How does everyone here feel about their Kel-Tec pistols?

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ScottD

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This is not intended to start a flame war, but I'd like to hear some objective and honest responses/reviews from Kel-Tec owners. I have a P11 that's been flawless and a first generation P3AT that has been less than perfect after two trips to Kel-Tec. I know how to shoot it and it is NOT limpwristing with the P3AT. It would be refreshing to see straight forward answers on a "non-Kel-Tec" lovefest forum.
Thanks in advance,
-ScottD

Also, if anyone desires, I can post the actual email sent from Kel-Tec about some of the modifications you read about on the KT forums...
 
I owned a P32 that I F&B'd, and it worked perfectly. I traded it off when it occurred to me that I was never carrying it because I didn't take the caliber seriously.
 
Yeah, I had a P32 back in 2000 and got mine to run pretty decently. I traded it away for the .380 cartridge in the P3AT as soon as I found one at a decent price. I know there's a lot of debate about the .32 versus the .380 regarding effectiveness, but I'll take a bigger hole anyday. Hopefully, we'll see a small single stack 9mm from Kel-Tec soon. I hear it's in the works. :) I think I'll keep my P3AT, though. I've got too much work in it and it's reliable...now...not to mention the eight magazines, extensions, and other stuff!
-ScottD
 
I've had a P32 for the past 3+ years and it's been flawless until recently. I think my problem is a worn extractor, which is on the way from Kel-Tec. I'll probably pick up a 2nd Gen P3AT this summer and keep the P32 for practice.

A single stack 9mm sounds great. Any hints on size? If it's pocketable (same size as the P3at or close), then I might hold off until it comes out.

Chris
 
I have a P11 that I bought in 98 i think. Never did any of the DIY stuff that some people love - but i did put Ashley express sights on it. Runs fine, not particularly picky about ammo, hardly ever carry it anymore, but it's kinda too beat up to bother selling.

I don't love it (who could?), I don't hate it, it just doesn't excite me at all...


Mac
 
Mtnbkr,
I'm local to Kel-Tec and have spoken with their gunsmiths. In fact, when I took my P3AT in the first time, I got the "tour" and was told they were in the development stages of a single stack 9mm. I have no idea when it will be out (I'll wait awhile for the bug fixes) or how large it will be. It can't be any larger than the P11 as there'd be no point to it. I'm hoping for one about P3AT sized that's just "beefed" up for the more powerful cartridge...don't even really care if it can handle the +p stuff...just standard pressures. I'm curious... How many rounds would you say you have through your P-32 if it is a worn extractor?
-ScottD
 
Got a new 1st gen P3AT last month. Works well now it's fluffed and buffed but many people have less stellar luck even then. 2nd gen experiences seem to be equally mixed.

Just don't buy one thinking you won't have to get out the sandpaper and polishing compound. The true Glock style OOTB 100% reliable KelTec is a rare beast indeed it seems - bet on some attention needed first.

Oh and make sure you study the parts chart and check they're all there when you reassemble - it's quite a surprise to a shooter used to more shall we say polished brands when your ejector just falls out when you remove the slide. Recoil spring brackets do the same thing but of course it's pretty hard to forget that part when you are putting it back together - that would take a special kind of fumble fingered idiocy even I don't possess so normal people should be safe. :uhoh:
 
I've put well over 1000 rounds through it. I can remember 1200 rounds (based on bulk ammo or component bullet purchases). Almost all of it is either hot euro stuff or my own hot handloads.

That said, it was reliable from the start without a FnB and only recently developed problems.

Chris
 
Well, that's a fair amount of rounds, I'd say. Hopefully that new extractor will fix the problem. They are kind of a pain to install, like the old P3AT, with that roll pin. A padded vice sure makes things easier! BTW, did KT charge you for the replacement? I wouldn't think so...
-ScottD
 
Actually, I don't find the extractor that tough to deal with, I tap it out with a punch about every 3 cleanings to get the gunk out.

They charged me, but probably because I called to order one, not to complain about mine being worn. I ordered the extractor, extractor spring, extractor pin, and an ejector (gonna experiment with a shorter ejector to help ejection of long loaded unfired rounds) for $14.25 shipped.

Chris
 
You're more dedicated to that extractor that I am! I just use the Breakfree Powder Blast stuff until the area runs clean. Doesn't take much at all. I might be wrong, but I thought the roll pin was a consumable part and should be replaced after removal... I've received extractors before and they always came as a set with the pin and spring. I'm surprised KT charged you. I recently received some hard chromed assembly pins, guide rods, recoil spring sets and mag catches...all for free. I even originally stated I was fully willing to pay for them, too! The gunsmith just said not to worry as they usually replace these parts for free anyway... Also, you might try their flat "flush" ejector, if one's offered for the P32. The one they sent me works very well in my P3AT...
-ScottD
 
I really enjoy my P-32.
It isn't my most used pistol but it is always there when I need to have a small, reliable handgun.
In my opinion the Kel-Tecs and the North American Arms pistols and mini revolvers have all but eliminated caliber .25 acp pistols as serious deep cover handguns.
 
i have two P32s, one for me, one for the woman. i had a little trouble with some bargain ammo, but figured it out and they now run without a hitch. i was gonna get a couple 380s until i heard of the new 9mm. i am holding off to see where that goes.

i shot the older 9mm and although it functioned perfectly, i did not care for it and got a G26. the P32 is great in the RF pocket, to me. the G26 was not designed for that, bulky, heavy. a little brick. the KelTek single stack may be perfect for RF carry. will just have to see. am hoping, hope, hope. the gen 1s may not run well, but i suspect the if a gen 2 must be offered, it will.
 
I had a P11 that never gave me a bit of trouble. Shot/fed/extracted everything I through at it. I bought it for concealed carry, but I only carried it once. I sold it to my brother in law, because he liked it better than I did, and I wanted to fund another project. All in all, I'm kind of indifferent on the gun. It was good for what I paid for it, and did everything it was supposed to do, but never IMPRESSED me (and I KNOW it's a $200 gun, don't jump me for saying what i did). I'd never say a bad word about the gun, though.
 
i like my P11. it is what it is. a cheap, highly concealable, and size efficient little pistol. its not a tack driver and it hurts to much to be a plinker. i haven't put enough rounds through mine to be confident enough with it to carry it yet but so far i haven't had and malfs. its a carry a lot, shoot a little type of gun. paid $190 for it used and added the finger rest 12 round mag, 8.5# mainspring and a trigger shoe and now i really like it as a pocket (big pocket) gun. customer service is great, parts are cheap, the design is simple and easy for just about anyone to work on or tinker with. i think they are a good choice for deep concealment, back-up gun, or even an everyday carry gun.

Bobby
 
I'm on my second P32 after trading an older blued model for a new, hard chrome one. Both have been faithful constant companions. My P32 is a weak-side BUG normally, but in situations where absolute deep-cover concealment is necessary I carry it alone. I prefer to have the smaller caliber, it reduces the temptation to give in to the comfort and concealability of the Kel-Tec and leave the larger, more capable weapons at home.
 
I have a P32 that I use as a deep concealment back-up, or primary if I cannot carry something larger.

My preferred minimum caliber for carry is .380ACP, but when even my Mustang is too big I carry the little KelTec.

I have mine loaded with hardball, & it has never fialed to go "bang" when it is supposed to!
 
I have a Keltec P-11 that has been flawless. I kept this one after T&E. I have used, abused, tried to tear it up. I have even taken small game with it. It fills a niche.

That said, this was my first and will be My last Polymer gun.

This P-11 is really the only firearm I have "strayed" from how raised and MY views on firearms. I have told a gun buddy if someone has a nice used OLDER Smith J frame - like a model 36, and they just have to have a 9mm, I'll horsetrade.

My druthers for a 9mm, The BHP - of course. Easy to conceal, reliable and again - proven.

Part of it is my almost 50 yrs of living, my experiences with making and fixing stuff in another business for 35 yrs. Maybe part is just me getting older.

There is something about being able to take a firearm apart, inspect the nooks and crannies and maintain it. The best IMO is a old Gumbint 1911 as JMB designed it, it does not even require any special tools - the firearm is a tool for itself. Next would be the OLD Smith K frames, these have a proven track record. J frames IMO come after the K frames. The BHP - I dunno where it fits, but it too is easy to maintain.

Now I am having a special affair with the Colt Det Spls. Mine is a 1928 model. Sentimental value and I am not experienced enough and will not get into one of these myself.

If I need a smaller reliable , always , last ditch firearm - the NAA mini -revolver had never failed me. This is a "get off me" gun.

Besides the ability to inspect, maintain - I like a firearm with Soul, history, proven history over the years of service, and real steel. Sentimental - yeah I may be, but darn if the 1911, BHPs old S&W's and DS don't have more years of proving themselves than I have been around.

Just IMO. Makes no nevermind to me what a person chooses. As long as it fits them, is reliable with ammo ( and mags) and they practice as to know how to use it.

Regards,

Steve
 
I had and liked a P32. Traded it towards a P3AT. I was carrying the .380 almost all the time. I haven't carried it since I got my j-frame .38. I still have it. I'm waiting to see if I fall back to it this summer instead of the "J". If I continue to carry the "J" as my smallest, I will get rid of the KT.
 
I bought a second generation 3AT a month or two ago, and love it. Had a few FTE's at first, but now it's smooth as butter and runs great after break-in. 500rds through it so far.

There's not a .380 out there this small this good anywhere. :D
 
Wow! Thanks everyone for the excellent and civil responses. It can be much more hostile on the "Kel-Tec" only boards. They provided absolutely no help to my questions of purchasing a second generation P3AT. I already have a first generation, but the new one looks interesting!
-ScottD
 
I purchased my P3AT in 9/03, SN 11xx. It has been Great out of the box. I have over 1000 rds thur it with NO problems.

It is in my pocket everyday. :cool:
 
Wow! Thanks everyone for the excellent and civil responses. It can be much more hostile on the "Kel-Tec" only boards. They provided absolutely no help to my questions of purchasing a second generation P3AT. I already have a first generation, but the new one looks interesting!
-ScottD
------------------------------------
Glad to see you're enjoying THR. There are some pretty wise folks here. It looks like your desire to own a 2nd Gen P3AT has changed as well from what it was on KTOG. There's lots of information that can be learned here.
 
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