[jonahex]

I really wanted a pocket gun to carry around. I did some "net" research, and settled on either the Ruger LCP or the Kel-Tec P3AT. I read an older "Gun Tests" magazine article comparing the two, and they gave a slight edge to the Kel-Tec. I went to a local gun store, and the owner recommended the Kel-Tec. I kinda got hosed on the price of $350.00. But then again when I want something, I want it then. so I bought it. I took it home and started doing even more research. I started finding all kinds of negative reviews about the Kel-Tec. Constant jambs, checkered grip will rub your palm raw, no fun to shoot past 2 clips and "this gun will plain wear you out", were among the comments I read. Couple that with the time spent on the "Fluff and Buff" which was highly recommended, which also voided the warranty, and I was beginning to highly doubt whether I had made the right decision on purchasing the Kel-Tec. It was two weeks before I was able to go to the range to test fire the KT. Two weeks that I had to read more negative articles. Well I was finally able to go to the range yesterday. I had to wait to shoot due to the longs lines, that gave me time to talk to one of the clerks there. He said he loved the P3At, but recommend I shoot 200 rounds through it before "I would trust my life on it". I brought two types of ammo to shoot. I brought Speer Gold Dot 90 gr. GDHP, and Winchester white box 95 gr. FMJ. I have two clips. I shot them one after another. I cycled 150 rounds through this little gun, and had only one FTF. that was going from the Winchester FMJ to the Speer HP. After that I alternated every other clip, one with FMJ, one with HP. No issues whatsoever! I must admit the first 25 rounds left less than desirable accuracy results at a distance of 15 ft. I could keep it in a grouping of about a 12" circle. I really do attribute that to my worries and anticipation about shooting the gun. After those first 25 rounds, I became much more accurate. I sent the target out to seven or eight yards, and found I could now keep my grouping within an 8" circle. Close enough for me. I experienced no sore hands from the grip checkering, no jambs, only the one misfeed. I was not "wore out", I think this little pocket wonder was extremely accurate. I left the range with nothing but a big smile, and I was wishing I had more money to burn on .380 ammo. I would have happily stayed there a few more hours shooting the handgun. For those of you contemplating the purchase of a Kel-Tec P3AT, I would whole heartedly recommend you do so. I do not think you will be disappointed.

 

[RebelRabbi]

Get a grip

IMHO....a LOT of folks who Bad Mouth the Kel-Tec and LCP's just don't understand how to properly grip the weapon. It took me a while to "get" that you need to pinch a grip that small in the web of your hand. Glad UR happy with the Kel Tec.....if it just came in 45..........:hand5:

 

[RETSUPT99]

I still have two KelTecs...the .32 and the P-3AT...I got rid of the P-11.
I have had both of my present KelTecs for over 6 years without ANY problems.
Yes, I think that you overpaid, but that's really not a problem in life's big picture. Sometimes we overpay, and sometimes we make a killing (maybe that's the wrong term for a gun forum...), it doesn't really matter in my book.

I believe that you will soon know that it is a dependable BUG, or something to slip in the pocket for around the house, but not a fun gun to shoot at the range...that's just the way it is...:yup:

Enjoy!:bier:

 

[frankmako]

no problems with my after i did some of the f&b.

 

[Grantspastor]

I ahve a first generation P3AT with many, many rounds through it. It has been completely reliable.

 

[mr surveyor]

yep, you overpaid by at least $70, but you got what you went for!

As for "voiding the warranty".... I don't think I have heard of anyone's KT warranty being voided for polishing the chamber and feed ramp, which is the #1 part of the infamous F&B.

One suggestion I would make, if you haven't given it a try, is to install the pinkie rest base plate (about $7) on one of your magazines. You will be surprised at the improvement in controlling muzzle flip and overall handling.


surv

 

[searcher 45]

The wife and I both carry P3ATs and are very happy with them.

All kinds of 380 through them and no miss fires or any problems.

Wife actually shoots better than I do and runs the gun very well.

 

[REVMAN]

I love mine and with NO problems!

 

[SleepingZ]

No, I would not recommend a P-2at, heck I don't even know what one is. Is it something Kel-Tec is releasing for the 2010 shot show???

My P-3At is just fine tho.:wink:

Z

 

[GunGeezer]

Hold it tight, it'll shoot right.

 

[QKShooter]

Mine was terrible when I got it.
Major polishing cured it. It runs like a champ now.

 

[searcher 45]

Mine was terrible when I got it.
Major polishing cured it. It runs like a champ now.

Both P3ATs wife and I carry ran perfect out of the box and both are well trusted.

 

[JB-Norcal]

Hadn't shot or cleaned mine in 6 months, drove by the BLM range, took it out of the pocket holster, removed the mag, blew out the dust, reinserted the mag, and bam,bam,bam,bam,bam,bam,bam,bam. :smile:

 

[OldVet]

I've heard both sides of the Kel-Tec stories and it seems to be a bit of hit and miss. Some are fine; some are not. I think some people have expectations that small guns can't reach. People with complaints tend to complain a lot. Those who don't have a complaint with the P3AT don't tend to post Yahoos on every forum they can find. So....

Sounds like you've got a good one on your hands. I'd say keep it and keep on shooting. I'm a bit surprized you found .380 ammo, though; it's in really short supply around here.

 

[hogdaddy]

I Voted NO did not think they made a PT 2AT ? ;-)

 

[NCGunDude]

I have the mag plate replacement on mine, and like the support of the additional finger, although the gun prints more obviously pocket carrying, so it's a compromise.

Never had any jams in a couple of hundred rounds, maybe one stove pipe, but it happens.

================================================== ================

Sig Sauer P6, P232
Keltec P3AT
Ruger MK III
Ruger Mini-14
Remington 700 .270
Ruger Stainless Skeet 12, 20, 28
Winchester Super X2
Bennelli Black Eagle

 

[geauxtig3rs]

Fluff and Buff will not void the warranty. Kel-Tec is very very liberal with their warranty, and even incorperated some of the techniques used in the fluff and buff into later revisions of their guns. I know several people with pf9s that have done the fluff and buff, then sent their guns in for some reason or another that have no problems with it voiding the warranty. In fact, if you send in some of the older revisions, they will do parts of the fluff and buff for you.

 

[blackberry]

The p3at is perfect for those who carry all day long and don't want to be weighed down with a huge cannon on them. I bought one to switch up when my style of dress does not permit me to carry a larger pistol.

I love the fact that they are so light weight and small. My only issue with it is the cost for the ammo. The price for .380 ammo is ridiculous!

I read all the good and bad reviews on the p3at, but as we all have different preferences i feel it is safe to say that you just have to try things out for yourself and see if they work for you. I'm glad i tried out the p3at for my self because had I relied on the bad press for them I would have missed out on one of the finer things in life!

 

[crzy4guns]

I had a second generation Keltec P3AT and never had a problem with it, although I sold it foolishly thinking I had to have a larger caliber for a BUG and an "always on you" handgun. I was trying to find another one when I stumbled on to a Ruger LCP. I have been happy ever since.

There is a good reason why these little polymer frame .380s have been flying off the dealers' shelves. A small, lightweight pistol that can be with you on those days when you can't carry a handgun. A nice addition to anyone's self defense equipment. OMO.:bier:

 

[jahwarrior72]

i had the P3AT; i only shot about 200 rounds through it, because it sucked to shoot, but every round was flawless. i ended up selling it, though, because of the price of .380ACP was more than .45ACP, which i'd rather carry, anyway.