Which one?

[Onward Allusion]

I'm in the market for a new carry pistol. I currently carry a Kel Tec P32 and it has been flawless (knock-on-wood). I would like to move to something with a little bit more energy. I already have the P-11 and I love the capacity, but it is too bulky.

The two I'm considering are the P3AT and the PF-9.

In the past, I've thought that 7+1 rounds of .32 ACP was a better choice than a P3AT/LCP with 6+1 of .380 ACP. I still do in some respects, but I can't deny that, depending on load, the .380 ACP has 50 ft lb to 100 ft lb more energy than a typical .32 ACP. I also can't deny that a 9x19mm has 3X the energy than the .32 ACP. I think it's time for a change, but which one? A P3AT would involve almost zero change and would offer the most familiarity. A PF-9 would offer a bit more piece of mind. BTW, I am not interested in the LC9 - too many "features".

Thanks

 

[bigfatdave]

you already stock 9x19, and the p3at isn't different enough from the p32 to bother

get a pf9

 

[56hawk]

Yeah, get the PF-9. I personally find a P-11 to be plenty small, but I wouldn't carry anything weaker than 9mm.

 

[MedWheeler]

PF-9 all the way. You already have a decent mousegun you can carry when the PF-9 can't go along (which will likely be rare.)
These are the two guns I carry, and they are usually carried at the same time.
If the "extras" in the P3-AT make you less comfortable with the P-32, then trade the .32 out for one. You'll probably even be able to do an even trade if you look around enough. But I wouldn't even bother. At least one of the guns should be "pleasant" to shoot..!
I had the PF-9 well before the .32. I chose the .32 for the same reasons you like yours (ease of shooting, last-shot slidelock, and the extra round.)

 

[bigfatdave]

you can also get a .22 conversion for the pf9
look up Twisted Industries, I really like my conversion, it makes the pf9 a fun plinker as well as a "pocket rocket" ... and swapping takes less than a minute

 

[skoro]

The two I'm considering are the P3AT and the PF-9.

I own and carry both. Since you already have a P32, my recommendation would be to get the PF-9. The P3AT is so similar to the P32 that there's probably very little real world difference. But the PF-9 is considerably larger and heavier than the P32. Still pocketable, though. Gives you options when your dress for the day dictates what you can carry.

 

[Onward Allusion]

Definitely leaning toward the PF9. Especially now knowing that a 22LR conversion is available for it for practice.

It's funny that I used to think a 25 ACP or a 22 LR was more than sufficient to ward off any evil doers. Then I switched to a P-32 because of the fumbling with a NAA revolver that can happen under stress. Now I'm actually looking at carrying a 9mm because of something that happen recently to my wife and me. Even though I was carrying at the time and we failed their interview, I got the feeling that my little old P-32 was going to have a difficult time handling two 20-somethings should things have gone South. Either I'm getting older and wiser (heh) or the world is starting to go further to heck.

 

[spotch]

Of those two? Pf9 I guess

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Why would anyone buy a k/t when you can have a Ruger for a little more $?

 

[Onward Allusion]

Same reason why some folks like Fords and others Chevys. However, I have FIVE Keltec pistols and they all have been reliable. Basic, no frills, crappy sights, horrible finish & ugly but RELIABLE. They go bang when you pull the trigger and I know that they are not range toys or made for thousands of rounds.

As for the - few dollars more - It ain't about that at all. We're talking $50 to $75 diff in real world terms - about 1 tank of gas give or take.

I'm one of the folks who think the Ruger LC9 is over engineered - for folks who can't control their booger finger safety. The LCP is identical in every way to the KT P3AT except that the KT is lighter and a tiny amount smaller but the Ruger has a nicer finish. For that, it ain't worth another $50 over the KT. Am I a Ruger-hater? Er, NO - I have quite a few Rugers - just not in the pocket pistol class.

 

[bigfatdave]

Why would anyone buy a k/t when you can have a Ruger for a little more $?

the LC9 has various undesirable features ... but it can be sold in california, whoop-de-do
The LCP was such a great copy it needed a recall

So, no, you aren't buying the same gun if you get the "sort of similar" thing from Ruger in this category. And while I like Ruger's designs, I'm appalled at the way they (badly) copy Kellgren's designs - I think they lost their R&D department a few years back and replaced them with advertising/marketing drones.