What Am I Missing?

[tombogan03884]

The actual cartridge package of the .380 auto and the 9 mm Luger is so similar, why did everyone (manufacturers) go with a less common choice.  I believe that the slight increase in size for the 9 mm would not be noticed by any but those with the smallest of hands, and the recoil increase would be insignificant.

If you can, compare 2 Kel Tecs, the P3AT and the PF4 (I think that's their 9mm) .

[MikeBjerum]

Your 2 1/2 cents scores a buck with me Timothy!

You nailed it.  Now if we could just get a gun manufacturer to come along and explain why they always seem to go for the spare tire (similar but different).  Don't get me wrong on change.  When polymer guns came out many manufacturers came along, and we have great guns to show for it.  We also have something for everyone.  However, look at the calibers - .45 acp, .40 S&W, 9 x19 cover the majority of all practical and popular guns across the board, but every once in a while someone decides it is time to make something close but not quite.

[Solus]

                                     P3AT                PF9                          Difference
Calibers :               .380 AUTO   9mm Luger     
Weight unloaded lbs. :    8.3 oz.           12.7 oz.                             4.4 oz.
Loaded magazine :    2.8 oz.            2.8 oz.                               0.0 oz.   
Length :            5.2"         5.85"                                 0.65"
Height :             3.5"          4.3"                                   0.80"
Width :            .77"          .88"                                   0.11"
Barrel Length :                      3.1"
Sight radius :            3.8"
Capacity :             6 + 1 rounds   7 + 1 rounds                       1 round

This info is from the Kel-tec web site.

I do not understand why the loaded magazine weight is the same when the PF9 is carrying 1 more round.  Probably a mistake.

The PF9 is 4.4oz. heavier empty and should be a bit more loaded.
the PF9 is almost 3/4 of an inch longer .65"
The PF9 is close to an inch taller .80"
The PF9 is just a tenth of an inch wider .11"

I am wondering why they didn't make the PF9 the same capacity and with as similar dimensions as possible.
It might be that the extra size is needed in 9mm to make the gun as easy to handle as the P3AT


BTW, neither the P3AT or Ruger LCP are blowback.

[Timothy]

I am wondering why they didn't make the PF9 the same capacity and with as similar dimensions as possible.
It might be that the extra size is needed in 9mm to make the gun as easy to handle as the P3AT

Case pressures are much higher in 9x19...  Just a WAG...

[tombogan03884]

On the weight another way of saying that might give the OP a different perspective is that the 9mm weighs 1/2 again as much as the .380.
I'm no real fan of the .380, but if I needed a little something up my sleeve or in my pocket I'd rather have a .380 than a .25. Heck, I'd rather have a .22 than a .25 

[Sponsor]

[MikeBjerum]

                                     P3AT                PF9                          Difference
Calibers :               .380 AUTO   9mm Luger     
Weight unloaded lbs. :    8.3 oz.           12.7 oz.                             4.4 oz.
Loaded magazine :    2.8 oz.            2.8 oz.                               0.0 oz.   
Length :            5.2"         5.85"                                 0.65"
Height :             3.5"          4.3"                                   0.80"
Width :            .77"          .88"                                   0.11"
Barrel Length :                      3.1"
Sight radius :            3.8"
Capacity :             6 + 1 rounds   7 + 1 rounds                       1 round

This info is from the Kel-tec web site.

I do not understand why the loaded magazine weight is the same when the PF9 is carrying 1 more round.  Probably a mistake.

The PF9 is 4.4oz. heavier empty and should be a bit more loaded.
the PF9 is almost 3/4 of an inch longer .65"
The PF9 is close to an inch taller .80"
The PF9 is just a tenth of an inch wider .11"

I am wondering why they didn't make the PF9 the same capacity and with as similar dimensions as possible.
It might be that the extra size is needed in 9mm to make the gun as easy to handle as the P3AT


BTW, neither the P3AT or Ruger LCP are blowback.

They might be loading the mags to the same number for comparison.  Like I said, there is not much difference in the rounds.  Even if you look at the energy produced it is not much different.

[Solus]

They might be loading the mags to the same number for comparison.  Like I said, there is not much difference in the rounds.  Even if you look at the energy produced it is not much different.

The info I pulled was from the spec page on each individual product.  It was not on a comparison page.

[mmszbi]

My reasons for a .380 are much less technical and much more personal....my wife was injured in a car accident a few years back and now has a 70% loss of range of motion in left arm.  She can handle the FEG .380 easily with one hand, the 9mm requires 2.
Plus the FEG is so heavy can make an effective club too! She keeps it in the nightstand when I work nights.

[tombogan03884]

"What Am I Missing? "

A .380 for your collection ?

[ellis4538]

One reason I got my LCP is my wife doesn't like the idea of a gun around that isn't locked in the safe!  She doesn't know if/when I have a gun handy and will never know until we need it!!!!!!!!

FWIW 

Richard