Kel Tec P3AT slide action

[Taurus 66]

I want to know more about the P3AT because the warmer weather is going to be here in a few weeks and I will need an inexpensive, reliable, compact auto for when I'm out riding my mountain bike on the road and trails. I turn to this gun and am seriously interested, however, I'm reading a report from http://www.gunblast.com/KelTec_P3AT.htm that says, "The P3AT does not lock the slide open after the last shot as does the P32."

Could this non-locking feature interfere with proper seating of the magazine? I ask this because another semi-auto of mine is tempermental when loading a magazine under closed breech. The first round would fire and the bolt would move and cycle through as it should, but the magazine would sometimes fall out the bottom because of improper seating.

 

[alamo]

The P-3AT does not have a slide lock. If the magazine does not seat properly it is entirely coincidental.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Never been a problem on mine or any others P3AT I've shot.
My 32's are more fun to shoot 380 a bit snappy .

 

[jon_in_wv]

I bought a P32 a few weeks ago and I DEFINITELY plan on buying a P3AT also. They are way better guns than I thought they are. Surprisingly they are also very accurate too.

 

[03Shadowbob]

Taurus,
I only started having problems with the magazine setting properly because I went with the +1 extension. It catches on the back of the grip for some reason. It's not all the time but once in a while. However with the stock magazine I never had a problem. I love this gun. No failures at all of any kind and it is pretty accurate.

 

[arthurcw]

I only started having problems with the magazine setting properly because I went with the +1 extension. It catches on the back of the grip for some reason. It's not all the time but once in a while. However with the stock magazine I never had a problem. I love this gun. No failures at all of any kind and it is pretty accurate

+1 on the +1. It's a great addition for a little extra grip when trying to gain control of the gun from a low ridding holster or when using the belt clip. But I would not use the +1 as a spare mag for the very reason stated above.

The stock mags give no problems other than the dreaded Kel-Tec Mag Rattle. Which really isn’t all that bad.

Edited to add: The only time I’ve dropped the mag on the P-3AT was when I bumped up against something while pocket carrying and managed to push the mag eject button. The only cure for that would be to carry a J-frame.

 

[DirksterG30]

Something you do have to watch for with Keltecs is pushing in the mag release when inserting a mag. Metal magazine + plastic mag catch can cause problems (don't ask me know I know this!

The only time I’ve dropped the mag on the P-3AT was when I bumped up against something while pocket carrying and managed to push the mag eject button. The only cure for that would be to carry a J-frame.

Another option is to shave down the mag catch button a little. I don't think I'd ever do that, but some people over at the Keltec forums have. Just an FYI.

 

[arthurcw]

DirksterG30,

I did not know either of those little tidbits. I'll hit KTOG and look for the mods. Also will be a bit more delicate while inserting the mags.

thanks

 

[gpr]

there is 'beach' at ktog, that is making metal mag catches for those who feel the need...gpr

 

[The Amigo]

I DID MINE

The P3 is a nice gun that's underestimated. Its a carry a lot shoot little gun. I shoot the crap out of mine. And if you manage to kill yours keltec has the best lifetime warranty. Customer service is very good. After like 1500 rounds i wore out my mag release (plastic) due to inserting clip violently (old school i guess) which caused the magazine to drop sometimes while firing. Kel tec send me a new one but i decided metal will not wear as fast. So i made one out of aluminum from some jeep suspension pins i had in the tool box. I used 2 files and some patience and it has worked flawless. All of my CCW guns have been retired due to the light weight p3. I have a +1 extension and carry a spare mag as well. To the gent that had the problem with the extension you are supposed to file the rear lip of the gun where u insert the mag so it wont catch the new +1 extension. Buy a 2nd generation in .380 and you wont regret it the usually are fine right out of the box. Visit this site they have lots of good info http://www.ktrange.com/phpbb2/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=e377e1be410bcee24dced54d9843b294