Kel-tec P3AT or P-32

[5111]

Okay, I'm looking for a decent BUG and pocket pistol. Everyone on here seems to like Kel-tec for the price, so here is my question:

Which one?

I know that the .380 will pack more punch, but it will also not be any fun to shoot. I have a hard time buying a firearm that I won't like shooting. Sure, it is for self-defense, but I still want to be able to shoot it. The wife will also be shooting it. So, is the .380 that much more punishing to shoot than the .32, and is it that much more effective of a round in self-defense?

I know that there is always the p9, but it is really too big to slip into my pocket so not really an option.

Thanks for any input.

[mr surveyor]

I have both, and both serve their purpose. The P32 is on the very low side of a self defense round, but since "shot placement" counts, my wife should be o.k. She can handle her P32 very well. One advantage to the P32 is the empty magazine slide lock back. The P3AT does NOT have a slide lock back. A major advantage to the P3AT is the additional power from the .380 round. Even though the short barrel does sacrifice a bit of the potential of the .380, it is still very adequate for close range personal defense. Yes, the P3AT is a bit snappy, but with the Bersa finger rest added to the mag base plate a great deal of control is gained. The P3AT is much more sensitive to FTE's due to limp wristing due to it's diminuitive size/weight vs. cartridge/powre ratio. My wife can easily handle my P3AT, but does occassionally have a bit of limp wrist problems with it, so she insists on keeping her P32.

Either one should be fine for light weight carry.... GET BOTH

[Surcy]

After installing a hogue grip on my p3at I have enjoyed shooting it. Before it was not that much fun to shoot.

[longtooth]

My Mom is 77 yrs young & the 3AT is her pocket carry. She shoots it at the range & has no trouble controling the recoil. She does have a strong wrist so she has no trouble controling it. She likes it for pocket carry.

[OnTexasTime]

I have a P3AT and like it. Once I added the finger extentision mentioned above to the magazines I started gaining better control. It has just been a matter of learning to handle a smaller gun. I find shooting about 25 rounds at one time works best because the smaller backstrap does push into your hand.

[PhilR.]

If you plan on carrying, then get the P3AT. IMO the advantages of the larger caliber in a real-world situation outweigh the disadvantages. Yes, the .380 is a bit snappier, however all but the smallest of adults can handle it with proper training. And I would agree that the addition of a rubber grip will improve things even more.

My wife has no problems shooting our P3AT, and she is about 5'2" with hands to match. She is a limp-wrister, but so far has not had any FTF's. In fact, our P3AT has been 100% through about 320 rounds.

The lack of slide lock is not a big deal. It just changes the way you shoot at the range, but it doesn't make things more difficult. Take the mag out after you shoot the last round, fill it back up, insert, and rack the slide. No big deal.

It's been my experience that the .380 round is cheaper than the .32, but not by a huge amount.

PhilR.

[Rex B]

I have both. Eiterh is a good choice. The P32 is allegedly the more reliable if you stick with FMJ ball ammo. The P3At is a bit more stressed. Both mine work fine.
I don't notice any problem with recoil on the P3AT. On the other hand, my wife's Colt Agent .38 spl hurts my hand to shoot it.
Do get the mag extension/pinky rest on either but be aware that it may make it a little harder to draw from concealment. Also, it will no longer fit in that little zipper pouch with an extended mag inserted.

[CompVest]

PhilR. said "however all but the smallest of adults can handle it with proper training"

I do not agree with this statement, I am very small and I have no trouble handing it or an other gun I choose to shoot. It just is not the most comfortable gun to shoot, period.

[PhilR.]

PhilR. said "however all but the smallest of adults can handle it with proper training"

I do not agree with this statement, I am very small and I have no trouble handing it or an other gun I choose to shoot. It just is not the most comfortable gun to shoot, period.

OK, so you say you can handle it - just as I had mentioned - but you don't agree with my statement that a small person such as you can handle it. What's wrong with this picture?

I didn't say it would be comfortable. I just stated that it could be handled by most people, which you have just corroborated...

PhilR.

[Rex B]

I think you have to keep in mind that this is a last-ditch, self-defense weapon.
It's not going to be your daily range gun. You just need to shoot it enough to assure reliability, and to get familiar enough with it that you can use it effectively in the dark, under stress, perhaps in the rain etc. Then check it regularly. Most of these guns do not see high round counts.
Under these circumstances, it doesn't have to be comfortable, just controllable. If you ever have to use it for the intended purpose, recoil or "snappiness" will be an absolute non-issue.

As an aside, if you end up with one of each, the P32 is enough like the P3AT to be useful for low-impact training.

[shootthesheet]

P3AT if you are going to carry it. It is not a "shoot all day gun" but, fine for 50 rounds at a time. The .32 is less effective for self-defense and that is what counts for a BUG. The P3AT is accurate, at least the one I have is. It is easy to carry and conceal so it fits the role of BUG well.

[OnTexasTime]

The size if the .32 and the .380 is almost the same so you can conceal one about as easy as the other. The PF 9 is not that hard to conceal either. I know people that are carrying the PF 9 in the front pocket of their short pants without it showing.