[macarthurite]

I'm thinking about buying a small pocket gun and need some input on the Kel tec line. I was looking at either the .32 or the .380, does anyone have any experence with them?
Thanks, Chris

[mtnbkr]

I have over 1000 rounds in the P32, great little gun. It's finicky about ammo, but once you find a load it likes, stock up.

I've shot the P3AT. If it existed back when I bought my P32, I would've bought it instead. It's easy to shoot and recoil isn't as bad as I had been lead to believe. The one I shot was reliable for the mag I ran through it.

Chris

[Titus]

The P3AT isn't too bad to shoot, but it is very thin which I thought felt funny at first. Also, it is double action only. I was used to shooting that way already, so I didn't mind. It's the first pocket pistol that I found was really (pants) pocket sized, for which I would put up with the smaller caliber. I would say, don't pay too much for one, but give it a try.

[teppo-shu]

I have over 1000 rounds in the P32, great little gun. It's finicky about ammo, but once you find a load it likes, stock up.

Maybe he's talking about JHP's? I've never had a single jam with any ball ammo on my P32. With such a small pistol / short barrel, I wouldn't even waste money trying to get a hollowpoint to expand, 'cause it's very unlikely to happen.

Get the P32. It's so small and light, it's the one gun you'll ALWAYS have with you. And it's not unpleasant to practice with, either.

[wally]

Get the P3AT. You'll be happy to have the bigger bullet should you ever need it.
Carries same as a P32.

Kel-Tec ships a fair number of bad guns, but they will make it right if you send it back. They can get away with it because they are unique in this size/power/weight range and worth the potential hassel should you need to return it.

They fixed my P3AT very quickly and its had no problems with any brass cased ammo since -- ~900 rounds thru it so far since its return last year about this time.

Its one gun that is very easy to have with you always.

--wally.

[Skofnung]

I've got the P-3AT and there is nothing else out there quite like it.

It is SMALL
It is THIN
It is LIGHT
It is ACCURATE at 21 feet
It BUCKS when fired


It is not a comfortable gun to shoot, due to the small grip (I have big hands) light weight and sharp edges. After my first range session, I de-horned the trigger and other sharp edges. It is much better now. I suggest you do this as soon as you get it home.

While the recoil is harsh, it is not that big of a deal. My 100lb Fiancé has no trouble with it.

In my opinion, loaded with HOT ball ammo, this gun represents the best deep cover/BUG on the market at this time. Your opinion may differ.

[Onmilo]

I sell a heck of a lot of the Kel-Tec pistols and they don't come back.
I personally own a P-32 and while it isn't my first choice in a gunfighting handgun it is a plenty comforting thing to have in my pants pocket when I don't want to carry something bigger.
The Kel-Tec P-11 9mm is one of our most popular selling handgun lines in the shop for people wanting a home or store defense gun.

[bubbygator]

Get a NEW P3AT (serial greater than about HAA##). These have all the new designs & will shoot everything I've put into them with no failures.

[Lennyjoe]

I have a P3AT and enjoy it.

It rides in the pocket very nice and I shoot it pretty well. Accuracy is acceptable at the level its designed for. Well worth the $220 I paid for it.

[W Turner]

I have had both the P32 and the P3AT. Not to mention the P11 as well. The only one I still own is the P3AT. I just don't see a need (for me anyway) for the P32 when the P3AT carries a better round in an almost identical package. No chance of rimlock either.

The P11 is a great little gun and I will probably pick up another one in the future.

W

[Highpower1]

I have a P32. I bought it right after it came out. I currently have 3,500 rounds through it. I carry it EVERYWHERE, it has becomes just as normal to carry it as I carry my car keys.

[Selfdfenz]

I got the P3AT.
It was a jam-o-matic out of the box but I did the fluff and buff and that really helped. It will run a box of hardball now w/o a jam. I think crudding up is now the limiting factor on how long this little gun runs before a jam.

Negatives: still get an ejected case in the noggin occassionally and that baby really clobbers my trigger finger (two boxes of ammo and it's numb as a can be) and I think it shoots a bit low but that may be me

Positives: many, many, many, all listed above.

Get one. Nothing like it for the $.

S-

[Wilson 17&26]

Like others, I own several P-3ATs, P-32s and P-11s. I prefer shooting the P-32 because it has a slide lock. On the other hand, the 380 is a bigger slug. Buy them both, they're cute.
http://www.wilson-genealogy.com/pics/p-3atwmags.gif

[halvey]

In my opinion, loaded with HOT ball ammo, this gun represents the best deep cover/BUG on the market at this time. Yup, shoot the hottest loads you can out of this gun. I chrono'd standard ammo and because of the short barrel, it's pretty disappointing. But, I loaded up some real hot stuff, and it moves pretty good. Seeing the results of factory ammo out of these guns, I'd stay away from the .32.

I sell a heck of a lot of the Kel-Tec pistols and they don't come back. My guess is partly because people shoot a mag or two then carry them.

That said, I carried my 380 all summer while working a landscaping job. I never cleaned or oiled it. This past September, I pulled the gun out and noticed it was full of sand and dry as heck. I wondered if it functioned and it did, just fine. So with super-hot:evil: loads, this is a great gun.

[mtnbkr]

Maybe he's talking about JHP's? I've never had a single jam with any ball ammo on my P32

My problem was related to the rim thickness on some ammo. Too thin and I have extraction problems. It hates Aguila's 32acp load.

Chris

[mod12]

i have both a p11 and a p3at and havn't had a minutes trouble with either. go to www.ktrange.com for a comprehensive discussion of the merits. :)

[shooter58]

I have the P-11 and P32. I have had the P-11 for 4 years now, no problems with many, many rounds fired. I have had the P32 for about 2 years. same deal....no problems. It is my go everywhere gun. It is just so normal to just slip it into the pocket (with a pocket holster, of course). I wouldn't think of being without it, whether backup or primary carry.

[iwovet]

A thumbs up on both the P32 and P11, both are dependable and good hiders. I only wish that the .380 was on the market when I got mine. The customer service is excellent too!!

[SLCDave]

The only one I've handled and owned is the P-11, and I love mine. I got it used from a guy that had done all the fluff-and-buff-stuff to it, and it's fed everything that I've loaded it with. I can't say enough good about it.

[CZ-100]

I carry P3AT (.380) everyday in my front pocket, jeans or shorts it disappears.

I have over 1000 rds thru mine, NO problems with it. :)

[albanian]

Do a search and you will find mixed reviews on the Kel-Tec P-32. Many people have them and are happy with them but many others have had major problems with them. The overall track record for this gun is not very good, considering it is designed for self defense, it seems to have far too many problems to be considered a good choice. It is a true Saturday Night Special except that it is not even inexpensive.

It just goes to show you that if you build a cheap gun and charge $50 for it, everyone will say it is a cheap POS but if you build a cheap POS and charge $200 for it, people will say it is a good gun that just needs some work. :neener: It is a cheaply made gun that costs quite a bit of money. Mine had many problems and eventually just broke in my pocket for unknown reasons. I have never been so dissapointed in a gun in all my life and I have owned well over 100 guns in my life.

[MR.G]

Have owned one of the P-32, three P-3AT, and two of the P-11 pistols. Only one of the P-3AT, and one of the P-11 pistols have been shot and carried very much. Those two have each been fired over 400 rounds each without any problems, and have been carried a lot. Had some serious doubts about the reliability and durability of the Kel-Tec guns when I first started using them, but they have proven themselves. Until a better gun of equal size and weight comes along, I will carry a Kel-Tec much of the time.

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Negatives: still get an ejected case in the noggin occassionally and that baby really clobbers my trigger finger (two boxes of ammo and it's numb as a can be) and I think it shoots a bit low but that may be me

And that is a big negative. I have big hands and the little sucker likes to squirt out. I grip up tighter and that trigger guard crushes my finger. No win for me. They are cheeky little things.

[azrael]

Like others I have several...I carry the P3AT or the P-11 most of the time I leave the house

[mod12]

i have found thet people who continually whine about something are usua;;y very negative people who have a personality problem. they can't understand why others don't pay attention to their pos opinions. i've found that most knowledgeable people don't believe the self professed protestations about anything in their sorry lives. just proves what i've said before that it's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and prove it.

[Johnny Guest]

I USED TO HAVE a 32 -- Until my bride just flat declared it was her .32. Well, okay, it was mainly a back up item anyhow.

Then I chanced to make a complicated trade with a dealer pal, who didn't want to pay out any boot, and I ended up with a new P3AT. My wife had some hand surgery and finds the .380 recoil just a bit much in such a light pistol. (She still shoots a P11, a 1911, and a High Power okay, though.) With retirement imminent, it looks as if I'll be carrying the P3AT a lot more.

Best,
Johnny

[Fred Fuller]

Only one in the household right now, a P3AT that was my wife's birthday present this summer. The top end was sent back to the factory for hardchroming before it was ever fired, and it has never hiccuped or bobbled with any of the several types of ammo it's been fired with. It has about 300 rounds thru it now, we both like it a lot. My copy is paid for and waiting at the dealer's for me to pick up when I get a purchase permit.

Those finger extensions on the magazines really help in recoil control for long range sessions...

Get the P3AT, if you plan to pocket carry it either get a hardchromed one or send the top end back for the $20 HC job at the factory, it is WELL worth it. Disadvantages of the P3AT vs. P32- no slide stop and one less round, advantage: bigger bullet.

lpl/nc

[lbmii]

My P3AT self destructed. I need to send it in and have it replaced.

You should know that when you fire the P3AT the barrel/feed ramp moves back and badly dents the front of the bullet that is in the magazine. Hollow point bullets are smashed up pretty bad.

Also you will get hit in the forehead quite hard by ejected cases on occation. So wear a hat and safety glasses (no really).

It seems that late model P3ATs have some of the problems worked out in them and are the only ones to have. Because of this I would not buy a used one.

[cfabe]

I have a p11, bought it a few months ago for a more concealable carry gun. Prob 1000 rds through it so far, with no problems. After getting broken it feeds everything I've run through it. My only complaint is the trigger which really is as bad as everyone makes it out to be. It does get better as it breaks in. The gun is a pointer, good for carry but no target gun.

[Onmilo]

I spoke with Kel-Tec on thursday about having a stolen/recovered P-11 refinished.
They are closing for Holiday vacation at the end of business, friday, 12-17-04 and won't re-open until 1-3-05.
They are way back ordered on P3AT guns and you might have some difficulty in getting one for a while.
They are also having trouble keeping up with spare magazine demand.
Thought those with an interest might want the heads up.

[Mike Kerr]

P-11 and P-32 are both great for the money. I have both and I recommend both to you. The P-32 is so small and light its truly a go anywhere pocket gun. The P-11 with a belt clip conceals very well and is small and light enough that you forget about it.

Regards,

:) :) :)

[Seven High]

I was at two gunshops in NW Indiana today. Both told me that they cannot get Keltec P3ATs. They are back ordered. Good luck finding one.

[at-home-daddy]

I've had a P3AT now for a few months, and it's been great...no real problems to speak of. A couple failures to load properly, but that was in the first 50 rounds...now some 300 rounds later and a factory hardchrome slide exchange, a rampectomy and a quick fluff-and-buff, and it's been a flawless performer ever since; I suspect it would've been fine even without these mods. It's the smallest/lightest autoloader with the best power-to-weight ratio out there...and for a little over $200, it's a heckuva deal.
http://home.att.net/~clinton65b/p3at_001.jpg

[halvey]

I was at a gunshow today and saw at least a dozen P3AT's.

[mod12]

halvey, what was the tarriff?

[George Hill]

My P3AT has been an unseen companion ever since I got it.

[Wilson 17&26]

I’m on my way to a gunshow as I type this and will report on the abundance or lack of later. As for magazines, to the best of my knowledge adversary13@msn.com on the KTOG has them with or without pinkie extension and NDCC has them advertised in their current catalogue.

[The_Shootist]

Have a P-32 that has a variety of 1200 rounds throught it (ball/Hydra-Shoks/Corbon) and it has NEVER had an FTE/FTF - EVER. I dunnon what all this talk about rimlock is, but I haven't seen it. Not only is this pistol compact and pretty much in my opinion the ultimate pocket pistol, but is surprisingly accurate at short ranges (hey - it ain't a target pistol, afterall) which it would be used. A truely "go-everywhere" carry piece.

The only downside is the argument as to the ammo you should carry - JHP's or ball. Its truly unending. To help, check out www.goldenloki.com where he test fired a variety of ball/JHP .32ACP ammo from a P-32 into ballistic gelatin.

Given the problem free nature of my P-32 (to date) I decided to go with the standard pressure Hydra-Shok. It looked like it had a penetration of almost 10 inches and expansion to .370+", plenty for what it would likley be used for (a frontal "in-your-face" defense shot at 3yrd or less).

Granted, I carry something heavier , like my G19 in 9mm or my 1911 when it gets colder down here in Texas and you'd be facing a perp with more layers of cloth or leather. But for the 8-9 mos of the year it is shorts and t-shirt weather around here, the P-32 is fine - not ideal but for the ability to have a pistol "always" I'm willing to make some tradeoffs.

Of course you could also consider the Bersa Thunder .380 for a bit more "punch" but I guess thats a whole other argument :banghead:

[Moondoggie]

I've had a P-32 for about 4 years. Never had any problems with it whatsoever. I've shot about 500 rds through it, all JHP's.

I chrono'd some Fiochi JHP's through it right after I bought it (my CCW instructor gave them to me). They were making 1080 fps, so I'm pretty sure I'd see some expansion. It's enough for what I want in a pistol of this size...multiple, reliable, close-range shots from an extremely concealable weapon with no edges to hang-up on the way out of my pocket. Even though I have medium sized hands, I find it more comfortable to shoot with my middle finger on the trigger...index finger lays alongside the frame just below the slide. Points very naturally this way, and provides a more secure grip.

Accuracy is very good at short ranges...it will print a good group.

[BLiTzNicK]

The only thing I'd change on my P32 is the mag release. Why does the thing stick out so far? I just ordered a Fobus ankle holster for it. Can you say backup?

My P3AT had a little bit too much bite for me. I sold it to another THR member, who I assume is still enjoying it to this day.

[Wilson 17&26]

I finally made it to the Town East (Dallas, TX) gunshow about noon today. About 20% fewer vendors and less than half the crowd. I don’t know if was because it was Sunday or if Mamma had the checkbook buying Christmas.

Prices on Kel-Tec mouseguns were bumped by $5 or so last month and most tables had added another $5-10 for December. There were about a dozen P-3ATs and a dozen P-32s on the 7 tables that had them prominently displayed. Most P-3ATs were priced above $229.

Apparently, A&J Guns didn’t get the word on price increases for this month and had a stock black/black P-3AT for $219 and a black/gray for $229. The only hard chrome P-3AT displayed was at the Bauchman Pawn table for $249. They also had the best price on a P-32, which was $199.

[Wilson 17&26]

BliTzNicK, many folks have use 600 grit sandpaper on the mag release with excellent results. Just be sure not to take off too much at once. Should you mess it up, Kel-Tec will fix it free.

[target4fun]

got a bretta tomcat in .32 its a nice pistol but you pay about 300, no problems with it with any ammo and i like that it has a saftey on it because i would dred that some how the trigger could be pulled in my pocket even though i realize its highly un likely i value my jewels alot! :rolleyes:

[denfoote]

I have both.
The P3AT is still on the disabled list.
The P32 is my wife's constant companion. Even more so than I!!