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Well, I stopped by Sportsman's Warehouse on the way home today with the hopes of handling the P11 and P3AT. Unfortunately they don't sell Kel-Tecs.

While I was there I figured I might as well handle a few others though. For the first time ever I picked up an XD. It was a compact 9mm. WOW. That gun felt really good in my hands. It pointed so naturally. I've heard people talk about how Glocks don't point naturally and I never really agreed with that until today when I picked up that XD. When it came up the 3 dots were already lined up. With my Glocks the front dot is always higher and I have to adjust. As much as I love my Glocks I may have to try out an XD someday.

Anyway, still no decision but after handling another J frame I think I'll probably stick with one of the small pistols.

Gotta head to bed now. My CHL renewal class starts early in the morning.

Okay...nothing is official until I actually hold and shoot one, but at this point I think I've pretty much ruled out the J frame. I went and looked at one at Academy tonight. The guy behind the counter let me stick it in the front pocket of my jeans. There is NO WAY I could carry that thing in my pocket.

I've heard very good things about the 2nd Gen Kel-Tecs as far as reliability is concerned so, if it will fit, I think my first choice is going to be the P-11 for the capacity and power of the 9mm. If not then I'll probably just go with the P-3AT and hope for the best.

Of course, I'm well known for changing my mind so after sleeping on it I may be trying to fit a S&W 500 in my pocket. :D

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Right now it looks like the votes are pretty close between the P3AT and the J frame, which is pretty consistent with what I've seen on the other boards.

I honestly do not like the idea of carrying a .380, but when I'm carrying this gun I will likely be wearing Wrangler jeans or Docker style pants. Based on what I've seen from others, I'm not sure a J frame would conceal very well in Wranglers. It's looking more and more like the P3AT may be the better choice for me.

The only difference between a .357, .38, .380 and 9mm is the velocity and weight, correct? So, they're all going to make the same size hole. The difference is how much energy they dump and how much damage they do after they have made that hole.

Bear with me while I compare some numbers for Gold Dots:

.380 90 grain - 990 FPS with energy around 196 ft-lbs (3.75" barrel)
.38 Special 125 grain +P - 1150 FPS with energy around 248 ft-lbs (7.71" barrel)
.357 Magnum 125 grain - 1875 FPS with energy around 583 lbs (10" barrel)
9mm 124 grain +P - 1220 FPS with energy around 410 lbs (4" barrel)

Why, oh why, couldn't they use the same length of barrel??

I just can't convince myself that a .380 or .38 Special is a good defensive round, but I suppose this is all about compromise. What am I willing to give up to get that gun to conceal in my front pocket??

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

I suppose the next question is could I conceal a G27 in an ankle holster while wearing Wranglers or Dockers?? If so then that would be the obvious choice over all the above.

kw5kw wrote:I voted for the .38, but I wouldn't stop at just the .38; I'd get the .357 so you have a choice of either .38 Special or the full .357 Magnum load.

Honestly, you won't forgive yourself later if you settle for only the .38.

Russ

Which model is the .357??

Based on comments in my other pocket carry thread as well as those made on Glocktalk and THR, I have revised my list and am once again seeking input.

I've never fired any of these three so I'll need to do that before making a final decision. I'm also assuming that any of these three will easily conceal in the front pocket of pants, jeans or shorts.

So, let's have a vote!!