[davewms]

Does anyone own a Beretta 950, 950B, 950BS, Jetfire that they can compare to the P3AT?

How do they stack-up physically; Weight, heighth, etc.

I have a 25 cal. 950B Jetfire that carries well, but it's way underpowered. (You can't always stick it in the BG's eye!!)

 

[Tractiongrips]

The 950 should be the same size as the .32 Tomcat, so the Mouseguns.com comparison chart should give you a really good idea of the sizes and specs of each.
http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf

 

[oldgranpa]

Not sure what you are trying to prove here, but in my comparative tests the .25cal Beretta 950 models in no way can compare to a Kel Tec P3AT. This is apples and lemons by comparison. Yes, both are handguns that fit the pocket but that's where the comparison ends. While .25cal JHP ammo does expand, penetration is dismal, you can check this link.....

http://usrange.org/smf/index.php?topic=312.0

As far as dimension/weight, the 950 lists at 8oz and 4.5"l, the P3AT at 8.3oz and 5.2"l, not enough difference to even want to consider the 950 for serious self defense. The only redeeming factor might be that a lady might like it.

For ballistics on the P3AT, lots of that also at usrange.org

Cheers,
og

 

[davewms]

Not sure what you are trying to prove here,

I have owned the anemic 950 for years, but now I'm wanting a stronger round.  

I'm considering the P3AT, but not having access to one, I was interested in knowing the size, for how it would carry in my pocket compared to the 950.  

My PF-9 is rather large compared to the 950, and my smallest Glock is a monster, (comparatively speaking).

Thanks for the specs... I'll take a serious look at a P3AT at the next gunshow.

 

[Picatinny_Pete]

Does anyone own a Beretta 950, 950B, 950BS, Jetfire that they can compare to the P3AT?...

...I have a 25 cal. 950B Jetfire that carries well, but it's way underpowered.  (You can't always stick it in the BG's eye!!)

Hi,

Brassfetcher has some good gel test results at his website comparing the Beretta 21 A against the P3AT which I think is as close as you will get for a true comparison.

Berretta 21A  25 ACP Gel Results:

http://www.brassfetcher.com/index_files/Page1035.htm

Kel Tec P3AT results:

http://www.brassfetcher.com/380ACP ammunition performance in ballistic gelatin.pdf

The 25 ACP with FMJ has a penetration of 15"+ vs. about 21" for the 380 Auto w/FMJ against bare gelatin, what does this tell me?  The 25 ACP has adequate penetration with FMJ but requires very good shot placement.  The Beretta 950 also has 8+1 shots vs. the P3AT's 6+1 shots giving it nominally 29% more firepower.  

There's a small arguement for the Beretta 950 vs. the P3AT using FMJ since it has adequate penetration and greater firepower if you are an expert shot.  That arguement goes out the window with expanding bullets, or you are less than a great shooter (big majority of people under stress.)  I think evidence from shootings with both cartridges show that FMJ is ineffective in both, but the edge goes to the 380 Auto using FMJ.  I hope the info helps.

Best Wishes

 

[davewms]

I am going to get a P3AT, and then stash the 950 in my bike's tool bag.

Which is the best practice ammo for the P3AT, and which is the best defensive round?

I've heard that .380 prices are high, and quantities are low.

 

[lklawson]

I'm considering the P3AT, but not having access to one, I was interested in knowing the size, for how it would carry in my pocket compared to the 950.  

Can you rent one at your local range?

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

 

[davewms]

I'll check next time I'm there.

 

[davewms]

I wonder if my gunrange is the only one that makes you buy their ammo if you rent their gun?

 

[oldgranpa]

dave,
do start looking for a P3AT, they are showing up more now at some dealers. The P3AT's being produced now by Kel Tec are much improved over those made over 2 or 3 years ago. And much better made than the competitor clone by Ruger. The only thing you won't get is a flimsy slide lock that is not really a lock on last round at all.

Practice ammo is what you are lucky to find these days. Watch your WalMart and get the WhiteBox ValuPak 100 rd. FMJ if some shows up. It's good for target practice at a good price.
You may have to watch online dealers for JHP hollow point ammo for SD. Last look at Midway.com they still had some CorBon DPX which has a good rating.
Just avoid the +p rated stuff, recoil is severe and not good for your gun either.

Your Beretta 950 is preferred by many women whose hands are a bit weak. Since it can be loaded by the flip-up feature and not have to rack the slide. Also loads a round in the chamber with the hammer down, nice feature. So don't throw it away!

Cheers,
og

(check the Ballistics section at usrange.org for more data on 380 JHP tests.)

 

[PshootR]

No, it is a growing practice. Liability and profit seem to be the main reasons, not necessarily in that order.

 

[Picatinny_Pete]

I am going to get a P3AT, and then stash the 950 in my bike's tool bag.

Which is the best practice ammo for the P3AT, and which is the best defensive round?

I've heard that .380 prices are high, and quantities are low.

Hi,

Sounds like a good plan to keep the 950 in the tool bag, it protects the pistol, and keeps its accessable. The best practice ammo is the least expensive that will reliably cycle it, and a magazine worth of your defensive load every so often. The best defensive ammo is what is reliable out of your pistol, you are comfortable with, and performs reliably.

You are right about 380 Ammo its available, but scarce around here in the Springfield/Dayton area. 22LR, 25 ACP, and 32 ACP remain relatively available so that you can practice if you have these calibers on a regular basis. When the shortage was its worse people had 380's but no ammo in a case like that the 25 ACP was better if you had ammo for it, its one of the reasons I still have a Taurus PT-22 in 22LR just in case.

Best Regards:

 

[lklawson]

here in the Springfield/Dayton area.

I keep forgetting your in the Dayton area. I'm in Huber. We're gonna have to meet up some time. I teach Western Martial Arts. How would you like a couple of free Bowie Knife lessons (or, really, any of the stuff we practice at my club)?

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

 

[Picatinny_Pete]

Kirk,

Thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it, I'll send a PM later. I have had enough training with edged weapons though to know that people should have some self defense training other than shooting on how to deal with an adversary after they empty their P3AT or Beretta 950, and still have someone to deal with who is really peeved and has a knife. Not everyone who is shot stops, flees, or even knows that they've been shot.

Best wishes: