Which Pocket Auto?

[MP5]

I'm looking to get a pocket auto for concealed carry. Prime candidates include the Ruger LCP, Kel-Tec P-32 or P-3AT, or NAA Guardian in .32 or .380. (A Seecamp may be a bit too hard to come by at a reasonable price, from what I gather?)

I'd appreciate any recommendations or insights from folks who can compare these based on first-hand experience, in terms of accuracy, reliability out of the box, customer service if needed, and so forth. Ditto factual info comparing the calibers--please refrain from "well, I feel comfortable with it"

One concern: recoil is an issue due to a hand problem. For example, I have to call it quits after about 50 rounds of .38 spl through my S&W 642 with stock grips. Pretty darn uncomfortable. (A heavy DA trigger pull is less of an issue and is in fact desirable to me in a defensive handgun.) I wonder how the ultra-light Kel-Tecs fare in that regard.

 

[alamo]

They're all good choices. You might see about a Kel-Tec P-32, it would have the lightest recoil of the ones you mentioned due to the .32 and locked breech design.

Having said that, 50 rounds at a time is fine for practice even if it can be uncomfortable so you might think about a .380 too.

 

[usp9]

I recommend the not-too-hard-to-find Seecamp LWS32. It will cost about $450 and last a lifetime. Between the "Big Three" sites there are usually dozens for sale...new and used.

 

[bluez4u]

I checked out and or handled all of the above with the exception of the Seecamp 380. The Seecamp 32 was nice but a bit expensive. I probably should have bought it though, just to have one. I chose on the NAA380. It's a bit heavier than the others, but I like the fact that it's all stainless. Some people like the Kel-tec and the LCP but there was something I just didn't care in terms of fitting my hand. That was a personal choice. I do fire it often and have not experienced any problems with it.
The recoils not bad for a tiny gun. I think the weight helps in that area.
Hope my 2 cents help.

 

[Crazy Fingers]

My P32 is not bad to shoot at all. I actually like shooting it, and it is surprising how accurate you can be with it if you focus and don't clench your hand as you pull the trigger. It does throw unburned powder like crazy though -- my hands look like I pulled weeds after I shoot a box of ammo!

 

[SwampWolf]

I think you might find a surprising difference in the effects of recoil between the .32ACP and the .380 as it pertains to controlling little pocket pistols on repeat shots. The smaller the pistol in terms of weight and dimensions, the more pronounced you might find said differences to be.

 

[OregonJohnny]

My friend has both the Kel-Tec P3AT and the Ruger LCP. I have shot them both. I have never successfully put an entire magazine through the Kel-Tec. This is before and after a "fluff-n-buff". Stovepipes, FTFs, FTEs, every magazine. His LCP has been flawless for both of us. No failures of any kind with the same ammo as we put through the Kel-Tec. He is now trying to get rid of the Kel-Tec.

 

[wyocarp]

I don't think that any of the above mentioned guns are go the range and shoot a box of ammo type guns. I just bought some of the Buffalo Bore .380 ammo and tried it this past weekend. I wasn't excited about finishing the entire six rounds, much less 50. These small guns are for emergencies only. Shoot them enough to make sure they work, but let it go at that. If you don't like .38 sp then these won't be any fun. And this is coming from a big bore nut. Among my favorite pistols are my .500's and .50's.

 

[kitsapcharly]

I've carried KT 380s for years because they're so small and light they can be carried in even very light clothes and often have one in a watch pocket which is almost like a tailored-in holster. Something heavier would sag too much in there and probably even in the DeSantis holster I have to use in some pants.
That being said the recoil is quite lively. If I had the opportunity to start over it would be nice to try the 32. I thought the 380 would be better for SD but there's little to hang onto and the light weight doesn't help shooting...but
best to carry. 32 is said to be much nicer shooting and still carries well. Many say the 32 is too weak a pop gun but if you can shoot it better...go for it!

 

[MP5]

I don't think that any of the above mentioned guns are go the range and shoot a box of ammo type guns. I just bought some of the Buffalo Bore .380 ammo and tried it this past weekend. I wasn't excited about finishing the entire six rounds, much less 50. These small guns are for emergencies only. Shoot them enough to make sure they work, but let it go at that.

I understand they're last-ditch SD guns and not range toys, but I do find it important to put a substantial number of rounds through my SD guns for practice and to ensure proper functioning.

My friend has both the Kel-Tec P3AT and the Ruger LCP. I have shot them both. I have never successfully put an entire magazine through the Kel-Tec. This is before and after a "fluff-n-buff". Stovepipes, FTFs, FTEs, every magazine. His LCP has been flawless for both of us. No failures of any kind with the same ammo as we put through the Kel-Tec. He is now trying to get rid of the Kel-Tec.

I really like the idea of the Kel-Tec, but for every story of "mine's been 100%", I hear a horror story. I'm leery of that brand at this point, though I admittedly lack personal experience with it. When I've bought guns from from big-name, "high-end" manufacturers, they worked out of the box without any special effort on my part and still function without trouble after hundreds or even thousands of rounds downrange.

 

[krs]

There's no shortage of "horror stories" concerning the Ruger LCP either if you look for them.

I don't know what it is but I seldom to never have any problems with any auto pistols I've shot, and I've fired bunches of them.

So I don't know where or how complaints arise, really.

I do know that the three Keltec pistols I have have all performed flawlessly and that I've never been present when any Keltec failed.

I'll definitely agree with Swampwolf and wyocarp above that the .380 can be pretty painful to shoot in a lightweight or in a pistol that doesn't have much room to hold onto.

I bought a Seecamp .32 a few years back and hated it. Not because it didn't work but because they made it unnecessarily complex with it's need to load in certain ways and stick with prescribed ammo or lose warranty coverage. The spring that can intrude into the magwell if you remove the mag at the wrong time, jams the pistol, and requires replacement when it gets bent because of the idiosycracies of design is why I sold the stupid thing. Who needs the hassle? They provide one replacement spring and full instructions on how to keep from getting it twisted wrong but why make it that way in the first place?

 

[mainmech48]

If recoil is likely to become an issue, then I'd suggest a .32. In pistols of closely equivalent size and weight you will notice a very considerable difference when pushing a projectile with 50% more mass to the same velocities regardless of the gun's make, locked-breech or not.

I haven't as yet changed my 'always' carry Keltec P-32 to a P3AT or LCP, mostly because it's worked very well for me and I have a good deal of .32 ACP ammo still on-hand.

But another reason that's there is that even with the locked breech action some of the relatively 'warm' European ball ammo with 72-74 gr. slugs generate enough of a "whack!" from the trigger guard to the knuckle on my trigger finger to make practicing with it unpleasant in rather short order.

It's nowhere near as bad with the Gold Dots or Hornady 60 gr. JHP stuff I carry in it, but who can afford to practice enough to keep sharp at the current prices with just those?

I may as yet try an LCP or P3AT, but not until I've had the chance to fire one enough to make some direct comparisons. Tempus keeps on Fugiting and my arthritis is going right along with it. If the change is likely to make practicing enough to keep my skill level up to par too much more "challenging", I'll probably stick with what I have.

 

[MICHAEL T]

My friend has both the Kel-Tec P3AT and the Ruger LCP. I have shot them both. I have never successfully put an entire magazine through the Kel-Tec. This is before and after a "fluff-n-buff". Stovepipes, FTFs, FTEs, every magazine. His LCP has been flawless for both of us. No failures of any kind with the same ammo as we put through the Kel-Tec. He is now trying to get rid of the Kel-Tec.

I really like the idea of the Kel-Tec, but for every story of "mine's been 100%", I hear a horror story. I'm leery of that brand at this point, though I admittedly lack personal experience with it. When I've bought guns from from big-name, "high-end" manufacturers, they worked out of the box without any special effort on my part and still function without trouble after hundreds or even thousands of rounds downrange.

The KT problem is fixed easy sent it in to factory.
I have 3 Kel Tec's all run perfect allways one in my pocket. The NAA I found weights as much as some 38spl. and has a 40lb trigger.
SeeCamps in 32 would be top of line . But poor folk get buy with a Kel Tec.
I would walk across stree for the Ruger Kel Tec rip off.

 

[Huddog]

After researching it I purchased a Ruger LCP (yesterday). Got back from the range about an hour ago. Shoots excellent, recoil with Winchester SXT is noticeable, well recoil with anything is noticeable, but not unmanageable. Trigger is long but smooth and doesn't stack like the P3AT I tried does. (Not saying they all do) 1st 12 rounds in the 10 ring at 5 yards (slow fire) of course it spread out some when trying rapid fire but overall I am very happy with the decision.

 

[jocko]

HUDDOG; IMo you made an excellent choice in buying the
ruger lcp, over the kt....

 

[makarovnik]

The new Taurus PT709. Well it might be a little large for the pocket but it is small, slim and only 19 oz. of 9mm nastiness.

 

[Lonestar49]

Just a little thought for ya..

...

Might you take a look at a Springfield EMP 1911 SAO 9mm, 9+1.. ?

This little gem is pocket carry friendly, as that is what I carry on hot days, T-shirt out, front cross draw (pocket) and does not print, is accurate, very accurate, 10 rounds, same light, crisp, trigger pulls each shot, full thin grip, palm safety and thumb-slide safety make for safety..

Ammo is plentiful, cheap, and you will be able to shoot 50 plus, easy, rounds with it at the range.. along with some one hand practice.

Springfield gives their guns lifetime warranties, along with a very friendly CS staff..

Comes with night sights, 3 mags, engraved wood grips.. A fun gun to shoot.

My old hands and wrist give it a big thumbs up.. and she has been flawless thru 3,050 rounds thus far..

She also likes 124gr JHP's.. or 115gr JHP's, same as practice 115gr FMJ.


Ls

 

[sm]

Personally...I would go with a Beretta Jetfire or Beretta Bobcat for a small semi-auto.

Actually I grew up with these and have used for decades.
These guns are historically proven and are still proving, and will continue to prove.
Simple to use, accurate, and safe to make ready or make safe.

Now some folks never think they will get hurt, or have surgery that will have 'No Recoil" orders, but they might and these are often allowed by Doctors and Physical Therapists.
Add, one never thinks about being able to run a gun when hurt or physically limited, or even getting arthritis, still...

 

[krs]

I like Berettas. They make classy and refined pistols that work. Some are so pretty as to be nearly irresistable and because of that I've been getting close to buying a nickel plated .380 just for a fun thing. A feely toy that shoots. What could be better than that?

 

[camsdaddy]

I would just like to add another my P32 is 100% out of the box. I have not had a single issue and has been carried everyday for a few years now. I have bigger and more suitable guns for protection but they are not always with me. I have confidence that when my hand comes out of my pocket its going to shoot everytime I pull the trigger and go where I want it to for the most part. It is not a target pistol but quite suprising.

 

[Jay1958]

I love my NAA Guardian 380. Apparently it's too heavy for some, but it doesn't bother me a bit in my front pocket, riding in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster - I also have a Blackhawk size 1 pocket holster that works just as well.

I haven't had any problems thru almost 200 rounds so far, and once I got used to it, the G380 is very accurate. I put 30 rounds thru one 4-inch hole at 21 feet.

 

[benzuncle]

I'll go along with bluez4u and Jay1958 concerning the NAA Guardian 380. I've been carrying mine in a Nemesis pocket holster for 14 months. The weight is not an issue for me and I do think it has its avantages at the range. I use 102gr Remington Golden Sabers in it for SD. The round cycles very well in the firearm. I have fired over 1000 rounds through mine with no problems. The trigger eases up some after about 500 rounds. It shoots fine during that time but pulls a little nicer after that first 500. I prefer the curved pinky extensions on my magazines; others go for the straight bottoms on their mags. NAA has very good customer service also. And they have items on sale every month on their website: www.naaminis.com That's where I bought my Cocobolo grips on sale. They are a nice addition to the firearm. I wish you well in your decision.

 

[krs]

Lonestar,
I didn't know that the EMP comes with night sights and I guess that partially accounts for their price. I was looking at those when I bought my Colt New Agent but thought they were pretty steep in comparison.

 

[Randyc74]

I often pocket carry a Beretta Tomcat .32 Cal. as a BUG. I replaced an NAA .32 Guardian with the Beretta because it fits my rather large hands better. I,ve heard of reliablity issues with the Beretta. I've never had any problems with mine.