another pm9 vs p3at...

[moonshot]

OK, I have a P3at. It has been reliable (so far), and has not developed any recoil guide rod hole peening problems (yet). It's not difficult to shoot, but accuracy beyond bad breath range is iffy. Certainly rapid fire at range is a big crap shoot.

Its long-term reliability and durability is a major concern of mine - to the point of my giving serious thought to replacing it, but replacing it with what?

Perhaps the PM9.

One thing I have noticed - as small and light as the P3at is, it still prints in a front pocket.

For this reason, I have decided the best way to carry the P3at was in a Smartcarry, undershirt holster (ie Kramer Confidant, A Better Holster, etc) or back pocket (if pocket is deep enough).

If I am going to carry in this fashion, perhaps the PM9 will carry equally well.

What are the thoughts on this board of the reliability and durability of the PM9 vs the P3at? Any comments on the suitability of my three stated carry methods with the PM9?

Thanks.

moonshot

 

[LightningJoe]

Wow. If you have to use "SmartCarry" for your P3, you might as well pack a 1911. You can probably keep the tiny gun from printing in your front pocket by not wearing bicycle pants.

 

[Soybomb]

Fwiw walther will be releasing their new gun, the pps, here about july-ish.
http://www.iwa.info/main/Presseinfo....pdf&name=PresseinfoWaltherPPSAnsichtengl.pdf
Might be worth considering waiting a bit for, it should side step the questionable durability/reliability of both their products.

 

[Rob1035]

between the PM9 and P3AT, I'd pick the Kahr any day. Great trigger, slim size, very accurate, great ammo selection, and much more shootable in my opinion.

 

[Waywatcher]

Any idea of the price on the Walther?

 

[Bobo]

If you're going to use the SmartCarry and think a slightly bigger gun will still be OK why not go for a bigger caliber gun? The PM9 , or even the PM40 are about the same size. The weights are a slight bit heavier as the caliber size goes up. See:
http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.jpg

The Kahrs are kinda pricey, if that is a concern the Kel-Tec PF9 may be an option.

If you think something very slightly larger than the Kahr may also be OK, the Taurus Millennium Pro series may be another option. There are a number of caliber choices there also. Personally, if I thought I could carry it comfortably, I go for the PT145. It's 10 +1 rounds of .45 compared to the Kahr's 6 +1 of 9mm, it's less expensive, and not much bigger or heavier.
.525" longer, .825" higher, .15" thicker, and 3.5 oz. heavier fully loaded.
That's a lot more stopping power for very little you'd be giving up in size and weight - and it would cost a lot less also.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=145SSP&category=Pistol

 

[moonshot]

Thanks for all the info. A few additional points which I did not include in my opening post...

If I am going to go bigger than the PM9, I'll use my G26. However, it is still a little on the thick side. While there are times it will work with my carry methods, there are times it will not.

The PPS is too new. I don't want to be a beta tester.

I have no interest in the .40s&w. Had several, sold all. My reasons are several, but are not pertinent to this thread. If interested, ask and I'll tell.

The P3at prints in the context of "What has he got in his pockets, my precious?"

It may not look like a gun, or even a wallet, but it is still printing as a "thing".
I wish it to be invisible.

Keep the ideas, comments and critiques coming. Thanks.

moonshot

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have a P-32 and have no problems at all with printing. I throw it on my back pocket and that's that! I use a can of compressed air once a week to make sure no lint builds up.

The P-32 and P-3AT are rater for 5,000 rounds and then you need to have it services by Kel-Tec but the good news is, it's done free. If you're replacing your pistol just because you're afraid of it wearing out, all pistols can and will wear out eventually. If you like the P-3AT, stick with the P-3AT and have it repaired free when needed.

 

[Soybomb]

Any idea of the price on the Walther?

The MSRP is a bit lower than that of the P99 so I'm guessing $500-520

 

[wally]

I've both the Kahr PM40 and Kel-Tec P3AT. Obviously I prefer to carry the Kahr but sometimes only the P3AT is what I can conceal.

Rule #1 of a gunfight. Have a gun!

--wally.

 

[dog repellant]

The Kahr 40's are sweet, but the mag catch is crap. The button is very sensitive and can easily be activated just by carrying in some conventional IWB holsters. Its too heavy for pocket carry unless thats "just how you roll".

Supposedly there is a new latch or spring available to help, but the problem is that the button is not recessed or shrouded. Design FAIL.

I got one of these little lego guns from Kel-Tec. You can almost hide it in a cell phone holster.

Why can't anybody make a gun that has mag catches built into the magazines? Didn't some old European guns have mag catches at the bottom of the hand grip? The Walter .22 has a mag release that uses the trigger guard (wierd, but strong).

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

One thing I have noticed - as small and light as the P3at is, it still prints in a front pocket.

If this little gun "prints" too much, you won't like the PM9. It is really suitable more for larger pockets like those of cargo pants, and even then is not invisible.

 

[jon_in_wv]

IMHO, If your going to carry IWB anyways than carry a real defensive pistol like the G26/27, M&P Compact, XD SC, etc.........Don't handicap yourself with a tiny pistol IWB when you can carry something better. If you think your P3AT prints too much in your pocket then get a different holster to break up the pattern or get some jeans with a baggier fit so they aren't so tight on the pistol.

 

[dogtown tom]

Necroposting.......

Uhhhh..........

The OP started this thread over three years ago. I'm sure he's made the decision by now. It's also been two years since he last posted on THR.

Let this thread stay dead.

 

[Sam1911]

Yeah. Probably for the best.