Pocket guns

[dusty14u]

Much better option?

Do they have better CS?-No
Do they have a better price point?- No
Are they more reliable? Open to discussion although Kahr or KT don't having sterling reputations in this area.
Are they more concealable?-No

Better options?

 

[jk2008]

+1 for KelTec

KelTec makes a good product. I've been carrying a KelTec P3AT for a couple of years now and like it. It weighs less than 12 ounces loaded so it is possible to forget you have it (the downside of this is you can also not realize that you DON'T have it, if you're not careful). It has a stiff--but manageable--kick but this really hasn't a problem since I didn't buy the gun to be an everyday plinker at the range.

Since the .380 Auto is a fairly anemic round, I've been thinking about getting a PF-9. It is only slightly larger than the P3AT and it has the advantage of 7+1 rnds of 9mm parabellum... but I don't know... that extra 7 ounces might be a deal breaker.

 

[kokapelli]

Much better option?

Do they have better CS?-No
Do they have a better price point?- No
Are they more reliable? Open to discussion although Kahr or KT don't having sterling reputations in this area.
Are they more concealable?-No

Better options?

I wouldn't know about Kahr's customer service because neither of the two Kahr pistols I own have ever failed to function. I purchased my K9 in 1995 and shot just about every brand of ammo available through it including hundreds of +P+ rounds and it has never failed to function.

My PM9 although much newer has also never failed to function.

As for price, yes IMO yes the kahr is a great value when you consider shoot ability, fit and finish and the fantastic trigger it has. Yes the the KT is cheaper in price, but also cheaper in overall construction.

I have owned ten Kel-Tec guns and I think they are usually ok for the price you pay for them, but please don't tell me they are just as good as all the more expensive guns.

The P11 I owned did work, but it also had the worst trigger of any gun I have ever owned.

The PF9 I owned was a problem gun that KT ended up replacing and by the way, it took two trips back to Kel-Tec and months of waiting to get it done.

The two KT P32 pistols I purchased both had to go back for reliability issues and the two P3AT pistols both needed the fluff and buff treatment before they were reliable. Yes you get what you pay for.

 

[kokapelli]

Since the .380 Auto is a fairly anemic round, I've been thinking about getting a PF-9. It is only slightly larger than the P3AT and it has the advantage of 7+1 rnds of 9mm parabellum... but I don't know... that extra 7 ounces might be a deal breaker.

What! The PF9 "is only slightly larger than the P3AT!"

 

[acmax95]

Thanks for the replies. All good info to keep in mind. I am going to keep looking around and doing some research for the next few days before I make any purchases.

I have set my budget at around $350. I haven't seen any Kahrs in that range and I don't think I can get an LC9 for that. I have settled on a 9mm. I do not want a .380 or anything less than that. If I can't find a 9 in this price range I will hold off until I can find one or possibly look into a snubbie .38.

Also, this is not going to be my only carry option, I currently carry a Glock 23. I am just looking for something I can drop in my pocket if I can't carry my Glock for whatever reason.

 

[momano]

I own a P3at, a S&W 442 snubbie, and I used to have a P11. I sold the P11 because the recoil aggravated my arthritis. The trigger on the P11 was worse than my snubbie's. I haven't even considered the PF9 because it's even lighter than the P11. I suggest you rent the pistols you are considering... if your problem with snubbies is the trigger; the kel-tecs may not be the choice for you. I rented the LC9 and loved it! It's a little heavier than the Kel-tecs and didn't bother my arthritis. I've seen the LC9 for $34--350. Good luck and report back when you make your choice!

 

[Otis2]

+1 for Kahr P380

Break-in on my P380 was a little touch and go. Now that I have 350 rounds through it, I love it.

Don't forget that other important part of the equation, the holster. Regardless of your choice of handgun, I highly recommend the Mika pocket Holsters. He will custom make for your gun and the pocket you carry in. The presentation of the gun is awesome and very easy, quick draw! Not the prettiest holster, but for my money, by far, the best!

Good luck with your decision and carry safe. By the way, I purchased my P380 used for $375 from a person not willing to run the break-in rounds! They can be found with patience in your price range.