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Posted: 10/3/2005 8:33:26 PM EDT
   I was thinking about picking up a small handgun to toss in my pocket when I don't feel like throwing on the holster and carrying the .45.  A buddy has a colt pocket-light that I have taken a liking to, what are some of your opinions on my options.
   Don't tell me the .380 is too small, I'm a good shot.  Also, I do not want to go any smaller than .380.

   I would like the pistol to be as small in size as possible, but still able to hold six/seven shots.  Any suggestions.
Link Posted: 10/3/2005 8:35:37 PM EDT
[#1]
Kel Tec P3AT
Link Posted: 10/3/2005 8:36:35 PM EDT
[#2]
S&W 442/642

Kel-Tec P3AT
Link Posted: 10/3/2005 8:46:59 PM EDT
[#3]
I carry a North American Arms Guardian in .380, mostly as a back up to my Para Ordnance .45, but also when the climate or clothing limitations restrict me to a smaller handgun (wearing shorts or mountain biking, etc....).

It holds seven rounds (six in the mag and one in the chamber). I carry it in a left handed rear pocket holster and it carries very well  there.

The trigger is not the smoothest, but I imagine it time with use, it will work out the rough spots. I am very happy with it.
Link Posted: 10/3/2005 9:25:08 PM EDT
[#4]
Me and my two brothers each bought Keltec P3at's I think it was last year or so....none of us could ever get our guns to be reliable, no matter what we did to them.  I got rid of mine, I would have loved it but I could never get it to function reliably.  However, that was my experience with them, I have read that many people have them and they work great....?  As far as size/weight/carry friendly goes they are unbeatable.
Link Posted: 10/3/2005 9:26:48 PM EDT
[#5]
Any other first hand experiences with the Kel-tec ?
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 6:16:37 AM EDT
[#6]
bump
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 6:20:12 AM EDT
[#7]
I can say that I had a Beretta Bobcat in .22LR, and it was not reliable.
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 6:23:07 AM EDT
[#8]
Got a Colt mustang Plus II.  380, and cocked and locked carry.  Fits in my back pocket like a wallet.  Even though mine has the larger frame, it still fits easily and carry is not noticable.
The true Mustangs are even smaller, and pocketlites are lighter.  I got a great deal on mine used at $275, but be prepared to drop $400+ on one...

I looked at all teh others.  Seecamps, Keltecs and the rest of the lot.  I opted for this Mustang, and will carry no other.  THe other minis have reliability issues. The largewr 380s (PPK etc) are roughly the same size and weight as a Glock 27, so why carry 380 when a 40 is available.  

Look for a little colt and be prepared to spend some cash or forget teh 380 class guns and go for a little micro glock or Kahr.
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 6:34:47 AM EDT
[#9]
Sig p232.................if you have to get a .380........the p-239 is not much larger[9mm].......
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 7:00:57 AM EDT
[#10]
You live in NH so I will assume you wear a coat/vest this time of year and for a while to come. Maybe consider the Glock 26 or 27. I store the G27 in a truck safe and can quickly throw it in a coat pocket with small holster in a flash.
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 7:03:25 AM EDT
[#11]
I dont know how big you want, but the Bersa .380 is a GREAT pistol for the money and very reliable. Holds 7+1.
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 7:25:27 AM EDT
[#12]
Makarov.  
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 7:29:09 AM EDT
[#13]
Khar Arms, anything they make.  Top quality.  Or a Glock 26.
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 7:36:06 AM EDT
[#14]
i have carried my mouse gun for over 20 years, an astra constable in .32. I feel its enogh to give me time to get to a real gun if I need to...

8 rds in 2.7 seconds at 7ft in a 4" group, I dare anyone to get up afterwards and chase me.
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 7:38:10 AM EDT
[#15]

Quoted:
I dont know how big you want, but the Bersa .380 is a GREAT pistol for the money and very reliable. Holds 7+1.



+1 on the Bersa.  Just picked one up last month and I love it.
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 7:40:48 AM EDT
[#16]

Quoted:
Me and my two brothers each bought Keltec P3at's I think it was last year or so....none of us could ever get our guns to be reliable, no matter what we did to them.  I got rid of mine, I would have loved it but I could never get it to function reliably.  However, that was my experience with them, I have read that many people have them and they work great....?  As far as size/weight/carry friendly goes they are unbeatable.



Sounds like your brothers gun didn't work so he switched it with yours. I did that all the time with my little brothers.

try this one it might be just what you need.
http://70.84.217.219/cgi-bin/store/agora.cgi/agora.cgi?cart_id=1327094.15937*eJ8m51&product=Handguns&cart_id=1327094.15937*uE1kH8
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 7:59:57 AM EDT
[#17]

Quoted:
I can say that I had a Beretta Bobcat in .22LR, and it was not reliable.



My Bobcat is totally reliable once it was broke in.  Seemed to have some burrs at the top of the ramp or something.  I brushed the chamber real good and it runs perfectly now.

Shok
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 8:08:05 AM EDT
[#18]

Quoted:
Kel Tec P3AT



Plus 1, Bought one not too long ago, $239. Adventure outdoors in Smyrna
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 2:34:14 PM EDT
[#19]
I just read a review of the Kel-Tec P3AT on Jeff Quinn's Gunblast.com.  He said it was the best pocket self defense pistol out there.  

Is anyone familiar with this website and is it reputable?

If so, I think I have found my mousegun!
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 2:37:17 PM EDT
[#20]
I had a Kel Tek 9mm and it was by far the most unreliable pistol I have ever had. I would not trust my life to one. My .02

Tinstar
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 2:40:25 PM EDT
[#21]

Quoted:
Kel Tec P3AT

+1 with pocket clip
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 2:40:39 PM EDT
[#22]
I've got a Seecamp .32.

It's so small most gun people don't believe it's not a keychain or a lighter.

I can hit bowling pins at 20 yards, OK, not EVERY time, but it goes BANGBANGBANGBANGBAnGBANGBANG every time I take it out.

It's SMALLER than my wallet.  Very thin, very smooth, nothing (like sights) to snag on anything.

Plus, I think it would really hurt to catch a few of those in the gut.
Link Posted: 10/4/2005 2:43:03 PM EDT
[#23]
I've shot a Kel-Tec 3AT and the 9mm version.  I experienced no problems with either and the recoil was quite manageable.  
My sole complaint is the trigger on both.  Take up is very long and it stacks considerably at the end of the trigger stroke just before "breaking".  I'd have a gunsmith work the trigger over (BUT keep it safe) so it feels like the Kahr trigger (without the subsequent price tag).  Just my.02, but i'd be happier than hell if it had a more manageable trigger.
Link Posted: 10/5/2005 6:54:47 AM EDT
[#24]
BUMP  

for opinions on gunblast.com
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