Not yet, but I'm definitely planning on getting acquainted with some steel this summer.

About my handgun...

380 is the smallest defense caliber that I PERSONALLY feel comfy with. Consequently, I'm always on the lookout for the smallest, lightest 380 I can find.

I've got the PPK/s, a Colt Mustang PocketLite, and a Sig P230. I like the Colt for its size and weight, but have come to be uncomfortable with the single action.

Now I've got my eye on the Kel-Tec P-3AT.

I'd like to migrate my collection to a small 380 for city carry, a pistol/rifle set in 22LR, and a similar set in 38/357.

But this isn't the appropriate forum for endless firearm speculation. I just wanted to add some comments about my EDC.

Bear

I'm actually from Marietta. If you were in Blairsville you were right down the road from my mom's hometown of Marble, N.C. just up from Murphy. My uncle used to own a general store in Marble, complete with the old timers sitting out front rocking and whittling. It's been closed for probably thirty years, but I can remember the smell of a freshly opened orange Nehi out of the cooler like it was yesterday. I love the Nantahala river area. I'll be up there this summer at another uncle's log cabin. Regards, Keys

No problem with your choice of firearm. Just sharing with you my thoghts on firearms, having had a .380 and having evolved in my thoughts on sidearms. There are tradeoffs and constraints with all pistols. The important things is to be cognizant of them and make a conscious choice based on your priorities and preferences.

OK, so I've looked at your list again and you do have a number of edged tools/weapons. My assumptions on survival preparedness and personal protetion: 1) I'd want redundancy, but not to the point of overly redundant; 2) If I'm carrying for personal protection, I'd rather have two guns than have "X" knives. Your list has three Leatherman products, three knives, and a pistol. I love edged weapons and tools as much as the next guy, but is this too much? Seems to me one or two Leatherman tools, a utility knife, an edged weapon back-up, and a pistol are plenty. Of the two functions of these items (tools and weapons), which is more important? If a weapon is, I'd rather have a backup gun over a backup knife. (If I were going to be really serious about carrying, I'd have two pistols and one knife.)

Some more thoughts. Again, enjoyed reviewing your kit. It looks good. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Regards,

attty_guy

I'd carry a Commander, or maybe one of the new compact Para Ordnance models. I'm actually considering going back to a snub .357 for carry purposes, for the reliability, and the one handed factor. In an adrenaline situation who knows? Might limp wrist, or completely limp body even, jelly legs and all. Man, you are right about guns, religion, and politics - seems like you could tell some guys their wife looks like a moose without trouble, but better not disrespect their guns. Regards, Keys

Depending upon where I'm off to I've usually got my Leatherman Wave, a large Sheffield (cheap Home Depot special) multitool, and a mini Sheffield multitool. This gives me pliers for both hands which I often use in tandem, and assorted sizes of screwdrivers. I also usually carry a Gerber primary folding knife and a Sheffield backup. For most projects I'll use the Sheffield products because they were inexpensive, especially when it's rough work that might damage the knives, though so far I've found most of their products to be indestructible even after two years of abuse. I do carry a backup revolver in the car which I will carry on me in certain situations along with my primary pistol. I'm going to take a long look at that Kel-Tec P3-AT myself when it finally gets to my local gun store. If it's the same size as their P-32 I'll carry it as backup, or maybe out jogging any day. Here in S. Florda we've got to wear lighter clothes all year around, so a small light pistol is very handy. Regards, Keys

Have you looked at Kahr?

Keys:

A Commander is my carry gun. I just got it back from Novak's, and I'm in love with it all over again. I had the basic "concealed carry" package done to it, with the addition of night sights and it is beautiful, man. The basic design is 93 years old and still strong. . . . <img src="images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

atty_guy

I don't know much about Kahr. I think they make a compact .40 S&W that I wouldn't mind looking at. Their compacts seem to have limited mag capacity - like 7+1 or so, if I recall correctly. Do you have personal experience with one or know some pricing? I think they're priced above Kel-Tec - more in the Ruger price range but more compact. Regards, Keys

I do not own a Kahr, but have shot one in 9mm. Very easy to handle given the size. Their claim to fame came as a back-up weapon in law enforcement. As an ankle carry or pocket gun, LEOs seem to love Kahrs. I will probably buy one of their 9mms later this summer. Not the real small one (it's too small for my hand), but the next step up.
You can see the line at Kahr. Hum...that PM9 sure looks like a winner