can anyone offer any good or bad comments about these guns.

The wife got her CCHL and someone showed her I think the P3AT and she is on my back to get her one.

I have access to a PF9 to test, but I think she wants the P3AT.

I am looking for a reliable single stack semi auto shooter small and light enough to conceal in a purse, and the gun should not have an extreme trigger pull.

Kel Tec website advertises 5lb trigger pull for the P3AT but nothing for the PF9.

380 or 9mm will be sufficient for what she wants.

thanks in advance

You said you have access to a PF9 to test. I'd say get it and let her test it. You also mentioned someone showed her the P3AT. Was it a friend or a gunshop? If it's a friend perhaps she can test that as well.

I know for me it's great anytime I can fire a gun before purchasing. I'd make far more purchases if I weren't worried about disliking it.

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-Amy

I have had several KelTec 380's and now have a 32.
They all are good guns. Easy to carry and good to shoot.
Your wife needs a gun that she will carry, not leave in
the car or at home. I like them and they are cheap. Some
gun stores are selling them for about $260 new. Don

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"Don't worry be happy"

Don, I have read that 380 ammo is scarce and expensive.

is that true?

I dont keep up with .380 since I dont have one.

thanks in advance

we will definitely fire the PF9, but it seems the P3AT is a smaller gun. just making sure the P3AT is reliable.

Interesting review here. If I didn't already have a small 9 I'd definitely consider the P9. Around me .380 ammo seems to be more common and a bit lower priced than it was a few months ago.

I carry the Kel-tec .32 daily at work. NICE little gun, accurate easy to shoot. I installed a trigger stop myself and that makes it even better.
As mentioned above, the gun you have is better than the one you leave at home.

JGalt, excellant info and comparison shots with the PF9 and P3AT.

I think the wife would want the smaller P3AT for better hiding.

I also found a P3AT article with good info

Kel-Tec P3AT - The World’s Lightest .380 Auto Pistol

KelTec has been hit or miss, but most are really reliable. Whatever she gets needs to be "wrung out" at the range before relying on it for SD. After 500 rounds, I deemed my P-11 to be reliable, and the trigger got better, too.

If you buy one and have problems, customer service will take care of it.

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Insert short witty words here

I have both. I carry the P9. - .380 ammo is hard to find most places and is usually twice the price of 9mm. I don't think your wife will like shooting the P9 as recoil is a bit "brisk". Both of my guns are completely reliable and I donot hesitate to carry either of them.

I have both of the guns in question and will offer some obsevations:
The recoil of both guns are "brisk", actually the recoil from both feel about the same. The lighter gun (P3AT) in the lesser caliber seems to feel about the same as the larger caliber in the heavier gun (PF9).

Reliability in the P3AT has been near perfect, I have had a small issue with the magazine on the PF9, but it is not a big deal.

9mm ammo is easier and cheaper to find.

But the big thing in my opinion is the size, the little P3AT goes everywhere with me. It is non-existant in a pocket holster and I think that is why it is still my favorite of the two.

Good luck with your decision

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Jeff
S&WCA #2132

They both have a trigger pull that is really looooooooong.

Folks thanks for all the info and comparison pics.

any of the owners, would the Kel Tec's mentioned (P3AT or PF9) would they fall into the category of the ill fated SW380 which were considered throw away guns as they would wear out?

thanks in advance

My P3AT has been excellent. Very accurate for a small pocket auto and never a single jam or ftf.

I have a PF 9. My hands are not large, and have stubby fingers. I recommend you try a PF-11 as well. There is some difference.

rayb

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"cumplo pero no obedezco"

I don't expect to shoot my P3AT enough to wear it out, but anything will in time; I think they can be thought of as something that is intended to be carried a lot and fired a little. An indoor range where I shoot now and then has one and they said it is holding up well, which says a lot for it. As others have indicated, they tend to vary in quality somewhat. You may already have looked here, but a good website is

KTOG Forum - Index

A "fluff and buff" on the P3AT is discussed, which is simple and well worth while. With guns in the price range of Kel-Tec, a little careful polishing goes a long way.

I have had my P3AT for 4 or 5 years. It's one of my favorites for concealed carry.

First - purse carry is not the best way to carry a gun, but if she insists, it's better to at least have one nearby than not at all. The P3AT is light enough to wear on her body with very little effort and printing. You can even clip it onto a bra under her arm. I know, because I've done this but my usual mode of carry is in a Bianchi Pro 100.

Second - the P3AT is hard on the hands. I have rubbed the skin on my thumb bone shear off during practice. I suggest getting her a Handall Jr. or something similar to cushion the harsh checkering.

Third - the P3AT is a close-range belly gun. Practice at 7 yards. What you're trying to practice with a gun like this is quick access and getting off two shots. "Target" shooting is not its forte, but it's accurate enough.

Fourth - The trigger pull on the P3AT is deliberately long and heavy. That's the safety. Be aware that she's going to hate the trigger pull until she gets used to it. Don't give up on it.

In my experience I felt that the I felt that the P11 had less perceived recoil than the PF9 due to the wider grip. Though the PF 9 trigger was better in the examples I shot.

If you reload I'd recommend the 9x19 over the over the 380. In my Keltec the old cast 126gn lead Rn over 3.5gn Bullseye has been a great practice round.

Barb has summed up things very well. Don't worry about wearing out the P3AT since it is not a range gun - just something to have with you when you can't carry a gun. The Hogue handall is a great idea. I didn't know there was such a thing.

There are other choices. The Ruger is nicer in the hand, but the one I had consistently pinched my trigger finger. The Keltec does not do that for me, but the face of its trigger is rough! I will eventually give mine a light buffing with some really fine sandpaper to get the worst of the roughness down to a manageable level.

Taurus has a compact .380. I don't know anyone who owns and uses one, but I have seen it. I did not find it particularly impressive.

I just saw the Kahr 380 this weekend. Nice looking little gun. The trigger is a bit light for my tastes, but it is very smooth - no noticeable stacking. The one I saw may have been unusual. I am not a "chicken" by nature but this is one pistol I would never carry loaded, in a pocket, without a pocket holster. The only real complaint I would mention is the unGodly slide stop/takedown lever (whatever that thing is) on the left side of the pistol that sticks out annoyingly and ruins the otherwise flat-clean appearance. The really big plus, for me, anyway, is the sights. They are not only big enough to actually be seen and used, but they also are replaceable, and drift adjustable at both the front and rear. It looks like a winner. If it comes to pass that it is reliable, it will give the other compact .380s "a good go" in spite of its cost. I am told is is roughly double$$ of the Keltec, but I do not know.

I have both and the the 32. I do not think your wife would like the PF9. The recoil combined with the aggressive grip pattern makes it a bit uncomfortable. The 380 is a fine gun as is the Ruger clone. The 32 KT will lock back after the last round if that is important to you. I prefer the 380 or 32 over the PF 9. Slips in your pocket and you forget it's even there.

As for it wearing out, I doubt it will be shot that much to ever happen. But if you buy it new, it's a lifetime guarantee and KT has excellent customer service.

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Still Running Against the Wind

I've noticed pictures of the p3at outfitted with some sort of side pocket clip, can the same type of clip be put on the ruger LCP?

I have a PF9 and a P32 (not the P3AT) but I have to admit that the 32 is so easy to slip in your pocket that it becomes a favorite very fast (I use a super-fly for both). Your wife would like the P3AT I think for that same reason. The PF9 gives a confidence of more firepower without a lot more bulk if you/she get used to shooting it. When I first got the PF9, I thought it had quite a kick - that was until I got the 638 and 60 (357) - now it seems pretty mild!

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Lou

shot both of them, carried both of them ......380 is snappy when you shooting it (but it is really easy to conceal)
price wise....check it out
gunlistings.org - Gun classifieds in columbus, Ohio - wts/wtt KEL-TEC P-3AT 380 ACP

I have a PF9 and it hides quite well. However, it is hard on the hands due to recoil.

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You are what you learn.

I have the P3AT - 380. I like it, as it is easily carried in a pocket. As stated earlier by others, any gun carried is better than the one left at home.

I bought a P3AT in 2006. It has been very relialble out of the box with no "fluff and Buff." A firm grip is necessary....my only stove pipes were the result of limp wristing. Limp wristing is not an issue with the .32 . Rimlock can be an issue w/ the .32 with some hollow point ammunition.

If you are practiced w/ any "J" frame double action you'll adapt to the P3AT easily.

I would definitely recommend adding the finger rest bottom plate to all your magazines. This gives you an extra finger on the grip for control and gun retention in a struggle. It adds almost nothing to the size of the gun.

The sights of the P3AT can be improved...go to:
KTOG Forum - HIVIZ for P-3AT

I have both and find the PF9 easier to shoot well and almost as easy to conceal. Recoil is brisk with either, but the P3AT tends to be more uncomfortable for me due to the top of the trigger guard slaping my trigger finger. The PF9 has useable sights.

Had a PF9,ditched it in a month recoil was way too much (for me) felt like I had dislocated my thumb after fifty rounds!

I'm looking hard at a P3AT,or P32-I have a P11 and that's a sweet little 9

I own two P11 models - nice little guns and hide very nice as well. Have looked at the P9 but hear the comments from friends who own them about the way they snap the hand??? I don't feel that with the P11's. I would advise to fire them both before buying - might want to try the P11 as well if you get the chance.

To me, while the recoil of the P11 is a bit less obnoxious, the trigger on the PF9 is so much easier to control. I added one of those rubber Houge slide on grips to the PF9, which seems to help just a bit with the recoil. To me, the recoil is there, but really isn't any worse than a full house .357 in a K or L frame.

No doubt about it - the trigger pull is like 48" long and does take some time getting used to. I also find myself shooting low and to the left due to the trigger pull when shooting quick - you really need to be aware of your grip when firing on the P11.

throwing the price out, can we add the Kahr 380 or any other compariable semi? looking for the best model for the wife and the looooong trigger pull may cause some accuracy or flinching issues.

if the gun hurts to shoot, this may prove difficult for her to train.

thanks for all the input so far.

CQB45, given your latest comments, look at the new SIG single-action 380, or the older Colt Mustang Pocketlite. These two are going to be MUCH more comfortable for your wife to shoot, and I never saw that carrying the Mustang with the hammer down to be much of a problem in a "purse-deployed" pistol.

When I was in your shoes, that is what my wife had, always carried hammer down on a loaded chamber. I never encouraged her to carry it C1 (safety lock engaged).

These guns are a bit bigger, which makes controlling them easier and thus inspiring a comfort level I don't think most women would find in the Keltec/Ruger/Taurus/etc.

Is she dead set on a semi?

A revolver may be a better choice. No limp-wristing factor and a .38 wadcutter may be more effective than a .380 stovepipe.

If she is that new to shooting, I really would advise going with a revolver.

she has a model 10 2" and wants a small thin semi.

I guess I want to hit the mark right the first time so she will train with it.

I have a whole collection of "the perfect carry guns".

And a boxful of "the perfect holsters".

If you really want to go with the KelTec P3AT, get the grip for it, which is an enormous help for comfort and accuracy.

Ah, the subject of training has reared its ugly head. If your wife is a novice shooter, I can pretty much assure you that none of the small autos are going to be very good learning guns. I am a pretty experienced shooter and am not very sensitive to recoil. A couple of mags of the P3AT is all I want in a session. The PF9 I can shoot a little longer, especially with some of my slightly reduced power handloads. Ditto for the P11. Small guns in general are guns for experts, not beginners. That said, the easiest of the bunch to learn with is going to be a steel frame J frame loaded with wadcutters or other "target" ammo. If the gun hurts her to shoot, training sessions will be very brief and spaced widely apart.

Also, something that may not have been mentioned is racking the slide. If you are shopping for an auto for the distaff side, be sure they can comfortably rack the slide on any auto they plan to carry. This may eliminate a lot of semi-autos in a hurry.

I recommend the North American Arms Guardian. I have it in .380. Might be a little heavier than some of the others, but it's all stainless, and 100% reliable. It also has a true double-action trigger mechanism, so a "second strike" is possible. I never had any problem with defensive ammo, but it didn't care for the primers on Blazer ammo (which my then-department used for practice and qualifications). If the round didn't fire, I just pulled the trigger again, and the Blazer always went off the second time. (I could do it so quickly, it took the rangemaster almost a whole course of fire before he noticed it even happened!) NAA Guardian is a nice little .380 (I think also available in .32).

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LEO since 1981.

Good advice... a 442 would be a great choice.

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LEO since 1981.

I agree with this post, and Barb's comments, as well... I've got the Ruger LCP (it does not 'bite' my finger...), as it seemed a little better made, and to me, had a better trigger than the Kel Tec. I love the size of the Ruger, and do not find the recoil to be too much. The trigger pull is very long and a bit heavy, but fairly smooth; good gun for it's purpose.

This all being said, I just bought the Kahr P380. It is actually a little smaller than the Ruger/Kel Tec, has much better sights, and has a great trigger (Kahrs really have wonderful triggers). As with any "pocket" gun, especially ones that only have trigger safeties, I plan on using a pocket holster for safe carry.

My main carry guns have been a Colt Defender, and a Kahr PM9. I have been so happy with the PM9 (again wonderful trigger, great size for the caliber, and very accurate), that when I saw the P380, and saw that it is as small as the LCP, I decided to jump on it. I have not shot it yet, but look forward to doing so this weekend...

The Kahr is definitley more expensive than the Ruger and Kel Tec, but I really like the quality, sights, and trigger of the Kahr; I couldn't resist.

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NRA Life Member

Didn't really read through all this but I'll give my $.02. I have the 3AT and the wife has the Ruger LCP. I really like both of them but if I were going to buy one again it would be the LCP. They are the same size but the LCP just feels better in hand than the KelTec. The KelTec has some pretty sharp checkering on the grip that just isn't as comfortable in hand. Both guns shoot great and have never had any problems out of either one. If you are looking for something really small to carry every day then either of these would work great. The trigger pull is fairly heavy in my opinion, but I like it that way for carrying in the pocket, or a purse in your wife's situation. I always carry in a front pocket holster.

I was at GT Dist in Austin Tejas today and got to hold

KelTec P3AT
Ruger LCP
Kahr 380
Sig 380

for me, the Kahr and Sig fell the best, but since the wife was not with me, I have no idea what would feel right in her smaller hands.

I agree the P3AT is rough texture and edges but it was the lowest price.

Ruger LCP felt good for a few $$ more but does not lock back on the last round

Sig felt good, but it was heavier than the first two and the biggest of the bunch and the manual safety is something else remember for her.

Kahr was my fav as far as grip, pointability but it was the most expensive it is a point and shoot

all came with one mag WHAT!

for overall refinement and price, the Ruger seems like the best choice for her... if price was not the object and I was picking the Kahr is the way to go

but I would want her to decide.

thanks to everyone that added info

I thought the Ruger did lock back but the Kel-Tec did not?

i can't speak for the keltec, but the ruger does not lock back after the last shot. However, i love my lcp, but my wife does not like shooting it because the recoil is so snappy. She prefers her model 36 (i knew there was a reason i married her).

YouTube - Kahr P380 Shooting Review

there happens to be a review with all three
P3AT
LCP
P380

SuperTrucker...the Ruger does not lock back on empty.

also, they would not let me dry fire any of the guns

P3AT does not lock back (P32 does). Do not dry-fire the Kel-Tec without snap-caps, doing so can break it.

When I had P3AT, bought a couple of years after they were introduced, I had the triger pull measured: 12#. And the 'word' was that it could not be changed.

Excelent guns for what they were designed for: Carry not competition.

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John

I had a Kel-tec .32 and .380 and both were perfectly reliable with decent combat triggers and accuracy and I would highly recommend them for an inexpensive gun.

OGD has the P3AT on sale for $230 - pretty good price:

Online Gun Deals - Item Details

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Lou

If your wife needs a gun, she probably needs a good one. Remember the old Bell helmet ad? "If your head's worth $10, go ahead and buy a $10 helmet!"

Good luck with your purchase.

I am surprised no one mentioned a Seecamp .32 or .380

Seecamp is big bucks.