a few rounds. I think I will be getting a metal guide rod to upgrade from the plastic one... its only $5.... as well as a +1 extension ( will make it an 8+1 carry gun), and an extra mag..... Other then that I'm good to go....... And if anyone from Kel-Tec is reading this, instead of the new-fangled plastic box the pistol came in, I would much rather have had an extra mag instead and had it come in the old cardboard box (PM me to send me a free mag).....
.... BTW my frame is technically GREY, but it does have a little hint of blue to it.... I'm not crazy about it, but I thought I could always order a new frame easy enough, or just spray paint it or dura coat it if I get sick of it.
Don't you want your free hat too? ;D
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Thanks for the bad news Haz and Tom. Guess I'll keep looking around. I just can't feel comfortable with the P3AT. My fat hands and fingers give me an unsafe feeling as I work on the draw, and if I feel unsafe I am unsafe :(
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Its cute and plasticy! ;D ;D ;D
Shockingly similar to...
(http://aftermathnews.files.wordpress.com/2006/09/evil_gun.jpg?w=240&h=180)
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"One commentator characterized the Kel-Tyke as "a nostril gun... You stick it up their left nostril and pull the trigger...""
Same tactic may get better results with a sharp pencil. Lots less money wasted, more practical to carry too! .32's are sweet! :-*
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"One commentator characterized the Kel-Tyke as "a nostril gun... You stick it up their left nostril and pull the trigger...""
Same tactic may get better results with a sharp pencil. Lots less money wasted, more practical to carry too! .32's are sweet! :-*
"Some" commentators are like (insert body orifice), everybody's got one...
I have one of those "tacticool pens" thank you....and Cor-Bon JHP's in my "little friend".
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"Some" commentators are like (BadgersMilk/TAB), everybody's got one...
Fixed it for ya!
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Awww, Cant take it when someone else does it to you?
Dont cry, It's not worth wasting my time on this stuff like you do. I'll play nice.
(http://ac4.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/eb6ecbd68fef505c)
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Awww, Cant take it when someone else does it to you?
Dont cry, It's not worth wasting my time on this stuff like you do. I'll play nice.
(http://ac4.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/eb6ecbd68fef505c)
...... then he opened his mouth and removed all doubt. (http://glocktalk.com/forums/images/smilies/shakehead.gif)
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WARNING! Your Kel-Tec .32 will NOT stop a Velociraptor!
Sorry, had a fit of gun-writer-itis and couldn't resist it...you know, the .32s are, in my experience, pretty much indestructible. I tried to shake one apart with a case old 1930s vintage super-hot Spanish ball...still works just great. I did want one of the clear plastic ones, but they were all gone quick like bunny.
I've got Glaser Pow'R'Balls in mine:
https://www.dakotaammo.net/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=356&osCsid=d88725df2842d02dd6b456e7f141eedc
I actually did an 85-mile 3 mountain pass bike ride with the Kel-Tec in it's little blue pack stuffed in the elastic of my biking shorts...hey, low risk!
Michael B
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WARNING! Your Kel-Tec .32 will NOT stop a Velociraptor!
..... with the Kel-Tec in it's little blue pack stuffed in the elastic of my biking shorts...hey, low risk!
Michael B
Ahhhhhhhh......so THAT"S what that was! :o
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Awww, Cant take it when someone else does it to you?
Dont cry, It's not worth wasting my time on this stuff like you do. I'll play nice.
(http://ac4.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/eb6ecbd68fef505c)
I certainly don't consider "this" any waste of time by any means. To each his own. Very elementary when you think about it.
Member buys pistol he likes. (posts porn) ;D
Member with same/similar pistol congratulates and offers .02 cents of exp. with pistol.
THAN,...
Member jumps in and condescends pistol from a superiority/inferiority complex, or some other inadequacy.
Member(s) disregard posts from opinionated newbie.
See how this is not a waste of time? It's great, simple and mutually beneficial.
I really like my Kel-Tec, Velociraptors? OK,... I have others for those,... ::)
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Ahhhhhhhh......so THAT"S what that was! :o
(http://www.downrange.tv/images/bio-1.jpg)
Theres that darn picture again. ;D
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Velociraptors? OK,... I have others for those,... ::)
I thought those were strictly designated as zombie guns.
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Speaking of velociraptors. What was the 12 gauge they (not so successfully) used on those in Jurasic Park? Interesting looking gun.
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Speaking of velociraptors. What was the 12 gauge they (not so successfully) used on those in Jurasic Park? Interesting looking gun.
Post count: 187
Delusional Hollywood reference count: 187
::)
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(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/100_1970.jpg?t=1238038678)
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/100_1231.jpg?t=1238038759)
Sweet guns! ::)
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some of your reloads ?
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"The P3AT and its close relative, the P32, are extremely popular weapons for conceal and carry with women shooters"
Ahhhh, THATS how you made your choice! :-*
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"The P3AT and its close relative, the P32, are extremely popular weapons for conceal and carry with women shooters"
Ahhhh, THATS how you made your choice! :-*
This from the guy who thinks a .22 is a supergun.
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What the hell happend to your gun? I personally know that Kel Tec firearms do that as I mentioned during a chat session. The Su16c blew up in my friend Jakes and almost killed him.
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NOT MY GUNS!
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/r5.jpg?t=1238040170)
As my dad used to say about guns like this. "Kills in front, cripples behind" At least, you HOPE it kills in front.
And there are dozens more like this all over the net... You got ripped off for paid how much?
Seriously. Kidding around aside, there is a good bit about these guns having issues not supporting cases where the feed ramp is at. Leads to the pictures shown, and much pain from the shooter. Just a word of caution. Take it for what you want.
One guy "second picture" said he was in the hospital for a while with a "hamburger hand". LOTS of stitches later, he'll be "shooting left handed only from now on". :( Not dissing your gun! I'm just saying...
Honestly hope you have great success with your gun. Good luck. This was pretty fun :), but nobody else is learning anything or benefiting from tit for tat (learning from others is what these forums are really supposed to be all about. IMO), so I've said enough and wont say anymore on the whole thing. Enjoy your new shooter! ;)
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Just to throw a couple of pennies in the pot and possibly off subject.
Any thoughts on the Beretta Tomcat .32 - Wrong Right or Indifferent it is what I carry. I have the stainless model which is a little bulkier than the regular blued one. I'll get a picture sometime but right now... I'm lucky to even be on the forum at work. Hehe. Our commie IT guy has youtube firewalled out and several other sites to kill time on.. Hence me stumbling on this wonderful forum.
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(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/100_1970.jpg?t=1238038678)
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/100_1231.jpg?t=1238038759)
Sweet guns! ::)
Just to say something about this picture, though I bet who ever was holding this may have seriously injured themselves (hands, and forearm), the gun did exactly what it was supposed to do in this instance. It took the brunt of the explosion. By all means I dont wish this on anyone and it sucks, But I bet if the person holding this had to, he could have still fought and sought medical attention later. Just my .02.
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I think something to look for if your buying any automatic (eager to hear input on this!) is how well the case is supported above the feed ramp. There's quite a bit on the net about auto. handguns popping in the shooters hands from cases splitting in this area. Depending on the shop your at, you may be allowed to take the barrel out of the gun and place a round in it while its apart before you buy. Otherwise I guess internet research may be your only source of info.. LOTS of brands have suffered "Kabooms", not picking on Kel tec!
"My new Ruger LCP blew up while I was running the first 3 rounds thru it!?
A cartridge case blew out in its unsupported area above the feed ramp. " Just a quote I found.
This is just a picture I found showing the area of concern:
(http://www.mouseguns.com/p3atbarr/compare.jpg)
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Had the left grip panel split on a 1911 Gold Cup once from a ruptured case.
It was one too many trips through the reloader and it blew out at the feed ramp on the bottom side of the case and out the grip panel.
Stung my fingertips pretty good but no other damage done...except for a little mud in the cotton patch.
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"except for a little mud in the cotton patch" ;D :o ;D Why they have two layers down there! :-X
(http://65.172.200.34/ruger/r2.jpg)
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Was the ammo new or reloads? If they were new was it +p? I do own a beretta tomcat 32acp and the shells are fully supported and i dont see this happening to me, what should i check for in this pocket rocket.
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I think those loads are being shot out of kel-tec's but not sure. What to look for is in the photo of the LCP and Keltec you can see where the feed ramp is cut into the chamber. That is a classic sign to not use +p loads.
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All those pics are from normal factory ammo (not +P, or reloads). the first two are different Kel tec's (ones black, ones a moldy mud color). If you do a search for "kel tec kaboom" on the net a LOT comes up. The LCP doesnt seem to safe either. Never owned either, only going by what others have had happen to theirs. :-\
According to one guy makers of +P ammo specify NOT to use it in Kel-tec's. I wont be buying any .32 ammo in my lifetime, so I couldnt verify that one way or the other.
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Some of the photos of the ruptured cases are the main reason I do not use reloads. Some Firearm Manufacturer's void their warranties if you use reloads. But I am sure most of you know this. ;)
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You should find the picture of me on McKinley after a week of pulmonary edema...I look like a beaten rat!
mb
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All those pics are from normal factory ammo (not +P, or reloads). the first two are different Kel tec's (ones black, ones a moldy mud color). If you do a search for "kel tec kaboom" on the net a LOT comes up. The LCP doesnt seem to safe either. Never owned either, only going by what others have had happen to theirs. :-\
According to one guy makers of +P ammo specify NOT to use it in Kel-tec's. I wont be buying any .32 ammo in my lifetime, so I couldnt verify that one way or the other.
Same with Glock.
.....just sayin'.
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Ouch Haz. That hurts my feelings to see someone degrading a Glock. ;D
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One thing to remember on the feed ramps......did it say anywhere if they had been "buffed"?
Some folks get a little "dremmel happy" on feed ramps and throats and are just waiting for this to happen.
Removing too much material (instead of just polishing) will expose too much unsupported brass and this type of BOOM can result, even with factory ammo.
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Of what I've ever heard and seen the .40's were the only Glocks to have problems. There's always exceptions to the rule though. .45's, and even the 10mm's I havent heard any bad of.
Youtube has quite a few video's of full auto glocks! If that wont blow'em up I feel pretty safe! ;D
Seems like some people just look for ways to get hurt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6WUSnALoRc&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5zJSSKaPbM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBjUDCyDCuI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNAohtjG14c&feature=related
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Haz your killing me, I love my glocks. They all shoot like hell or what we call minute of bad guy.
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After All of That,
from BM,
.45's, and even the 10mm's I havent heard any bad of.
http://www.thegunzone.com/glock/glock-kb-faq.html
The guns in question are GLOCK Model 21s in .45 ACP and some of them suffered catastrophic failures while being fired during training and being shot while using factory (U.S. made) ammunition. 12/06.
Another Example
Next, I was at an IPSC match when one guy in my relay was shooting the (then) new GLOCK Model 22 in .40 S&W. I noticed that the gun’s report and recoil seemed excessive and he was also experiencing malfunctions. I asked him what the problem was. He told me that this was his second GLOCK Model 22, as the first one had “blown up.” He added that, after he sent the gun along with his lead reloads to GLOCK USA, the company replaced the gun and told him that 1) his reloads were overloads, and 2) not to use reloads. I then asked him what he was shooting this day. He replied with a grin, “I’m shooting up the rest of that batch of reloads!” Needless to say, I found another relay.
Despite all these precautions, things will still break. If you get a slightly high or soft primer, coupled with debris in the firing pin channel which holds the pin forward and coupled with tired springs, you will get an out of battery blowup. If the user simply retards the slide motion by virtue of his grip, the same thing can happen. Guns are mechanical devices which can (and do) fail, as does ammunition. While both are made by highly dedicated and skilled workers, either is still subject to human error. Check the ammo, maintain your firearm and plan for a failure so that you’re far less likely to have one!
About the Author: Upon receiving his BS degree from Carnegie Tech and completing service as a Special Agent in U.S. Army Intelligence, Walt Rauch was a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service and an Investigator with the Warrant Unit, First Judicial District, PA, where he made over 2,000 felony arrests. He now operates his own consulting company, Rauch & Company, Ltd., for defense weapon and tactical training. Rauch & Company services include expert witness testimony on firearms use and tactics.
Any Firearm can have a KB. How many Kel-Tecs have been sold with ZERO issues. 99.2%?
How many G guns are out there vs. their KB rate? 99.7%?
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"GLOCK Model 21s in .45 ACP" and kabooms.
Hate seeing that cause the Glock 21 SF is what I mainly carry day to day.
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twyacht, great post, losts of good info. That link is really good to. Did jump out at me that "What Glocks are effected?", was ended with "all with reloaded or remanufactered rounds by most counts". You should be pretty safe with factory ammo in any gun, not always! The pictures I posted were all factory.
I've watch quite a few other guys reload and they gauge'd how good they are by how fast they can crank the stuff out. ::)
Few people out there have the patience to reload properly. It takes hours to prep cases alone! Doesnt matter what brand the cases are, if they're fired or unfired, it takes hours to clean, size, properly inspect, and everything else just the brass before you even think about whats going into it! Worse yet is most of the guys I know that "roll their own" have also had kabooms of various severity with all kinds of guns, and all of them happy to admit loading in the manner mentioned. Speed priority 1, because "if the first round or two turn out good and I dont change anything the next 200 should be perfect to". Makes me sick. I'd say I'm ashamed to know these people, but other than this one character flaw their usually great people and friends.
I still encourage EVERYONE to reload!!! I've loaded thousands of rounds and have NEVER had a misfire with them. I trust them 1000% more than factory ammo. Doesnt mean I'm "better" at it, it means I respect (and fear) the equipment I'm working with, and what it could do if I didnt.
Like most things, if you do it right, you get the desired result. If you do it stupid, you get the deserved result.
If we didnt have stupid people the world would be a VERY booring place!