Can't decide on new backup gun.

**snuffy2202** · #1 02-21-08, 12:29 PM

I am looking to purchase a new backup gun. I'm thinking of either a .38 S&W Model 642 or a Kel-Tech P-3AT .380.

Anybody have ideas about which one I should buy?

**Five-0** · #2 02-21-08, 12:48 PM

I vote for the .38

**narcodog** · #3 02-21-08, 02:02 PM

38, won't jam, small easy to hide. Get some +p and shoot away.

**snuffy2202** · #4 02-21-08, 04:10 PM

Thanks, guys. Anybody have the Kel- Tech?

**Five-0** · #5 02-21-08, 05:18 PM

Don't have one but I have looked at them a good bit. I love the almost zero weight. I have heard that is a good idea to only shoot ball ammo out of the Keltec. I like the .38 for the same reasons as narodog. You can spend a little more and get a feather weight S&W. They are the bomb. If I ever buy on of them I will get two. One for my wife.

http://www.lawmens.com/cgi-bin/lawmens/sw162810

**maclean** · #6 02-21-08, 09:01 PM

I carry a Smith 442.

LawnMM · #7 02-21-08, 10:11 PM

Another vote for the 642...I have one and its a great BUG. I wear mine in an ankle rig on duty and I've been in several footchases with it and I don't even notice that its on my leg.

**armsmaster270** · #8 02-21-08, 11:20 PM

I got the Smith 340PD and love it and it shoots magnums if you have the grip.

**Five-0** · #9 02-21-08, 11:24 PM

12 oz .357 mag......damn

**armsmaster270** · #10 02-21-08, 11:26 PM

you bet with that little grip a real punisher on both ends

**Wolven** · #11 02-22-08, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snuffy2202

Thanks, guys. Anybody have the Kel- Tech?

I had one and although really small and light...it was too darn small for my hands and uncomfortable to shoot. But that is just me...not an expert by any means.

**snuffy2202** · #12 02-22-08, 09:52 AM

Thanks, guys. I had my mind on the 642 .38 , but then some of my friends had the Kel-Tech, so I was wondering about it. I never shot one, but held it in my hand and didn't like it. I am definitely going with the .38.

Thanks, Five-O, for the website! I will order it from them if the gunshow doesn't pan out.

**lewisipso** · #13 02-22-08, 10:07 AM

12 ga stuffed in your sock.

Seriously. I also vote for the .38. (or revolver of choice) I carry a Glock on duty and would opt for a sub compact of the same make but it's a little out of my range. A revolver is cheaper and just as dependable. There are folks who would argue that point but it's just my opinion. A revolver is what I'm looking for also.

hybrid · #14 02-22-08, 10:12 AM

I carry a Kel-Tec .32 on my ankle. It's small and you won't really notice it's there, but i'd probably prefer the revolver. the Kel-Tec is a bitch to shoot. Such a long trigger pull and not too accurate cause it's so small. Either one really, but I think i'm about to go get me a small revolver to replace the Kel-tec......wanna buy it?? j/k

**snuffy2202** · #15 02-22-08, 10:20 AM

I have a Glock 27 in an ankle holster, now, to supplement by Glock 23 duty rig. I like the fact that it shoots the .40 and I can use the same mags, but it is like wearing an anchor. I am constantly adjusting it and it feels heavy all day.

**Five-0** · #16 02-22-08, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snuffy2202

I have a Glock 27 in an ankle holster, now, to supplement by Glock 23 duty rig. I like the fact that it shoots the .40 and I can use the same mags, but it is like wearing an anchor. I am constantly adjusting it and it feels heavy all day.

One of my partners wears it strapped to his vest under his left arm. He says he doesn't even notice it. I didn't know he had till he showed me.

NCC1701 · #17 02-25-08, 10:14 AM

If those are your choices I would get the .38.
I used to carry a KT P32 but it is not authorized at my dept so I traded it. It was a reliable gun though and I am sure the 380 is no slouch but with the revolver there would be NO worries.

**maclean** · #18 02-25-08, 11:27 AM

The .380 gives up quite a bit to the .38 if you carry the new New York PD load - Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 grain +P.

Real stomper of a round out of a little pop gun, designed to make velocity from a short barrel and not give you a basketball size flash.

**keith720** · #19 02-25-08, 11:29 AM

Kel Tec just came out with a new single stack 8-shot 9mm, the PF-9. I had a Kel-Tec .40 that I used to carry for back-up, but the .40 in such a small package was just plain brutal. I'm gonna check out the PF-9. The great thing about them is that you can order a small spring clip that attaches to the side of the pistol, so you can slip it down your waist band or attach it to your vest.

**sgtbear111** · #20 02-28-08, 06:08 AM

Carried a SW 649 shrouded hammer as backup. Common enough to see a Trooper with hands in the coat pocket. A 38 revolver will cycle in a coat pocket if needed, where an auto probably will not. Where my backup holster was? Secret.