Which carry rig for P3AT? How do you carry yours? Good P3AT alternatives?

[Joe Link]

I've been carrying a P3AT for a little over a year now. I have no idea why but I never bothered to pickup a holster for it, just putting it in the front pocket of my jeans without a round chambered. This is a bad tactic for a variety of reasons and I know that, which is why I need to find another method. I've honestly been considering purchasing something in 9mm because I don't shoot the P3AT very well and don't have much confidence in the .380 caliber. Even so, in the meantime I need to purchase a carry rig. What would you guys suggest? I'd really like to free up a pocket and I usually dress light so I think I'd like to go with an IWB setup but the problem I have with my other IWB carry setups is I have to wear an undershirt or the holster rubs on my skin and irritates it. Is there any solution to that? Maybe I could wrap the holster in a piece of old tshirt or something?

Aside from that, when I'm ready to move to something in 9mm what would you guys recommend? I've been looking at Kahr's as they seem to be the best compromise of size, capacity, and caliber. Would you guys agree? why/why not?

 

[Huddog]

On the rare occassions I carry a .380, I always carry in the front pocket with the P3AT in a Desantis pocket holster. My son carries either that way or with a clip which attaches to the weapon and then inside the waist band. Unfortunately he has to wear a t-shirt if he carries with the clip, for comfort and bc he discovered surface rust on the chamber from his body being in contact with the metal. The gun simply disappears when carried in this manner. However from your statement you don't really seem happy to be carrying the .380 in the first place, if that is so and you can do so financially you should step up to the 9 and use the 380 as your deep cover or backup. As for 9 mm it depends a lot on your financial situation and what you are willing to do to carry. I like the Glock 26 alot. But I like all Glocks alot.

 

[Felonious Monk]

I carry a P3AT daily in an Uncle Mike's #1 sized pocket holster. I've modified it slightly by ripping the seams out of the little bottom piece that protrudes backwards when in place, and have re-sewn it to accommodate an extra magazine.

Totally disappears in the pocket of khakis or jeans, and you've got 16 rounds or so at your disposal.

I actually carried a Kahr MK-9 for a while, but couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it; I actually shoot the P-3 quite well, and am comfortable with it.
Hope this helps,

Fig/Monk

 

[Lou22]

I carry my P3AT in a Mika pocket holster (see picture). The holster keeps it upright and helps keep lint out of it. I also carry a Kahr PM9 in a Mika pocket holster. The PM9 fits most of my pockets. I have about 7 Mika pocket holsters; every one fits my guns well and none have come apart or become worn, despite a lot of carrying, particularly for the P3AT.

Lou

 

[Gonzoinc]

Mine is in a Nemisis pocket holster in my front pocket as i speak.

 

[Jackal]

Desantis Nemesis. Cheap, hi quality, durable, just works.

 

[Anna's Dad]

Pocket Holster

+1 on the Desantis. I carry my little Kel-Tec in a Desantis Gunhide almost every day.

 

[MR.G]

Uncle Mikes Sidekick front pocket holster

 

[brett30030]

Guru dave

 

[MICHAEL T]

Front pocket Uncle Mikes #1 Nothing wrong with 380 for a SD pistol. Lot of people be stopped with a 380 or a 32. Americans to much bigger got to be better. Put a round in chamber and get a pocket holster. The KT will take care of you.

 

[Joe Link]

Which of these you guys have recommended are IWB holsters?

 

[wdlsguy]

I have never tried one, but Kel-Tec sells a belt clip for the P3AT. Mine is in a right-rear pocket holster right now.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Like all the guys above, my Kel-Tec rides in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. Slides out easily and the holster stays in the pocket. You can forget it's there, which is pretty cool, just looks like a wallet is in your pocket.

 

[Joe Link]

My largest concern with the clip is the fact that it leaves the trigger exposed. I wouldn't feel safe carrying with a round in the chamber.

 

[conkmwc]

I have both a P3AT and a Kahr PM9. I had the Kahr first, bought it slightly used and have had no problems with it except for the common problem of it being a bit notchy going into battery with the first round. It has never jammed. I wanted something even lighter to carry in my pocket so I bought the P3AT. I did buy it new and had 3 jams in the first 50 rounds (break in) and then only one in the 75 rounds since. Hopefully the reliability will continue to increase. I sometimes carry the PM9 in my pocket but you can definitely feel the difference in weight between the two. The Kahr is more reliable and shoots a more potent round, but I found myself leaving it behind on occasion because it wasn't quite light enough. My opinion is that if you want to keep your gun in your pocket buy a Desantis Nemesis for your P3AT. If you want it IWB, buy a PM9. I see no reason to carry a .380 IWB when you could carry a 9mm.

 

[Bobo]

I use a SmartCarry 24/7. A Kahr will drop in it fine also.

 

[kokapelli]

DeSantis "Sting" with extra mag, or DeSantis "Nemesis".

 

[PaulBk]

Which of these you guys have recommended are IWB holsters?

Bianchi Mod 100 Size 3

-PB

 

[rlt7272]

look at these

http://www.kdholsters.com/holsters_accessories.shtml
http://www.kdholsters.com/owb-defend.shtml
http://www.kdholsters.com/iwb-defend.shtml

I have seen their work up close and was impressed enough to order one myself (should be here on Wednesday).

Price was right and the people were easy to deal with.

 

[Lonestar.45]

For pocket carry, my 3AT in a Nemesis is perfect for me. Sometimes I carry the Kahr PM9 in a SmartCarry, or IWB with a High Noon Hidden Ally. I also have a Nemesis for the Kahr, but it's too heavy and large generally for me. The Kel-Tec gets carried the most. For a while I had a 340pd in a Nemesis, but I found the handle of the J-frame stuck out or was exposed in some of my shorts. I needed deeper pockets for it. I ended up getting rid of it and went back to the 3AT/Kahr line up.

I've thought about IWB carry for the KelTec using the Galco USA holster, but they have been backordered for months and I can't get my hands on one until late November/December or so apparently. Anybody try this holster?

 

[eng23ine]

I have the little clip on the side of my P3.
Just tuck it IWB and put a pager, cell phone, ect on your belt over where the clip is on your pants.

 

[Kymasabe]

I too have a K&D Holster...they do awesome work. Great holster and worth every penny.

 

[Black Snowman]

Another satisfied DeSantis Nemesis user here. If I carry IWB, it's my much more potent CZ RAMI in .40 S&W riding along. Belt carry it's the even more potent than that CZ 97B in 45 ACP. With an IWB rig I'll often wear the Kel-Tec in the weak side pocket as a backup.

 

[brett30030]

No offense to anyone who uses the clip, but any carry method that does not cover the trigger seems dangerous and irresponsible to me.

 

[Blue .45]

I have an Uncle Mikes Sidekick size #10 IWB For my P32. It should work just as well for the P3AT. I find it rides a little higher than I would like but I never feel like it's goint to fall out of my pants. Mine has the open top but they do make them with the retention strap as well. Might find more suggestions over on KTOG.

http://ktog.org/