RECOIL poll: p32 versus p3at

[craig_o]

Having recently decided a Kel-Tec wouldn't be a bad way to go by any stretch and having decided I want a micro pocket-gun, the often rehashed P32 versus P3AT debate surfaces.

Rimlock, slide lock, underpowered caliber, overpowered package. FMJ, JHP... the list of common topics goes on.

Now while I'd love to hear what you think of your Kel-Tec and what ammo you practice with/carry and any other lil' ole thing you want to throw out there (just as long as you're here, what the heck), mostly I want to know how you find the recoil difference between the P3AT and the P32.

 

[obxned]

I haven't shot a P32, but have never thought the recoil of the .380 was a big deal. It is so fast and easy to get back on target that I don't see any reason to bother with the .32. Nor would I bother with the grip things or finger extensions - they're just added bulk.

I have shot many boxes of plain old WWB bulk pak ammo through mine with never a hiccup. I also carry that ammo, though I am trying various JHPs, and may start using one of them.

You new gun may have sharp edges from the moulding process - remove them with sand paper (I just scraped them off with my pocket knife) and it will be much more pleasant to shoot.

Don't forget to order some extra mags, and give some thought to the belt clip as a carry method.

 

[Anna's Dad]

I've never shot the P3AT but I don't find the P-32 to be a fun range gun despite its relatively reduced recoil. Both are carry guns that are ultimately concealable and there when you need them.

I wouldn't focus on recoil unless it's so severe that it's going to prevent you from practicing. There have been discussions on the reliability of one over the other. Certainly that can and should be a consideration although I think the general concensus is that both are fairly reliable in the current versions.

 

[romma]

Not a big difference IMO. I own and am currently carrying the P-32 right now, but I have shot a couple of mags at the range out of the P3AT...

 

[GunNut]

I've owned both and found both to be very controllable.

Steve

 

[MICHAEL T]

I also own both P3AT has a little more recoil. If your shooting for real you will never notice. I never shoot more that 50 rounds out of either one. At any time. Their a carry pistol not a 500 round every time target pistol

 

[quickcanary]

I guess I'm in the minority, but I thought the P3AT had significantly more recoil. Maybe not so much in terms of muzzle flip, but I found the P3AT to be uncomfortable to shoot a lot sooner than the P32. My hand started to sting after just one mag due to the light weight and thin frame. It definitely has more kick than the P32 IMO. But like others have said, it's not a range gun and I'm sure if I had to use one in a SD situation, the unpleasant characteristics would be the furthest thing from my mind.

 

[craig_o]

I have to say I'm a bit relieved.

I WANTED to like the P3AT more for obvious reasons, but if I'm pulling out a mouse gun I want to be able to empty it in the other guy's torso VERY quickly (if it becomes necessary) and the "snappy recoil" reports were concerning me.

Nothing against the P32; if somebody gave me one today I'd carry it in a heartbeat. SEEMS like the P3AT has had more reliability issues early on, but lately from what I can tell that seems to be remote and likely to only improve.

If you use an aftermarket grip, what DO you use?

 

[GunNut]

Not being blowback operated is one of the best features of the Kel-tec mini-guns.

Recoils is considerably less than even the heavier Seecamp and NAA Guardian pistols.

I'm personally thinking about picking up another P-3AT for pocket carry when I cannot carry my S&W 340PD.

 

[Scotticus]

Recoil aside, from what I understand, the P32 is the only one of the two in which the slide stays back after the last round. To me, this is an important safety feature--hate to try to defend myself with an empty gun when I'm too stressed to count shots.

 

[fast200]

I'd have to say save yourself the headache and get a S&W 642 or 442. You'd get 5 decent rounds and it'll go bang when you need it to.

 

[denfoote]

I have both, but I now prefer the P32.

This is why.

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot27.htm

This is the ammo I have carried in my P32 for years!!

Finally, somebody did, at least, a cursory test of it!!

As far as recoil is concerned, I can't tell the difference!!

 

[fast200]

The only problem with that is milk jugs do not equal human flesh.

 

[dstorm1911]

Fast200, try concealing that 642 when all ya have on is a pair of boxers..... I can clip the P3AT right inside the waistband and its so light it won't embarrass me

I have each, can't tell any real difference in recoil the .380 deffinetly does 2-3 times the damage to the metal target stands though...... I tried onea the grip extensions as I have big hands... took it off as it kept makin me shoot high without it I was dead on... shot nice tight groups at 20 yards....... right through the 1"x1" steel tubing at the top of my target stand

 

[Ala Dan]

I voted for option #2, as there is NO problem keeping all shots center mass
from the 7 yard line~!

 

[peacemaker45]

I've got a first gen p32. My dad's got a p3at. I've never experienced any problems with either one. The .380 has a little more in the line of sights, kicks considerably harder. The .32 is easy to manage, and locks back after tha last round. That's not really as much of an issue as I thought it would be, though. Without an external slide release, you have to slingshot the 32, or rack the 380. not much difference, really. I use the same reload technique for both.

All in all, since he got his, I haven't been convinced that I will die tomorrow if I don't run out and buy the .380. A little more power, a lot less shootable, imho.

~~~Mat

 

[Griff]

My wife and I both CCW P3ATs and have put many familiarization rounds down range in both calibers; no big deal. Just squeeze it like you're trying to kill it and the recoil won't matter much. Kinda have to anyway with the short grip.

Take care

 

[NCHornet]

I don't have the Keltec,s to be honest they don't feel right in my hand and I have a hard time laying down cash on a gun that I have to work on to make it reliable, and the fit and finish is simply terrible, but back to the topic at hand. I have two Guardians in 32 and 380. All i have read states there is little difference between the two calibers out of a short barreled gun like the Keltecs, Seecamps and Guardians, but I have to tell you that I fired some Corbon 380 rounds out of my newly acquired 380 Guardian and there is a huge difference!!!!At least in recoil, I surely wouldn't want to shoot this round out of a smaller and lighter gun like the KelTecs. The 380 rounds from Magtech are much more of a pleasure to shoot.
Here is a pic of the twins.

 

[GunNut]

NCHornet,

The Kel-tec P-3AT will be softer shooting than your Guardian because the kel-tec is recoil operated and your guardian is blowback operated.

The P-3AT is really not that difficult to shoot.

 

[rcmodel]

You will find, should you try it, that the smaller, lighter, locked-breach Kel-Tec's don't kick nearly as hard as the Blow-back operated Seecamps and Guardians!

Heck, my P3AT doesn't sting nearly as much as my Walther PPK/S with the same ammo! And it's several magnitudes bigger & heavier.

As for hand fit, everything is a compromise.
If you want a .380 that will ride comfortably in the pocket of a sport shirt, the grip won't be the size of a Glock.


rcmodel