Kel-Tec P-3AT 380

[Hazcat]

Had to go to a wedding on the beach yesterday.  I was part of the wedding party and the dress was long pants and a pull over (Polo type).  Well that left me in a dilemma as I don't have a gun small enough to carry in these type situations.  I usually carry a HiPoint (hey 1500 rounds no failure) 9mm compact in a kydex then I just wear a Hawaiian shirt or a vest over it.

What to do?

So I started calling around to see if I could get my hands on a P-3AT in 380.  Found a couple in 32 but didn't want that caliber.  Finally found a shop with a new 380 and off I went in a hurry to get this as it is now 2:30 and the wedding is at 6.

Paid FULL MSRP (GRRRRR).  The shop had a range so I bought two boxes of Win Silvertip JHP.  Tossed some oil on the slide and stepped to the firing line.  50 rounds and NO problems!  Ran a snake through it loaded the mag, jacked one into the pipe and topped her off.

Back to the house do the 'SSS' . Toss the 380 in my pocket as I go to pick up the GF.

Her first statement?  "I know your not carrying cause the 9 is too big.  We are going to a nice area but DAMN I feel naked." 

I pull out the Kel-Tek and TAA DAAA instant hero!  (I think I'm gonna have to find another as she loved the little thing)

Anywho, does anyone else have one of these and have you had any problems?

BTW my son has named it "The Noisy Crickett"    (MIB).

[someguy]

Had mine for some time now; probably 1000 rounds, or close to it.  When I bought it, several friends who had one and the dealer all told me to plan on a 250-350 round break-in period.  Mine didn't take anywhere near that long.  (Then again, I also lubed it with teflon powder and then racked the slide repeatedly for about 30-min. while watching TV...  A friend recommended this.)  They also told me that with normal defensive loads, I should expect no problems, but that with some reloads I would have FTF due to a lighter charge.  I have found that to be the case with TN Reloads, which is generally good stuff, just not as hot as, say, Cor-Bon defensive loads.  All in all, very pleased. 

You might already have them, but I recommend the waistband clip that mounts directly to the frame as well as the one-shot mag extender (which gives more to grip in addition to the extra round.)  I have to wear a suit to work every day, and during TN's summer of 90-100 degree heat, I rarely wear a coat.  The Kel-Tec tucks right in, and if it's noticed at all, it's generally mistaken for a knife, as the waistband clip is very similar.  My surefire actually prints more than the gun.  Also frequently IWB of shorts with a t-shirt - no printing there, either.  One of my buddies is never without his... Even swims with it, although I don't remember which brand ammo he said he uses (wax coating for waterproofing, I think.)

Also have an ankle holster for it, but haven't had much call for that.  My wintertime primary weapon (under a coat) has been my HK USPc 40, but will likely now be the new p220 Compact Carry.  The Kel-Tec makes for a nice backup for either.

[Walter45Auto]

My dad has one, and a first Generation P32. Not a single problem out of either of them.

[DonWorsham]

I've had my P3AT for a couple of years. No problems with it. It's in my pocket now. It is my around the house gun when I wear shorts otherwise I carry my .357 snubby. I bought two thinking my wife would like it, she didn't...too much snap for her hands. I've found it works best when I keep it clean.

[Hazcat]

Thanks guys.  Good to hear that it will continue to shoot.

I did do some research on the net before I bought and it seemed as though as long as it was a second generation there really shouldn'e be problems but is nice to hear from people you know.

[Sponsor]

[Hazcat]

Took the Kel-Tek to the range last night.

I'm an RO at my club so I can shoot after the range closes.  The other RO (Jim) and I set up a couple of silhouette targets and a phone book.

Shot four different ammos Magtech, Baser, CoreBon and Win Silvertips.  All JHP. The Kel-Tek ate em all with no problems.  His Colt Mustang had some problems with the Blaser.

Shot from 5 and 7 yards.  At 5 yards started with two hands and the damn little thing is accurate! If you do your part it will put them in an inch circle.

Then started shooting one hand 'from the hip'.  I consistently hit the target with 90% being solid torso or head shots!

At 7 yards that dropped to about 80%.

I LOVE this little gun.

In the phone book all penetrated about the same (~3 inches, book tightly compressed and taped) but the silvertip really expanded,  Basically an unrecognizable mass.

The other did expand some with blaser the least but nothing to write home about.  SilverTips are the way to go for the .380.

Retained weight;  ST (85) 80, Blaser (95) 90, Magteck (95) 94, don't know where I put the core bon!!

[2HOW]

I dont have personal expierence with these kel-tecs but many on other forums swear by them ,and say their customer service is excellent if you have a problem. Im sure they are great little guns.

[texcaliber]

sounds to me like I might just have to lookie into Kel-Tec's now. Have To !
But the one that just came into the shop is in 9mm. So is that a negitive?
Tex

[Hazcat]

sounds to me like I might just have to lookie into Kel-Tec's now. Have To !
But the one that just came into the shop is in 9mm. So is that a negitive?
Tex

Well the 9 is larger than the 380 and a bit heavier (8.3 vs 12.7 for the PF-9) so it depends on what your looking for.  I would also think the 9 would be a bit snappy at that low of a weight.

[texcaliber]

I would also think the 9 would be a bit snappy at that low of a weight.

Comparable to what? A S&W642 w/ +P's or a S&W1911PD commander w/ 185gr+P golden sabers. Maybe worse maybe no? That seems to the powder burning question.

tex