A little experience... not much. I have a Guardian .380 and a KelTec 9
MM. The KelTec-ies generally recommend a "fluff & buff" saying that
because of the low price, quality control and finish is not a high
priority, but my KelTec was 100% reliable out of the box. My Guardian
had a number of malfs. at first... then I polished the feed ramp and
the breech face and it's been 100%.

I don't pretend to understand these things, but .... I believe the
KelTecs fired from a locked breech (?) or something... which means they
have less felt recoil than guns that don't.... The 9 has less recoil
than I expected from so light a gun.

I'd love to get a P3AT but they are not legal to buy/sell in Maryland.
;-(

The Guardian .380 is a nice little gun, but at half (or less?) the
weight, the KelTec would be much more comfortable to carry.

- Henry

On Saturday, April 3, 2004, at 11:45 AM, NAAOG@yahoogroups.com wrote:

>> I'm looking for a mini 380 and want to compare the Kel-Tec P3AT vs
>> the NAA Guardian 380. Anybody shot both before? How do they compare
>> on feel and recoil?
>> Don
>
>
>
> I too am interested in any replies.
> I have the Guardian .380, and I like it. It is a well made, solid
> gun.
> I have played with, but not fired, the 3AT KelTec. I like the looks
> and
> feel of the Guardian much better.
> But the size/weight factor cannot be overlooked. The KelTec is
> almost
> half as heavy, and very slim. It would be a much better pocket gun
> based on
> these features.
> OTOH, my Guardian is (so far) 100% reliable; But I have heard stuff,
> nothing I can actually testify to for the 3AT, but the 9mms I know of
> problems firsthand, as far as reliability factors with the KelTecs.
> So anyone with true experience please SPEAK UP. :-)
> Chuck F.
>