I want to get a Keltec for ultra-concealment situations. I've had an equal number tell me that ballistically the .380 version is superior to the .32 ACP version and vice-versa. They are the same size and price so what do you all think? Please also recommend a load for your caliber preference. Jeff
Personally, I wouldn't be comfortable carrying anything less than a .380. If you go with the .32, I would carry ball - a hollow point is not going to penetrate nearly enough to hit the vital organs. The .32 will be easier to shoot, but if you're in a situation where you need a BUG, you're pretty much already screwed and will need to get the job done as soon as possible - the .32 isn't going to force them to collapse soon enough.
i own the .380 and absolutly love it it works great for me! ive been using winchester fmj and have had no problem. just wondering how much your getting it for cause i paid 239.00 new just wnted to compare. :lol:
Quite simply, .380 is a larger round than .32acp. In fact, the .380 has the same diameter bullet as 9mm. The case and bullet are shorter, and the bullets are lighter than 9mm, but it's the same size around the circumference. I wouldn't carry a .32 pistol. The round is just too small for my comfort. That's just my opinion. Frankly, .380 is as small as I'd go, but I'm far happier if I have a good 9mm; more bullet mass, better penetration, more available ammo, etc, etc. I'm not trying to start a caliber war, but for me, .32 is just too small. If size is the issue, have you ever considered a snubby? Easily thrown in a pocket, reliable, and lots of good calibers available. Hell, I recently bought a 9mm Taurus revolver for my wife - great carry pistol, and we can share cheap ammo for practice.
I would echo these comments. I have the .380 (P3AT) and carry it almost daily. It is a dependable little gun for its intended usage. I'm looking to get another one for my wife. The going rate on gunbroker.com is around $240.
Oh, I should also add that I'll don't think I'd ever buy a KelTec pistol. I know some people swear by them, and they have many satisfied customers. However a while back, I was able to handle one (.32 model, incidentally) and the cheap feel and construction actually frightened me. I was relatively unbiased - I didn't know much about KelTec at the time. But their guns look and feel like the most flimsy, cheaply-made pistols I've ever had in my paws. Sorry. Not for me. Just my $.02
Yes, they do feel cheap and flimsy. I had the same thoughts, but I decided it was worth a try for $250. So I got it and have put about 600 rounds through it with little trouble -- and none in the last 300 rounds or so. I understand your position, but I think you can build confidence over time.
Thanks for the replies guys. After I posted this I started doing research on Glocktalk and the replies here echo the sentiments expressed above. It appears hit-or-miss with the first generation Keltecs but it seems the 2nd Gen has significant improvements and better consistency and reliability. Regarding caliber choice for BUGs, I'll repeat a funny thing a retired LEO told me recently: "Tell me what caliber my bullet is as it passes through your eyeball..." Leaning towards the P3AT now. Jeff
I'm still looking but I think your price is about the lowest rate around here too for a 2nd Gen P3AT. Thanks Jeff
I own several thousand dollars worth of handguns from 22 to 45 Super. A Keltec P3AT is always in my pocket, even if I am carring something else. Mine has been 100% with 90gr Gold Dots. They are ugly little guns but it is there when you need it.
One of my buddies has one,(380) the recoil will surprise you. I have seen a mag finger extension that is supposed to help. Go to keltec owner's group online.
Thanks for the replies guys. I got to shoot my friend's P3AT (.380 ACP) after an IDPA match yesterday with his 90-grain Gold Dot carry ammo. I was indeed surprised by the recoil, not a pleasant shooter by any means. Of course, it is not designed to be pleasant and the recoil would probably not be noticed at all if the gun was being used in a defensive situation (probably true of virtually ANY handgun). I shot 6 rounds at an 8" falling plate rack at about 10 yards and hit 4 out of 6 in semi-rapid fire - quite acceptable in my book. Every plate that was hit fell down. I've shot this same plate rack with Stinger .22lr's which are fairly hot and the plates didn't go down. My buddy tells me he had to send his back to Keltec but it came back within 2 days (!) and has been perfect ever since. He has about 300 rounds of 90-grain Gold Dot through it since it's been back without a hiccup. I think this is definitely the one to get. I was originally worried that my wife would not like it because of the sharp recoil but for the intended purpose I think it is better than the .32 ACP. If she ever has to use it, I'm almost certain that how uncomfortable the pistol is to shoot will not matter one whit. Jeff
I just bought one for my wife, with the clip, since she wanted something she could drop in her pocket. I shot it after I bought it, and it was unpleasant to say the least. I don't think I'll let her shoot it, since she doesn't like recoil anyway. I figure it only has to work until she gets to her Glock.
I'd say by now you have already figured out your preference on carry ammo. I like using .380 Remmington GS and Speer GD both. I, however, did not like Keltec for pocket/mouse gun. I chose a Bersa .380. Bersa is a great gun for $200 or under. I have done a lot of comparison between this gun, Sig 232. the NAA .32naa, and Taurus pp138. My final two were the Sig and Bersa. In the end I chose Bersa. Lots of positive reviews with few negatives. For the money, you can't go wrong.
Ammo note: Take a look at the Winchester Law Enforcement site ballistics comparison tool and see how hollow point .380s fail in penetration. Think seriously about FMJ to reach vital organs.
