However, Buffalo Bore has a series of 380 ACP cartridges that are loaded to maximum SAAMI pressures that extract great performance from the little 380.
They have a round loaded with a 90 grain Gold Dot bullet that "chronos" at 1100 fps from the P3AT. This puts it in a class with effective "one shot" stoppers.
Compare the P3AT with BB Gold Dot at 236 ft lb actual measured energy with a S&W SnubNose 38cal +P Double Tap Gold Dot at actual measured 199 ft lb. I'll take the P3AT any day."
.40 Baby Desert Eagle (Jericho)
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So, do the same thing with a larger caliber and the difference remains the same.
You know the "one shot stoppers" percentages are all screwed up, right ?
I have a 3AT and I like it. It's a good second gun, but I'd never rely on it as a primary gun on purpose. With the miniscule sights, try making a 15 yd headshot with it. The .38 snubby is easier to hit with at distance, especially if it still has single action capability.
As to power, Buffalo Bore offers two STANDARD PRESSURE .38 spl loads that have 251 and 256 ft lbs respectively. Corbon offers a +P .38 spl load that churns up 269 ft lbs. These from a listed 2" barrel. The Double Tap load is supposed to be going 1100 fps from a 1.875" barrel cranking out 336 ft. lbs.
I've not chrono'd any of these, but I have chrono'd Corbon in other calibers and have found their stated velocities to be very close to what I actually get.
If you'll carry a 3AT and not carry something larger, then the 3AT is the gun for you !!
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I know that the "one shot" stopper precept is only a generality but at least Marshall and Sanow (probably the best known of the authors of the "one shot" stopper data tables) used a lot of actual field data in deriving their tables.
22 or a 25 can make a one shot stop under the right circumstances.
The Kel-Tec just happens to work well here in Arizona with the typical light apparel (it was 84 here yesterday). My 45 ACP sits in my nightstand drawer loaded with 230 grain Hydrashoks. I don't carry it (it's too big and heavy for CCW IMHO) but I trust it implicitly. Also, I shoot it better than any of my other handguns. .
There was a time that I carried my P3AT as my primary. With all the things that happen now days (mall shootings-church incidents) I had to take a honest 2nd look at what I wanted for a primary carry piece. I hear so much about most incidents occuring 3-11 feet from you but it seems a lot of what has been occuring, one might find himself in a much longer shot situation.
I have all but retired the 380 and gone to a 4" XD45. What matters most to me is my confidence and peace of mind.
I agree that huge strides have been made in small cartiges. I just want to cover all the bases that I can and try to be prepared for a close in encouter or one that requires a long shot. IMO the P3AT fails in the latter.
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