Is the P-3AT killing P-32 resale value?

[ranger7]

DrDremel, not sure I agree that the weight difference is much of a factor. According the the Kel Tec website there's only 0.6 oz difference between the two pistols with loaded magazines.

I do agree that at least for me, the P-32 is a better carry gun. One additional factor besides the difficulty of racking the P-3AT slide under stress is the increased likelyhood that you may have "limpwrist" failures under stress or when injured. In real world self-defence all kinds of things can make it a less than ideal scenario.

I want a gun that's most likely to fire all its loaded rounds under adverse conditions. I'd rather end up with 8 or 9 rounds of .32ACP (without reloading) than what may turn out to be a single shot of .380.

Others may wish to take their chances on the more powerful (and more risky) P-3AT. That doesn't necessarily make them wrong. "Different strokes, for different folks."

Alan

 

[Idaho]

Just yesterday I traded my P32 for a 3AT. The first dealer I visited had the 3AT listed at $249. He offered to trade the 3AT for the P32 with belt clip, spare mag, 2 boxes ammo, and $100. Second dealer I visited had a 3AT listed at $265, and offered to trade the 3AT for the P32 + $100. Though he had no 3AT mags in stock, he offered to trade even up for the spare P32 mag when one came in.

I took it to the range, and found that it was difficult, and sometimes painful to shoot with my usual two-handed weaver stance. Oddly, I found it much easier to shoot well with one hand, left or right. I have very large hands, and when I tried to adopt a two handed grip, using my finger tip to pull the trigger, the gun's recoil caused the inside bottom of the trigger guard to snap against my trigger finger. When I shot one handed, I found I could not use the tip of my finger effectively to pull the trigger, so I just stuck my finger through the guard and pulled with the portion of my finger at the bend of my second knuckle, and while I know this is "unconventional" I actually was able to get fairly tidy groups at 7 yards with controlled fire.

Personally, while the slide is certainly stiffer than the P32 I never found it difficult to operate. As for operating the slide under stress, since I carry with one in the pipe, I don't anticipate this being a problem.

I like the extra foot pounds of energy from the 3AT, and it is worth the minor downsides compared to the P32, for me. It is mostly a backup, though it also will serve as an "always" for when my attire or the circumstances do not easily allow carry of my full-size. Any mouse gun involves compromises, and I like the balance of compromises this one strikes.