Kel-Tec Hard Chrome: Functional difference?

[Remander]

Am hearing lots about the Kel-Tec P-3AT now (sometimes) available with a hard chrome slide.

Is the Hard Chrome desirable merely because of style issues, or is there a difference in function? If so, what is it?

I have a regular P-3AT and am about to buy a new P-3AT for the spouse, but I'll try to get a chrome model if there is an appreciable and positive difference in function.

Thanks for any info.

 

[Badger Arms]

You seem to have loaded your post having assumed up-front that there was no difference and you appear to be fishing for something... well here it is:

1) Hard Chrome resists corrosion. All things being equal, the gun will last longer and take more abuse that would otherwise cause damage to the blued gun.
2) Hard Chrome is easier to clean. Not only do you not have to worry about rust and the subsequent cleaning thereof, but the bore requires less scrubbing and fewer passes.
3) Hard Chrome wears better. You won't get blotchy finish, bluing worn off edges, thinning, etc. You might get 'shine' in spots, but the gun will look better after similar treatment.
4) On a defense gun, you want something that LOOKS like a gun. To bad guys, they will see the gun quicker and are more likely to recognize it as a gun and therefore cease what bad stuff they are doing quicker.
5) Resale value will be higher.

 

[mrapathy2000]

chrome will pit

if not hardchrome nickel. other option would be parkerizing then a moly/resin spray n bake finish overcoat.

 

[Remander]

You seem to have loaded your post having assumed up-front that there was no difference and you appear to be fishing for something

No loading or assumptions, but definitely fishing for info. That's why I asked the question. Thanks for the info.

 

[gbelleh]

I have a blued P-11 and a HC P-32. The P-11's slide became a rusty mess which I'm going to have Kel-Tec swap with a HC slide. My P-32 still looks new. The HC seems to hold up much better in my experience. If I get a P-3AT it will by HC.

 

[mtnbkr]

I don't have a blued P32, but my HC P32 still looks new after nearly two years and 1000 rounds. I carry it in my pocket and have never had any issues with rust. All I do with the exterior is wipe it down during cleaning.

Chris

 

[JohnKSa]

My unscientific observations on the web seem to indicate that the hard-chromed models seem to be a bit more problem free than the blued P32s.

I can guess at some reasons why that might be true, but it's just speculation.

For $20, it's pretty hard to justify NOT making a pocket gun more corrosion resistant, making a tiny gun appear a bit bigger to the eye, and possibly improving its reliability at the same time.

 

[mini14jac]

I've read that hard chrome is "slicker", and causes smoother function, but I can't say for sure.
I had my previous P32 chromed, and liked it a lot.

I sent my P3AT back the factory last week for upgrades/ repairs, and have requested the hard chrome treatment on that gun.

I think you will get a more rust resistant finish with the chrome.

 

[Wilson 17&26]

I did the $20 hard chrome exchange on the wife’s P-3AT so she wouldn’t be grabbing mine by mistake. I had to do this on the P-11s & P-32s for the same reason. I also got a gray P-3AT grip for mine but I’m too lazy to install it.

Other than looks, I see no differences between the two. Of course, neither is carried daily which might change my mind.

Wilson

 

[cratz2]

Well, I would agree with those that say for $20 more, go for it esp if you're actually going to carry it. Better corrosion resistance, will look the same longer and by most accounts, silver guns are more intimidating than blued/black guns and with a gun as small as the P3AT, you need as much intimidation as possible.

Here's a picture of a chromed P32 which I daily carried for about a year. This is pocket carry in a sweaty pocket. Not in a holster, just banging around in the pocket... See if you can tell it from brand new.

 

[mainmech48]

I have a P-32 and a P-11. The P-32 is my "always" gun and the 9mm is a frequent carry.

Both get a lot of exposure to moisture from close body contact, especially during the warmer months. The P-11 takes a whole lot less maintenance to keep it in top shape. The P-32 needs inspection and wipe-down almost every evening.

The only reason that I haven't sent it in for a slide swap, or traded it for a new one is that I'm real leery of making a major change on something that's been working so well for me. As it is, it shoots where I point it and cycles 100%.

 

[clange]

Another person that went from rust to HC. For $20 you cant beat it, especially if you're having problems and get both taken care of at once (the HC stuff is new, i got my gun back and the frame was the only original part).

 

[JohnBT]

I've carried a HC P-32 daily in my front pocket for years and it still looks new. I don't wipe it down or even take it out of the leather holster at night. Good stuff.

John

 

[azrael]

I have 2 P-32's

1 is HC...the other is Blued...I use both for holster patterns...Wanna guess which one LOOKS like a weapon that is used as a "pattern"? And one that looks pretty much like it did when I bought it??

I like the HC...Once I get my "slush" fund off of life support I am going to get both my P3AT's and P-11's HC'ed

Ya just cant beat the $20.00 exchange..


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