S&W 442 vs Kel Tec p 3AT

[BRIGUY]

I currently have a 442 , but am flirting with the idea of a keltec , just looking for some opinions on the 2 guns ,I have made a list of categories and picked the winner for each , please let me know if you disagree with any , though I have never fired the keltec I have handled them and know a couple of people who own them. The only reason I am thinking about it is because I am more of a semiauto guy than a wheel gunner.
Quality = SW
Stopping power = SW
Reliability = SW
concealability and comfort =Keltec
capacity = Keltec
reloading ease = Keltec
Trigger = I only fired the SW and it is a long heavy trigger , doubt the keltec is any worse
Holding Value $ = As long as the keltec is a nonMA compliant gun I can see it staying in the same class as the SW

 

[GLOCK.Perfection]

I have the p3at . Can't really beat it for pocket carry. it is just so light and small. 7 rounds of good 380 is not bad either. However, he trigger is pretty crappy, and you cant really aim it well.

 

[richc]

I own both and have carried both. Currently the KelTec is in my pocket most of the time.

It is smaller, lighter and more easily concealed. Of course 38+p ammo out of a 442 has it all over the .380.

Fit and finish I give the edge to the 442. The KelTec is a polymer gun. It looks plain, even unappealing. It is a very utilitarian design. Having said that it is a shooter. Not a hiccup so far.

Trigger on the 442 is long and hard, but I understand a good gunsmith can make smooth it out. Trigger on the KelTec is very long. With the KelTec you have learn to pull the trigger back just so far, stop, and then have a short trigger pull for firing. That way the trigger pull causes less jitter in your shot.

I hate shooting the 442. It hurts. The webbing in my hand hurts. It is not fun at all. FYI I have a KelTec P11 as well, and it causes the same discomfort in the same place.

The KelTec is not a fun gun to shoot, but is definitely tolerable. It does not hurt. And the P3AT is clearly a very accurate handgun for the size.

In the end, I have not carried the 442 in a while. I carry the KelTec everyday.

For the record I held a Sig 238 recently and am salivating. Small, refined and very cool looking. I'm thinking it would fit in a pocket very well.

 

[Coyote33]

Am also considering a Keltec P3AT. (It took me a while before I found out the 3AT=.380 which is kind of lame but now understandable.)

They are flat and light and disappear in a front pocket or coat pocket.

The sights/aiming/accuracy are fine for the intended purpose, which is basically ranging from a belly gun to 10 yards, maybe 20 yards.

The price is decent as well.

The hardest part for me is deciding on green, grey, or black; but I'm leaning towards grey.

If I was going to get something heavier, I would lean towards a Kahr K40 maybe over the revolvers. Maybe.

 

[stoneypete]

Ditto to EVERYTHING richc just posted as I too own both and my experience/accessment is the same. The Keltec is in my pocket right now.

BTW richc, you had me looking into a Sig 238. It's basically the same as the Colt Pocket light that I did not like and sold years ago.

 

[Gammon]

I don't own either, but I prefer a revolver (model 60 with a shrouded hammer) over a semi auto for pocket carry. 38 SPL +P is a lot better than .380. My definition of a pocket pistol is one that can be fired from a pocket more than once.

 

[fbirdquik6]

I have 2 642's, an LCP, and a P3at. They are all excelent guns, however the .380's are unbelievable for pocket carry and go everywhere, while the J-Frames are perfect to just throw IWB on the way out the door, on the ankle for long trips, and to throw in a jacket pocket. Both have their place.