KelTec P3AT, IWB options

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Nick1911

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I'm looking for an IWB holster for a P3AT. Basically, I need something that is comfortable, durable, and makes the pistol absolutely disappear. Sitting, driving, standing, walking, wearing jeans or dress pants.

Bonus points if I can still tuck a shirt in.

I figure someone out there has tried a few different configuration - what have you found that worked best for you? Is there anything I should avoid at all costs?

Thanks!
 
The little Kel-Tec disappears in a pocket so easily that I never bothered to order a belt holster for it. I carry mine in a Mica pocket holster which is terrific.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/

I use a Don Hume OWB holster for my little .45, and find them to be very good quality without spending a fortune. Hume lists a bunch of holsters for the P-3AT (this list is for the 2nd generation P-3AT, the ones made in the last couple years):

http://www.donhume.com/Products/ProductsList.cfm?action=SearchByWeapon&WeaponID=285
 
I haven't tried it/know nothing about it but how about the clip kel-tec sells? It screws to the side of the gun and allows you to hang the pistol IWB more securely. Not a holster but perhaps worth a thought.
 
The Kel-tec clip provides no protection for the trigger, which is an incredibly bad idea with a round in the chamber. A gun without a round in the chamber is not ready to use in the split second you need it. Also, having no holster for carry exposes your gun to lint/dust/dirt and isn't a good or safe idea either.
 
What you say sounds reasonable but work with me for a moment.

Triggers don't pull themselves just because they are exposed.

For pocket/purse carry you need a trigger cover because you store other stuff in your pockets. You are constantly reaching into your pocket and taking out things like key rings that can snag. Not just you... most people store things in their pockets and it is possible that someone else would reach into your pocket not knowing the danger.

You don't reach into your pants consta... well, let me be humorous for a moment and say that I don't reach into my pants all that often to pull out snaggage-prone items like key rings. If I do I usually use the zipper and am fairly careful about it. So trigger snaggage isn't as big an issue. Similar situation with lint and other junk. Pockets tend to accumulate debris because they are open only at the top. That means they can trap anything that makes it into the opening at the top. Pants... most pants... are open at top and bottom specifically to allow unimpeded egress of bread crumbs, lint, feet, and so on.

So I think what you are saying is absolutely true for pocket carry. I'm not as sure it applies to IWB clip carry.

A lot of people use clips. You can buy them for various revolvers and semi-auto pistols as 3rd party accessories. How many stories have you heard of unintentional discharges of clip-mounted guns? I've heard plenty of stories about pocketed and pursed guns having trigger-snag discharges but honestly I can't recall an IWB-clipped pistol/revolver discharge story.

I'm sure there are some but safety steps required for pocket carry are likely to be unneccessary for IWB clip carry.
 
For pocket/purse carry you need a trigger cover because you store other stuff in your pockets.
...Only if you're an idiot. And I had one of the clips, but they put the pistol below the belt, and you have to dig for it, and I ditched it fast. I myself use a Nemisis, but my wife likes the suede Bianchi clip-on. She uses a left-hand IWB at 4:00 as a right-hand cavalry-draw. I think the model # is 6D-9.
 
Agree about the idiot part but every "unholstered pocket/purse gun went off" story I've seen/heard involved someone reaching in to grab something else (keys coins, flashlight, whatever) and snagging the trigger with the key ring, a finger ring, a pen that happened to pass through the trigger guard, or whatever... I just don't see any of that happening with a gun clipped IWB. In effect your pants become the holster.

Given the "bonus points if I can still tuck a shirt in" I'd say the gun hanging below the belt might actually be desirable for his use.
 
I've used the clip on my 32 for years now, no problems. I do need to clean the lint and such out/lube every couple of weeks though....

And you can use it on lightweight nylon shorts, or sweatpants with no pockets, etc....
 
I use an Uncle Mike's Size 12 and 3:00 carry. I cut off the top inch or so of the holster. It is not tuckable, however.

It is so light, I can wear it that way with sweats, pajamas, etc.
 
The little KT clip works fine for IWB . My wife for almost 2 years now Has carried hers every day IWB and couple other places in our store Its loaded and ready to go. I have carried it a couple times and I agree it safe and well concealed.
I don't find lint a problem IWB or really in my pocket. I did carry a KT once for 6 months with out cleaning of any sort. Pistol was shot reloaded then 1 mag a mo for 6 months Slide rail were greased not oiled . At end of the 6 mo the pistol was really dirty and had a fair amount of lint on it. The KT fired that last mag as well as it had the first. My experiance is my 3 KT's are better pistols than people give them credit for
 
I carry mine in a ankle holster,or by clip on the side of my p3at IWB.Forget its there sometimes
 
I have one of these Desantis holsters for my P32. The entire pistol is below your waistband. It's very, very discreet. You could even put your cell phone or knife pouch over the j-clip to completely hide it.

P32_IWB.jpg
 
every "unholstered pocket/purse gun went off" story I've seen/heard involved someone reaching in to grab something else (keys coins, flashlight, whatever) and snagging the trigger with the key ring, a finger ring, a pen that happened to pass through the trigger guard, or whatever.
Never, ever... Never carry anything else in your pocket if you carry your gun in there. Pocket holster, or no pocket holster. Most pants have at least three other pockets to carry your stuff in. If you can't deal with that, then pocket carry is not for you.
 
I haven't tried it/know nothing about it but how about the clip kel-tec sells?

I have one on my P3AT, and it works very well. I vary between carrying my pistol in my jacket pocket and clipped inside my waistband.
 
I'm wearing my P-32 (same form/size as the P3-AT) in a Minimal Clip holster from Side Guard. I'm wearing in the appendix (2 o'clcok) position and it disappears. Here's a link: http://www.sideguardholsters.com/holsters/IWB_Holsters.htm The Minimal Clip is all the way at the bottom.

It took about 4 weeks to get mine - it seems to be well made and it fits the gun well.

Jim
 
Pocket clip is illegal in Ohio for CCW. The gun has to be in a holster, attached to the person. I use an Uncle Mikes #10 IWB holster. It is a little tight at first, but will stretch to fit the gun in a short time. I like the appendix carry, and this holster works well for me.
 
I'm a fan of High Noon Holsters. I have the Bare Asset for my kahr, and the split decision for my p3at, which is tuck-able, and rides very nicely while tucked (after shipping it is about $40). They are reasonably priced, solidly built, and they back it up for as long as you own it. They also have a couple of different pocket holsters, but I have never tried them.
 
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Hi, I carry mine in a Highnoon bare asset holster as well it rides VERY low and is tuckable
 
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