NAA Guardian .32ACP Range Report

linux_author · February-07-18 15:02

hey folks - just thought i'd share my experience today from my new Guardian's 150-round debut at the range... first, some observations:

1. out of the box, the Guardian package is pretty nice - the locking box, papers, and two magazines, one with a pinky extension and the other a flat plate

2. you also get an 'old school' signed/stamped envelope with a spent cartridge - nice touch, but i guess there are a few states that require this? (i don't know)...

3. i'm also grateful for the lack of an ILS...

4. the Pearce Grips Ruger LCP extension will NOT work with my Guardian's magazines - the extension prevents magazine lock-in, and the extension would have to be modified to remove some material (no biggie, as i purchased two extra magazines for experimenting)

UPDATE: the Pearce Ruger LCP extended mag grips *can* be modified to work with the Kel-Tec P-32!!!!

5. sights are TINY... i painted the front sight with a daub of fluorescent lime acrylic from a paint pen from Wally World - it helped these old eyes immensely

6. ammo was Fiocchi redbox, 71 gr FMJ - all cartridges fired

7. had three last-round stove pipes in 30 magazines (i shot 5 rounds in each mag); had one last round failure to feed; had one last-round failure to extract - the @#$%@! extractor would NOT let go of the spent cartridge, so i dropped the empty magazine and punched the round down the mag well - this was the worst of today's experience - but did not sour my purchase - i'm gonna shoot the papa india sierra sierra out of this little mouse gun

8. trigger pull is about the same as Smith rimfire revolvers, but at the end of my shooting session i had a small blister on the lower end of my trigger finger:

TIP: put on a band-aid, use moleskin, or wear a thin shooting glove if you're gonna punch 150 paper holes with this gun

it's not a bad blister, but now i have to wait a day before i do a range comparison with my new Kel-Tec P-32 that i picked up today; i'll do a scored comparison of the two [currently AFAIK only existing .32 ACPs on the market] using the same ammo, same range, same targets, same distance, and same shooting style:

A: initial target at 12 feet, range-bag/bench braced first 10 rounds to guage accuracy
B. target at 12 feet
C. target at 15 feet
D. point-shooting at 10 feet
E. head-shots at 10 feet

here's the point-shooting; i was able to 'walk' the rounds in from the left; interestingly, it felt like i was pointing the pistol downwards, but the rounds were going where i wanted them to:

here are my last 10 rounds of the day (didn't know i had raised a blister at this point - it was only driving on the way home that i noticed, and now, six hours later, the blister is gone and doesn't seem to be problematic); shots, again, were at 10 feet:

accuracy was good; handling was good; i'm used to double-action, so i'm not going to whine about trigger pull (don't have the gear to measure it anyway) - believe it or not, i didn't really notice a difference between the flat-plate or pinky mags - perhaps things might be different when my order of 10-round extension kits come in next week...

so there you have it; the jury is out on reliability - i can live with the last-round stove pipes, but the stuck spent cartridge in the slide was a bummer - perhaps after some more break in?

willie
on the plink away every day Gulf of Mexico

ikoiko · February-07-18 15:02

FWIW, I did a fluff and buff on my p32 before I ever shot it, gave it a going over with Eezox, nothing else. Had a lot of problems.

I then lubed it up, ran it wet, didn't have anymore problems. Only shot 100 or so rounds so far. Haven't retried just using eezox alone again yet.

linux_author · February-07-18 15:02

tks - i did a CLP clean of the pistol today and will head out for a test at the range in the next several days

willie
on the sunny and warm Gulf of Mexico

redhawk4 · February-07-18 15:02

Sounds like a few more rounds through it after a good clean will have it working as it should.

I don't ever recall an issue with my 380 Guardian, but I bought it lightly used so it was already broken in to a degree.

scout · February-07-18 22:02

Nicely detailed report - thanks!
I have read several times that the last round stove-pipe is a FEATURE, in place of slide hold-open. Never had a case stick as you did, check for a burr on the extractor.
Looking forward to your next reports!

linux_author · February-08-18 05:02

Quote from: scout on February-07-18 22:02
I have read several times that the last round stove-pipe is a FEATURE, in place of slide hold-open. Never had a case stick as you did, check for a burr on the extractor.

tks - yes, i was aware of the LRSP 'feature,' and realize it is part of the design of the pistol - i have no problems with that and it bothers me not one whit... on the other hand i'd like some reassurance that the FTE was a fluke - as i mentioned, i'm gonna run plenty of ammo through this pistol - the redbox was a bulk purchase

next up will be the P-32

willie
on the foggy Gulf of Mexico

Gog · February-08-18 08:02

Nice report and pics! Thanks for that.
Could you please post a couple pics of the two next to each other. Curious in the sizes of the Keltec and Guardian. I'm sure there's a huge difference in weight!

I have a LWS 32 and I know I read they encourage not shooting it to empty but just shoot 6, drop the mag and slap in a new one. Then you don't have to worry about stove pipes or racking the slide in between shooting. lol Not that I ever think of it.

linux_author · February-09-18 09:02

quick update: just got back from the range - ran 150 rounds through the new P-32... session was flawless (no FTL, FTEs, etc.), and the P-32 was so accurate, easy to handle and easy to shoot that i moved 5 feet out for one of test targets... the P-32 was a pleasure to shoot - not a range pistol, but nonetheless much easier on the trigger finger (no blister - i'm going to explore different grips and the extended mag for the Guardian to perhaps alleviate/improve handling)

the Fiocchi redbox is very nice and consistent - only had a couple flyers

(maybe i should cut down the java at breakfast?)

:-)

here are a few comparison pics; Guardian is slightly smaller:

some difference is in length:

but big difference is in weight (both w/flat-plate mags, no ammo):

here are my last 10 rounds of the 150-round session at 15 feet:

willie
on the 32ACP Gulf of Mexico

seaotter · February-09-18 20:02

The P-32 has been on my "eventually" list for a long, long time. I am not really sure why I haven't gotten one yet. I guess it just comes down to the fact that I don't really NEED one. I already have a BW that performs the same role (for me) as a P-32 would. If I needed something even smaller and more concealable, I would get a 1.6 inch MiniMag (something I have wanted for a long time, as well). And I already shoot .38 special, 9mm, .380, .22 WMR, and various kinds of .22s. The idea of shooting yet another (expensivej type of ammo is enough to give me pause, as well. And I am saving up to buy a folding shotgun that I can legally carry into a neighboring liberal state, where a .22 Mini is considered to be far more dangerous than a 12 gauge. Go figure! So I guess the P-32 is going to have to wait a good bit longer!

unclenunzie · February-09-18 20:02

I too have both pistols. I bought my guardian sometime in 2011. I have about 3000 rounds through it. Serial is AF03 series - which is kind of surprising if your AF06 series is NIB. The guardian is much classier than the p32, but is harsher to shoot being blowback. I still like it in a wallet holster, but initially and over time I experienced a lot of different issues and eventually got it to where I felt comfortable with it's reliability. Most importantly it's not a range gun and if you shoot it a lot (and if you let it get hot from heavy sessions) springs will break. NAA is very good about service if you need it.

My advice is keep it clean, lubed with any good lube (I settled on CLP long ago), maybe light polish where there may be sticking and find ammo it likes. And grip it really tight when firing, its so tiny it makes the 32 auto feel like a 9mm

The p32 is a more modern design, easier to shoot but not as nice to look at or handle. lighter, thinner, but taller and longer. I am afraid to sit on it

I got mine only a few years ago and put about 250 rounds through it after initial fluff and buff. No where near the torture test level of rounds I put through the guardian, but it seems to be very reliable.

Nice pictures.

linux_author · February-10-18 04:02

tks - i like both pistols - i'm gonna make sure the Guardian's slide face/extractor is super clean - hoping that FTE was a fluke and will give my Guardian some more workouts - i like the stainless for summer/sweaty carry down here in the near Tropics... i put on a small Hogue grip, shortened to fit the Guardian, to see if i can alleviate trigger-finger abrasion (or perhaps a polish on the trigger face?) - i also added a modified Pearce mag extension to the P-32:

and to re-iterate: i really like NAA's offerings - my Sidewinder is my favorite light pocket carry!

willie
on the warming Gulf of Mexico

linux_author · February-10-18 11:02

update: I was on the CTD web site and saw it was offering NAA Guardian .32acp extended mag kits - i thought, 'Great! i'll order two for the two extra flat plate mags i have!'

so what did i get:

yep, each 'kit' contained *two* extended mag springs, etc. - so now i have some spares i guess...

willie
on the Gulf of Mexico

Uncle_Lee · February-11-18 04:02

Key word = kit

I would have done the same thing.

linux_author · February-11-18 09:02

update: another 75 rounds, no malfunctions -

however, upon getting home i discovered that the extractor is gone! missing! out of the gun! and don't know how to even install a replacement.

my Guardian is going back to NAA after i get a hold of them on Monday...

<sigh>

willie
on the plinking away every day on the Gulf of Mexico

linux_author · February-12-18 15:02

update: my Guardian is going back to the mother ship - spoke w/a very nice young lady on the phone who said a FedEx label will be sent...

she conferred w/the gunsmith - the extractor assembly (parts #6,7, & 8 - the plunger, plunger spring and extractor) are a press fit, and my pistol's problem seemed unusual (i also thought it was unusual that the pistol functioned up until the assembly went out into the ether) - so i was told to send the entire unit back, along with a magazine and a letter describing what happened and what ammo was in use

i remember the last time i had to send a pistol back to the factory - went to the post office, placed it in a box, and off it went! was sent back the same way...

i guess times have changed

willie
on the patient Gulf of Mexico

boscobarbell · February-21-18 22:02

Quick story: I bought a P32 back in circa 1998 because I needed a pocket BUG while I was on duty as a Federal LEO chasing fugitives. The little pistol did its job for almost 20 years, and then started having failures when the disassembly pin started walking out. I shipped it back to Kel Tec, and they advised me that it was irreparable, and that they were sending me an brand new P32 with a serial number similar to my old one...FREE!

Around this time I'd also bought an NAA used...a little harsh to shoot, but I loved it. Unfortunately, I had one nagging issue after another. NAA was good about the issues and worked to rectify them, but when all was completed I'd lost faith in the pistol and was just waiting for another malfunction. So I sold it at a considerable loss.

Meanwhile, my new-ish P32 is running like a champ, crazy accurate (on a lark I decide to shoot at a "Bad Guy" target's weak hand from 7 yards, and the Kel Tec tore it up!). I still really, really want to own an NAA, but I'm not convinced it will ever come close to the P32...which, yeah, is an ugly little thing...a face only a mother could love. But it's 7+1, reliable, easy to shoot, light and thin. Maybe sometimes looks don't win out?

Uncle_Lee · February-22-18 07:02

Quote from: boscobarbell on February-21-18 22:02
Quick story: I bought a P32 back in circa 1998 because I needed a pocket BUG while I was on duty as a Federal LEO chasing fugitives. The little pistol did its job for almost 20 years, and then started having failures when the disassembly pin started walking out. I shipped it back to Kel Tec, and they advised me that it was irreparable, and that they were sending me an brand new P32 with a serial number similar to my old one...FREE!

Around this time I'd also bought an NAA used...a little harsh to shoot, but I loved it. Unfortunately, I had one nagging issue after another. NAA was good about the issues and worked to rectify them, but when all was completed I'd lost faith in the pistol and was just waiting for another malfunction. So I sold it at a considerable loss.

Meanwhile, my new-ish P32 is running like a champ, crazy accurate (on a lark I decide to shoot at a "Bad Guy" target's weak hand from 7 yards, and the Kel Tec tore it up!). I still really, really want to own an NAA, but I'm not convinced it will ever come close to the P32...which, yeah, is an ugly little thing...a face only a mother could love. But it's 7+1, reliable, easy to shoot, light and thin. Maybe sometimes looks don't win out?

A pistol is like a woman, looks don't matter if she can cook....

redhawk4 · February-22-18 08:02

Quote from: uncle_lee on February-22-18 07:02
Quote from: boscobarbell on February-21-18 22:02
Quick story: I bought a P32 back in circa 1998 because I needed a pocket BUG while I was on duty as a Federal LEO chasing fugitives. The little pistol did its job for almost 20 years, and then started having failures when the disassembly pin started walking out. I shipped it back to Kel Tec, and they advised me that it was irreparable, and that they were sending me an brand new P32 with a serial number similar to my old one...FREE!

Around this time I'd also bought an NAA used...a little harsh to shoot, but I loved it. Unfortunately, I had one nagging issue after another. NAA was good about the issues and worked to rectify them, but when all was completed I'd lost faith in the pistol and was just waiting for another malfunction. So I sold it at a considerable loss.

Meanwhile, my new-ish P32 is running like a champ, crazy accurate (on a lark I decide to shoot at a "Bad Guy" target's weak hand from 7 yards, and the Kel Tec tore it up!). I still really, really want to own an NAA, but I'm not convinced it will ever come close to the P32...which, yeah, is an ugly little thing...a face only a mother could love. But it's 7+1, reliable, easy to shoot, light and thin. Maybe sometimes looks don't win out?

A pistol is like a woman, looks don't matter if she can cook....

Remember, no matter how beautiful a woman is, somewhere there's a man who's sick of her

linux_author · February-22-18 11:02

UPDATE: my Guardian is on its way back, and should be here by Monday... will do another update and range report

(and yes, the P-32 is FTW in my book - i was very surprised by followup shot placement - i think it's the light recoil of the floating breech)

willie
on the Gulf of Mexico

RogueTS1 · February-22-18 12:02

My .380 Guardian shoots/functions like a champ. I did have the NAA Custom Shop slick her up a bit but that not withstanding she is totally reliable, very accurate and quite nice looking.