Opinions on the Guardian .32 vs .380

[Bkraft]

My LGS has the Guardian in stock in both .32ACP and .380 available.

I?m on the fence.  I have other guns in both .32ACP and .380, so neither would be a new caliber for me (already have both types of ammo on hand).

I?m sort of partial to the .32, but question whether I should go .380 for the additional stopping power.

ANy thoughts on firing them?  Noticeable difference in felt recoil between the two?

Anything I should think of before I go down to check them out?

[Wumbey Goomba]

Try to shoot one before you buy.
Double action only, is a beast.

I purchased one(32 acp)recently,
yes I like the quality, size, looks.
It does have some snappiness.

Do I like it enough to buy another. No.

[bearcatter]

I don't want to make a decision for somebody else. All I can do is relate my experience, and you can be sure someone will disagree with me. This will be a long-winded post.

I have two Guardian 32s. Before I bought the first one, I searched every article, forum post, online review, and YouTube for anything about both Guardians. On average, most people thought the 380 kicked too hard, too much trigger slap, and slower to recover for the next shot. Most people thought both Guardians were too heavy. The 380 is 21 oz loaded versus 16 oz for the 32.

Ballistics - (All standard FMJ) The 380 has not quite 50% more energy, 200 ft.lb.versus 130 for the 32. That's where the extra recoil is. Velocity, the 380 is actually just 10% ahead; 980 versus 900.

Hollow points - Neither caliber expands by much, if at all. And even that slight expansion kills the penetration. FMJ in 380 has maybe 20% better penetration in gel about a foot away. People test penetration so many different ways it's hard to compare. Main thing, both calibers are within the FBI recommended 12-18 inches. FWIW, 32 is actually .31, and 380 is actually .36. Five hundredths of an inch bigger.

So, I decided on the 32. I find the recoil about equal to my snub SP-101 shooting .38 Special. That tells me I would not have liked 380. I like it being smaller and lighter. A pound in my pocket is enough. Last, I like any handgun better in stainless.

One thing I saw over and over was people liking the Kel-Tec P-32 better; mostly because it's a whopping five ounces lighter (?) For me, the Guardian's weight is a small price for the better quality. The Kel-Tec's slide is blued or coated carbon steel. The frame, trigger, and even pivot pins are plastic. It has a strip of spring steel for an extractor. No wonder it's also cheaper.

Before this shortage, Aguila and Remington (was $5 more) were the easiest ammo to get, and both shoot well for me. Aguila's factory was once Remington's, so that's no surprise. Now any caliber is hard to get.

[bearcatter]

Do I like it enough to buy another. No.

I like it a lot, and bought two......

Honestly, I'd carry 22, if it was closer to 100% going Bang. Plus, small .22 pistols all have a tendency to jam. .25 ACP solves that, but 25 pistols are either junk, or expensive antiques, and ammo is too hard to find even in normal times. So that got me to choose 32 or 380.

[Bkraft]

Thanks for all that. 

I?ve been reading and watching all the you tubes I can. 

I?m probably not normal in the fact that I like a heavier gun.  My favorite concealed guns are steel frame fixed barrel pistols like the Walther PPK or Radom P64 ?and I hear people describe those as ?heavy? a lot.  Personally, I like the feel of them over my newer polymer guns like the Sig 365 and Walther CCP. 

People tend to not like the P64 (or the PPK to some extent) as they say the pistol is too small, too heavy and recoils hard into the webbing of the hand due to the fixed barrel.  Me on the other hand, I love the way they shoot.  I?ll put a couple hundred rounds down range at a time and never blink.

Not to say any of these are like the Guardian.  I don?t really have much of a comparison, but I think I?m more likely to not mind the recoil.

I do have a Beretta 418 and Walther Model 5 which are probably closer in size to the Guardian, but both are also chambered in .25ACP.  Recoil is pretty much non-existent.

I was noticing that neither .32 nor .380 JHP from the Guardian seemed to expand all that much.

I think I?m leaning towards the .32

[bearcatter]

The history of the cartridges is interesting. John Browning designed the .25 ACP in 1905, wanting a centerfire .22 to eliminate the ignition issues. .25 was as small as you can go and still have room for the primer pocket. Browning's .32 ACP is older, 1899, designed to be an effective round for police and soldiers, comparable to revolvers of the day. Civilians still preferred the pocket sized 25 pistols. The Browning .380 cartridge came along in 1908, partly due to the military wanting a compact pistol for officers, and non-combatant personnel to carry while doing other duties.

FWIW, the .45 ACP was another Browning design in 1904. Browning was a one man cheerleader of semi-automatic pistols, designing cartridge and pistol combos that quickly replaced many revolvers. If not for Browning, pistols would have become common a lot later.

[top dog]

I had both the 32 and 380. Sold off the 380 as that was the heaviest 380 out there.

The 32 Guardian is a little gem. Just before retiring from the PD,I sent mine which I had purchased through the NAA LE program back to NAA "SPA" for some fancy upgrades which also included a guttersnipe sight.

My preference would be for the 32 Guardian.

Folks can talk about calibers and stuff but the 32 Guardian is small enough to be with you when you need it.

                                                                                                                            Top Dog

[bill_deshivs]

If you like heavy guns, the Guardian is for you.
The .380 Guardian is too big.
When I damaged my Keltec over the Christmas holidays, and couldn't order replacement parts- I stuck my .32 Guardian in my pocket. After work, I went to the gun shop and bought a spare Keltec. I don't like heavy guns in my pocket.

[OV-1D]

  My question with all the exterior concealed carry holsters out there why does anyone tie up a pocket for their mini ? So many disguises on the market even Rick can build you one . They are not that bulky or out of place . Heck I can't even stand change in my pockets only paper bills ,wallet in rear with lanyard , keys hang from belt loop , Freedom Arms flap holster on right side , lucky silver dollar in watch pocket and I'm good to go . If I feel like to carry larger (Kimber 45 Ultra carry) I use my customized fanny pack that also is looped onto my belt (manly front carry hangs over right pocket) .  No imprinting on anything I carry .................................. Oh yeah its all those extra mags. I carry about seven I have trouble with ,ha ,ha , and those dam hand grenades are always troublesome , did I mention that grenade launcher . Whats a walking ,talking one man generally madman pissed at the world to do . GEEEE .

[Uncle_Lee]

All I carry is bills.
Water bill, electric bill, parking bill, etc.

[bearcatter]

  My question with all the exterior concealed carry holsters out there why does anyone tie up a pocket for their mini ? ......

A mini is hardly a pocket full. Other pocket pistols wipe out a pocket.

My kick is all you find for pocket pistols is pocket holsters, and IWB. A few sloppy fit ankle rigs. No company thinks we ever carry on the belt, like at a range or under a coat. I've a nice one Rick made me, perfect fit, paddle style and thumb break. Allen has a nylon Cortez size 5 that works okay ( got it before Rick's ! ). It's about an inch too long, and has a strap. Uncle Mike has a "small auto holster" but it won't clear the Guardian's trigger guard. I've found no other OWB except poor fit nylon junk with a mile of velcro.
Of all the holsters I've ever had, I'd like a Fobus Roto Belt model for my Guardians, but not made. I do have the Roto and paddle styles for my snub SP101.

[RogueTS1]

I do have a Beretta 418

Photos please. 

[heyjoe]

I do have a Beretta 418

Photos please. 

and photos of the Walther model 5 while you're at it!

[Uncle_Lee]

I have a 1919.   

[heyjoe]

I have a 1919.   

very nice!

[grayelky]

If you look at ballistics, the .380 is noticeably ahead of the .32. If you look at law enforcement investigated shootings, the 2 are so close it makes no difference statistically. They are almost equal. The heavier recoil of the .380 makes the second shot more difficult to get off. The reduced recoil of the .32 will allow most to get 3 shots on target in the same time frame the 380 allows 2 shots. Add to this the penetration advantage of the .32 (it just seems to perform better than it should). For my $.02 worth, I?ll carry a .32 ACP over a .380 ACP, every time. I have a couple of Guardians, but do not carry them. They are just too heavy for my taste, especially when I can carry a Sig P365 with 10 rounds of 9mm for about the same weight.

[linux_author]

had a Guardian .32ACP... i liked it, but it threw its extractor assembly twice, once after a visit back to NAA...

sold it, and have stuck w/my P32s... much more lightweight and reliable...

i still carry my Sidewinder though - really like it a lot...

[bearcatter]

I remember that; I looked it up, was July 2018. I copied the replacement instructions into my Guardian binder. I keep binders of everything useful for each of my guns.
Your issue worried me. Since then I've bought two extractor assemblies. I haven't seen your issue repeated anywhere else online but you never know. I'm OCD about that....FWIW, the Walther PP and PPK use the same design.
My Guardians are at about 300 rounds each, with no problems. It reduced my last round stovepipes, and lightened the triggers.

[RogueTS1]

I have a 1919.   

Very nice Uncle Lee. Believe we have two, maybe three of the 418's. One or two in blue and one in nickel or SS. I think this is a photo of our blued but not sure. Cannot find a photo of the Nickel/SS one.

[RogueTS1]

Speaking of NAA Guardians; we prefer .380 simply because of the larger frame size. The .32 just seems a tad too small for our liking. Then of course they require a trip to the NAA Custom Shop. (Pretty confident y'all have seen this one before)

[barrytheprof]

Is that a royal we?

[top dog]

Rogue,
That looks super nice.  The 32 Guardian right out of the box is nice but a trip to the SPA  makes it super nice.

All caliber debates aside two quick shots of anything will pretty much discourage most predators.

                                                                Top Dog

[RogueTS1]

Is that a royal we?

Sometimes; and then other times it is used when referring to the Princess and myself or others as a group. 

[RogueTS1]

All caliber debates aside two quick shots of anything will pretty much discourage most predators.

So very true Sir.

[Bkraft]

I do have a Beretta 418

Photos please. 

Since you asked?.     Actually, this is the only pic I have of them on hand at the moment.

Really appreciate all the great insights in this thread.

[Uncle_Lee]

Thanks Bkraft,
The proof is in the picture.
And the picture makes the coffee taste real good.

[RogueTS1]

Love it Bkraft. 418 was Bond's first service pistol until it was replaced by the 7.65 mm PPK in Dr. No. 

[Bkraft]

Love it Bkraft. 418 was Bond's first service pistol until it was replaced by the 7.65 mm PPK in Dr. No. 

Sorry, it?s not 7.65?. But close

[RogueTS1]

Very nice Bkraft, both of them, above. 

[RogueTS1]

Rogue,
That looks super nice.  The 32 Guardian right out of the box is nice but a trip to the SPA  makes it super nice.

All caliber debates aside two quick shots of anything will pretty much discourage most predators.

                                                                Top Dog

Thank you Top Dog, and yes two shots of anything is usually quite the dissuader.

[Gun1]

I would recommend a Seecamp 380. It's 380 but smaller than the NAA 32. Although it doesn't have any sights. My personal favorite small semi auto is a Baby Browning, which can be had brand new from Precision Small Arms.

[LepriconX]

I don't want to make a decision for somebody else. All I can do is relate my experience, and you can be sure someone will disagree with me. This will be a long-winded post.

I have two Guardian 32s. Before I bought the first one, I searched every article, forum post, online review, and YouTube for anything about both Guardians. On average, most people thought the 380 kicked too hard, too much trigger slap, and slower to recover for the next shot. Most people thought both Guardians were too heavy. The 380 is 21 oz loaded versus 16 oz for the 32.

Ballistics - (All standard FMJ) The 380 has not quite 50% more energy, 200 ft.lb.versus 130 for the 32. That's where the extra recoil is. Velocity, the 380 is actually just 10% ahead; 980 versus 900.

Hollow points - Neither caliber expands by much, if at all. And even that slight expansion kills the penetration. FMJ in 380 has maybe 20% better penetration in gel about a foot away. People test penetration so many different ways it's hard to compare. Main thing, both calibers are within the FBI recommended 12-18 inches. FWIW, 32 is actually .31, and 380 is actually .36. Five hundredths of an inch bigger.

So, I decided on the 32. I find the recoil about equal to my snub SP-101 shooting .38 Special. That tells me I would not have liked 380. I like it being smaller and lighter. A pound in my pocket is enough. Last, I like any handgun better in stainless.

One thing I saw over and over was people liking the Kel-Tec P-32 better; mostly because it's a whopping five ounces lighter (?) For me, the Guardian's weight is a small price for the better quality. The Kel-Tec's slide is blued or coated carbon steel. The frame, trigger, and even pivot pins are plastic. It has a strip of spring steel for an extractor. No wonder it's also cheaper.

Before this shortage, Aguila and Remington (was $5 more) were the easiest ammo to get, and both shoot well for me. Aguila's factory was once Remington's, so that's no surprise. Now any caliber is hard to get.

Simply amazed by this review 

[LepriconX]

Thanks for all that. 

I?ve been reading and watching all the you tubes I can. 

I?m probably not normal in the fact that I like a heavier gun.  My favorite concealed guns are steel frame fixed barrel pistols like the Walther PPK or Radom P64 ?and I hear people describe those as ?heavy? a lot.  Personally, I like the feel of them over my newer polymer guns like the Sig 365 and Walther CCP. 

People tend to not like the P64 (or the PPK to some extent) as they say the pistol is too small, too heavy and recoils hard into the webbing of the hand due to the fixed barrel.  Me on the other hand, I love the way they shoot.  I?ll put a couple hundred rounds down range at a time and never blink.
.....

If you are talking about Radom P64, than why not Makarov?
I have one, and it's actually a very nice, and precise gun (after you get used to its crappy sights).
Also, you can use it as a hammer when run out of bullets

[bearcatter]

Blah, blah, yada, yada......

Simply amazed by this review 

I tried to cover every possible detail, cover all the bases, leave no stone unturned....

I love my Guardians. I put a lot of effort into my decision to buy the first one. They''re not perfect, but as close as there is to it for me.

Perfect? A coil spring arrangement for the draw bar would be more dependable. Have one grip screw that goes all the way through to a nut in the opposite grip. No possibility of a stripped threaded hole in the frame.

[bill_deshivs]

"One thing I saw over and over was people liking the Kel-Tec P-32 better; mostly because it's a whopping five ounces lighter (?) For me, the Guardian's weight is a small price for the better quality. The Kel-Tec's slide is blued or coated carbon steel. The frame, trigger, and even pivot pins are plastic. It has a strip of spring steel for an extractor. No wonder it's also cheaper."

To each his own, but there are several inaccuracies in the above statement.
Weight does not equal quality.
Keltec's "frames" are aluminum. The grip frames are plastic. The pins that hold the frame in the grip frame are plastic. I don't know what you call the "pivot pin, but there are no more plastic pins in the Keltec.
The "strip of spring steel for an extractor doesn't fly out of the gun like the NAA does.

Don't get me wrong, I have a Guardian and I like it. I have mini revolvers and I like them. I have P32s and everyone here carries them.