Kel-Tec P3AT or PF9-which would you buy

[amboran]

Looking for another pocket pistol and would appreciate any experiences and/or sightings around local Indy area shops. Went to PSS last week first-good price on P3AT and P11 ,but no PF9's.Wife likes her P3AT mainly for it's size and dependability,but I like the 9mm better than .380 for many reasons.(price of ammo is a biggie) .KS&E had the best price on P3AT when wife bought hers there,so I may have to go back there. Anyone spot a PF9 lately? Thanks for any help or suggestions.

 

[dan lenson]

KS&E is out of PF9's ... checked today.

Believe their next shipment is due the 22nd of Feb, but you could call them to verify.

Their number's 899.1040.

 

[robbran144]

BGF had them a couple weeks ago for 259 the p3at that is.

 

[theweakerbrother]

I would shoot both of them before you decide, if you can. The P3AT is not fun to shoot and should be a last resort kind of tool to carry when nothing else is available. Try it both with and without the mag extension grip. The ammo for .380 is a bit harder to find than 9mm and is much more expensive.

The PF9 is not comfortable to shoot but more so than the P3AT. Ammo is easier to find and cheaper to obtain. The PF9 is a bit bigger and therefore is easier to carry. It is a little harder to conceal, especially if you are a smaller framed guy... Very slim. YMMV!

 

[piercedjp]

.380 is more expensive, but you will also not be shooting the P3AT too often. I put about 300 rounds through mine to break it in, and fire about 50 rounds every 6 months to keep it fresh. You really can't beat the concealment for the price.

 

[38special]

I sold be P3AT and bought the PF-9 - never looked back.

 

[sprshggy07]

pf9 because of the cheaper ammo and still very slim.

 

[slacker]

I picked up a PF9 in December for $266 out the door at PSS. When I was there they had both blued and parkerized in stock.

 

[Dogman]

Own both, can't go wrong with either.

 

[Cam]

Got rid of my P3AT for the PF9 also and never regretted it. But having both can never be bad!

 

[Cam]

Disregard this post, I live in Tipton County where new fangled resources like that there internet thingy don't always be workin like them folks say it should.

Sorry!

 

[LEaSH]

If you have access to .380 ammo, get the P3AT.

I like my pf9 with the hard chrome slide very much. We'll see how it holds up through summer carry, but so far it's a sweet little 9.

 

[GregD]

I have the P3AT and don't mind the recoil at all, great little pistol. I'm now looking for the PF-9 because I would like a little bigger pistol, more power and easier to handle. The hard chrome slide is the way to go.
If you live near a Rural King they have 380 for about $15/50.

 

[rockydog]

I have both. Like most posters have said, p3at is very small and fits in your pocket, PF-9 is slightly bigger but hides in your waist band easily, more powerful, better sights. I think both have manageable recoil and so does my 110lb wife. Practice with whatever you get and both will do their job.
note: if you're going to be carrying these a lot, I'd go for the park'ed or hard chromed versions

 

[LotsofGlocks]

PF9

 

[JohnP82]

if it is intended for pocket carry or deep concealment i would go with the p3at. both are good guns, but i cant carry the pf9 in most of my pockets. good luck in your decision.

 

[amboran]

Thanks for the ideas-I just need to find a PF9 in stock somewhere to compare "hands on" I guess. P3AT is still a favorite of mine even though it is snappy and not real comfortable to shoot at the range all day. PF9 may be too big to be pocket friendly.

 

[marv]

I have both. Like both. My only gripe is the PF9 doesn't fit any of my pockets. I can make both a lot more pleasant to shoot for cheap.

 

[HandK]

The P3AT is the one I would go with.

 

[Cam]

Don't discount the PF9 as a pocket carry option until you check one out yourself. I have had no issues carrying it in my pocket and is in fact exactly what I bought it for.

It seems to work for some but not for others. (Like most guns)