It is not a range gun; the tiny sights are useless, and recoil is very snappy... BUT, the P3ATs that I had worked for what they were designed to do, which is to put shots on target at a very close range. Fit and finish is a little rough, which is why you'll hear a lot about "fluff and buff" from the KelTec guys. I had no complaints from mine after a little break-in time. It's small enough to fit in your pocket, and goes bang when you pull the trigger. I have since sold both of mine and purchased the new Sig Sauer P238, but if the Sig had not come along I would've had no problem in staying with the KelTec.

.380's are nice. But they really recoil and if you're looking at it for CCW you can get a 9mm almost as small.
And check for both avialability and price of ammo.

AFS

My P3AT works flawlessly. It is NOT a range gun as your hand absorbs all the recoil and the joy of shooting end pretty quickly. But it serves it's purpose perfectly as pocket gun. Ammo is a bit pricey and if this is going to be your EDC, there are many arguments out there that say you should consider a 9mm at the minimum.

i actually own a 9mm. i was just considering a 380 for the smallness and for fun.

Put it into priority. I wanted small, lightweight, small, lightweight, small lightweight--the decision becomes easy after that. Only the ruger lcp comes close but not in dollars. Put a little "padding" for that crease at your thumb and, with a solid grip, it is just what i wanted. It is not your recreational gun and only should be shot to keep up on its tendencies--it is what it is--a mouse gun that fits in your pocket without a hint of bulge or weight at a respectable cost. My p3at has worked fine from day 1 without a hint of any problems. Even its finish, after looking at the "fluff and buff" threads, did not seem to have a hint of burrs or lack of finish. With the demand for it, you cannot go wrong buying one and reselling it--the demand is there. Should be able to purchase one for under $350 inclusive.

Originally Posted by rosie22lr

Put it into priority. I wanted small, lightweight, small, lightweight, small lightweight--the decision becomes easy after that. Only the ruger lcp comes close but not in dollars. Put a little "padding" for that crease at your thumb and, with a solid grip, it is just what i wanted. It is not your recreational gun and only should be shot to keep up on its tendencies--it is what it is--a mouse gun that fits in your pocket without a hint of bulge or weight at a respectable cost. My p3at has worked fine from day 1 without a hint of any problems. Even its finish, after looking at the "fluff and buff" threads, did not seem to have a hint of burrs or lack of finish. With the demand for it, you cannot go wrong buying one and reselling it--the demand is there. Should be able to purchase one for under $350 inclusive.

i was able to purchase mine for 250,.....its ok,....but i dont like the way the trigger feels...


actually there was a shop having a grand opening special this past weekend,...they were offering the lcp for 285,...im thinking i should have gotten the ruger