RE: What about a 32 for a purse carry.
If one *had* to use a .32 ACP, then a look at the KelTec P-32 is in order....very light, reliable, and about $279 retail at the local hardware store.
Personally, I feel a .32 is certainly better than nothing, but a 9mm would be better, and a .45 ACP even better yet. :-)