What is your experience with the P3AT?

[chihuahuatn]

Total Rounds Fired= 836, (two 6rd mags w/ +1 extensions used)
5 FTF (feed) total
0 FTE
0 FTF (fire)
0 random jams

1st FTF: First day I bought the pistol without an initial cleaning I had a FTF @ count #2, with WWB ammo; I attributed this to not doing an initial cleaning and user error.

@Round count # 179 a fluff and buff polish was done at this point my P-3AT was digesting PMC Bronze ammo and WWB with no issues. I also tested Corbon DPX 14rounds (my carry ammo) no issues.

I typically shoot 25rds a range visit…once a week and clean the gun that day. Hopps#9 and CLP.

2nd , 3rd , 4th FTF all occurred with back to back range sessions (two different days) with Georgia Arms factory reloaded .380 ammo @ around~ 350rd count (first time I used the ammo). I was concerned that something was going on with the pistol so I stopped shooting the GA-arms ammo and switched to PMC Bronze and Seller and Bellot ammo and since then the FTF’s has stopped. I also shot another 20rds of Corbon DPX w/ 0 issues. For the record I love Georgia Arms factory reloads all my other guns eat them up w/ 0 issues so I will continue to buy from them in other calibers but for me I will be hesitant of using it in my Kel-Tec.

Diet of WWB, PMC, Corbon DPX and using up of the rest of my GA Arms ammo

Selected Fluff and Buff done at 447
Currently at 836 rounds.

Lesions I have learned:
1) My Kel-Tec P-3AT is ammo sensitive and I suspect a lot of people in this board have had similar issues.
2) The “Fluff and Buff” works very well every Kel-Tec should have one done. In addition each time I clean my P-3AT I also note where the wear is showing up and adjust the occlusion/wear accordingly with my dremal.
3) I love my +1 mag extensions, the extra round is awesome and makes grip better in my hands, and this is an advantage over the LCP in my opinion.
4) I have a Gen. 2 so at every cleaning I tighten the extractor bolt.
5) When changing magazines I always manually press down the mag-catch as to save on the plastic mag-catch wear.

 

[Jkwas]

When changing magazines I always manually press down the mag-catch as to save on the plastic mag-catch wear.

That is a must do on this gun.

 

[Craig M. Arnold]

I have two first generation P3ATs with about 2,100 rounds through them. No issues with either one of them after a F&B. I fully trust both of my KelTecs.

I had two Rohrbaughs. Great little pistols, however both ended up with cracked slides. It turned out that this was a known problem with some of their guns. So even very expensive mouse guns can have problems.

Best regards.

 

[gpr]

kt

i have six different kel tec's....if they make it, i would probably buy it, at least one...i draw the money line on the RFB, to much for my blood...gpr

 

[MostlyHarmless]

I had some failures of the slide to return completely into battery on the first few clips. Fine after that.

 

[AdamSean]

I will chime in here too. I have owned 1 1st gen P-3AT, 3 2nd gen P-3ATs; and before that a P-32 and a P-11. All have served me well. My P-3AT is always in my back pocket. Even if I have my .45 auto on my belt, the little 'Noisy Cricket' is always with me. If anyone says anything about not enough power, get Hornady's new Critical Defense FTX ammo.

 

[Sig 226 .40]

1st Gen P3AT owner....mine has digested over 600 rds. of Speer Gold Dot with no failures....a couple of hiccups with UMC fodder...then I discovered PowerBall. We love this stuff and now all 3 mags are filled with it.


IMAS....if you're wife is partial to dresses and skirts ...she might want to invest in a garter holster. Rides high up the thigh and provides a distraction when she suddenly has to shove the muzzle of her little friend into some scumbags muzzle. Have her try anUncle Mikes pocket holster sewn on to a garter with industrial nylon thread by a local seamstress.

 

[Claude Clay]

1st gen--0- trouble. eats everything yet does not gain weight. my daughter uses it in a home made holster that she likes muchly. it is not a off-body design so she does not have any 'dress' troubles. i load 380 and the little thing has about 600 factory & 200 SD rounds through it.

 

[PakWaan]

I have a second gen P-3AT that had consistent FTF problems. Sent it back to Kel-Tec and it's been fine since, with about 200 rounds through it since the repair.

 

[#shooter]

I have one and the problem I have is that when firing I accidentally release the mag. Of course it has a FTL afterward. I have a magazine extension and it helps but still happens. it is very accurate and reliable if I do not hit the mag release. Its benefit is its detriment- small and easily concealment but difficult to hold.

 

[kitsapcharly]

A bit of filing on the magazine catch will fix this problem.