Pocket Pistols...

[sailor2000]

For reasons to be found in my other recent post here, it seems to be time to buy something more easily concealed than my usual SIG P220. I found an interesting chart

http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf

and wanted some user input... are Kel Tecs any good???? Are they reliable?

Looked at a Kahr Micro 40 today.. are they worth the money???

Any other pocket rockets that are worth looking at?

Thanks

[smokin]

I carry a Kel Tec P32 a lot in the summer when I just wear T shirt and shorts. Mine has never failed to fire and will fit in a front pocket easily.

[AggieMM]

I have a Kel-Tec P3-AT. I really like it as a pocket pistol. The only failures I have had (2) were caused by me, "limp wrist'n" it on my first range trip. It is a little snappy, but once you get used to it, it works well.

Ryan

[longtooth]

The .32 has shown to be totally reliable.
The 3AT will be reliable or totally unreliable depending on who you talk to.
There was a thread on them some few months ago.
Mine was one of the unreliable 2. Got mom one & it had to go back for fluff & buff. She now pocket carries it & has no issues when at the range, not even w/ reloads. I had one too & it had to go back. Traded it a few weeks ago. I had no issues w/ it the 2 yrs I carried it. Evidently the forum member I traded w/ has not either.
Or maybe he has not shot it as I have not yet shot the one I got from him.
You may get a good one out of the box & you may not.
I am not opposed to owning another Kel_Tec, but I will never, Never , NEVER buy a new one.
YMMV.
LT.

[9mmGuy]

I own a KT P11 9mm and carry it as my "hot weather" piece. Although I have had problems with it (here). I have fixed it and shot it and still carry it. I like it so much cause it is so easy to conceal with no cover garment. I hear khars are nice but cost a lot more then the little Kel Tecs. Good Luck.

[pbandjelly]

here's my pocket gun.
Taurus, .357 Mag. Titanium Frame


course, now it's got a LAZER GRIP!!! the laaaazer also doubles as a cat toy.
werd.

[9mmGuy]

course, now it's got a LAZER GRIP!!! the laaaazer also doubles as a cat toy.
werd.

My cat used to climb the walls chasing one of the pen lasers. o that was to funny to watch!!

[pbandjelly]

course, now it's got a LAZER GRIP!!! the laaaazer also doubles as a cat toy.
werd.

My cat used to climb the walls chasing one of the pen lasers. o that was to funny to watch!!

life truly does not get any better than that.
The guy who sold it tells me, "This battery'll last ya forever. or four hours if you have pets."

thank gawd CrimsonTrace gives you a free replacement battery with your warranty card!!!

[Rex B]

Your has to be one of the most oft-asked questions on any of the gun forums.
Since they are almost all plastic - and look it, and are at least $100 cheaper than anything comparable, it's a natural question.

Best explanation I saw about KT quality goes something like this:

Keltecs are well-designed and produced by state-of-the-art CNC machines.
They have no post-production quality control to speak of, but they have a world-class customer srevice team. They expect the customer to fill that QC role in exchange for the low price. So if you get one of the few problem units, you send it in to the factory. They promptly fix the problem, even to the point of sending you a new gun, which they have checked, polished etc.

I have one of each, and I like them a lot. I don't shoot them much, but I am confident any of them will go Bang when I ask it to.

Whichever one you get, put an Armalaser on it.

[Glockamolie]

Kahr - PM9 over the 40, personally. The 40 is a little "snappy" with typical defense loads. I don't own the PM9 or 40, but have shot a few. I THINK you have a better chance of getting one that goes BANG moreso than the KelTec P11. I was attracted by the low price and high capacity of the KelTec, but I didn't want to be the beta tester. I bought a CW9 (cheap version of the P9), which is bigger than the PM9. I have had zero problems with it, but it is too big for the pocket. I want to get a PM9 to have that option.

KelTec P32 vs 3AT - I agree that the .32 has shown to be more reliable. I never had a problem with mine, carried in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I think they've conquered the "rim lock" problem when using hollowpoints, but I don't think it matters. That .32 isn't going to expand much anyway. I'd go with some quality ball ammo even for carry in that one, personally. Just use several per person if necessary.

[RKirby]

I had one too & it had to go back. Traded it a few weeks ago. I had no issues w/ it the 2 yrs I carried it. Evidently the forum member I traded w/ has not either.
Or maybe he has not shot it as I have not yet shot the one I got from him.
You may get a good one out of the box & you may not.
I am not opposed to owning another Kel_Tec, but I will never, Never , NEVER buy a new one.
YMMV.
LT.

Trade for a used one that someone else has worked the bugs out of already like I did.

Oh, BTW LT...you're right. I've not had any problems with the Kel-Tec. I'm really impressed with it so far. I've put about 100 rounds through it up to this point, equally split between JHP's and FMJ's. No failures of any kind, even with the cheapest ammo I could find. I might even keep this one for myself and find a .32 for my wife.

Now get out there and burn some rounds through that fine Marlin that I swapped. It's been idle too long already.

[longtooth]

I really intend to in the morning.
Glad the KT is doing well for you.
I am far better pleased w/ the T85.
I got a Miami Classic for it & I wear it under a colored snap shirt. No jacket or vest. All the kids & grammaws at the church can hug all over the preacher & never find it. Tucks right up in my armpit.

[nitrogen]

I really intend to in the morning.
Glad the KT is doing well for you.
I am far better pleased w/ the T85.
I got a Miami Classic for it & I wear it under a colored snap shirt. No jacket or vest. All the kids & grammaws at the church can hug all over the preacher & never find it. Tucks right up in my armpit.

What do you recommend for shoulder holster carry of a snubnose? Horizontal or vertical? I'm looking for something for my gunshow purchase last week.

[longtooth]

For a snubbie I like horizontal in a Miammi Classic. You can barely see the mag carriers on the right side. I really spent a long time deciding on the shoulder rig. Borrowed one & wore it then kept thinking & deciding. I do like it. I spent all day today in the gun room sorting brass & reloading. It is comfortable. Still have it on at the Comp. You have a lot better chest than I do so you could wear a bigger gun horizontal than I can. A comander size 1911 starts getting close to the front or the back for me.

This is the T85 in the Miami Classic.



With a Kaki Shirt tucked. The shirt is not 2 sizes too big either. Neatly tucks.
For Sunday I wear it under a snap colored or print shirt.
Wore a Polo shirt Wed night & was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to get too. Lift in the front & reach for the armpit.

[sailor2000]

Thanks for the replies....

I am having a hard time convincing myself that I should carry anything that does not have a caliber that begins with a 4....

and no.. I am NOT trying to start a debate on THAT issue... given my druthers I would have an AK under my desk...

What about Glock 27 vs XD sub compact... they look 'almost' as small and concealable... any other .40 sub compacts I should consider???