P3AT and J-frame comparison and reviews

Coyote33

Coyote33

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Could someone here post a side by side comparison picture and maybe specs (thickness, weight, etc.) of these two?

I know the P3AT is a good "pocket pistol", but not sure about the J-frames, especially in comparison to these.

Also, is there a good place to compare the many different J-frame models? If I were to spring for one, I would think the lightest possible is the best.

Thanks.
 
Coyote33 said:
Could someone here post a side by side comparison picture and maybe specs (thickness, weight, etc.) of these two?

I know the P3AT is a good "pocket pistol", but not sure about the J-frames, especially in comparison to these.

Also, is there a good place to compare the many different J-frame models? If I were to spring for one, I would think the lightest possible is the best.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Don't have pictures, but it comes down to the size of your pockets. I know the grips stick out of your average jeans, at least the size/style I generally wear. Switched to some cargo pants - literally lost a loaded magazine in those pockets, so I imagine a j-frame would tuck in quite nicely.

Lightest might not always be best, remember that you have to handle those bad boys. They are snappy enough in full steel.
 
I don't know about anyone else but a J frame has never been "pocketable" for me. Way too big. The Ruger LCP fits that role perfectly for me. I rarely pocket carry though. If I do, it's just around the house with the LCP dropped in the hip pocket.
 
12272011116.jpg

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12272011118.jpg
 
Thanks. It would be nice to see the revolver overlaid atop the pistol. It looks like the P3AT is holding the advantage in size. Not sure about weight. Most likely in price also. I wonder where the PF-9 fits in. What I really want is a Kahr PM9, but that is out of the current budget.
 
Coyote33 said:
Thanks. It would be nice to see the revolver overlaid atop the pistol. It looks like the P3AT is holding the advantage in size. Not sure about weight. Most likely in price also. I wonder where the PF-9 fits in. What I really want is a Kahr PM9, but that is out of the current budget.
Click to expand...

12272011118.jpg

12272011119.jpg


I can do the PF9 after dinner.
 
Awesome! The PF-9 next to each would be great. If it is not too much bigger than the P3AT, that is most likely the best route to take.
 
Thank you SO much. The P3AT is still the size winner, and most likely weight. It looks like the PF-9 could have been made smaller, if they shortened the barrel and got rid of the stupid "rail" under it, as well as paring down the trigger guard a bit.

The Glock as a block/bookend was a nice touch.
 
I love my j-frame and pocket carry without problem. I had a PF9 and love it's size but didn't love the recoil as it weighed next to nothing. I sold it fast. So I assume the P3AT is even worse as it is smaller and lighter.

I'm thinking about an LC9 but I'm afraid I'll have the same concern as the Keltec.
 
Reconsidering this. Need to see if they are still coming in under $300. Just too hot out for anything bigger/heavier.
 
The P3 is my daily. It's not a range gun - meaning that while it is accurate and the recoil is manageable it isn't 'fun' to shoot, but I suspect none of he super compacts are. I shoot it enough to stay proficient with it and take bigger guns to he range for fun.
 
The P3 is my daily carry as well. I haven't seen +P ammo for it, but it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I also own a S&W 642 that I used to pocket carry as well. I found that the cylinder of the revolver created a pattern on my Levi's that to me screamed gun. So for summer carry I found the P3 works best for me.
 
I've been on the fence for a pocket gun in MA for a while now. I like the P3AT, but the MA premium makes it almost as expensive as a bodyguard.

Anyways, during my search I found this image of a P3AT and a bodyguard side by side.
IMG_2982.jpg
 
If nothing else, the Kel-Tec wins in the looks department. Just wish they would blend in that bump on the slide a bit. I think they call it a "melt treatment" for carry guns.
 
The trigger on the Kel tec is way better than the Bodyguard. You need to put 50 through it to break it in (dry fire helps too) and it smoothes up nice.
 
Coyote33 said:
Do they make +P .380 ammunition? Do the P3AT's take +P ammunition also?
Click to expand...
Rockrivr1 said:
The P3 is my daily carry as well. I haven't seen +P ammo for it, but it doesn't mean it doesn't exist
Click to expand...
Found AN answer to this:
search.brave.com

Brave Search

Search the web privately ...
search.brave.com search.brave.com

Not sure if it is +P, or if the gun is even rated for +P, for that matter.


turbo89 said:
I've been on the fence for a pocket gun in MA for a while now. I like the P3AT, but the MA premium makes it almost as expensive as a bodyguard.
Click to expand...
Turns out the Ruger LCP (original) was a very close copy (with improvements such as bolt catch) to the P3AT. After some research, I see there is now an LCP II, which improves on that even further (sights, trigger, serrations, hold open on empty magazine). Now, there is an LCP Max, which has a higher capacity in the same size. So, you could get 10 rounds to the J-frame's 5 rounds.

Just wishing they made something this size in 9mm.
 
Before the LCP Max became a thing, I had written off .380s in favor of the .327 LCR as capacity was close enough and the .327 and .32 Magnum having bullets that weighed more, had higher velocity, and better sectional density made them superior to .380 ACP. The 10+1 of the LCP Max does give me pause, but I think the bottom line would be if the slightly thicker LCP Max is just as poor to shoot as the other LCP's are, then I'd rather go with a snub revolver, which I know I shoot well with.

So, I think this topic is a bit outdated.
 
I'm left wondering why, in this day and age, if they can make a titanium .357 Magnum the same size as a .38 snub, they can't make a titanium 9mm the same size as the .380 LCP (II or Max!).

I get that the light weight makes them not fun to shoot, but that isn't the point here.
 

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