Best way to carry a Kel-Tec P3AT? Also, recommend a new carry gun...

Do you have a pocket holster?
If you don't, then get one. I will diminish printing and allow you to carry a round chambered safely.
Don't carry the knife in the same pocket as the gun.

What Mad Chemist said about a pocket holster for your P3AT.

If you want a more "serious" caliber but still easy to carry, take a look at something like a Kahr P9. Decent length barrel, small and carries 7+1 rounds of 9mm. And if weight isn't the big deal, a Kahr K9, or maybe even a nice Commander sized 1911 if you'd rather single action. Another option would be a small revolver, like a S&W J Frame. You can pick one up in .357 and they are way easier to conceal than you'd think. Very small.

Whatever you look at, remember that it's the length and thickness of the grip that makes it easier or harder to conceal the weapon. Single stack mags are nice for that reason.
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Definitely get a pocket holster! I carry a P3AT in a DeSantis Nemesis and love it. It does a great job of breaking up the outline (I ALWAYS have it with me & have never been made!) and keeps it in one place so I wouldn't have to fish for it if I needed it. As Mad Chemist said, don't keep the knife (or anything else) in/on that pocket. You're wanting to draw attention AWAY from that pocket so knives/multitools/phones/pagers/etc. go on your other side preferably in plain sight to draw the eye.

Since you are already familiar with the companies products, why not go with a Kel-Tec P11? Until the R9 came out, it was the smallest/lightest/thinest 9mm pistol in the world. Last time I looked you could get two of them for what a Kahr cost and they are reliable. I bought my dad one last year and we've had no problems whatsoever. Eats everything, is surprisingly accurate and "disappears" easily.

HTH,
Mike

I carried it in my right rear pocket in an Uncle Mikes pocket holster. It just looked like another wallet.

In the Garbage???

I use an Unkle Mike's Sidekick for my P32. Hides the contents of my pocket very well.

I carry a P3AT in a DeSantis Nemesis and love it

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I used a Nemesis with my P32 for a couple years. I eventually had to ditch it because the nylon lining got some lube or something on it from the slide and started to break down, becoming sticky. That transfered to the side of the gun and made it sticky as well. Once I switched to the Uncle Mike version, this cleared up.

If you use a Nemesis, count on replacing it once a year.

An alternative to pocket carry is to find a small IWB holster. These guns are so thin, IWB should be quite comfortable. Or, you could find a very small belt slide. It seems kind of silly to carry such small and light guns in a belt (IWB or OWB) holster, but it frees up your pockets and is still easier to conceal than larger guns.

Chris

Also in a more serious caliber the Taurus Millenium Pro PT-145 is a nice compact .45 for concealed carry.

I carry the Taurus PT145. .45 cal compact 10+1. Double action only with a slide safety, so carrying one in the hole isn't a concern. Decent accuracy, although I've seen someone else shoot my gun well enough to embarass me. I carry it IWB. I'm a small guy, so size is a definte issue for me. I'm sure someone larger could carry it in a pocket or whatnot.

Wow, why does a question about how to carry a gun the guy has turn into a caliber war, sheesh guys!

Anyway, I carry mine in my front right pocket with the belt clip. I carried it for 6 months without one in the chamber, never did have it "click" on me. Now I carry with it loaded and the mag topped off.

I have been thinking of getting a fobus for it for riding on the belt. My friend carries his P32 in one and likes it.

I carry my P3AT in an Uncle Mike's inside the pocket holster (size 1).
You may need to remove a few stitches to get it to fit (remove just enough so it fits snugly) and then put a drop or two of superglue to prevent any more threads unraveling. For the price it cannot be beat ($10-12 or so).
The holster is not "sticky" like the Nemesis. The holster is shaped so the extended part will catch on the lower edge of your pocket during a draw (assuming you wear dress pants) - it actually works well, but the holster may stick out of your pocket if you draw rapidly (which may be an issue with some)

mtnbkr if you are prone to useing insect repellent that could be what is melting your equipment. Just a thought. I agree with everyone else, use a pocket holster. Do not carry your pistol without one in the chamber, good god!
Jim

Hi there,

I carry my P3-AT in my right front pocket in the DeSantis Nemesis Holster.



Chris

Uncle Mikes

I've been pocket carrying a P-32 for almost 5 years using the Uncle Mikes pocket holsters. they wear out over time so they have to be replaced, but I've been very happy with it.

Tim

mtnbkr if you are prone to useing insect repellent that could be what is melting your equipment.

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I don't use insect repellent.

Chris

ID_shooting said:

Wow, why does a question about how to carry a gun the guy has turn into a caliber war, sheesh guys!

Anyway, I carry mine in my front right pocket with the belt clip. I carried it for 6 months without one in the chamber, never did have it "click" on me. Now I carry with it loaded and the mag topped off.

I have been thinking of getting a fobus for it for riding on the belt. My friend carries his P32 in one and likes it.

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I didn't see any 'caliber war' going on..... he asked about suggestions on compact larger caliber guns, and specificially about the Taurus. He's recieved a couple recommendations so far on methods of carry for his P3AT, and on other guns. Seems pretty civil so far.

I've really stopped worrying about a primary carry gun when I got my Kel Tec P11. 14 oz firearm, 11 rounds (optional 12 round flush fit magazine) of corbon +P 115. I don't feel I need any more. It's all day comfortable in my Rosen IWB Workman holster. For my money, it don't get no better'n that!

I carry mine on- and off- duty in a Kydex pocket holster from FIST, in my left (weak-side) front pants pocket. It's a nice little back-up gun (3rd gun while on duty), and my preferered "weapon retention" method. (A 90gr JHP to the temple beats the hell out of any ninjitsu counter I've ever been able to learn ). The only gun I own that I shoot more weak-handed than strong.

DanO

Carry mine in a back pocket leather wallet-style holster from RJ Hedley.

This bad boy can be carried back or front pocket and when you grab, the flap catches on your pocket and holds the holster inside so only the gun comes out!



Good quality leather and RJ is a great guy!

I carry mine in a Nemisis as well. Same for the Kahr PM9.

I carry my P3AT with a Mika pocket holster. It's held up well over the past 8 months and cost only about $20 including shipping.

I carry a Kahr PM9 9mm (also in a Mika holster) in most slacks pockets. I'm also getting a Taurus PT145 .45 for pocket carry in bigger pockets.

All these guns are DAO so they are safe with one in the chamber.

Lou

duncan said:

Carry mine in a back pocket leather wallet-style holster from RJ Hedley.

Good quality leather and RJ is a great guy!

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You can't get a better holster than a Hedley. R.J. is retired and makes holsters as a hobby. I've got 4 of them for Kel-tecs and an Autauga.

R.J. was / is very successful in the holster business, probably more successful than he wants to be at times. He makes holsters for KT, Seecamp, NAA and Rohrbaugh and others. Check out his website after the first of the year when he reopens:

http://www.hedleyholsters.com/