I'm a relatively large 240 lb guy who enjoys shooting all calibers and firearm types. I love my 9mm Shield, but I would say that the piece I carry most often is a little Kel-tec P-32. It slides into a small pocket holster in nearly ANYTHING, so I can carry it, quite literally, anywhere on my body and to any destination where carrying a firearm is legal.
Regarding "stopping power", I'm a firm subscriber in matching your protection to your perceived risk. I live in, what is by most measures, a safe community (where, and because, lots of people carry guns and believe in their 2A right), and I deem a .32ACP to be perfectly adequate for my perceived risk (which is low). I wouldn't carry a .32ACP as a primary weapon if I were a more valuable target (security, intelligence, etc), or felt more likely to need to use it at any given time. My primary carry weapon is to "get the bad guy off my person and let me get away". It's not for a shoot-out while crouched behind a table at the local Wendy's.
For that purpose, I really enjoy my little Kel-tec. I bought it very used, and it's been flawless for me. I've shot "hundreds" of rounds though it (at least three boxes of ammo, and more loose ammo on top of that). I use the factory Mec-Gar 7-rd magazines and they work great. I couldn't be more satisfied with it, and I'd buy another one in a second. My dad also has one that runs perfectly. His is what prompted me to buy mine.
Regarding "stopping power", I'm a firm subscriber in matching your protection to your perceived risk. I live in, what is by most measures, a safe community (where, and because, lots of people carry guns and believe in their 2A right), and I deem a .32ACP to be perfectly adequate for my perceived risk (which is low). I wouldn't carry a .32ACP as a primary weapon if I were a more valuable target (security, intelligence, etc), or felt more likely to need to use it at any given time. My primary carry weapon is to "get the bad guy off my person and let me get away". It's not for a shoot-out while crouched behind a table at the local Wendy's.
For that purpose, I really enjoy my little Kel-tec. I bought it very used, and it's been flawless for me. I've shot "hundreds" of rounds though it (at least three boxes of ammo, and more loose ammo on top of that). I use the factory Mec-Gar 7-rd magazines and they work great. I couldn't be more satisfied with it, and I'd buy another one in a second. My dad also has one that runs perfectly. His is what prompted me to buy mine.
