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Need help deciding on a gun

bpost
My KEL TEC  P-3AT fell apart.  No kidding.  There is a black plastic gizmo on the bottom of the hand grip just behind the magazine well.  One day I noticed a thing in my pocket after removing the gun and pocket holster, it was this plastic piece.  I put it back in not thinking much of it.  Well it must hold important things in that are GONE.  The gun will not fire the hammer never C0cks fully when pulling the trigger.
I tried five times to register a warranty claim on KEL TEC's web page.  I could hit submit until the cows come home and it would not submit the query. So much for website quality control.  I wonder about the gun when important parts can just fall off in your pocket rendering it useless.
I have lost faith in the gun, it is my POCKET carry gun.  I do NOT want a holster inside my waist band, too fat, too hot and uncomfortable to drive with for the hours I drive.  I want to use a pocket carry holster carrying the gun in my right front pocket, real wallet in the left front.  It does not look like a gun, it looks like a wallet in my pocket.
I purchased the KEL TEC because it is very small and light.  Those two features are vital to me.
Please recommend a .380 that I should look at.  I saw a Ruger LCR II today and it seems to have the same plastic thing in the same place as the KEL TEC.
Cost is not a factor in deciding, up to $750 is fine but weight, .380 cal and reliability are vital.  Oh, and having one where parts do not fall off in your pocket would be nice too.
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Comments

20 comments

Date Votes
  • savage170

    It's heavier but 100% reliable I have a NAA Guardian that I have carried in my pocket for years

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  • KenK/84Bravo

    Call Kel Tec. They have excellent customer service. I try very hard not to do web sights. I prefer to talk to a human being, especially on Customer service issues.

    Probably larger than you would like, but the best .380 I have shot/fired and own, hands down, is a Bersa Thunder .380. I love mine.

    3
  • William81
    Kahr P380...I have owned one for over 10 years.  Easy to pocket carry in the right holster.  Only issue I have had with it was a faulty magazine that caused a couple FTE.  Never had an issue using other magazines...
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  • Ricci.Wright
    Take a look at the Kahr PM380. Very light and they shoot great. You can get them with night sjghts and CT Lasers too.
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  • bpost
    Thanks all!  I will call KEL TEC in the AM.  Not sure where they are hope the lock down debacle does not have them closed up.  I will go look at some of the guns you have recommended.
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  • savage170
    They're located in Cocoa Florida here is their phone number (321) 631-0068
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  • asop
    Colt Mustang.
    3
  • KenK/84Bravo

    Every interaction i have ever had with Kel -Tec, they have been excellent and exremely helpful.

    I own 4 Kel -Tec's. One of which is a P11. Smallest 11 shot 9mm on the market, to my knowledge. Not a whole lot larger than a .380. Look at one of those also, if you do not get your P3AT up and running.(But) I bet Kel-Tec CS will pleasantly surprise you.

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  • SCOUT5
    I have a Ruger LCP but I haven't carried it long enough to vouch for it's durability.   My normal is a pocket carried .smith 38.   I carry the LCP when even the revolver is to large,
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  • KenK/84Bravo

    I would agree with that. Out of all my handguns, my S&W 642 Airweight in .38spcl. Is my go to. Very pocketable.

    I have a lot to choose from. This has gravitated to my most carried.

    A lot of people here, have them. Look at the last "What is your favorite CCW," thread.

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  • waltermoe

    Colt Mustang Plus 2, with the longer grip it is more comfortable in your hand, you can’t go wrong with a colt.

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  • carrie2
    I have carried a S&W Sigma 380 for years. Maybe look at a 2.0 or similar!
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  • jimdeere
    We shot my BIL’s Kahr 380 today. We were hitting a 12” steel plate at 25 yds. pretty consistently, even with crappy sights. I think the newer ones have much better sights.
    I recommend the Kahr 380 for what you need.
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  • montanajoe
    • Community moderator
    Ruger LCR
    Ruger LCP
    SIG P238
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  • drobs
    Depending on the size of your pocket... Ruger LC9S Pro is what I pocket carry in Walmart Wrangler Cargo Shorts for the summer.
    A little too big for jeans in cold weather. Carry a spare mag with the gun and pocket holster and it looks / prints like a wallet or cell phone.
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  • NeoBlackdog
    LCP.  
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  • rufe-snow
    I've owned 4 Kel-Tec's, since my first one.  P 11, in 1996. i have found them very responsive, in most instances. When calling customer service, with problems with their guns.  They have either sent me repair parts gratius. Or advised me to send the firearm back to them for repair.

    Before buying another .380. I would give Kel-Tec's, customer service folks a call. Incidentally the part that broke in your pistol is called the "Hammer Spring Catch". I'm sure their customer service folks, would send you a replacement.

    Had a couple similar problems with my P 11, when it was my EDC.  I'm sure your P 3AT, would be as simple to repair as was my P 11. As noted above, they sent me the replacement parts for free.
    3
  • Warbirds

    If you are set on a 380, why not a Glock 42?

    This one has Tru Glow sights from the factory.


    Glock 42 .380 Subcompact w/ TruGlo Sights NIB - Semi Auto Pistols at GunBroker.com : 866115042
    Buy Glock 42 .380 Subcompact w/ TruGlo Sights NIB: GunBroker is the largest seller of Semi Auto Pistols Pistols Guns & Firearms All


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  • grdad45
    Sold my Keltec P3AT and got a Ruger LCPII. The main difference is the Ruger trigger pull, MUCH easier to shoot. Both Keltec and Ruger have great customer service. 
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  • mogley98
    I am a little guy and I pocket carry the SW bodyguard 380 no problem

    Just bought on here a S&W 911 9MM heavier slightly bigger don't like as much but a larger person could probably pocket carry this one. Sig P238 or 938 if you like 1911 style. I might try the Sig 365 next. I have a Ruger LCP and LC9 they work, I have the Taurus versions to but they don't feed hollow points well. The Taurus PT709 Slim 9 is a good carry  and while were at it the Glock 40 whatever in 380 or 9 work for pocket carry too
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