Kel-tec P3AT or Crimson Trace for my J-Frame?

[nhughesmd]

Well, I have some money burning a hole in my pocket and I need some help making a decision. I have boiled it down to two options and would like to hear your opinions.

I have a S&W 638 (Airweight J-frame) that I love. I have heard that adding crimson trace laser grips help in speed and accuracy when you need it. It makes sense to me and I have wanted a pair for quite some time.

On the other hand, I have wanted one of those little Kel-tec's for quite some time too. They seem like they would be considerably slimmer and lighter for pocket carry. And I have heard great things about them.

They both cost about the same through my dealer. Of course I would have to spend more on the kel-tec buying holsters, magazines and ammo etc. What do you think?

[JSPA]

id vote keltec - its summer and theyre in style! ha ha!
i have one and its a wicked little carry gun. it is nearly invisable with everything i wear and feels very comfortable due to it being so light and thin. a friend of mine has the ct grips on his s&w; personally i think theyre pretty cool but most of your encounters (which we all hope we never have) will be so close and crazy, that i think most people will just point and shoot without ever taking in consideration the laser.
plus, more guns are always a good thing. just my opinion.

[Emptymag]

Can't even begin to guess what would be best for YOU...

For me, I couldn't carry a revolver in my pocket. Actually, I wouldn't carry anything in my pocket. (at least not without a pocket holster) I have the Kel-Tec P32 and I use an inexpensive nylon IWB holster. The thing is so lightweight, I can carry it even if I slip on a pair of lightweight shorts with an elastic waistband. I'd like to "trade-up" to the .380 at some point. That's a lot of bang in a package that small/thin/light.
I try not to let clothing dictate what I carry, but I get hot easily and in warm weather, I have to wear the lightest clothing I can, so that's why I would choose the P3AT. You gotta do what works for you.

Good luck with your purchase!

[Johannes_Paulsen]

Confucius say:

Always better to learn the gun you have now than get a gun you know not.

[TonyF]

I would advise the crimson trace.

You already have a pocket pistol in the J frame. Enhance your capabilities with that before buying another firearm.

The CT's work very well on the J frame format.

[djturnz]

you could actually get the factory pocket clip for the Kel-Tec and not get any holsters yet.

You could always keep an eye out on ebay and gun broker for a deal on laser grips.

[DaveM55]

Let me tell you the Kel-tec P3AT is NOT a range gun.

It is not fun to shoot, but I love carrying it.

The most I ever put thru it at one time is 50 rounds and I had muscles hurting I didn't even know I had.

It is a great little carry gun and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[nhughesmd]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the input! It sounds like people love to carry their P3AT's.

Does anyone have both a Kel-tec P3AT and a J-frame with Crimson trace laser grips that can give me their pref.?

Also has anyone on this forum tried the new LG 105 Defender series?
Thanks

[Joeg52]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the input! It sounds like people love to carry their P3AT's.

Does anyone have both a Kel-tec P3AT and a J-frame with Crimson trace laser grips that can give me their pref.?

Also has anyone on this forum tried the new LG 105 Defender series?
Thanks

I don't have a Kel-tec but I have a S&W340 with crimson trace 405. I say get the crimson trace. They work great and help a lot in learning point shooting.

[Charlie B]

Let me tell you the Kel-tec P3AT is NOT a range gun.

It is not fun to shoot, but I love carrying it.

The most I ever put thru it at one time is 50 rounds and I had muscles hurting I didn't even know I had.

It is a great little carry gun and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I disagree; it is a fun gun to shoot! And, I take it to the range regularly and shoot at least 100 rounds each trip, and as many as 250 in one trip.

At 15 feet, I can “hip” shoot it almost as good as any other piece I may carry. With arm extended 1 hand grip, I can get 5” or better groups well within the critical mass – double taps in rapid succession, weak hand or strong hand.

How accurate does it have to be? Any “justifiable” self defense situation will surely take place within 10 or 15 foot max, and will probably not allow for a 2 hand grip and the use of sights anyway. Granted, it’s not nearly as accurate as my Sigma, Bersa, or S&W 19, or as effective as my shotguns, but I can CC it much better than any of the above.

As far as reliability, after break-in I have not had any problems. I usually shoot white box from Wally World but they were out and only had Remington 88 Gr. JHP (picked up 500 rounds). I didn’t notice they were Hollow Pts until I got to the range, and then figured I was in for problems, especially Failure To Feeds. No problems – 300 rounds later.

If you prep and break it in as described on the Ktog forum, looks like a reliable little carry piece. I feel comfortable carrying this as a primary weapon for CC in the summer or as a backup anytime.

Take a look at KTOG.org (Kel-Tec Owners Group) where you will find everything you need to know about break in, fluff & buff, etc.

I’ve put about 1200 rounds through mine in 2 months and don’t hesitate to carry it. As a matter of fact, it’s fast becoming my favorite carry.