Bowdenknxvll

So, I am in the market for a carry piece for summer and throw in your pocket and go. I don't want to spend a fortune, but want a reliable piece. I have done my research and have narrowed it down to two guns on opposite sides of the spectrum. First would be a Bulgarian Makarov and the second, a Keltec PF9 or p3at. Obviously, the Keltec with its light weight and slim lines would be easier to pocket carry, but that is not my biggest need. In a self defense situation considering caliber, reliability, etc. which one would you pick up first and why?

ripley16

A Makarov is pretty heavy for pocket carry. It's intent was to be holstered. The smaller the better, so of those three the .380 is the most appropriate for your use, IMO.

BradyM77

The PF9 is in my pocket right now. I trust my life and my familes in it firing everytime I pull the trigger. 9mm is the lowest caliber I would go. It's also one of the cheapest (when you can find it).

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Ram Rod

I prefer plastic to pot metal. I've tried the PF9 at the local gun shop...never shot it. Out of the three you listed, I'd go with it if I had to.

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RamRod-----sans remords
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TX-JB

I agree with Ram Rod. I have handled both the Kel-Tec's, but have only shot a p3at. If I had to chose I'd pick the pf9.

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Mardet65

I bought a PF9 a few weeks ago and love it. Get a good holster and you won't even know you're carrying it. Recoil's a little sharp but you'll get used to it.

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Simpson's dialog:
Bart: Can I hold your club?
Officer Lou: It's not a club it's a baton!
Bart: What do you use it for?
Officer Lou: We club people with it.

GunGeezer

I've had the P3AT for over a year. It's in my pocket nearly every day. Have fired over 100 rounds with no problems other than it's not a very comfortable range shooter, but that's not why I carry it.

TerriLi

To my knowledge no Makarov uses "Pot Metal". So its really Metal versus plastic. I like metal, so I vote Makarov. Still if weight is an issue then Keltec is fine.

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I know not what this "overkill" means.

pirate

You need to do some more research. Bulgarian Makarov's, or Russian or East German for that matter are certainly not made with Pot Metal. Thet are very well made all quality steel handguns. Simple (only 27 part), extremely reliable and tough. Maybe you were thinking of Hi Point handguns, now thats pot metal (zinc alloy). You should also consider the CZ82. They are possibly the best value going today in a modern 12 round capacity handgun witha polygonal rifled barrel. Very well made all steel gun and its a CZ! You can get they for around $250 retail, as low as $199 if you have a C&R FFL. makarov 9X18 ammo is relatively cheap and avalible everywhere online.

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When I leave the home port:
S&W 642 Airweight, Ruger SP 101, Colt Detective Spec., CZ RAMI, Springfield XD 9mm, Kahr PM9, Kahr CW40, S&W Model 10-7, Glock 19, Glock 26, Browning Hi Power, CZ82, Colt Commander

Bowdenknxvll

Pot metal was actually just a saying they used for Russian war guns. Sorry if it offended anyone