Interested in the P3AT, looking to try it...

Although this is my 1st post, I've been reading daily since my 21st in January. I currently have a P22, numerous rifles and shotguns, and my concealed daily duty, an XDSC .40.

Since I'm a student, I am looking at getting something for pocket carry in the event that carry on campus is finally allowed and so I can carry when off campus without having to worry about printing in front of friends (and raising questions that could come back to campus). My concern might seem a little ironic since I am the campus leader for SCCC (students for concealed carry on campus) at 2 schools lol, but I try to keep my specifics about my personal things (if I have one on campus, where I keep it, etc) to myself while at school. After reading the rave reviews for the P3AT for numerous months and checking them out in person at a few gun stores, I am looking at buying one in the very near vicinity, which brings me to my question.

Is there anyone in the Pittsburgh (where I am from and can go home to on a weekend) or Cincinnati/northern Kentucky (where I go to school) areas or anywhere in between (anywhere on the 71-->70 route including Columbus) who has a P3AT and is willing to let someone try it? My local range in Cincinnati that rents does not have this pistol, and I would really like to try before buying. I have one lined up for purchase if I like it. I'd pay for ammo and range time of course...

Thanks in advance,

Tom

That's my old stomping grounds around Cincinnati. If you came to Florida I would let you shoot mine all you want. Not going to happen right. So I'll tell you what your infor. They are real snappy little fellows and anything over 20' is a waste of time in my book. They are made for up close and personal. Start at 7' and when you can drill the target with either and both together then move it back. Get yourself a Don Hume holster for it and you can forget about printing.Good luck.:smt033

Let me know if you're coming east toward Lancaster. We could work out a session. Just missed me out there. I went rafting on the Yough last weekend.

Just picked up some Houge Jrs (grip wrap) for mine... Nice.

Should tame a little of the jump, and it fills my large 2-finger grip better now... LOL

P-3ATs are perfect for what they are for... Close quarters, last-resort, keep-on-squeezin-til-he-stops-comin defense.

Reliable, simple, and ultra-cocealable.

I'm in Florida unfortunately, but if you're buying ammo, I'd help you shoot it!

JW

Well, thanks for all the offers. I'd think about coming down to Florida (just to shoot of course), but with gas prices and being at school full time, probably won't happen. Even Lancaster's pretty far out of my area.

So it looks like its a kick butt personal defense, close up gun that can be carried every day. If I have the possibility (cover garment or larger t-shirt) of carrying my XD, carry that, but if not, then I could definitely have the P3AT.

Has anyone ever had trouble with "limp wristing" and the slide not fully cycling? I've read about that happening some, is it a problem for anyone (or was it)? Thanks for all the quick replies.

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Originally Posted by tboone

Has anyone ever had trouble with "limp wristing" and the slide not fully cycling? I've read about that happening some, is it a problem for anyone (or was it)? Thanks for all the quick replies.

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Never had a failure to fire or feed ever with my P3AT. I probably have about 250 - 300 rounds through it. I usually run 2 mags through it at the end of most of my range sessions. This is not a range gun that you take for a 100 or even 50 round session. Get used to it, then shoot it a dozen times every other week and you are good to go.

No trouble limp wristing. If you have big hands, they can get in the way of the slide's action. I also have a IWB pants clip on mine that can easily cut into the top of my hand with poor hand placement from a quick draw. When you get your P3AT, get a Hogue Handall Jr. grip overwrap, install it and cut it to fit. Also, get magazine finger grip extenders for your mags. These items will make your P3AT much more stable in your hand.

I have a P32, got about 300 rounds through it, not one problem. I have heard of some recent issues with P3AT's if you do get one check with Keltec if there are know issues with the batch.

Cheers!

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm probably going to get it within the next week if I can work out the transfer of the P3AT I'm looking at in Cincinnati to my home state (PA). I'll keep you all posted about my impressions once I get it.

My P3AT has never malfunctioned.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tboone

Has anyone ever had trouble with "limp wristing" and the slide not fully cycling? I've read about that happening some, is it a problem for anyone (or was it)?

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I finally had my first mafunction with my P3AT. I let someone who does not do a lot of pistol shooting try it, and it failed to feed after the first shot. I told him to tighten the grip, and he shot the rest of the magazine without any problems.

Otherwise, my P3AT has been through about 400 rounds without any trouble at all. It is also more accurate than I would have guessed, and COM shots out to ten yards is a cinch. I don't think that they are prone to limp-wristing, but like many autos, it can happen.

You might also look at the new Ruger version as well. If I didn't already have the KT, I would very likely get one....

PhilR.

Ive been very interested in a p3at as a bug or for carrying in certain situations. The only gripe I would have is they are not manufactured out of stainless steel and can have issues with rusting. One of the main requirement I would have out of a pocket pistol, preferably one with a belt clip, would to resist rust considering I would carrying it during very sweaty outside labor conditions. Anyone know something similar that is resistant to rust that is comparable to a Kel-tec in size and capacity? I have also seen a website someone listed once about a certain coating that could be applied to a p3at that would reduce friction and resist corrosion. They did not list a price for their services but I cant imagine it would be too cheap. Ideas? sorry to hi-jack

P3ats are made w/hard chrome slide to help with rust. Hard to find though. My first gen ('05) has 1000+ rds through it and never jammed....except w/Wolf ammo!

there are other options to chrome.most places that duracoat will do it real cheap.mine has lasted for years now:smt023

cincinnati here
order one at "target world" and wait
or
read all of the negative articles on the keltec forum at:
http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=104

i gave them an answer as to why i bought the Ruger and the moderator semt me a real nasty email reply
i wonder why all members of the keltec forum only post (95%) negative items about keltec items?
or order a Ruger and wait

Never had anything negative to post on any of my 4 KTs. If you decide to go with LCP, it may be a longer wait with today's LCP recall.

I carry a chrome slide P3AT in the front pocket of my jeans every day. I take it everywhere. Even during the hot Texas summer that we had this year, I did not find it uncomfortable. It is the most concealable handgun that is a real pleasure to carry. Most of the time I forget that it is in my pocket. If you don't already have one, it is worth the price.

Go with the Ruger LCP...much better fit and finish. More comfortable, better grip......just a newer better version of the P3AT. I just picked one up, and also having shot the P3AT....I am so ridiculously happy that I got the LCP.