My new KelTec P3AT

[michiganfan]

Just got a new P3AT today. I don't know what generation it is. I was sort of nervous about getting the gun after what I have read on the various boards about the hit or miss quality. I figured what the heck it wouldn't be the first 249 plus tax that I have wasted over the years. Got a chance to put 100 Winchester white box 90 grain through it. It was a champ no FTF no FTE.

I only shot at five yards. Figure that is what this gun is all about, up close and personal. Accuracy from that distance is more than adequate to get the job done. The gun was not that hard to hold and the recoil was less than I thought it was going to be. For all I have read and heard about the 380 not being enough I can certainly say that I quickly concluded I wouldnt want to be on the receiving end of such a "weak" round.

All and all I was very pleased. This will certainly be the drop in my pocket and go for a walk in the neighborhood gun.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Fun little bugger isnt it.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Does it have a bolthead on slide behind ejector and top of slide flat is so new type. If not old one.

 

[Michigunner]

I've had good fortune with my P3AT, also.

Just put 100 rounds thru without a problem, although I kept getting hit in the glasses with ejected shells.

Maybe it was limp wristing, although I tried not to.

Great little gun!

Mine is very hard to operate the slide.

 

[michiganfan]

Yes my slide is hard to operate also. Where are you at in the Great Lake State?

 

[Michigunner]

I'm in Lenawee county in SE Michigan.

My slide really is very hard to operate. I'm retired, so maybe old age is setting in a little bit.

There is a ridge forward up near the muzzle. I've been grabbing ahold of that, being careful to keep away from the business end. It's easier to get a grip using that technique.

 

[michiganfan]

If your ever in Wayne County let me know and perhaps we can cap off a few rounds. Walt

 

[Michigunner]

Thanks, Walt. Much appreciated.

I'm glad you are enjoying the new P3AT.

Mine is the earlier version, but all the modifications have been made at the factory, before I got it.

It looks like it will work OK. I need a few more shots to get 100% confidence.

I'm waiting for a holster from Mr. Hedley. Right now it is an Uncle Mike's, with a little padding added to look like a wallet in the front pocket.

 

[Michigunner]

Please note that member Bobo has prepared a chart comparing small pistols. Now he even has a PDF file.

You can see how well the P3AT fits in the scheme of things.

 

[denfoote]

I think you will find that the sights are regulated for five yards.
The AT is a very good mousegun.

 

[bubbygator]

The "newer" model began about serial HAAxx. With that, the problems with extraction seem to have been solved. A fun gun to shoot, & easy to slip into your pocket.

 

[boldkharma]

Love mine too. I have the second generation and have put over 100 rounds downrange with no issues. I shoot it at 10 yards and can keep all shots in the black. I am very confident in this pistol and will depend on it when it is the pistol I need to carry.

 

[TxCajun]

Problems with the 3AT have been highly dramatized. There are a few reasons that I think contribute. First, they are inexpensive (what a crime) and attract a lot of new shooters. Many of these folks are the worst possible candidates to shoot such a pistol. AT's are sooo small and light, they are susceptable to limpwristing. Even oldtimers (like me) that have put a zillion rounds down range in 1911's and other duty-sized pistols can have issues. You must lock the wrists! The Kel-tecs all push the envelope on power/size/weight ratio. 7 rounds of 380acp fully loaded at 11 oz that conceals in your jeans back pocket, for as little as $225 is hard to beat. FWIW, the P32 is a bit more forgiving with an extra round and a slide stop.

 

[MR.G]

Well put TxCajun. My P3AT 1st generation has been fired about 400 rounds without any problems.