super-compact comparison

[chupacabrachus]

Hey all hopefully you can help. I've been shopping around for a pocket pistol in .380 (BUG) and pretty much have it narrowed down to two firearms:

-Kel-tec P3AT

-North American Arms Guardian .380

As far as I can tell, they're pretty much the same dimensions. The P3at is lighter weight and very slightly thinner. However, the NAA firearms have always seemed to be of greater build quality to me. Also, the NAA 380 is made in conjunction with kahr arms, is a metal frame, and just seems sturdier overall. According to their website, the P3AT has a lighter trigger pull (by 5#!) But without comparing the two in my hand, I don't know what I'd choose. Another factor is that the NAA is much more expensive than the P3AT. I've heard a few horror stories about P3ATs, P32s, P11s etc, but usually it's due to a faulty gun, which is fixed by Kel-tec no charge with super-fast turn around time. So, it's not a huge concern of mine. Plus, the NAA looks much nicer and has the options of elegant grips .

[chupacabrachus]

Originally Posted by chupacabrachus

Hey all hopefully you can help. I've been shopping around for a pocket pistol in .380 (BUG) and pretty much have it narrowed down to two firearms:

-Kel-tec P3AT

-North American Arms Guardian .380

As far as I can tell, they're pretty much the same dimensions. The P3at is lighter weight and very slightly thinner. However, the NAA firearms have always seemed to be of greater build quality to me. Also, the NAA 380 is made in conjunction with kahr arms, is a metal frame, and just seems sturdier overall. According to their website, the P3AT has a lighter trigger pull (by 5#!) But without comparing the two in my hand, I don't know what I'd choose. Another factor is that the NAA is much more expensive than the P3AT. I've heard a few horror stories about P3ATs, P32s, P11s etc, but usually it's due to a faulty gun, which is fixed by Kel-tec no charge with super-fast turn around time. So, it's not a huge concern of mine. Plus, the NAA looks much nicer and has the options of elegant grips .

quick update: NAA also offers several other benefits (for a cost) such as factory stippling, factory "melt-down" or "dehorning", scallopped slide serrations, and forward slide serrations. As far as I know (not listed on website) Kel-tec does not offer "custom shop" options. However, I'm aware that several options are availible for "melt-downs", which is probably the only custom work I'd like to have done to the firearm.

[oldmantod]

I have the KelTec and I like it, however I have been looking for a change... I tell you what, get the NAA and in a year when you wonder if you shoulda bought the KelTec, we can switch firearms.

There are good and bad to both, right now (that is as of right now) I would rather have a firearm that has some options such as the NAA, as you have indicated, sights, grips, etc. is not very flexible with the KT.

I dig the KT, it is light and goes in a K&T holster very well, I have it in my pocket now and carry it during those times when I probably shouldn't (I will forego the preaching about carrying when you shouldn't, I have heard that speech plenty of times).

Good luck with your purchase, I bet that no matter which one you buy, you will like it and of course no matter which you buy, in a year or two you will wonder if you shoulda bought the other (dibs on the NAA).

- T