Kel-Tec P3AT...Question(s)

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VonFatman

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I'm seriously considering buying this little .380 for a "pocket gun".

I've shot and carried a friend's P3AT and have found it to be an easy carry and at 15 yards I can whack 8" plates with the gun pretty consistantly (I didn't say I liked it's DA trigger).

What I'd be interested in is:
How do the guns hold up over time?
Any reliability issues?
Is it considered a "quality/dependable" belly/pocket gun?

Thank you!

Bob
 
though I don't own one (I carry a P32, I like a slidestop and doubt I'd be able to count rounds if TSHTF), many have sung its praises from gun rags to online forums. Now for your questions

1. N/A they have a lifetime warranty that Kel-tec stands fully behind
2. As with any firearm some are prone to problems (FTF, FTE, etc...), but again see #1
3. Hate to sound like a broken record, but see #1 again

Out of the box reliability has been an issue plaguing the P3AT, but its a situation thats being worked out. I would suggest you hanging out at www.ktog.org or www.ktrange.com and reading up on it. I myself would rather carry a P11 eventhough it kicks like a mule. Its not that much bigger than a P3AT and if price isn't too much of an issue I would run with a khar MK9
 
I've got a P3AT. Nice little gun, and it goes places other guns can't go. (It will even -- though I don't advocate this -- carry nicely in a shirt pocket, even when fully loaded. Mine hurts the crap out of my trigger finger when I shoot it, but its reliable and accurate. If I ever need it, I prefer my trigger finger to be hurt to the alternatives.

I carried a P-11 for a year or two, and its a nice gun, but I never really came to terms with the trigger. It was accurate, but my first couple of shots, each range session, were never quite where I wanted them to be. (I noticed this the first time I tried the P-11 in an IDPA match.) After the first couple of shots, I was hitting well, rapidly. Got to thinking about it -- if I ever had to use it in a real-life situation, it would be just like an IDPA match... I might not have two-three shots to warm up.

Moved to several other small guns, but now carry a Kahr P-9. Nice gun. Very slim, 7+1 rounds (or 8_1 if you carry a backup full-size mag). Remarkably little recoil. Nice trigger. I tried the PM-9, but its much snappier, and even more harsh than the P-11. I carry mine with an IWB (Tuckable) holster. Don't always tuck, though.

The kahr, for me, is the best compromise. I think they make a "Covert" model that is slightly smaller. They are quality guns and worth the price.
 
If you buy one MAKE SURE you get the new model .Has the flat slide top and the Frankinstine Bolt on slide by exactor.also weights 1oz more. This is the new one. Still lots of Gen1 for sale. Gen2 suppose to address all the problems of the Gen 1.
 
I own a P-32 and I'm guessing minimum 2500 round service life.
More likely to go double that.
 
I have a 1st gen and it worked fine. Gave it a little fluff & buff before i even took it out though. If price was no option, I'd go back and get a Rohrbaugh, but its what, 400% more?
Brass on my Kel-Tec seems to come straight back, but really high, so it doesn't hit me. I do not know of a method to adjust this.
 
That's what I paid for mine, and its as good a price as I've seen -- even when compared to used models purchased via the internet (which requires shipping... and a transfer fee.)
 
Well, I picked mine up today...

It's of the 2nd Gen. design and I was able to get it out the door (including sales tax) for $235.00 I ran a few thru the gun when I got home tonight and hope it works as well with future trips to the range.

Thanks again for all the great suggestions and advice.

Bob
 
You may find a finger extension will make shooting the P-3AT more pleasant and lengthen your range sessions. I prefer the NAA but a Bersa will fit without alteration.
p-3atwmags.gif
 
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