The Rohrbaugh Forum

Miscellaneous => Other Guns => Topic started by: Aglifter on April 09, 2006, 08:40:40 PM

Title: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Aglifter on April 09, 2006, 08:40:40 PM
Any ideas on one of these?  I really have no use for it, other than it seems incredibly small, and light.  I might be able to use it to wear in the coat pocket of a suit -- which I wear maybe 3x's per year... so it'd just be a toy -- maybe something my brother would carry, since he thinks an R9 has too much recoil.
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: DDGator on April 09, 2006, 10:00:33 PM
They are pretty decent guns.  They carry "flatter" than an R-9.  I have had two.  My first ran like a top, but I sold it.  The second needs a trip back to the factory.  Go figure.

I am not sure it it all that much more pleasant to shoot than an R-9 though...

Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Fud on April 09, 2006, 11:02:31 PM
I couldn't get mine to chamber any rounds by itself even after a return trip from the factory

(http://fud-files.netfirms.com/image/private/guns/f156.jpg)
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: CaptBW on April 10, 2006, 02:32:11 AM
I had a 1st generation P3AT that would not function. I no longer have it.
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Michigunner on April 10, 2006, 08:37:26 AM
Mine always fired perfectly, but it kicked like a mule, and the slide was extremely hard to operate.

It does conceal very well.

Bill
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Thunderbolt on April 10, 2006, 11:14:19 AM
Hey Folks,

I had to jump in on this one.

Like most everyone else, my first impression of the Kel-Tec's was "what a  :-X plastic toy" .............. However first impressions can be wrong  :)  at least IMHO.

 I bought the P3AT about 3 mo. ago thinking I would never find an R9 and I wanted to have something I could just drop into a pocket even though I never had much use for the .380 ctg. (.45acp is the only one that really excites me 8) ). The KT has about 450 rounds through it and only one stovepipe and when I concentrate, I can group about 3" @ 15 yd. I'm definately not trying to be a cheerleader fot KT but I was pleasantly surprised  ::) , to say the least. It took about three trips to the range to really change my mind completely. I would probably feel differently if it had to go back to the manufacturer  :P . The only time it has had any feeding problem was when my shooting buddy tried to put some of his cheapo Russian Silver Bear through it last weekend ............ No Bueno! Of course his first comment was "what a :-X " and my reply was "keep that Commie ammo away from it and it's just fine". ;D  Once when I wasn't looking, he slipped in several mags. of Wolf .45 into my 3" Kimber ...... looked like it had been burning charcoal. >:(

On March 4th., I was fortunate enough to find my R9s at a local gun show and after a little over 200 rounds, things are starting to come together. The KT isn't even in the same league as the Rohrbaugh, however, at 15 yds. I can consistently get 2.5 to 3 inch groups with the P3AT (have to really concentrate) and only 6 inch groups with the R9s (I'm working on this I know it's me not the R9 ;) ).

The R9s is a fine precision tool but in my experience the P3AT ain't that bad.

Sorry, I idn't realize what a long ramble this was 'til I previewed it.

Good Shooting,
Thunderbolt
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: RJ HEDLEY on April 10, 2006, 12:01:14 PM
I must agree, when you look at the cost difference,  It sure isn't a bad choice and has it's uses.  
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: michael_t on April 10, 2006, 04:04:49 PM
Well I bought the P-32 version and then bought a 2nd for the wife. Only pistol I could ever get her to carry regular. I use mine as a back up  and she has hers cliped to her pants . Are they the best no but they have been reliable  and better than a stick.
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Laserlips on April 11, 2006, 12:23:57 PM
Quote
Well I bought the P-32 version and then bought a 2nd for the wife. Only pistol I could ever get her to carry regular. I use mine as a back up  and she has hers cliped to her pants . Are they the best no but they have been reliable  and better than a stick.

michael_t:

I've had a P32 for over a year, and "so far" mine has been 100% reliable and very accurate at self defense range. (7-10 yards).  In fact I was amazed at it's accuracy considering you don't have much to work with in way of sights.

For my wife and myself we consider the P32 to be an absolute "up close and personal" last resort defense pistol.  If the bg will give us 7-10 yards we will boogie on up the street as fast as our old senior citizen legs will carry us.. But close up and personal I have zero doubts the little KelTec WILL put 'em where you point 'em.

Don't corner a rat or scared old folks, cause we WILL bite'cha..

I would never even use the P32 and the Rohrbaugh in the same sentence when it comes to quality, or probably any other aspect where you might want to compare them.  

But for folks who don't have $1000.00, (like me), the KelTec P32 works just fine.

I think the new slim KelTec PF9 (or whatever it's called) will sell well for KT too...  Basically a smaller P11 with the better P3AT trigger setup..

Hey, we're on the Rohrbaugh forum... I EXPECT most folks to spit on other makes of firearms.  It's just the nature of the firearm owers cliques in general.  

I just appreciate the Rohrbaugh forum having this little piece of space for other firearms..  Nice of them to do that.

Best Wishes,

JP.

P.S.
When Fowler eventually shows up and starts trashing KT pistols (and he will), just consider the source and ignore him like the rest of us try to do..




Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Aglifter on April 11, 2006, 08:30:29 PM
OK, well, I'm getting a hard chrome version -- they're cheap enough, to mess with, and I really haven't found a good gun for use in a suit -- the R9 is a bit too heavy for a Houston weight suit -- it's very obvious something heavy is in my pocket -- hasn't stopped me yet, but it wouldn't be bad to have something I could tuck into a jacket pocket -- and I can't quite bring myself to do the shoulder holster bit, if for no other reason than it would preclude taking my jacket off.
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Arizona on April 26, 2006, 03:39:54 PM
I have kel-tec P3at which my wife and I fired 100 rounds without a flaw.  I took the barrel and polished it sand paper.  This allows the slide to flow better.
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: One45 on April 30, 2006, 08:19:47 PM
I want to jump into this one on the side of Keltec.  I owned
several 1st gens. and never had a problem with any of them.
Got out of the Keltecs for awhile but, am back with a 2nd gen.
and in fact, just walked in from the backyard shooting a couple of mags through it.  I use only Gold Dots.  Never a FTE,
no problems at all.  I can put a mag into a 3" grouping at 10
yards with 2 hands and a bit bigger with only one-handed grip.
I have always fluff and buffed them (just working the slide over with fine grit sand paper), I use the NAA mag extensions
for more pinky hold and put on a Hogue Hand-all.  Those
additions really improve the little blaster.  Gotta love em.  Plus the factory is just about an hour away and they will let you
walk-on for service and have a great bunch of gunsmiths there.  I'm looking forward to new single-stack in 9mm.

Regards all.

P.S. I use the Keltec when just knocking around the yard, quick trips to the store and the R9 all the other times.  
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Arizona on June 05, 2006, 05:56:10 PM
At  11 0z. fully loaded and 8.3 oz. unloaded, it is the lightest .380 on the market.  

When I carry it, I forget it in my front pocket.  

It is a winner in these columns.
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Gerbilwarrior on June 06, 2006, 07:36:53 PM
My wife gave my a p3at for Christmas 2004.  It had some difficulties, so I sent it to KelTec in the Spring of 2005.  They sent me a whole new gun, which has functioned perfectly.  I shoot it about every two weeks, and have had absolutely no failures at all with it.  Here's some pix:
http://www.mouseguns.com/ideal2.htm
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Aglifter on June 07, 2006, 03:26:12 AM
Yeah, it's a decent little toy -- still can't bring myself to call it a gun, but I know some crazy Brits who feel the same way about my Benelli -- anyway, it's at least something my brother actually carries, as opposed to leaving in the car...now I just need to convince him to upgrade to a Rohrbaugh or Seecamp.
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Gerbilwarrior on June 07, 2006, 06:40:47 AM
I don't have the wampum for a Rohrbaugh right now, but I believe there will be one in my future some day!
 :)
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Laserlips on June 07, 2006, 09:01:15 AM
Quote
Yeah, it's a decent little toy -- still can't bring myself to call it a gun, but I know some crazy Brits who feel the same way about my Benelli -- anyway, it's at least something my brother actually carries, as opposed to leaving in the car...now I just need to convince him to upgrade to a Rohrbaugh or Seecamp.

Not trying to be confrontational here, but I'd bet if someone pointed a P3AT in your face you might readjust your thinking about the little KelTec being a toy.....  Bet your brain would be screaming "gun, gun, gun" ......

Or at least I know MINE would..   ;D

Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: BillinPittsburgh on June 10, 2006, 11:15:01 PM
I have been very happy with my Kel-Tec P-32.  It is the only true pocket pistol I have seen above .22 or .25 caliber that has truly comfortable recoil.  However, I did have to switch from the factory 9 lb. recoil springs to Wolff 11 lb. springs for reliability when the gun is loaded 7+1, and consider this to be mandatory for anyone who owns one of these for serious purposes.  Wolff +10% extra power magazine springs and an extra power firing pin spring were also well worthwhile upgrades.  It has been as reliable as any pocket pistol I have used.

I am not at all suprised that making the same size gun in .380 caused them to have to beef up the 2nd generation ones, and I still read about mixed experiences with them.  Fortunately Kel-Tec's customer service is good.  

My own pocket .380 is from North American Arms, and while it is quite heavy, it is also quite reliable and durable.
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: Arizona on June 19, 2006, 01:57:17 AM
Most important feature I would like for is dependability.  Glock had all these circles saying it was a toy plastic gun.  Now look.  When comparing the two in your hand, there is a big difference and the  pup has the advantage.

Would kel tec be looked at different if it weighed more or cost more?
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: 19950ragtop on July 16, 2006, 06:37:20 PM
Hi   my first post to the forum.

I currently carry a KT3AT 1st gen, HC and ported, that has been a very reliable and easy to carry.   Happy with both the gun and the P32 that I had before the .380

I also have a Kahr PM9 that is very reliable, but is a bit too big and heavy for front pocket carry.

So the question for those of you that have both the KT and R9, is there much difference in your ability to carry, or stated differently is the R9 much bulkier or heaver than the KT3at?

The R9s looks like a nice piece and I have a birthday coming up and my wife would love to buy me a new gun
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: flyandscuba on July 16, 2006, 06:54:29 PM
I personally have no more difficulty in carrying an R9 (or a PM40) than I do my P-3AT.  If I'm prone to doing rough field work or significant time out in the heat, I tend to grab the less expensive and lighter P-3AT.

When dressed in business casual on a normal workday, I prefer to carry a more potent pocket pistol like the R9 or PM40.
Title: Re: Kel-Tec P3AT
Post by: eblackhawk on July 16, 2006, 06:58:04 PM
I have both and yes, there certainly is a difference in the size and weight when carrying in a front pocket.  It all comes down to what works for YOU; they both work equally well for me.  The R9s is such a beautifully balanced weapon that I carry it more often than the P3-AT.  If you're wearing jeans or some other tight-fitting pair of pants, you will have trouble with any "pocket pistol".  This time of the year, I'm always wearing some variation of cargo shorts and in the winter cargo pants or loose fitting jeans so I'm able to pocket one of four pistols-Kahr PM9, R9s, P3-AT or Seecamp LWS32. Great pocket companions all!
                                     Eric