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.32 ACP for defense

Gene LGene L Senior MemberPosts: 9,510 Senior Member
in Personal Defense #1
I know, I know...there are a LOT better rounds out there, but I kinda wanted to get my James Bond on...been carrying a Walther PPK ("Like a brick through a plate glass window.") Well, not quite but it definitely was a step up from the .25 Beretta he carried prior to that. But it's easy to carry and easy to shoot. I've got a PPK-S in .380, which I've had for 30 years, and it's an accurate and reliable weapon. I won a contest with it in reduced light shooting because of the sights.

The PPK was made in 68, so it's not all that old. I don't feel unarmed carrying it. I was looking for a Berns-Martin holster for going full Bond, but found out they didn't make holsters for automatics. Oh, well. Fleming got it wrong on a couple of accounts.

Anyone remember what other handgun Bond had in his Bentley?
Not too many problems you can't fix
With a 1911 and a 30-06
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Replies

  • earlyearly Senior Member Posts: 4,950 Senior Member
    #2
    I think it's way under powered unless you are dressed in a tuxedo.
    My thoughts are generally clear. My typing, not so much.
  • BigslugBigslug Senior Member Posts: 6,647 Senior Member
    #3
    If the Q-branch at MI-6 actually had a clue:

    Bond woulda slept with A LOT more hotties if he had one of those.:jester:

    I do enjoy shooting the random .32's that cross my path from time to time. I've shot plenty of .380 PPK's, and, while it's not like the round is Dirty Harry material, in a light, blowback gun like that, it definitely has some snap. Had a co-worker at one time with a Manhurin-licensed .32 PP - thing was a hoot & a half. Wouldn't mind picking one up in that chambering.
    WWJMBD?

    "Nothing is safe from stupid." - Zee
  • TugarTugar Senior Member Posts: 1,665 Senior Member
    #4
    Shortly before the publication of From Russia with Love in 1956, Fleming received a fan letter from a Major Geoffrey Boothroyd. Boothroyd was a retired Army Major and gun collector. Boothroyd told Fleming that he really admired the Bond novels apart from the hero's choice of weapon. He felt that the Beretta 418 (.25acp) was "a lady's gun" with no real stopping power. He also objected to the choice of holster. Boothroyd proposed that Bond should use a revolver like the Smith & Wesson Centennial Airweight. It had no external hammer, so it would not catch on Bond's clothes. The Smith & Wesson could be kept in a Berns-Martin triple draw holster held in place with a spring clip which would decrease Bond's draw time. Boothroyd also had bad words about the silencer Bond occasionally used, saying that they were rarely silent and reduced the power of a gun.

    I've had something similar. The PA-63 and it takes 9x18Mak. It's a Walther clone. I wouldn't feel unarmed either, but the 9Mak is a better choice.
    Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.
    Winston Churchill
  • BigDanSBigDanS Senior Member Posts: 6,636 Senior Member
    #5
    Who can forget Bond shooting down a helicopter with an AR7?

    600px-Frwlar7c.jpg
    "A patriot is mocked, scorned and hated; yet when his cause succeeds, all men will join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." Mark Twain
    Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.... now who's bringing the hot wings? :jester:
  • LMLarsenLMLarsen Senior Member Posts: 8,220 Senior Member
    #6
    I used to have a KelTec P32 as a BUG; it fit perfectly in a pants pocket and was 100% reliable after a total factory rebuild. When mini-9mms hit the market it got sold in favor of a PF9, then a Shield.

    Now Wife and I enjoy my Colt 1903 and her custom Walther PP in .32 on the range, mostly for the variety. They’re a delight to shoot, and have that certain panache that our more modern handguns may lack.
    “A gun is a tool, no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.”

    NRA Endowment Member
  • bullsi1911bullsi1911 Moderator Posts: 9,253 Senior Member
    #7
    Fleming did get one thing right... it is better than a .25ACP
    To make something simple is a thousand times more difficult than to make something complex.
    -Mikhail Kalashnikov
  • Gene LGene L Senior Member Posts: 9,510 Senior Member
    #8
    No one answered my question, I suspect in excitement about my PPK...so I'll ask it again. What other handgun did Bond carry in his auto? He might have used it once, maybe not.
    Not too many problems you can't fix
    With a 1911 and a 30-06
  • TeachTeach Senior Member Posts: 18,079 Senior Member
    #9
    When they made him turn in his .25 auto they issued him a .38 Special as a "heavy" handgun. When his buddy got roasted by the flamethrower, he said it was "ineffective against a tank", I believe.
    Jerry
    Hide and wail in terror, Eloi- - - -We Morlocks are on the hunt!
    ASK-HOLE Someone who asks for advice and always does something opposite
  • Gene LGene L Senior Member Posts: 9,510 Senior Member
    #10
    I'm thinking about the books. I don't remember (from the book) him having a .38, but what he did have under the dash of his Bentley was a "long barreled Colt." No caliber was specified.
    Not too many problems you can't fix
    With a 1911 and a 30-06
  • TeachTeach Senior Member Posts: 18,079 Senior Member
    #11
    Gene L wrote: »
    I'm thinking about the books.

    So am I. Read the chapter near the beginning of the book (No, I don't remember which one) where his boss is insisting he must upgrade his arsenal. "You have a license to kill- - - -not be killed". A PPK became his primary carry piece and the .38 Special was the heavier-caliber backup. On the first mission with the new guns, an old friend he hires to help him gets BBQ'ed by some sort of huge all terrain vehicle with a flamethrower, and Bond empties the .38 at it with no noticeable damage. His after action report contains the comment I referenced above.
    Jerry
    Hide and wail in terror, Eloi- - - -We Morlocks are on the hunt!
    ASK-HOLE Someone who asks for advice and always does something opposite
  • BigslugBigslug Senior Member Posts: 6,647 Senior Member
    #12
    Gene L wrote: »
    I'm thinking about the books. I don't remember (from the book) him having a .38, but what he did have under the dash of his Bentley was a "long barreled Colt." No caliber was specified.

    I read Doctor No in high school, and as I recall, there was a scene in which he debated whether to take the Walther or a S&W .38 (a Model 10 possibly) to the island. He decided on the Smith due to power and range in outdoor conditions. On coming ashore, he was momentary bothered by the encroaching effects of salt water on the fine bluing.

    But I guess if you're in a world where an AR-7 is a valid anti-aircraft weapon, a .32 Auto must rival Mjolnir for effectiveness. Hooray for Hollywood!
    WWJMBD?

    "Nothing is safe from stupid." - Zee
  • TeachTeach Senior Member Posts: 18,079 Senior Member
    #13
    Bingo! That's the book I remember!
    Jerry
    Hide and wail in terror, Eloi- - - -We Morlocks are on the hunt!
    ASK-HOLE Someone who asks for advice and always does something opposite
  • LMLarsenLMLarsen Senior Member Posts: 8,220 Senior Member
    #14
    Gene L wrote: »
    I'm thinking about the books. I don't remember (from the book) him having a .38, but what he did have under the dash of his Bentley was a "long barreled Colt." No caliber was specified.

    Now that you mention it, I do recall seeing a picture of Connery holding a Colt Woodsman or similar .22 pistol.
    “A gun is a tool, no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.”

    NRA Endowment Member
  • Gene LGene L Senior Member Posts: 9,510 Senior Member
    #15
    Here's a list of Bond's guns.

    http://jamesbond.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_firearms
    Not too many problems you can't fix
    With a 1911 and a 30-06
  • horselipshorselips Senior Member Posts: 3,539 Senior Member
    #16
    For around a century (+/-) now, Europeans have been killing each other quite well with the .32ACP. Despite its light bullet and slow velocity, it seems to get the job done. Wonders never cease.
  • Big ChiefBig Chief Senior Member Posts: 31,399 Senior Member
    #17
    I own a Walther PP .32 ACP/7.65mm.............very nice little pistol. Once (PP PPK PPKs models) considered the Cadillacs of of small semi-autos. Pretty darn accurate too. Mine has a DB stamp, German railroad police. Many used/refurbished ones were sold through US Rod n Gun Clubs anywhere from $69 to $200 or more over the years.

    They were chambered in .22/.25/.32/.380 or 9mm Kurz (short) to my knowledge. I think a variation of something akin to 9X18 Mak caliber was offered and probably more in small numbers in the family tree.
    It's only true if it's on this forum where opinions are facts and facts are opinions
    Words of wisdom from Big Chief: Flush twice, it's a long way to the Mess Hall
    I'd rather have my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus!
  • Big ChiefBig Chief Senior Member Posts: 31,399 Senior Member
    #18
    The PP models in .32 holds 8 rounds in the magazine, .380s are 7 I believe.

    Yep, just verified mine has a mag with 8 .32 ACP rds in it.
    It's only true if it's on this forum where opinions are facts and facts are opinions
    Words of wisdom from Big Chief: Flush twice, it's a long way to the Mess Hall
    I'd rather have my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus!
  • NNNN Senior Member Posts: 23,028 Senior Member
    #19
    Better than spit in the eye.
    I have a need for speed
  • Gene LGene L Senior Member Posts: 9,510 Senior Member
    #20
    I took it back to where I got it. I'd had stoppages before and I can't have that in a defense gun.
    Not too many problems you can't fix
    With a 1911 and a 30-06
  • timctimc Senior Member Posts: 6,333 Senior Member
    #21
    Like chief I have a Walther PP in 7.65 that is a really nice gun and I do carry it from time to time. I also have a nice old 1922 FN Browning in 7.65 that is pretty cool. I even have an little .25 someplace.
    timc - formerly known as timc on the last G&A forum and timc on the G&A forum before that and the G&A forum before that.....
    AKA: Former Founding Member
  • TeachTeach Senior Member Posts: 18,079 Senior Member
    #22
    Other than about 3X the price and a couple of millimeters of bore size, what's the difference in a .32 caliber PPK and a 9X18 Makarov round in a P-64?

    f3p64pw1X.jpg

    2211412_01_walther_ppk_s_32_acp_640.jpg

    :uhm:
    Jerry
    Hide and wail in terror, Eloi- - - -We Morlocks are on the hunt!
    ASK-HOLE Someone who asks for advice and always does something opposite
  • bullsi1911bullsi1911 Moderator Posts: 9,253 Senior Member
    #23
    horselips wrote: »
    For around a century (+/-) now, Europeans have been killing each other quite well with the .32ACP. Despite its light bullet and slow velocity, it seems to get the job done. Wonders never cease.

    It does work when used to shoot a kneeling and handcuffed political prisoner in the back of the skull. But for a gunfight, something bigger is better
    To make something simple is a thousand times more difficult than to make something complex.
    -Mikhail Kalashnikov
  • Wambli SkaWambli Ska Moderator Posts: 26,241 Senior Member
    #24
    Big Chief wrote: »
    I own a Walther PP .32 ACP/7.65mm.............very nice little pistol. Once (PP PPK PPKs models) considered the Cadillacs of of small semi-autos. Pretty darn accurate too. Mine has a DB stamp, German railroad police. Many used/refurbished ones were sold through US Rod n Gun Clubs anywhere from $69 to $200 or more over the years.

    They were chambered in .22/.25/.32/.380 or 9mm Kurz (short) to my knowledge. I think a variation of something akin to 9X18 Mak caliber was offered and probably more in small numbers in the family tree.
    9mm Kurtz or Corto (Spanish) is the European name for .380
    "Attack rapidly, ruthlessly, viciously, without rest, however tired and hungry you may be, the enemy will be more tired, more hungry. Keep punching." General George S. Patton
  • Gene LGene L Senior Member Posts: 9,510 Senior Member
    #25
    The Mak is a better round, and probably a better pistol. However, I can't see James Bond confront a bad guy with a ComBloc pistol.
    Not too many problems you can't fix
    With a 1911 and a 30-06
  • NCFUBARNCFUBAR Senior Member Posts: 4,245 Senior Member
    #26
    The last .32acp I fired was my Uncle’s Seecamp. Nice little toy but between the no sights and being tiny & light I couldn’t hit a target past 5 yards with any accuracy. Now as a gentleman’s vest pocket pistol very nice but that’s about it for me.
    “The further a society drifts from truth ... the more it will hate those who speak it."
    - George Orwell
  • TeachTeach Senior Member Posts: 18,079 Senior Member
    #27
    More than a few gambling disputes have been resolved at "across the card table" range by a .41 caliber Deringer. Only one shot available, so don't miss!
    Jerry
    Hide and wail in terror, Eloi- - - -We Morlocks are on the hunt!
    ASK-HOLE Someone who asks for advice and always does something opposite
  • LinefinderLinefinder Moderator Posts: 4,120 Senior Member
    #28
    Fwiw....

    I'm no proponent of the .32 ACP, but......

    It was the issue sidearm for the OSS in WWII. And those guys knew a little bit about homicide.

    Just saying...

    Mike
    Decisions have consequences, not everything in life gets an automatic mulligan.
    KSU Firefighter
  • Wambli SkaWambli Ska Moderator Posts: 26,241 Senior Member
    #29
    Linefinder wrote: »
    Fwiw....

    I'm no proponent of the .32 ACP, but......

    It was the issue sidearm for the OSS in WWII. And those guys knew a little bit about homicide.

    Just saying...

    Mike
    Bingo! The gun is just a tool. User proficiency is key. I’d rather face a street thug with a .44 mag than a professional with a .22...
    "Attack rapidly, ruthlessly, viciously, without rest, however tired and hungry you may be, the enemy will be more tired, more hungry. Keep punching." General George S. Patton
  • zorbazorba Senior Member Posts: 16,278 Senior Member
    #30
    Its kinda like American cars with huge engines that they really don't/didn't need. This is 'Merica, and bigger is better!

    I have a wartime PP in .32 ACP - very fun and pleasant to shoot and I can't miss with it!

    Now with all that said, I carry a 9mm - the ammo's far cheaper and the gun really isn't any larger than a PP, and weighs less!
    -Zorba, "The Veiled Male"

    Carry a 25 if it makes you feel good, but do not ever load it. If you load it, you may shoot it. If you shoot it, you may hit somebody, and if you hit somebody – and he finds out about it – he may be very angry with you. --Jeff Cooper
  • Big ChiefBig Chief Senior Member Posts: 31,399 Senior Member
    #31
    I reload for mine and there are a lot much mo better ammo available for them these days besides the 71 grain FMJs. Silvertips have been out fer years in .32 and now some decent HPs. Maybe mixing them in a magazine is a good idy..........FMJ/HP/FMJ and so forth....................

    Best advice is know yourself/abilities/ gun/ammo have confidence in it and practice shootin it.

    Not the optimal caliber, but I don't feel under-armed if I choose to have it handy and remember first rule is to have a gun. Better than any .22/.22 Mag or .25 ACP. Sure I'd rather have a .357/.38/9mm/.45 ACP and it wouldn't be my first choice if I knew I was about to go in harms way.

    Thing is, these days with all the polymer light weight sub-compacts in .380/9mm you can get a lighter and smaller, more easy to carry pistol in a larger caliber and even in .32 that are reliable and cheaper.

    It sill is a gun to be admired for its quality and reliability.
    It's only true if it's on this forum where opinions are facts and facts are opinions
    Words of wisdom from Big Chief: Flush twice, it's a long way to the Mess Hall
    I'd rather have my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus!
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