"My ideal pocket gun would be a Kel-Tec that maybe cost two or three times as much and maybe weighed a little bit more, but was made with the finest precision parts."
That would be a Rohrbaugh.
If money were no object, ($1000 and a waiting list) Rohrbaugh is on my CC short list. Rohrbaugh R9 9mm. Better oomph than the P3At in .380 and weighs in about the same as M&P340 J Frame about 13 ounces. 6+1 rounds.
Compares to the, I don't know you pick it, the Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes of carry autos.
I currently have these in my carry lineup.
Kahr PM9
S&W 642-2
S&W M&P340
Dress, social event etc dictates which one(s) I carry.
I wouldn't mind a P3AT but .380 is a bit on the light side. I have a BERSA .380 to cover that base. A genuine value but too heavy for the pocket.
The P3 are as said, hit and miss on quality. At around $295 I guess a trip or two to the factory to get it right would work. Maybe even a $100 F&B.
Story- I was at one of the LGS yesterday and the owner/operator told the story of a handgun magazine writer of some fame who carried the P3 AT all the time. Even put it in his swim suit and wore it while swimming.
True story.
Here is evidence that you can get decent with a J Frame. I have only put maybe 350 rounds through the 642, this was the last trip to the range. 7 yards. One 5 round set with the CT on. One five round set with them off.
Today while I was out and about it was the 642 in a Mika Pocket Holster in a pair of shorts. 110 gr DPX COR BON.