Kel-Tec P-3AT .380: Hands-On Review
MLB had the day off so we headed to the range to try out a new Kel-Tec pistol. The awkwardly-named P-3AT is one of the smallest semi-autos chambered for .380 ammo in the world, and as you can see below, it is indeed a tiny gun. We thought our Springfield XD Sub-Compact was small, but it looks absolutely bulky next to the Kel-Tec:
Of course, that photo doesn't really provide a good context for absolute size. Here's another photo showing how the pistol fits into my wife's dainty hand:
Neither photo gives an indication of how thin the gun is -- .77", which is thinner than my RAZR cellphone with leather case.
The Kel-Tec is not an enjoyable gun to shoot. The recoil is not painfully strong, but due to the gun's small size and light weight, it doesn't feel comfortable in the hand. Also, the long throw of the double action trigger pull takes some getting used to -- well, a lot of getting used to, especially compared to the relatively silky single action of the Springfield. Nevertheless, the gun is accurate and ours proved to be reliable, with no misfeeds or ejection problems. (Most of the reviews I've read about the gun seem to group Kel-Tec owners into two categories: those whose guns work perfectly, and those whose guns operate so badly out of the box that they send them back to the manufacturer. Fortunately, we seem to fall into the first category.)
One interesting thing about the gun is that it's quite energetic when it comes to ejecting spent casings. Some of them landed a full 15 feet and more behind us! They also come out of the gun in a rather flat trajectory so if you're not careful to keep a firm wrist and grip on the gun when it fires, the casing could fly right into your forehead, something you'd probably want to avoid. We didn't experience that situation, but I had forewarned my wife about the possibility.
Of course, the intended purpose of this gun is not for casual and frequent target practice or plinking. The P-3AT is designed for easy concealment, for self-defense purposes. The owner needs to fire it just frequently enough to acquire confidence in how it operates and shoots, and that's it.
The gun is stupid simple; it has to be, to achieve its size. The only external control is the magazine ejector button (the mag holds 6 rounds). There's no external hammer, and no external safety (which is why the gun fires only in double-action mode). There's no slide lock-back, and the slide doesn't lock open after the last round is fired. I haven't disassembled the gun yet, but it looks pretty easy, if you can figure out how to pry out the slide pin without losing a fingernail.
Kel-Tec makes a version of this pistol in .32 caliber, and it's even a bit tinier, but I've never found anyone who advocates the smaller caliber for self-defense purposes. The gun comes in three finishes: blued, parkerized, and the hardened chrome you see here. In Midland, Between The Walls sells the hardened chrome version for $275; the other finishes are slightly less expensive. Their prices are significantly discounted over those shown on the Kel-Tec website, but call ahead as they get shipments only sporadically and tend to sell out quickly.
Technorati tag: Kel-Tec P-3AT
How will you use the gun for self defense? Where do you aim? Will you dare to shoot?
All very good questions, and questions that I've asked myself many times. Frankly, my fervent prayer is that every gun we own will never be fired in anger or fear, or at anything but a paper target.
It's also worth remembering that not all threats in this part of the country come from human beings, especially out in the wilder parts of the land we're cycling or hiking through.
Posted by: Eric at March 9, 2007 10:37 PMI still want to take Concealed Handgun...and y'all are flinging a cravin' on me to hurry up and get it done!
Posted by: Janie at March 9, 2007 10:48 PMBeau wants to know if that's a review from you and your lovely bride or just your own. If it's just your own, what does your lovely bride think of it?
Posted by: jen at March 10, 2007 02:19 PMJanie, if you need contact info for a good instructor, just let me know.
Jen, the review reflects the way both of us felt about the gun. She was bothered more by the long trigger pull than me, but the gun fit her hand better than mine. She said the recoil didn't bother her, but the pistol grip is pretty rough and was a little uncomfortable to hold against the recoil. The slide's action is also pretty stiff and you really have to wrestle the gun to chamber the first round. Obviously, that's going to be less a factor the bigger and stronger you are -- but she dealt with it just fine. All of these drawbacks reflect the compromises required to make the gun small and concealable.
Posted by: Eric at March 10, 2007 03:20 PMWe are getting a clay pigeon shooting range apparently. I think that we must have a target place somewhere already though, cause someone I know is wanting to get a gun (I just didn't get a chance to ask him about it! I'm afraid you've brung me over to the dark side hehe)
Posted by: Rach at March 11, 2007 05:01 AMWell, if you're defining the "dark side" as clay pigeon shooting, then you'll have to blame Janie for that; I don't even own a shotgun! ;-)
Posted by: Eric at March 11, 2007 04:35 PMI've consciously avoided spending much time window shopping for semi-auto pistols, since I don't have a CCP—but I'd be tempted to go try out the Springfield just because it has such an interesting, blocky look to it.
Meanwhile, when push comes to shove, my 30-year-old Colt .357 Peacekeeper should do the job, should it be called upon.
Posted by: Foo at March 12, 2007 08:31 AMFoo, I have no doubt as to the efficacy of your weapon, as I could say the same thing about my Colt Python. But it's kinda hard to carry in a bike bag, which probably isn't a big deal until you find yourself 30 miles from the nearest civilized gathering in the middle of a desert where probably 50% of the traffic is involved in some sort of nefarious activity.
OK, so that does describe Dallas, except for the desert part, but you get my drift.
Posted by: Eric at March 12, 2007 09:40 AMI have a kel-tec P3AT, in the .380 model. Yes, it is kinda hard on the hands if you just take it for granted because of its size. I carry numerous weapons in conceal carry depending on how I feel. I carry a Firestorm Mini 40, a Glock 19, or the 380. With the conceal carry clip from the manufacturer the P3AT is invisible. Stick it in the waist band and you are set to go. Now, do I ask myself if it will do the job. I think so. With Hydrashocks or Magtechs, and with six rounds in the magazine, I think it would do the job. Anyone who would walk away from being hit from these rounds would be on drugs. Center mass is what we look for. Doesn't take 20/20 vision to do this. Put the sights on the mark and let it loose if you definitely have to depending on you or your family's safety. I'm pleased with my Kel-Tec.
Posted by: Glen at March 18, 2007 10:26 PMAbout the publisher
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It looks so much like a toy gun... Or should I say toy guns look so much like the real thing?
Let's say, God forbid, you find yourself in a threatening situation. How will you use the gun for self defense? Where do you aim? Will you dare to shoot? I'm just curious...
Posted by: mis_nomer at March 9, 2007 09:38 PM