Seecamp 32

[681ismyfavorite]

This may work(?),,just brainstorming,,
IF it works, it's likely already been done since the guns have been around a while...

There's a spacer in the 32 magazine that fits against the rear wall/spine of the mag. It's there to make sure the HP rds are held forward for max reliability.
It also is part of the TD for the mag as the L shaped bottom extension of the spacer contains the dimple that locks the floor plate into place.

The spacer is full length and sits behind the mag spring in operation.
If the upper portion was removed to allow a bit of extra room in the OA front to back length of the mag, it may be just enough to allow FMJ rds of some mfg's to work reliably.
Admittedly it's very thin metal, but it may be just enough for some brands of FMJ to work (more) reliably.
You would have to leave some length of the back/spine portion in tact to support the L shaped piece with the impressed dimple in it so the Floor Plate lock assembly remains functional.

I've never tried it, don't have one in hand, so it's just a theory looking at the schematics and drawing from my past experience with these which was long ago and not that extensive anyway.

 

[Jerry in SC]

What are the thoughts on the recent production LWS-32? I'm very familiar with the original and the first CNC models.

 

[tlawler]

What are the thoughts on the recent production LWS-32? I'm very familiar with the original and the first CNC models.

Do you mean very recent production pistols, or just the Southwick pistols in general? I've owned a .32 and a .380 that came out of Southwick from probably the 2016 to 2017 range of production. I didn't have a Milford example at the time to compare them to, but they looked fine and shot well (though I only put two mags through the .380 before I sold it, and didn't have a very high round count on the .32 either). Both fed reliably and accuracy was about what you'd expect. True Seecamp aficionados would notice subtle differences that may not alert me to any issue. I did own a Milford .32 from '96 to about 2010 and loved that little pistol. Glad I finally found another one.

 

[Jerry in SC]

Do you mean very recent production pistols, or just the Southwick pistols in general? I've owned a .32 and a .380 that came out of Southwick from probably the 2016 to 2017 range of production. I didn't have a Milford example at the time to compare them to, but they looked fine and shot well (though I only put two mags through the .380 before I sold it, and didn't have a very high round count on the .32 either). Both fed reliably and accuracy was about what you'd expect. True Seecamp aficionados would notice subtle differences that may not alert me to any issue. I did own a Milford .32 from '96 to about 2010 and loved that little pistol. Glad I finally found another one.

Current production. I bought my first one in 1988 direct from Seecamp for $350, second one in 2005. Both functioned fine, but the original aluminum jacketed silvertips were so inconsistent in OAL I could only use maybe 30 out of a 50 round box.

 

[No Quarter]

Well, I said in an earlier post here on this thread that I was keeping an eye out for another couple of Milford-made .32s. My favorite gun shop here, biggest in town, I know the owner, posts up any new arrivals. I have learned to keep an eye on it as they get a ton of used guns in. I had a really busy week this week, so last night after a 12 hour day, while I was winding down for an hour or two before hitting the rack, I checked his site and lo and behold, a Milford 32 for only $449. Came with original box and papers and and 2 mags. I bought it online immediately. He always takes good picture so I did not see any apparent abuse. Went and picked it up today. Excellent condition! Took it home, broke it down to inspect for any signs of wear (there was none), put in a fresh recoil spring, gave the chamber and barrel a quick cleaning with some EEZOx, and proceeded to the range to test fire it. 4 mags of Fiocchi Defense Dynamics SJHP and she ran like a top. So, one down, one more to go. Now, if only I could find that elusive Seecamp .25.....

 

[ARgon]

Well, I said in an earlier post here on this thread that I was keeping an eye out for another couple of Milford-made .32s. My favorite gun shop here, biggest in town, I know the owner, posts up any new arrivals. I have learned to keep an eye on it as they get a ton of used guns in. I had a really busy week this week, so last night after a 12 hour day, while I was winding down for an hour or two before hitting the rack, I checked his site and lo and behold, a Milford 32 for only $449. Came with original box and papers and and 2 mags. I bought it online immediately. He always takes good picture so I did not see any apparent abuse. Went and picked it up today. Excellent condition! Took it home, broke it down to inspect for any signs of wear (there was none), put in a fresh recoil spring, gave the chamber and barrel a quick cleaning with some EEZOx, and proceeded to the range to test fire it. 4 mags of Fiocchi Defense Dynamics SJHP and she ran like a top. So, one down, one more to go. Now, if only I could find that elusive Seecamp .25.....

View attachment 786465View attachment 786466

You did very good!! Congratulations!

 

[65-2x2]

I run Underwood +P 55 gr Xtreme Defender. They're 100% reliable and seem accurate for a gun with no sights. 975 fps in mine.

32 ACP +P 55gr. Xtreme Defender Solid Monolithic Hunting & Self Defense Ammo

The 65 gr Hydra-Shok is another good choice but those are often hard to find. Stay away from the Gold Dots.

You don't want expansion with a 60-65 gr .32 hollowpoint. If it expands, it will underpenetrate (Gold Dots).

If yours only came with 1 magazine, be advised the new production mags have different dimensions. If you can find an old one, snatch it up.

I swear that I read that as " If it expands it will expand in you underpants." Perhaps I need another nap.

 

[65-2x2]

Some formed a spot on FaceBook, and RT, Art Franco, put time in on that. I've never been a member of FaceBook. So much info/tech stuff was loss, really to back, especially the how to videos found in one place. Knowledgeable folks like jimmyd, RT, ect. Seecamp vendors for grips, mag extensions, holsters, and on and on. View attachment 779983View attachment 779984View attachment 779985

Nice gun and some spendy holsters!

 

[65-2x2]

While I fully recognize the Seecamp has sort of a cult following, I just have a hard time understanding why in today's day and age it still does. Yes, it is small and compact but only holds 6+1 in 380acp. It has no sights, is unreliable with most readily available ammunition, magazines often need specialized factory fitting and they are hard to shoot well.

In contrast Ruger makes the new and improved LCP Max in 380 which weighs 10.5 ounces, comes with both a 10 and 12 round magazine, has excellent night sights, is totally reliable with almost any ammunition available, is accurate, readily available for about $400+ and new spare magazines fit perfectly right out of the box.

I have shot (friend guns) both the Seecamp .32 and .380 but could never get them to work for more than a few rounds in a row due to ammunition difficulties. Sometimes you just can't find the recommended Silvertips or a couple of other specific rounds people say work. In contrast the Ruger LCP Max eats anything and works!

So while the Seecamp has been a popular cult-like pistol for decades now, I still scratch my head in search for the reason why...... I am not saying the Seecamp isn't a well made, smooth, sort of neat little gun - got that, but today it is just my own opinion there are much better and more viable choices out there with a whole lot less on the negative side. And let's face facts, the Seecamp is strictly for SD purposes and needs reliability with readily available ammo.

It is not about practicality. I recently bought two Astra .25s, the only thing that they would be good for would be a noise maker, but I like 'em. Once you are awash in practical guns it is fun to pick up some pieces just for the novelty.

 

[No Quarter]

@ARgon - correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't they change steel after serial number 031000? I seem to also remember more CNC work at that time. I am not completely clear on that shift in steel and manufacturing. I seem to remember they changed to the new steel to handle the 380.

 

[ARgon]

They did change the steel, though memory serves me to say, about 1997 or so. The 380 was in the design and engineering phase, I think after that. Art Franco would be a good resource for that type of info, he was a very good friend of Larry's. Sandy is another.

 

[Bald1]

While I fully recognize the Seecamp has sort of a cult following, I just have a hard time understanding why in today's day and age it still does. Yes, it is small and compact but only holds 6+1 in 380acp. It has no sights, is unreliable with most readily available ammunition, magazines often need specialized factory fitting and they are hard to shoot well.

In contrast Ruger makes the new and improved LCP Max in 380 which weighs 10.5 ounces, comes with both a 10 and 12 round magazine, has excellent night sights, is totally reliable with almost any ammunition available, is accurate, readily available for about $400+ and new spare magazines fit perfectly right out of the box.

I have shot (friend guns) both the Seecamp .32 and .380 but could never get them to work for more than a few rounds in a row due to ammunition difficulties. Sometimes you just can't find the recommended Silvertips or a couple of other specific rounds people say work. In contrast the Ruger LCP Max eats anything and works!

So while the Seecamp has been a popular cult-like pistol for decades now, I still scratch my head in search for the reason why...... I am not saying the Seecamp isn't a well made, smooth, sort of neat little gun - got that, but today it is just my own opinion there are much better and more viable choices out there with a whole lot less on the negative side. And let's face facts, the Seecamp is strictly for SD purposes and needs reliability with readily available ammo.

The cult following also includes the original.32. In its day it was the ultimate deep concealment gun. It's the reason I bought a Tomcat. People love them for the same reason I love my model 10 and model 36…….. they don't make them like that anymore. Old school quality made out of steel. A 6cyl Camaro today is quicker than a big block 68 Camaro in the quarter mile. But I'll take the 68 thank you.

 

[ARgon]

The cult following also includes the original.32. In its day it was the ultimate deep concealment gun. It's the reason I bought a Tomcat. People love them for the same reason I love my model 10 and model 36…….. they don't make them like that anymore. Old school quality made out of steel. A 6cyl Camaro today is quicker than a big block 68 Camaro in the quarter mile. But I'll take the 68 thank you.

"…and he nails it!"

 

[No Quarter]

They did change the steel, though memory serves me to say, about 1997 or so. The 380 was in the design and engineering phase, I think after that. Art Franco would be a good resource for that type of info, he was a very good friend of Larry's. Sandy is another.

Thanks!