practical question pocket-rocket guns...

[jonboynumba1]

considering getting me and the wife a couple of Ruger LCP's -she found the keltec P3At a little too snappy....but thinks she could get used to it...it's not a regular shooter but one must be able to hit with it even as a part time sub compact/pocket rocket. She and I both like the Ruger LCP better in hand...though we have not shot one feel it would be similar. We both carry XD9's the rest of the time and love them but for her the 4" service is a little much and for me on some social occassions it would also be nice to have a pocket carryable gun (with a decent pocket holsetr of course) We really both like the PM9 but neither of us has shot one for comparison. I'm sure it will have a little snap to -but seems like more to hold onto...so I'm thinking it might actually be more likable than the P3AT or LCP in that way...and we already stock 9mm for carry and practice....so while the guns are higher$ it may more than even out in the long run...those of you that have shot both I'd love your feelings on the comparison and practical use of the two side by side...which one would you trust and like best if price was not a determining factor? Both will be a LOT smaller than what we carry now....I work somewhere where concealment is really just a choice and not even manatory so for me it's not a big deal...it would opffer her more chances to have it on her rather than in a purse or glovebox though...and on some occassions just make low threat level evenings out more enjoyable for both of us (we just don't go unarmed after all...I picked a good one -LOL

wondering...I have a few months to think about the choice....I'm hoping I can finda a PM9 we can shoot somewhere first.

 

[PX15]

jonboy:

Basically the same pistol.... I shouldn't think the Ruger would shoot any differently than the original from which it was cloned.

Both good companies, both lifetime warranties...

Jesse

 

[herohog]

Adding a magazine extension or the finger rest to the magazine of the P3AT helps a lot. It still strings when you shoot it but it is MUCH easier to keep on point. I was able to hit a 6" circle with mine at 15 yards after adding the magazine extension plus I have 1 more round capacity now.

 

[Nowhere Man]

If you close your eyes you can't tell the difference. Both hurt your hands. Both are equally reliable.


Dave

 

[scotthsi]

I own both the PM9 and P3AT. The PM9 is no "snappier" or "harsher" than the P3AT. If anything, the P3AT is worse (but not bad at all) since it is so small and light. Not much to hold on to.

 

[EmGeeGeorge]

I had a p3at and thought its recoil was kinda unpleasant too... a 24" bike tire inner tube cut to line the grips about 2 or three thick made it alot better.

 

[mgregg85]

I've got a P3AT and I like it a lot, I wouldn't spend any extra picking up ruger's Little Copy Pistol.

I'd also highly recommend a laser for it, the tiny sights are hard to use in daylight and impossible when it gets dark out.

 

[jonboynumba1]

I should also add I'd be interested in just plain reviews from owners of the Kahr PM9 as well.

 

[Rex B]

both, but try the Sig

I have both the P3At and LCP. Recoil is identical as is the rest of the gun.
The KT grip is rougher. Some prefer that, but if not sandpaper or grip slip-overs fix it quickly. Yes, get the mag extension or pinkie lip.

If you are OK with 1911-style single-action, consider the Sig P238.
It's only a little bigger, but it has a metal frame. It is MUCH more pleasant to shoot than either of the above. More accurate too. And it has real sights, including night sights. You will not need to augment the grip length.

 

[Girodin]

The ruger and kel tec will shoot the same. They are after all essentially the same pistol. If anything the rugger is a little harder to hold on to because its grip is not quite as tackyt as the kel tec's.

The finger extension makes a difference.

I have not shot a sig P238 but have shot and love the mustang. I do not find the LCP punishing or painful but the mustang is much easier to shoot and less snappy. It is a bit heavier and bigger. The sig will cost more but might serve your wife better if recoil is an issue.

 

[Rex B]

You know, I carried a P3AT for a year or so, did not bother me to shoot it. I wondered what the fuss was about. But the last time I shot it and the LCP, they both hurt my hand. Of course the Mustang did not, nor the Sig I rented.

 

[WRGADog]

The two best pocket pistols I own

are the Kahr PM9 and Kahr P380. They are both very accurate for their size and the recoil is minimal. The PM9 is my constant companion and my wife carries the P380. Both guns are easily concealed. I have no complaints with the Kahr's after ~1000 rounds through each. That said, they both require a 200 to 300 round break in period. During break in you will experience a few FTF and FTE, but don't get concerned after 200-300 you can expect flawless performance. While recoil is hard to accurately measure, I find the recoil on my Kahrs to be less snappy than that of P3at.

 

[ByAnyMeans]

Love my KT p3at wit KT add-on recoil absorber pads and grip and Crimson Trace laser. Anytime I'm given a choice I'll choose my Glock but that can't be carried easily like a p3at.

 

[benderx4]

If you get a chance, shoot an all metal Seecamp - you'll be sold on the quality!