My first generation P32 has always fed FMJ flawlessly. Since that's all I carry in it, the gun has worked perfectly. Takes alot of practice to maintain my accuracy with it, but any tiny DAO gun will be the same. My Keltec P40 I had worked perfectly with .40S&W 180gr FMJ, but flat tip 155gr FMJ and JHP caught the feed ramp and required me to modify the feed ramp to achieve perfect feeding. I don't consider that a quality issue though, just a minor design flaw. I plan to buy a used P11 next time I come across one for a good price. I only paid $140 for my P32 and $170 for my P40 (and it's the hard chrome version). I'd gladly pay full price for any keltec, but it seems those who get them and have ammo related (or shooter related) problems are all too quick to offload them for next to nothing. Although, the guy who sold the P40 probably sold it cheap because the recoil tries to remove your hand from your arm every time you pull the trigger. 450 ft/lbs of energy coming out of a tiny 14oz gun will do that.
Kel-Tec Quality Control Check
- Thread starter Jbabbler
- Start date
- Status
moooose102
Member
my P3AT had to go back to the factory once. they put a whole new slide on it. the trouble was somewhere in the firing pin area, and apparently they could not just tweak it to fix it. since then, it is good to go.
mr.trooper
Member
You cant conclude ANYTHING about KT reliability based on this poll.
the poll simply asks about major and minor quality issues. Whats a quality issue? Most of those votes are probably for things like an uneven finish or molding lines on the frames.
You should have asked people if their KT will pass the Ayoob test out of the box: yes or no.
My P32? Yes.
My fathers P32? Yes.
My sample size is only two, and both of those pistols are well maintained (field strip, cleaning, and a proper greasing after every range trip) but based on my firsthand and anecdotal evidence, I wouldn't hesitate to recommended KelTec.
the poll simply asks about major and minor quality issues. Whats a quality issue? Most of those votes are probably for things like an uneven finish or molding lines on the frames.
You should have asked people if their KT will pass the Ayoob test out of the box: yes or no.
My P32? Yes.
My fathers P32? Yes.
My sample size is only two, and both of those pistols are well maintained (field strip, cleaning, and a proper greasing after every range trip) but based on my firsthand and anecdotal evidence, I wouldn't hesitate to recommended KelTec.
I just purchased a KT P3AT ($289), mainly due to the fact that I found one. They are getting really hard to find. I fired 100 rounds the first day on the range without a single misfeed, needless to say my finger was hurting....but still the gun worked flawlessly. I added a crimson trace laser and am very happy with it so far. I would like to purchased a LCP if I can find one., but I think my testing is over till more. 380 becomes available.
pwillie
Member
300 rnds,and no malfunction,Keltec PLR 16.....bad ,bad, and bad....
evan price
Member
My Sub2000 has been perfect s ofar with hundreds and hundreds through it. Had a minor fal t oreturn to battery with underpowered reloads but that was ammo related, not the gun's fault.
My FIL's P11 has been flawless.
My brothers' P32, P3AT and PF9 have all had no problems either.
These are not go to the range and shoot IDPA guns, these are SD guns you shoot time to time to stay in practice and carry a lot.
If I want something to soak up a thousand 9mm at a time I shoot a Sig or XD or something.
My FIL's P11 has been flawless.
My brothers' P32, P3AT and PF9 have all had no problems either.
These are not go to the range and shoot IDPA guns, these are SD guns you shoot time to time to stay in practice and carry a lot.
If I want something to soak up a thousand 9mm at a time I shoot a Sig or XD or something.
woodchuck315
Member
My P-11 has been reliable after the first 50 rounds, where I had two small jams. Quick clearing of those jams and It would run. 200 more rounds later, it hasnt yet missed a beat. Cant ask for a better gun, or a better company. I carry it when I go out.
If I wanna put a lot of ammo downrange, I grab my 1911 anyway. I reload lead .45acp for $5/50, cheaper than ANY 9mm I can find, and much more fun
If I wanna put a lot of ammo downrange, I grab my 1911 anyway. I reload lead .45acp for $5/50, cheaper than ANY 9mm I can find, and much more fun
MCgunner
Member
Bought my P11 13 years ago. Been flawless for 12K rounds, estimated. It's a very accurate gun. Awesome little carry. It's got a little holster wear after being pocket carried for that long, big deal.
I've shot mine a lot, and yes, scored pretty well with it in a couple of IDPA shoots.
I've shot mine a lot, and yes, scored pretty well with it in a couple of IDPA shoots.
gimlet1/21
Member
I have P-32, PF-9, and a sub 2000 love them all
PcolaDawg
Member
I bought 2 P32s in the last month. I've shot close to 200 rounds through each. One had a serious problem with hollow points, which I understand to be an issue with the P32. They both fired Fiocchi target rounds flawlessly and with incredible accuracy for such a small gun.
My Father got one around Christmas, and his has operated flawlessly as well.
I like 'em.
My Father got one around Christmas, and his has operated flawlessly as well.
I like 'em.
Mine work fine. The P-11, and P3AT, each have fired over 400 rounds without any failures. The finish on the P-11 slide has worn off in spots due to a lot of pocket carry. The hard chrome slide on the P3AT still looks like new. For a couple of dollars more, the hard chrome is a good buy.
Wore out a P3-AT which was replaced by the factory at their cost, I paid shipping one way. Have a P-11 that was problem free until I put a P-40 top end on it. Broke the ejector and the slide release, pistol still worked fine though, and KT replaced the parts free. I converted it back to 9mm to save wear and tear on my hands, and it still going. As said above, a hot .40 load in something that size is truly an experience. I also have a Sub2000 in 9mm with the Glock magazines, folder up with 4 of the 33 round mags is a lot of firepower in a small package. I own many guns and some of them have names like Sig, HK, S&W, Colt, etc. They are finely made guns and I like shooting and carrying them, but the Kel-Tecs are excellent firearms for what they are intended to be, small, rugged, and reliable carry guns. I trust them as bugs.
Devon
Member
Had a P-11 for a few years, never failed and had several thousand rounds through it, just didn't like the looonnnggg, heavy trigger pull. Traded it in on a new PF-9, no problems so far.
Cpt. America
Member
My p-11 has never had an issue. I haven't put my p-32 through its paces yet but when I do I'll update this If I have an issue.
D50boy
Member
I purchased my 1st gen P3AT shortly after they first hit the market so it had a few kinks. The assembly pin would work out when firing and I had FTEs. Sent it in and Kel Tec and they restamped by serial into a new gun and sent it back in no time at all. The new gun had a few design improvements in the extractor and the pin. Had no problems with it ever since.
CoRoMo
Member
My P11 has been a dream so far.
No failures. Not even a single jam with any type of ammo, ever.
I want another one or two.
No failures. Not even a single jam with any type of ammo, ever.
I want another one or two.
ricebasher302
Member
P11
I broke a trigger bar in my P11 at the range one day. I bought the gun used, and Kel-Tec sent me a new one free, no questions asked. It showed up three days later, and I live far from Florida. Otherwie, the gun has ate everything I've ever put through it. No further problems. Customer service second to none.
I broke a trigger bar in my P11 at the range one day. I bought the gun used, and Kel-Tec sent me a new one free, no questions asked. It showed up three days later, and I live far from Florida. Otherwie, the gun has ate everything I've ever put through it. No further problems. Customer service second to none.
Frank Drebin-You in Clayton County? I'm in Henry (I grew up in Forest Park). I just bought a P-11 at the gunshow in McDonough last weekend. I haven't shot it yet due to having a hard time finding ammo. I finally broke down today & paid 40.00 for 2 boxes of FMJ 9mm ammunition. Probably gonna get to shoot it at my Father in Laws this weekend. Anyway it might be a week or two before I can get away but I wouldn't mind meeting you at an indoor range & letting you run a mag or two through it. PM me if you are interested.
While the sample size may be small I don't think it's safe to say that you can't conclude ANYTHING from the poll. Look at the numbers, 12% of those that responded had to return their KT to the factory. That speaks volumes to me. If I had it to do over again I would ask people which gun they had to return. My guess is that the P11 has the lowest return percentage.
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.Shadow 7D
Member
All mine work fine
the only KT I've had problems with is my P40
and those are mostly the result of pushing 180grn .40 out of a pistol that weighs little more than a 12rnd mag loaded, pleasant to shoot, no, can I shoot it, yes, is it mechanical, no, its just that a P40 requires perfect grip and stance every time, especially with heavy rounds,
Oh and it recoils like a ball peen hammer to the hand, so yes, I had many FTE/FTF from it especially after the first mag.
I love thier CS, I got the parts I needed quickly, with a basic fluff and buff, watching for known problems, I have some awsome pistols.
Is it a browning HP, is it a python, does it have the perfect 1960 factory blue with immaculate service, is it super grade.
No
But they are heads above many other similarly priced guns, they use quality materials to make a functional inexpensive pistol. If the fit and finish aren't to your liking, you can do most of the work yourself, or get repair order and have the factory do it.
the only KT I've had problems with is my P40
and those are mostly the result of pushing 180grn .40 out of a pistol that weighs little more than a 12rnd mag loaded, pleasant to shoot, no, can I shoot it, yes, is it mechanical, no, its just that a P40 requires perfect grip and stance every time, especially with heavy rounds,
Oh and it recoils like a ball peen hammer to the hand, so yes, I had many FTE/FTF from it especially after the first mag.
I love thier CS, I got the parts I needed quickly, with a basic fluff and buff, watching for known problems, I have some awsome pistols.
Is it a browning HP, is it a python, does it have the perfect 1960 factory blue with immaculate service, is it super grade.
No
But they are heads above many other similarly priced guns, they use quality materials to make a functional inexpensive pistol. If the fit and finish aren't to your liking, you can do most of the work yourself, or get repair order and have the factory do it.
orionengnr
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2005
- Messages
- 5,711
Four K-Ts, problems with all four.
P-11--would not feed reliably, regardless of ammo type.
P-32--Slide would not lock back as designed.
P3AT (second gen) would seldom fire two rounds in succession.
P3AT (first gen) better then the second gen, but would seldom fire a complete mag.
K-T happily sent me new springs and other internal parts. I became pretty good at F&B. I spent a lot of money on new mags and ammo.
None of this did much good. While each improved, none was reliable enough to carry. I lost an awful lot of money selling them with full disclosure, and K-T will never see a dime of my money again.
P-11--would not feed reliably, regardless of ammo type.
P-32--Slide would not lock back as designed.
P3AT (second gen) would seldom fire two rounds in succession.
P3AT (first gen) better then the second gen, but would seldom fire a complete mag.
K-T happily sent me new springs and other internal parts. I became pretty good at F&B. I spent a lot of money on new mags and ammo.
None of this did much good. While each improved, none was reliable enough to carry. I lost an awful lot of money selling them with full disclosure, and K-T will never see a dime of my money again.
We're neighbors Jbabbler. Yep Clayton county used to be nice. Now I am sure to carry if I am going up there. I still have some friends in that area.
On topic. I have been having problems with my P11 of late I am going to try one more thing & if that doesn't take care of it it will be going back to Kel Tec. I'm not bad mouthing them yet though. I just want it to work.
On topic. I have been having problems with my P11 of late I am going to try one more thing & if that doesn't take care of it it will be going back to Kel Tec. I'm not bad mouthing them yet though. I just want it to work.
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