Kel-tecs, need honest info here

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I've got the KT 32, 380 and 9mm/40 S&W.

I carry the 380 all the time in a front pocket.

I would NOT get my Mom a KT unless she was a "shooter".

Most of the reasons have already been given.


I taught my mother to shoot a J frame Smith and it served her well in the 1960's riots.
 
The only kel-tec experience i have is with a p32. Bought it 'new' at a gun show. Come to find out it wasnt new (had a metal guide rod). It had pretty bad FTE issues. Sent it to the factory for a hard chrome upgrade/fix. Came back in about a week. The only original part/s were the serial numbered frame. Maybe the magazine, not sure. in the first 100-150 rounds i had 2 or 3 FTEs. Doesnt bother me much considering it was a new gun again and needs some breaking in (never did any fluff and buff). I've got maybe 100-150 since with no problems (damn .32 is expensive at wal-mart, i need to order some online).

I wouldnt expect the quick service i got. That was over a year ago and last i heard they're backed up on some things.

Edit: I put money down on a parkerized P11 last week. I have to wait until it gets here and my permit goes through. Hopefully it will be trouble free.
 
Mod12- hopefully back to the land of instant background checks (i.e. no permit to purchase a handgun) in the next few years.:D

I wouldn't say nothing goes right for me.

Well, actually, I just went through my 60-odd posts. Looks like you are on to something. I have posted about problems with my P-22 (went back to factory), Storm (rust on barrel), Kahr (MK-9 and K-9 i.e. K-9 got broken during my agency stress course) and Kel-Tecs (already noted).

Hmmmmmm.

In honor of that which has gone right- I have never had any problems with any of my Sigs (3), Berettas (4) or S&W revolvers (6). My bushmaster has always been flawless. Most of my regrets involve guns which I have sold.
 
I had a .32 and currently have two of the .380 and two 9MM Kel Tec pistols. Have shot one of the .380 and one of the 9MM a fair amount, with few problems. I carry either the 9mm or the .380 daily. (I will be carrying the 9mm more often, as soon as Dave sends my new holster) I think that a lot of the problems that you hear about the Kel-Tec pistols are shooter related, due to their small size and recoil. I would not recommend them to a new shooter unless they were going to spend some range time learning to shoot it.
 
I had a KT and thought it was a really good gun. I never had any problems with it other then having problems getting used to the heavy DAO trigger.
 
The magazine flew apart while I was shooting the gun
Click to expand...

The mags are made by MecGar. They're not a KT product and shouldn't reflect on KT if they fail, IMO.

FWIW, I have over 1k rounds through my P32 with any mechanical failure at all (including some insanely hot "Clark" type loads). I did find two brands (out of nearly 10 I've tried) that it didn't like.

Chris
 
I've had a couple of Keltecs, including a P11 that put over 10,000rds, mostly wolf and nasty S. African stuff, thru. All were fine pistols, would have one now if it wasn't for my love of the wheel gun. But they are difficult guns to shoot. If your mom doesn't like the 38, how about a 32mag? Not quite the power, but better a small caliber she can shoot than a large caliber she won't.
 
Your mom would never like the loud noise and recoil of a P3AT. But I have an idea.

What about a 22 Magnum revolver. The Hammer springs are somewhat stiff to detonate rimfire instead of centerfire. I have a couple Taurus models and I think one was $270 new.

Allegedly S&W has a new model 351PD, but it's probably more expensive.

If your mom shot a bad guy in the stomach with three shots, I bet he wouldn't take an hour to get to the doctor.

http://firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=301465&item=865231&sw_activeTab=1
 
Maybe this should go in a new thread, but what's the second smallest, second lightest, ccw for those who are not impressed with the Kel Tecs?
After firing the P3AT, I'm thinking of getting a S&W 331.
 
My vote goes to either the S&W 342 or Kahr PM-9. I think the 342 is the best all-around ccw gun. There are very few outfits that you cannot conceal one. It disappears into the pockets in a pair of 5.11 shorts.

When not carrying my privately-owned G-19 (my duty weapon), I usually carry my PM-9 (quicker reloads).
 
Kel-Tecs are the best for concealed carry.
They are so small, light, relilable, cheap, and availlable in powerful calibers.
If you have a concealed carry licence, you would be dumb to not have one.

Kel-Tecs are the worst for shooting for fun.
They are so cheap looking, plastic, hard to aim, hard recoiling, and ugly.
If you do not have a concealed carry permit, you would be dumb to have one.
 
Ok, I made my mom take the 38. special. I loaded it up with Winchester white box lead jacketed hollow points (thus is an alum frame so stronger P+ is a no no). I told her she doesn't have to like the sound. If shes being attacked or broken into the loud sound is the last thing on her mind. She pouted but she'll be better off IMHO because its a hella accurate stubby and honestly a good shooter. Showed her how to use it and explained the pros/cons of it. After we were done she seemed more comfortable with it.

Bought the p3at on gunbroker, waiting for the FFL. Paid $210 but with S/H and FFL charges its about $250 total new and in the box. I have a CCW and plan for this to be my summer carry. Hope all works out, going to fluff and buff
 
So what should I do with my newly acquired P-11 that had 2 FTF out of 80 or so rounds?

Anything? Change ammo? Send back? Sell?

I used Winchester white box from wal-mart.
 
Dunno about your P-11 since I don't have a manual for it.

The manual on my wife's P-32 said that there was a 200 round break-in period during which there might be some malfunctions.

Turned out hers never missed a beat.
 
So what should I do with my newly acquired P-11 that had 2 FTF out of 80 or so rounds?

Anything? Change ammo? Send back? Sell?

I used Winchester white box from wal-mart.
Click to expand...
I'd say shoot it more and see if it clears up. Its claimed there is a break in period for these guns, the 'fluff in buff' is just to help accelerate that.

If it keeps doing it either try the F&B, or send it to kel-tec (or both).
 
ftf

fthorn, i'd get some #600 grit wet /dry sand paper and work the feed ramp over. wrap it around a pencil and polish in the direction of feed. if you have a dremel use a felt pad and some jeweler's rouge for a final polish. i have a mirror finish on mine. take the mag apart and clean thoroughly, check the lips for any roughness and lightly polish. polish the rail inside the slide that contacts the hammer assembly. lightly grease the slide rails. i use militec grease on mine. then shoot the snot out of it. you're gonna like it. go to www.ktrange.com for a ton of helpful info. cheers :)
 
FTHorn

Another problem may be that Winchester white box. I never had any luck with that stuff in anything I've shot it in. But definately follow the advice on polishing that feed ramp. It makes a world of difference.
 
Do you still polish your feed ramp, if it has been hard chromed?
 
I am probably mistaken but I believe they only hard chrome the slide and do not chrome line the barrel.
 
On the P3at is there any way to chamber a round without the hammer being locked back. I really don't feel comfortable with a pocket gun locked and cocked but I'd like one in the tube.
 
hard chrome

mr.g, alamo is absolutely right. a "thank you" to him. proves that no one knows everything.
re: hammer on the p3at. it is a true double action only pistol and the hammer is only cocked and released by squeezing the trigger. hence no "cocked and locked" after chambering a round. it never reverts to single action.
 
I've decided to give the p32 a try. I bought one today, cleaned it, wracked the slide 200 times, and cleaned it again. The fit and finish looks pretty rough, but the parts that are supposed to slide against each other are pretty smooth. Hopefully, I'll find time to take it to the range later in the week. The store had one with a serial no. starting with "C", and the other was all numerals. What the difference?
 
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