Lightsped
Member
So I am sort of thinking about buying a Kel-Tec. Probally the 380 P3AT version.
I have never shot a Kel-Tec. How is their reliablity record and quality?
I have never shot a Kel-Tec. How is their reliablity record and quality?
Kel-Tec.... Yay or Nay?
- Thread starter Lightsped
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hotpig
Member
Lightsped said:
Kel-Tec are nice guns for the money. There is one thing that most owners do not understand when they buy them. They were not meant to be plinkers. They are reliable, but were designed to be used for self defense at close range. Not to be taken to a range for extended plinking.
This is even more obvious if you shoot the 9mm or 40. Even with some slip on rubber gripes your hand because sore pretty quick.
carolinaman
Member
Hi there,
I own a Kel Tec P3-AT 2nd generaton and have no complaints about the diminutive pistol.
It has been reliable and reasonably accurate right out of the box.
I enjoy it for its concealability and carry mine in a De Santis Nemesis pocket holster for deep cover carry.
Chris
I own a Kel Tec P3-AT 2nd generaton and have no complaints about the diminutive pistol.
It has been reliable and reasonably accurate right out of the box.
I enjoy it for its concealability and carry mine in a De Santis Nemesis pocket holster for deep cover carry.
Chris
1 old 0311
member
Do a search. That will answer your questions.
Kevin
Kevin
jonnyc
Member
Love my P32.
This is a persistent question, and there are lots of threads dealing with it. That said, my P3AT was not perfectly reliable out of the box, but seems to have become so after a couple of hundred rounds (with regular disassembly and cleaning along the way.)
As hotpig noted, though, they are not a lot of fun to shoot very much at one time. I once did 50 rounds at a single range session (shot some other stuff intermingled) and vowed not to do that again. But they are remarkable little guns, so easy to carry that you'll never have an excuse to leave it behind. Be prepared for a break-in period (some need it, others don't) and accept the gun for what it is. Check out the Kel-Tec Owners Group for lots of specifics on breakin and maintenance.
As hotpig noted, though, they are not a lot of fun to shoot very much at one time. I once did 50 rounds at a single range session (shot some other stuff intermingled) and vowed not to do that again. But they are remarkable little guns, so easy to carry that you'll never have an excuse to leave it behind. Be prepared for a break-in period (some need it, others don't) and accept the gun for what it is. Check out the Kel-Tec Owners Group for lots of specifics on breakin and maintenance.
HaroldOhio
Member
I own a P32 and would NEVER trust it for carry. I've sent it back to the factory once. Its going back to the factory again and then I plan on selling it. If this gun was reliable it would be the greatest small carry gun out there. I now carry a Seecamp which is 100% reliable but is not as easy to shoot as the P32.
I got a P .32 a couple of years ago and after about 125-150 rd.. it was very reliable. I did no F&B as some recommended. The gun slicked itself in as autos do. I july I bought a P3-AT .380 and had trouble with FTE and FTF. After what I thought was enough break-in I sent the top half to the factory. They polished the chamber, ramp and beveled the top rear edge of the hood. It now runs perfectly. Guess I'll get rid of the .32 as I don't need both.
The_Shootist
Member
Kel-Tec?
I've a P-32 that is a "deep cover lightweight" type gun when no other piece would do. Guess I've put about 1200 rounds through it and it has eaten EVERYTHING flawlessly. Right now its stuffed with Winchester Silver types, along with a spare mag.
Its a gun I'll put 50 rds a month through ot every 6 weeks just to make sure there are no problems and to re-familiarize myself with it. Its not a gun I'd take to the range and put 100-150 rounds every week as I have some doubts as to its long-term ruggedness.
But with moderate shooting use to practice with and develope a carry load for, its an excellent piece, givensize/weight/caliber.
I've a P-32 that is a "deep cover lightweight" type gun when no other piece would do. Guess I've put about 1200 rounds through it and it has eaten EVERYTHING flawlessly. Right now its stuffed with Winchester Silver types, along with a spare mag.
Its a gun I'll put 50 rds a month through ot every 6 weeks just to make sure there are no problems and to re-familiarize myself with it. Its not a gun I'd take to the range and put 100-150 rounds every week as I have some doubts as to its long-term ruggedness.
But with moderate shooting use to practice with and develope a carry load for, its an excellent piece, givensize/weight/caliber.
JMusic
member
Bought a Kel Tek 380 a few months ago and had problems jamming. Ran about 250 rounds through it and even tried different ammo's to no availe. I checked for burrs and polished the feed ramp which did not help. The gun store I bought it at was complaining that they have had quite a few come back. I have a p32 in my pocket now after doing some research I found mixed reviews on the 380 but almost unaminous agreement on the reliability of the P 32. I don't find these guns that punishing to shoot. I don't think they are as easy to control as say a Berreta Tomcat but the ease of carry is extrodinary. I here they have excellent customer service. I was thinking of going back to the 380 and if still had the same issue send it to the factory until I read about the Corbon ammo for the P 32. Haven't shot any yet but the ballistics are impresive out of the p 32. I'll let you guys know how they work and what they chrony once I aquire some.
Jim
Jim
Jacobus Rex
Member
I put a P3AT on layaway today. I'll most likely pick in up in a couple or so weeks. I've never owned a Kel-Tec, although, I've shot the P11 and P32 on several occasions. I was impressed.
Kel-Tec's do have trouble a little more often than "high dollar" guns. Their customer service has a good reputation. However, I think that most people that have trouble with them do so because of limp wristing. They are so tiny that you have to provide a lot of resistance for the action to work well.
Kel-Tec's do have trouble a little more often than "high dollar" guns. Their customer service has a good reputation. However, I think that most people that have trouble with them do so because of limp wristing. They are so tiny that you have to provide a lot of resistance for the action to work well.
pinetree64
Member
I've had a P32 for several years. I bought it used at my dealer. No fluf-buff was required. I have several hundered rounds through it and carry it most days. I utilize a pocket holster, modified to carry an extra mag or the attached belt clip - I really like this feature. I've had one problem that was eaisly resolved. The ktog forum has a wealth of information and supprt - almost cult like. Spend some time slow firing, gradually squeezing the trigger. Though heavy, you'll master it. Accuracy is great...for it's intended purpose. I shoot clays at 7-10 yards.
That being said, when I can I go bigger, 38 snubby or better yet a 1911 45 compact.
tjg
That being said, when I can I go bigger, 38 snubby or better yet a 1911 45 compact.
tjg
alamo
Member
A large number of KT .380 seem to be ammo specfic. You need to try several brands to see which ones your gun likes best. After the chamber and feed ramp polish job mine runs one at least forr diferent brands. KT doesd recommend that you don't fire aluminum case ammo.
Lone_Gunman
Member
Why do people that think this question comes up too often even read the thread?
Is someone making them read every thread posted?
The original poster asked a legitimate question, and is getting legitimate answers. Its rude to try to end someone's conversation just because you are bored with it.
Is someone making them read every thread posted?
The original poster asked a legitimate question, and is getting legitimate answers. Its rude to try to end someone's conversation just because you are bored with it.
Marshall
Member
I dunno? I have difficulty with the notion of my primary carry gun being a .380 caliber, add that it's a cheap $200.00 Kel-Tec and I have more difficulty seeing it as a good reliable option. As a back up, it's a different story. No offense to their owners meant, my personal view.
JMusic
member
Jacobus Rex is correct "limp wristing" is a common problem with any light weight semi auto pistol. When I returned mine to the store I expected this aurgument. The owner had to shoot it for himself telling me this was probably what was happening. After two shots it jammed the same as it did for me. He then admitted they had trouble with quite a few and said something about this occuring when they changed the design on the extractor. I don't know, I just gave it back. I have a Colt mustang with the alloy frame that is very reliable but I have had friends shoot it and seen the limp wrist issue. Marshal is correct major calibers are better but these Kel Teks are very easy to conceal. I have carried concealed for 30 years. Large caliber pistols sometimes are not conveinant to carry. I think any gun is better than no gun at all. Carrying a weapon has to be done religiously. I think that is why some of these "mouse guns" are so popular.
Jim
Jim
Bobo
Member
Yay!! Here's my report on my new Second Generation P-3AT:
http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=104;action=display;num=1132192227
http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=104;action=display;num=1132192227
CZ-100
Member
I have one of the early P3AT's (SN 11xx) and have over 1800 rds thru it. I have been Very happy with it from the begining, it is always in my pocket.
hube1236
Member
Cycling, Jogging- cant beat it.
I own the P32, it shoots left about 2 feet at 10 yards. But I can empty the entire mag +1 into the face of a cardboard target at 3 yards without really trying and with a 32acp, I am shooting as I am running away any way.
My aunt got a PAT380 for her carry and it works well. The recoil is akin to my 4" 1911 with Hydrashocks in it, not punishing, but not fun. Same as the other pster reported, empty it out every once in a while, clean and reload.
I use the P32 when I cycle, jog, etc. More for the dogs then for people, but I have something. I don't thing I would engage anyone positively with either of these two, but I would use these to enable a retreat.
I own the P32, it shoots left about 2 feet at 10 yards. But I can empty the entire mag +1 into the face of a cardboard target at 3 yards without really trying and with a 32acp, I am shooting as I am running away any way.
My aunt got a PAT380 for her carry and it works well. The recoil is akin to my 4" 1911 with Hydrashocks in it, not punishing, but not fun. Same as the other pster reported, empty it out every once in a while, clean and reload.
I use the P32 when I cycle, jog, etc. More for the dogs then for people, but I have something. I don't thing I would engage anyone positively with either of these two, but I would use these to enable a retreat.
Wilson 17&26
Member
I have several P-32s, a bunch of First-Generation P-3ATs, a couple of Second-Generation P-3ATs and that all function perfectly. I must confess that not all of them did when I acquired them. The P-3AT I recently purchased for $100 arrived (via my $10 FFL) completely dissembled in a plastic sandwich bag. After cleaning, inspecting and replacing two springs, I had the most enjoyable hour I’ve experienced in months. Then 50 flawless rounds through it. My wife has now confiscated it, so she can have it refinished in a Lavender color. Oh well, it was mine for a few days 
Which ever you choose, you can’t go wrong.
Which ever you choose, you can’t go wrong.
Robert J McElwain
Member
I own a P3AT. If anyone plans on buying one, they should plan on spending a good couple of hours doing a really thorough fluff and buff of all moving surfaces. Kel Tec saves money in manufacture by not doing this for you, hence the $200. price tag.
However, if you're willing to do this rather pleasant task, it's one helluva easy gun to carry and it'll work every time.
Bob
However, if you're willing to do this rather pleasant task, it's one helluva easy gun to carry and it'll work every time.
Bob
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