First pistol? Kel-Tec380?

[oakleyTRD]

if you have the cash i would recommend a Beretta 84 or 85. its a .380 auto and very slim, mag carries 8 +1 and its a Beretta so you know its good. The 84 that I shoot was my grandfathers, purchased new in 1975. The gun as seem minimal maintenance (only oil and regular cleanings) in the past 30 years and it still shoots awesome.

[SNWMN209]

Originally Posted by texasbowhunter

I have a Ruger .380 that I carry a lot in the summer time because it is easily concealed. I mainly use it when I'm wearing shorts and t-shits. I like the pistol but it takes some getting used to because of the heavy double action trigger pull and the small frame. It is basically the same pistol you're talking about.(250 sounds about right for the price)
If I were you, for your first pistol I would get a sub compact. I carry a Glock 23 (.40) and love it. The .380 is probably the smallest caliber you want to use for personal protection. With a sub compact you have a gun that still can be concealed, high capacity mags. more accurate, easier to shoot, and a lot more confidence in my opinion. I would not buy a .380 for your first pistol. Just my opinion, hope this helps.

I agree.. I also carry the Ruger LCP .380. It was between the Kaltec and the Ruger. When I had them side by side it was no contest. the Ruger is an all around better gun. Not saying the Kaltec isn't, but next to the Ruger it looked like cheap plastic. (i will try and post pics of the Ruger)
The price sound about right, depending on where you live. Here in East TN, its really hard to find guns like these.. The Ruger was $380. So if I could find one for 250 I would snatch it up. hope this helps..

[EMTaco]

Ok...here goes. It completely depends on your intended application...and your body type...and your price range...and what kind of clothing you wear. I have three handguns which I switch out for carry, completely depending on the situation. My carry guns are a Glock 19, a Glock 27, and a Kel-Tec P3AT. I love my 27 and it is the gun I'd choose to carry any day of the week (usually with the Kel-Tec in my pocket anyway). However, sometimes it's just flat out not practical. I'm almost 6'2'' and skinny. I cannot carry a Glock in slacks and a polo without it printing like hell: which is exactly why I own the P3AT. The Kel-Tec is NOT junk. When Ruger takes the time to COMPLETELY copy a weapon, it can't be that bad. No its not a gun for taking to the range and putting lots of lead downrange. That isn't because it won't hold up to it, it's because the ammo is expensive and it's absolutely not a comfortable gun to put lots of rounds through. The grip is skinny and pounds into your palm every time you pull the trigger. It has a short barrel and is very difficult to shoot accurately beyond 8-10 feet. It is loud. However, none of these detract from its effectiveness in a life or death situation at realistic engagement distances. Per the NYPD, 90% of their LEO involved shootings occurred @ less than 15 feet....thats five yards...thats across the living room. If you are simply looking for something that will be effective in a life or death situation, the Kel-Tec can be fine. However, go into it realizing that it simply WILL NOT have the stopping power of a larger caliber. I carry my .40 when I can...I carry the .380 when I have to. I am a strong believer that it's better to have a peashooter in your pocket than a bazooka in the truck. All that said, the Kel-Tec is not a bad weapon. However, my recommendation would be against it as a FIRST weapon. Reason being: You need to be completely confident and competent before wandering out into society armed. If you try to shoot the bad guy and you shoot the little kid behind him...you've done no one any good. The P3AT is not a good 'learning' gun. If you have a lot of experience, then this point may be moot, but judging from your post and the fact that you don't already own handguns, I'm assuming you don't. Shooting handguns takes time and practice. A mid or full size 9mm, though not nearly as easy to conceal, will serve you much better while learning. It will be more comfortable to shoot, the ammo is cheaper, and you can put thousands of rounds downrange with it. So that's my suggestion...get an easier gun for your first, but don't buy it to carry right off the bat. Buy it to learn. Once you're comfortable and capable, then start looking for a carry weapon, and by no means should you overlook the Kel-Tec for the job.
Good luck and be safe!
-Mitch

[SNWMN209]

Originally Posted by EMTaco

Ok...here goes. It completely depends on your intended application...and your body type...and your price range...and what kind of clothing you wear. I have three handguns which I switch out for carry, completely depending on the situation. My carry guns are a Glock 19, a Glock 27, and a Kel-Tec P3AT. I love my 27 and it is the gun I'd choose to carry any day of the week (usually with the Kel-Tec in my pocket anyway). However, sometimes it's just flat out not practical. I'm almost 6'2'' and skinny. I cannot carry a Glock in slacks and a polo without it printing like hell: which is exactly why I own the P3AT. The Kel-Tec is NOT junk. When Ruger takes the time to COMPLETELY copy a weapon, it can't be that bad. No its not a gun for taking to the range and putting lots of lead downrange. That isn't because it won't hold up to it, it's because the ammo is expensive and it's absolutely not a comfortable gun to put lots of rounds through. The grip is skinny and pounds into your palm every time you pull the trigger. It has a short barrel and is very difficult to shoot accurately beyond 8-10 feet. It is loud. However, none of these detract from its effectiveness in a life or death situation at realistic engagement distances. Per the NYPD, 90% of their LEO involved shootings occurred @ less than 15 feet....thats five yards...thats across the living room. If you are simply looking for something that will be effective in a life or death situation, the Kel-Tec can be fine. However, go into it realizing that it simply WILL NOT have the stopping power of a larger caliber. I carry my .40 when I can...I carry the .380 when I have to. I am a strong believer that it's better to have a peashooter in your pocket than a bazooka in the truck. All that said, the Kel-Tec is not a bad weapon. However, my recommendation would be against it as a FIRST weapon. Reason being: You need to be completely confident and competent before wandering out into society armed. If you try to shoot the bad guy and you shoot the little kid behind him...you've done no one any good. The P3AT is not a good 'learning' gun. If you have a lot of experience, then this point may be moot, but judging from your post and the fact that you don't already own handguns, I'm assuming you don't. Shooting handguns takes time and practice. A mid or full size 9mm, though not nearly as easy to conceal, will serve you much better while learning. It will be more comfortable to shoot, the ammo is cheaper, and you can put thousands of rounds downrange with it. So that's my suggestion...get an easier gun for your first, but don't buy it to carry right off the bat. Buy it to learn. Once you're comfortable and capable, then start looking for a carry weapon, and by no means should you overlook the Kel-Tec for the job.
Good luck and be safe!
-Mitch

LOL. yes Ruger may have copied the gun but I would take the copy any day.

[Cheesy Taco]

I find the gun that best works for self defense is the one that you have. What I mean is if you are uncomfortable carrying a large heavy gun, you wont carry it. Sure, if you have unlimited funds there may be better guns than the Kel-Tec but most of us dont have the funds. Bottom line, find something you can make habbit or carrying. I'd like to carry my AR-15 but it doesnt fit in my pocket.

[GotLift37]

wow thanks everyone for the information. Yes it will be my first handgun. First gun no. I may just go out to a few gun stores with firing range and see what I can do. See if they let people test them or what.

[ColdZeroBSP]

The only thing Keltecs are good for is hitting yourself in the head while you scream "I should've bought a Glock!"

[Front sight]

Originally Posted by EMTaco

Ok...here goes. It completely depends on your intended application...and your body type...and your price range...and what kind of clothing you wear. I have three handguns which I switch out for carry, completely depending on the situation. My carry guns are a Glock 19, a Glock 27, and a Kel-Tec P3AT. I love my 27 and it is the gun I'd choose to carry any day of the week (usually with the Kel-Tec in my pocket anyway). However, sometimes it's just flat out not practical. I'm almost 6'2'' and skinny. I cannot carry a Glock in slacks and a polo without it printing like hell: which is exactly why I own the P3AT. The Kel-Tec is NOT junk. When Ruger takes the time to COMPLETELY copy a weapon, it can't be that bad. No its not a gun for taking to the range and putting lots of lead downrange. That isn't because it won't hold up to it, it's because the ammo is expensive and it's absolutely not a comfortable gun to put lots of rounds through. The grip is skinny and pounds into your palm every time you pull the trigger. It has a short barrel and is very difficult to shoot accurately beyond 8-10 feet. It is loud. However, none of these detract from its effectiveness in a life or death situation at realistic engagement distances. Per the NYPD, 90% of their LEO involved shootings occurred @ less than 15 feet....thats five yards...thats across the living room. If you are simply looking for something that will be effective in a life or death situation, the Kel-Tec can be fine. However, go into it realizing that it simply WILL NOT have the stopping power of a larger caliber. I carry my .40 when I can...I carry the .380 when I have to. I am a strong believer that it's better to have a peashooter in your pocket than a bazooka in the truck. All that said, the Kel-Tec is not a bad weapon. However, my recommendation would be against it as a FIRST weapon. Reason being: You need to be completely confident and competent before wandering out into society armed. If you try to shoot the bad guy and you shoot the little kid behind him...you've done no one any good. The P3AT is not a good 'learning' gun. If you have a lot of experience, then this point may be moot, but judging from your post and the fact that you don't already own handguns, I'm assuming you don't. Shooting handguns takes time and practice. A mid or full size 9mm, though not nearly as easy to conceal, will serve you much better while learning. It will be more comfortable to shoot, the ammo is cheaper, and you can put thousands of rounds downrange with it. So that's my suggestion...get an easier gun for your first, but don't buy it to carry right off the bat. Buy it to learn. Once you're comfortable and capable, then start looking for a carry weapon, and by no means should you overlook the Kel-Tec for the job.
Good luck and be safe!
-Mitch

Very good advice and info. You saved me some typing.

I'm LEO and I carry my P3AT off duty. I got it way before the LCP was around. It's not a beginners gun by any means. If you "limp wrist it" it will jam. It's also heavy on the recoil.
I can afford "nicer" guns but why? It goes bang when pull the trigger. It is stupid easy to conceal. I know PLENTY of guy's with nice xd's, glocks, kahr's, sigs and they just leave them in the glove box.

Oh, run at least 250 rounds through the gun after you get it- per Keltek. Mine fed like a champ after I did.

[thinkingman]

Originally Posted by JeffRock

Mine has never jammed once. And any pistol you conceal on a regular basis is going to collect lint. I clean my on a regular basis. I don't take it to the range where it will be shot 100 + times and wear it out. Then maybe it will jam. but what ever. To each their own.

Anyone that asks me about a first pistol. I tell them get a .22 and shoot the hell out of it. it teaches accuracy, And control. then step up calibers.

Good response...Kel-tec is fine for what it is.
What it is ...a belly gun...stick in a perps belly and empty magazine.
Repeat as necessary.
IT is not a training or sporting firearm.
Miserable after about 10 shots.
Function documented on websites has been fine.
.22 is always a place to start, even for experienced shooters who want to train, warm-up.

[PackerfanXD]

I still contend that you get what you pay for. If the pistol is for self defense (when it really counts), I'd want something that I could literally trust my life with. I just wouldn't ever trust my life to a Kel Tec. I'd rather have a small revolver for a pocket gun If I couldn't carry my XD.

[EMTaco]

Originally Posted by PackerfanXD

I still contend that you get what you pay for. If the pistol is for self defense (when it really counts), I'd want something that I could literally trust my life with. I just wouldn't ever trust my life to a Kel Tec. I'd rather have a small revolver for a pocket gun If I couldn't carry my XD.

I completely agree I'd rather have a snubbie loaded down with .38+P than the .380...and like I said in my post, I carry my Kel-Tec when I can't carry my Glock. The huge advantage of the Kel-Tec though is that in a pocket holster, it looks like a wallet...even in dress pants...which is a far cry from possible with a wheelgun. If telling everyone I was armed wasn't an issue, like someone else said, I'd just walk around with my AR slung over my shoulder!

[tiger955]

I personally prefer a double action revolver for SD and carry a 357 snubbie. I have used/checked out quite a few autos also. To me, the Bersa Thunder 380 is a much better gun, about the same size and price as the Keltec, and personally find the Sig small frame (can't recall model #) much nicer, a lot more expensive though. For an inexpensive, dependable compact I would highly recommend the Bersa.

[Keason1*]

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/...urus-slim-709/

taurus 709

[Terrier]

I like my Keltec .380; however, I would not recommend it as your first and only pistol. It fits my needs perfectly; but, it is not my only pistol. Bottom line, in my opinion it is not a pistol for the novice.

[SaltySteve]

Originally Posted by SManZ

+1000...the KelTec is trash, especially the .380s. I've worked at two gunstores and of all the guns that have troubles its the Kel-Tecs and Hi-Points that lead the pack.

At the beginning of last summer my friend and I were in the market for a compact 9mm pistol for summer carry. Prior to that I carried a compact 1911 year round. I shot and liked the Kahr PM9. I went ahead and bought one for around $600. My friend bought a Kel-Tec .380 and saved about $350. That was good because after a week he gave up and he had $350 to put towards a PM9.

I can't believe the Kahrs have not been mentioned in this thread yet. They are reliable, comfortable to carry, and disappear under clothing. They are not cheap but firearms is one thing you shouldn't skimp on. If you're going to go cheap get a revolver. The revolver is inherently more reliable so if you're going to go cheap go with a cheap revolver.


(this guy has large paws...the gun is a little bigger in an average sized hand)

Agreed. I purchased a Kahr P380 for a front pocket carry and am super glad I did. The gun shoots sweet and is well made.

I originally was looking at the Kel Tec also but couldn't get past how cheap it felt in my hand. I loved how small and flat it was but that was it.

Just my $.02

[rmb_crew]

i am a big fan of taurus. I was shooting my friends .357 with .38 and .357 in it and its a damn good gun. Alittle larger for a carry gun but look into the .38 special ultra light and those lines and they are great carry guns.