Kel-Tec P32 vs. P3AT what to do.....

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lvcat2004

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So...I'm finding myself not carrying my 9mm subcompact because it's simply just too bukly IMHO.

I decided that a smaller caliber CCW that I actually carry is better than a larger caliber, more reliable, high capacity weapon that sits at thome.

I have narrowed down to one of the above Kel-tec's and I heard pros/cons of both.

P32: more reliable, slightly lighter, better than nothing, etc.

P3AT: less reliable (newer version seems better), I just can't find one readily available, cheaper ammunition compared to 32ACP, better stopping power, etc.

I decided on P3AT and ordered a hard-chrome one from my online dealer, but they just cancelled my order because they didn't get the gun and they don't know when they're gonna get it again.

I'm kind of tired of waiting for it, so I'm starting to think again about just getting the p32. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever (I hope) use the weapon anyway, and thinking that 32ACP might just do it.

Any thoughts/experiences on above weapons would be appreciated.
 
I have a P32 that I got because I work in Bullhead City, Az, and have to dress appropriately for 120 degrees in the summer. I have to wear dress clothes because of my job, but in summer that means khakis and a light dress shirt. Even a small IWB won't work because it will print when your shirt gets soaked in sweat.

The P32 fits in a pocket holster and conceals completely in my back pocket. I carry it on the right and my wallet on the left. If I'm robbed going to my right rear pocket won't arouse suspicion, but if the odds are bad I can go to the left.

No pistol is likely to stop an assailant immediately unless it's a head shot. A large bore can let you pour a half-dozen rounds in quickly and give a much better chance at incapacitation.

My P32 is there so I've got something. Worst case scenario it may allow me to fight my way to my truck and a more suitable weapon. Best case I can get off a head shot and end the confrontation.

In self-stuffers I feel everything below .40 S&W to be too anemic to make me feel confident in the weapon. I chose the P32 for the extra round, reliability and the 10-round spare mag.

BTW, I never shot it for accuracy, but let a friend shoot it not too long ago. He sighted like he was target shooting at 15 yards. That's something that never even occurred to me. He threw a 3-inch group.

I don't know. Everyone makes choices based on their own knowledge and experience. I'm comfortable with the .32. I don't see .380 as a significant step up - going from anemic to less anemic.
 
I had a Kel tech 9mm but did not like the trigger mechanism, it didn't come to a half cock and affected accuracy becuase when you pull a still trigger it moves the gun slightly and it take a while for the trigger to come back to full cock, the gun just felt like it could break any minute, so I sold it to pawn shop and got a bersa 380, now thats where its at for sure, the poor mans Glock, very good guns, accurate, dont jam, look nice.
 
I have a P-32 and like a lot of people who own one, I think it is a bit more reliable and a better shooter than the P3AT.
At these barrel lengths and the distances these guns are designed for there is more hype than reality to .380 effectiveness verses the .32acp.
 
hmmm...thanks for comments fellas, rather than looking harder for P3AT, I'm gonna have to really think more about P32...
 
Ruger Lcp

yOU MIGHT WANT TO LOOK VERY HARD AT THE NEW rUGER LCP 380. a very close copy of the kt 380, only from all reports, it is totally reliable. There are people buying them for around $255 and Ruger quality all the way. My bet is that in time, it the Ruger works out as good as reports have been so far that it willbe the weapon of choice for a 380 pocket gun..

I have a lcp owner who has as of today 1600 flawless rounds through his lcp. this is not a shoot seldom carry often gun...
 
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I carry a P32, and my friend carries a P3AT. In all seriousness, between those two calibers, I would be more concerned about shot placement than stopping power - the difference in "power" is there, but it's not overwhelming.

I chose the P32 because it was a few bucks cheaper, and ever so slightly smaller. I just use FMJ in it for penetration. I've been happy with it, and my friend has been happy with his P3AT.
 
I have both I see very little difference between the 2 calibers Neither is a power house from short barrel
The 32 loaded with Corbon HP or a good hot ball is a good choice.
My wife has a 32KT and carries it everyday. Since I use HP in the 32's I have installed the rimlock kit. Never had a problem with rimlock just a little extra protection Never know when Murphy might show up.
I say get 32 and have extra round and slide lock back. All 3 of our KT have been 100% relieable and all are over 700 rounds.
 
I also found that carrying even a sub-compact was just too much hassle. Pocket carry is the only thing that works for me.

I've had one P32 which jammed, and 2 P-3ATs, both of which jammed ( a gen 1 and a gen 2). I got tired of paying money to have them shipped back to the manufacturer only to receive back yet another jammomatic (even when both slide and frame were replaced).

Now I have a Ruger LCP in .380ACP for roughly the same price as a P-3AT and it is an infinitely superior weapon. 100% reliable, very accurate, much lower recoil than the P-3AT, and visibly higher quality.

If you need an effective CCW gun that you will always carry, get yourself an LCP, a box of Corbon 80gr DPX, an Uncle Mikes #1 pocket holster, and you will be well provided for.
 
newton

Heard the same thing aboutthe lcp. Have a friend who has 1300 flawless rounds throuogh his lcp. I seen what looks like kt plants on one ruger forum complaining about peening and magazine catch wear. I AIN'T BUYING that . I can smell a kt plant a mile away. Have only talked to 4 lcp owners and all have stated exactly what you stated total quality peace compared to the kt look alike. I would have expected noting less from Ruger either. anyone can make a handgun that doesnt work or is unreliable. That is not what made Ruger what they are today. good luck with our lcp. I have two on order and I am going to the big Indy 1500 gun show this weekend, hopeing to find one.
 
Wow - if your friend has 1,300 rounds through his LCP he must have been shooting the gun continuously since he purchased it, they only came out a week and a half ago :what:
 
I seen what looks like kt plants on one ruger forum complaining about peening and magazine catch wear.
Click to expand...

Someone posted pictures of their LCP peening (wear marks really) on the frame rails and I've seen a few reports on other forums of magazine catch wear. Also a few smilie reports.

It sounds like it is a very fine pistol but since it is a close copy of the P-3AT, it will have some of the same issues. The peening on the frame rails really isn't a problem. It should stop after the first outing or so, just like with the KT.
 
P3AT: less reliable (newer version seems better), I just can't find one readily available, cheaper ammunition compared to 32ACP, better stopping power, etc.
Click to expand...

CDNN lists various keltecs in their current catalog.
 
newton

He owns a shooting range and as of today he has 1600 flawless rounds through his lcp, yup, probably no one I know of shoots as much as he does, and he is also God honest to when he tells me he has 1600 flawless rounds through his lcp. he has had his over 3 weeks by the way..
 
alamo

can u post the photos of the peening of the lcp. I sure can't find it anywhere... I smell kt plants:cuss::cuss:
 
I haven't heard of the LCP until now, but that looks very much like the P3AT....is that a rebadged P3AT or is it something totally different??
 
I have the P32. It's small, easy to carry and accurate. The DAO trigger is stiff, but not impossible. My wife shoots the gun with no problem - recoil is very manageable.

I haven't shot the P3AT but the guy at my local shop said the recoil difference is very noticeable. Of the two, he prefers the P32. As with most calibers, I think shot placement will mean more than bullet weight when it comes down to that.

My $0.02...

Jim
 
P3AT: less reliable (newer version seems better), I just can't find one readily available, cheaper ammunition compared to 32ACP, better stopping power, etc.
Click to expand...

I do not agree with this, I have over 2500 rds thru my P3AT with not one problem and I have and early one SN 11XX
 
Cz-100

that is super, honest, you just don't hear that stuff hardly at all about the kt's mini guns. Most won't go that far without issues. My 3 certainly didn't. You have a good one, hold on to it, cherish it...
 
I'd rather have a .32 that worked than a .380 that worked sometimes. It's a known fact that the p32 has always been more relaible than the p3at. I'm going to get the lcp once all the hype settles down and I can get a decent price. I also want to test drive one before I lay down my hard earned money.
 
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