Kel-Tec P3-AT vs. Colt Gov. 380

[Steelharp]

Guys, I know it's "just" a .380, but does one of these options have better ballistic performance over the other? I have a Kel-Tec, but might consider selling it to get a Gov. 380 IF there would be some improvement in ballistics. I know the trigger would be better...

 

[Walt Sherrill]

There shouldn't be that much difference, given comparable barrel lengths, but I suspect the Colt is a little more friendly to the shooter's hand.

If the Colt is a blow-back design gun -- I'm not sure, but think it is -- the P3AT could be used to shoot hotter ammo, as its locked-breech.

The P3At is more concealable and lighter.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

The colt gov 380 is a locked breech design. It is a miniature 1911 on the top end but the trigger is very different setup. It is a pivoted trigger system and the trigger shoe is plastic. Not the best let off but ok.

Recoil out of the locked breech is nothing to speak of. About like my ruger Mk1. Sort of a little pop and then the brass is flying.

The gov 380 is exceptionally reliable. I cannot honestly remember when it jammed and mine has around 3000 rnds down it now.

The grips and the frame setup are very comfortable and the gun is easy to carry. I use a dillon PPK/S holster and it fits perfectly.

The gov has some issues though. Some of them have trouble with the slide stop coming out during firing (mine never has). Some have problems with soft barrels or slides. Mine has this problem real bad! The barrel is soft, the link down hole is cut to low so the engagement of the recoil lugs is very small and is peening up over time. Eventually it will jam the gun and I will have to figure out what to do. Colt says they can't help till it is broken (I can see that) and basically what it needs is a new barrel with a lower link down hole. The link down hole is ala cz75 style and cannot just be changed like a real 1911. Go search on the firingline.com and you will find that one of the mods had the exact same problem I do. His gun jammed up tight, mine is going to in the next 3 to 5K rounds.

All in all I love the gun. Fun, reasonably accurate, easy to carry, very reliable. To bad I go a lemon barrel. I really need to buy a couple of spares and just test fit them till one works better.

Gratuitous 380 gov picture next to a beretta 84f

 

[halvey]

I know the trigger would be better...

Not really. A lot of the Colt 380's came with very heavy triggers.

The Colt will have better ballistics because of the longer barrel. Expect about 100 fps or so better. But it weighs 3 times as much.

 

[Jim Watson]

If you have a reliable Kel-Tec, hang on to it. It is lighter and I will carry it in a pocket where I do not use my Colt with single action, exposed hammer, and thumb safety without a holster. My Colt mostly gets out for BUG matches at the IDPA club; it is a terrific shooter at the ranges involved.

 

[George Hill]

The Colt will give you more velocity, and you can shoot hotter ammo in it thanks to the heavier slide and your ability to stand the sharper recoil from the hotter ammo.

 

[bubbygator]

The KelTec is a better carry gun as it's an "always with me" gun. Much easier to drop in a pocket.

 

[Steelharp]

Guys, thanks. I really appreciate the input. Yeah, my Kel-Tec is my "always" gun, right in the pocket, even in light shorts with no belt. If the Colt is 3x heavier... fugghedaboutit...

 

[halvey]

If the Colt is 3x heavier

When I briefly had one, I weighed it at 21 oz. Fun gun though.

 

[secamp32]

What about a Colt Mustang

I love mine. Easy to carry, easy to shoot.

 

[Jacobus Rex]

I've got a Colt .380 Government. It is super reliable and easy to shoot. I carry it using a pocket holster without any trouble. As far as comparing the two, the Kel-Tec is still in production and is lighter as well as smaller. If I didn't already have a Colt .380, I'd most likely get the Kel-Tec. However, the Colt is a fine strong old design and better looking too!

This is the one that I carry:

 

[Marcus]

I wouldn`t get rid of the KelTec to get a Gov`t .380 because the KT is smaller,lighter and much more pocket carry friendly. However if you could swing the Colt *too* I say go for it. The PocketLite version with alloy frame is pretty light and it`s fairly slim too. VS. the KT the recoil and muzzle flip are MUCH less and as hard as the P3AT is to shoot really well,the Colt is that easy. I bought one some time ago for my wife. It fits her little hand very well,my big mits not so much. The trigger on her example is pretty good,maybe 6lbs. but short and with a crisp let off. They`re a really nice shooting little gun. Marcus

 

[kokapelli]

The comment that the Colt will shoot hotter ammo than the P-3AT is incorrect! The P-3AT will shoot just as hot ammo as the Colt.
I carry and practice with Santa Barbara 380 ammo in my P-3ATs. The Santa Barbara ammo is the hottest 380 ammo I can find and it works 100% in my the P-3ATs. Some other P-3AT owners that post a KTOG carry Corbon +p ammo and are ver satisfied with it.

I'm sure
the colt is a good pistol, but consider that it is larger than the excellent, lighter and more powerful Kahr PM9!

JMO, but if I was interested in pocket carry and I am, I would want the lightest and thinnest pistol I could find and the P-3AT fits the bill best for me.