Vintage OMC 380 vs Modern Keltec P 3AT, shooting tips?

[Norton Commando]

I purchased an OMC 380 in the mid 70s and at that time it was touted as the smallest, most powerful backup weapon available. Since then I’ve purchased a Keltec P 3AT, which is nearly the same size as the OMC. I’ve shot hundreds of rounds through the OMC and it has never failed, while the P 3AT has performed flawlessly after about 150 rounds. The similarities between the two handguns end here, however.

The OMC weighs in on my triple beam balance at a portly 17.48 ounces whereas the Keltec comes in at a svelte 8.95 ounces. My P 3AT is a bit heavier than the advertised 8.3 ounces, but it’s still super light compared to the OMC.





However, the OMC outshines the Keltec at the range. Now I’m not a great shot with pocket pistols, but I can easily put 25 rounds or so within a 12-inch diameter target while holding the OMC with one hand at a distance of 30 feet. In contrast, I’m lucky to get 12 out of 25 rounds in the same target firing the P 3AT; it seems the loooong trigger pull is greatly affecting my accuracy with this gun. Compared to the Keltec the trigger on the OMC feels short and crisp.

In summary, I feel that the light-weight Keltec makes a fantastic carry gun, but I’m concerned about being able to defend myself in an emergency situation. I’m comfortable with the accuracy of the OMC, but its just too heavy for me to carry comfortably.

So does anyone have any tips on how to best shoot a Keltec P3AT?

Jason

 

[heeler]

No idea about how to make the KT shoot better except for lots of practice.
That's what it took for me on my Diamondback 380 and it has a pretty good trigger and better even yet sights.
Where was that OMC made??
Never heard of it.

 

[Mike1234567]

The little featherweight Kel-Tec pistols were never intended to be for target shooting. They're intended for up-close in-your-face SD.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The little featherweight Kel-Tec pistols were never intended to be for target shooting. They're intended for up-close in-your-face SD.

However at 30 feet, which is only 10 yards, you should be able to keep all your shots inside 6" and likely inside 4".

The disparity that you are seeing is because you are comparing a steel framed gun to a polymer one and a SAO trigger to a DAO one.

So does anyone have any tips on how to best shoot a Keltec P3AT?

Why are you shooting one handed at that distance?
Also which grip/stance are you using?

While shooting one handed at contact distances ( < 3') is understandable, why would you not put the other hand on the gun when you have the time and distance?

Without having seen you shoot, either in person or via video clip, my first guess would be that you are snatching at the trigger when you see the sights aligned. The trigger pull should be one continuous press to the rear without stopping or speeding up

BTW: treasure that AMT/OMC Backup, the ones that work can be jewels

 

[Norton Commando]

9mmepiphany,

I shoot one-handed with my right foot forward and I shoot two-handed with my left foot forward. I tend to target shoot using one hand because I figure if I can manage a good group with one hand it could only get better with two hands.

Today I painted the front sight on my Keltec white to help me line it up with the rear sight. I'm going to the range tomorrow to try out my freshly painted sight. I also plan to shoot two-handed. I'll report the results of these two changes in due course; hopefully they'll be better than my previous practice sessions.

Jason

 

[9mmepiphany]

Makes sense, however just be aware that the dynamic of the relationship between the griping fingers and the trigger finger change when transitioning between two and one handed shooting.

Maybe change isn't the correct phrase. It shouldn't change, but there is a tendency to over grip when asking the same hand to both grip the gun and operate the trigger

 

[bannockburn]

Norton Commando

I had a couple of AMT/OMC Back-Up .380's in years past but was never really all that satisified with their design and overall quality. Eventually I sold the last one to pay for a Colt Mustang when they first came out. A few years back I picked up a KelTec P3AT as a lighter weight alternative for concealed carry. Very reliable though not nearly as accurate as the Mustang, the DAO trigger of the P3AT has taken some time to get use to but thus far I'm pleased with the results.

 

[VA27]

Sadly, I am old enough to remember when the Back-Up was the greatest thing since a pocket on a shirt. A bunch of us got one back then and I don't remember a bad one in the lot. People today don't realize what a splash that little gun made when it came out.

I still have one in 22LR around here somewhere, though the .380 is long gone.

Ah, memories!

 

[Norton Commando]

Sadly, I am old enough to remember when the Back-Up was the greatest thing since a pocket on a shirt. A bunch of us got one back then and I don't remember a bad one in the lot.
\
Yep, I'm that age too.

The little OMC was a great gun and the smallest on the market at that time. Heck it's still darn small in comparison - just too heavy to compete with today's plastic guns. I've heard numerous comments about how unreliable the OMC was, but I've shot hundreds of rounds through mine without incident. The OMC brand was short lived and was subsequently sold to AMT. So perahps it was the AMT version that had all the reliability problems that others have reported?

 

[Norton Commando]

The hands of the clock only go in one direction>>>>>>>>>>>>!

And so does the sand in the hourglass!

 

[outerlimit]

This thread and ones like it bother me.. I don't understand why people complain about anything over 12oz. The single action Backups OMC/AMT have always had a very good reputation as do the double action Backups for the most part. They're not the pinnacle of precision machining, but they are good reliable guns made from quality stainless steel parts. My AMT with it's heavy trigger is actually more accurate than my Kahr. What is the problem with carrying a 17.48 oz gun? I typically alternate my pocket carry between a Kahr MK9 and an AMT Backup .45.

I just weighed them both on a postage scale:

Kahr MK9 with slightly customized factory grips, front grip tape and 6+1 of 124gr. +P Ranger: 27.1oz

AMT Backup 45 with Pachmayr slip on grip and 5+1 of 230gr. WWB: 29.2oz