What I'd really like now that the 1.5 stack carry guns are coming out

[Geldarr]

Springfield has the Hellcat, Sig has the P365, and now S&W has just released the Shield Plus. All three have 10+1 9mm in the size of a single stack pistol, which is great. I find myself carrying my Kel-Tec P32 more often than not due to its small size, concealability, and very light recoil (allowing for quick follow-up shots).

I'd love it if Kel-Tec updated the P32 with the same "1.5 stack" layout as these new pistols - sure, it wouldn't be quite as flat, but with proper magazine design I'd think 10-13 rounds would be possible. A fatter grip would actually make the pistol nicer to shoot. The P32 even has a "chassis" that's considered the firearm, which might mean that KT could just offer an conversion kit that consists of a new grip module and magazine!

I know that this won't ever happen, but it just seems to make sense. KT can sell a bunch of non-firearm kits, while only having to re-engineer parts of what is a very reliable pistol. If Savage could do it back at the turn of the last century, why can't it be done now with CAD and quick prototyping? Always sounds way easier when it is someone doing some armchair designing, right?

 

[mgmorden]

Can't say that I'm interested - .32 ACP is a little too weak IMHO to make a conscious choice to use it. Part of the allure of the P365, Hellcat, etc is not just the size of the gun, but the fact that you're getting 9x19 in that size. Heck they could probably shave a wee bit more width off of them by making them in .380 ACP but then you're stepping back into the pocket gun rounds.

 

[bassjam]

To me the allure of the P32 is precisely how small and flat it is so making it larger in any way is of no interest to me. Once things get back to normal I'll try to pick one up if I ever find one around $140-150 again.

 

[Dibbs]

32ACP is capable enough, IMO, I just don't see the need for more than 6 or 8 rounds, in a carry gun. YMMV.

 

[chicharrones]

As an owner of .32 ACP pistols I love the idea, but unfortunately the golden age of the .32 ACP pocket pistol in the USA has been washed away by the tsunami of .380 ACP pocket pistols over the last 15 years.

Per the Lucky Gunner .32 ACP video that I've posted before.

Three .380 pistols made to each .32 pistol made in 2007.
Over one hundred .380 pistols made to each .32 pistol made in 2017.

Yet another interesting point made about ammo sales between the two at Lucky Gunner around the 11:50 mark.

 

[IdaD]

I think 32 ACP has been flushed by the wayside so I don't expect much attention will be paid to it. If anything 380 is more dominant in that market than 9mm is vs the 40 or 45.

Plus I think that type of pistol is really all about thin and tiny. I have an LCP and making it just a little thicker would really hamper it. Much more so than a .1" thicker Shield would when carried AIWB.

 

[halfmoonclip]

Love .32/7.65, reload them, and shoot them in everything from Walthers to the original CZ Scorpion....but for entertainment only.
Left unmentioned is the dreaded rimlock; my response to the poll was about engineering problems. Rimlock can be an issue in any .32, but it is especially likely if shorter HPs are being used...and people hoping for defensive use will want HPs. Throw in the semi-double stack business, and I'll show you frustrated engineers.
Now, that said, the old time Savage .32 does have sorta double stack mag (holds 10)...but of course, no HPs back then. Seem to recall Buffalo Bill and Bat Masterson had one for intown dress.
Moon

 

[Geldarr]

So far, about the response I'd expected. All valid points.

The small size is exactly why I like this pistol so much. Changing that may indeed ruin it for me. Just a fun thought exercise in light of the Shield Plus and Max-9 announcements.

 

[Navy87Guy]

I think the P-32 fills a unique niche. It’s about the biggest thing I can get away with carrying in my pocket. 7+1 rds of .32 ACP won’t stop the Mongol horde, but it can make one of two bad guys change their mind about you. And a backup mag fits in the coin pocket in a pair of Levi’s, so it’s really 15 rds.

I would have to reserve judgment on any change to the configuration to see what it would do to the bulk. It’s only 1/4 inch narrower than a P365 now (but 11 oz lighter...which is a big deal!)...adding too much to the width would undermine some of it’s goodness. But if it’s not a huge change, then having 10+1 or 13+1 would make me love it even more!

Here’s the size comparison from HandgunHero...they’re not even close!