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Text updated: November 5, 2009
What makes the Kel-Tec P-3AT the ideal pocket gun?
1. The P-3AT is a very light weight "mousegun" I define a mousegun as a pocket gun that weighs less than 16 ounces, unloaded. The P-3AT weighs only 11 ounces loaded with a full magazine of 6 .380 cartridges, plus one in the chamber.
2. The P-3AT truly is pocket size." The P-3AT is only 5.2 inches long, 3.5 inches tall, and .77 inches thick. It will easily fit in your front pants pocket. I carry my P-3AT in my front pocket, in the "rug" that came with it.
Here's a photo of my 1st generation P-3AT on some 1" square graph paper:
3. The P-3AT is adequate for firepower. The .380 cartridge is only half as powerful as a 9mm round, however it is twice as powerful as a .32. Newer hollow points made by Corbon and Hornady seem to expand well. The P-3AT holds six in the magazine, and one in the chamber, for a total of seven rounds. FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) "hardball" gives deeper penetration than hollow points.. See the "Old Coots" tests for precise ballistics information. I prefer to carry FMJ instead of hollow points for better penetration. Here's a photo of a P-3AT magazine:
Here's a photo of my 1st generation Kel-Tec P-3AT, before I installed the Hogue Handall Jr. grip. (Actually I've taken the Hogue grip off again. Seems to work better for CCW that way.)
4. The .380 cartridges fired by the P-3AT are relatively inexpensive. .380 cartridges may be purchased for about $9 for 50, at a gun shop. AmmoMan.Com sometimes has 500 rounds for $89, with free shipping. (Note: I wrote that several years ago, and ammo prices have sky-rocketed since the 2008 election. A box of fmj .380 ammo is now selling for about $60, if you can find it!)
(Photos of a 1st Generation Kel-Tec P3AT feedramp with .380ACP cartridge inserted in chamber.)
5. The P-3AT will be reliable if you treat it right. The P-3AT is not meant to be shot day after day as a range pistol. If you don't keep it clean and well-lubed, it may jam. You may need to polish the feed ramp, and do a little "fluff and buff." If it still won't work right, you can Fed-Ex it back to Kel-Tec for adjustments. I sent mine back, and Kel-Tec sent me an entirely new P-3AT, which works perfectly. This is such a useful small gun that it is worth taking a little time and trouble to make it right.
6. The P-3AT has an enthusiastic following of owners that help each other with any technical/gunsmithing problems that may arise (there is no such thing as a perfect gun that never ever fails). There are two large forums especially devoted to Kel-Tec weapons: The Kel-Tec Owners Group, and The Kel-Tec Range. These friendly and knowledgeable people can answer any P-3AT related question that you can think of.
Here's a photo of the other side of my 1st generation Kel-Tec P-3AT:
7. The P-3AT comes with Kel-Tec customer service and a life-time warranty to the original owner. Kel-Tec is famous for customer service that is quick and effective. If your P-3AT has a problem, Kel-Tec will fix it, and make sure you have a good gun. Even if you are not the original owner, they will often help enthusiastically.
8. The P-3AT is relatively inexpensive and not too difficult to find in many gun shops. (Actually since the 2008 election this is no longer true.) It usually sells for under $300, if you can find one. Here's a photo of my P-3AT with some other "pocket stuff."
9. The P-3AT is a safe gun to carry. The action is "double action only," which means it takes a long deliberate pull on the trigger to fire the weapon. The P-3AT simply will not fire unless you really attempt to shoot it. The trigger is lighter than that of the Kel-Tec P-11, but heavier than a Glock trigger. The PF9 trigger style was borrowed by Kel-Tec from the P-3AT. I think the trigger is just right for carrying in your pocket. Warning: keep it in a holster that covers up the trigger, and don't carry anything else in that pocket!
10. Kel-Tec has been constantly adjusting and improving the P3AT for about ten years. It is a mature platform, and works well. Some bugs have been eliminated. If you have troubles with your P3AT, you can count on KT to give great customer service.
Disclaimer: I have no connection to the Kel-Tec company, nor am I making any promises to you about any weapon that you may own or purchase. If you buy a P-3AT and get a lemon, which can happen with any make of gun, please don't blame me. Get in touch with the Kel-Tec people, and I am confident they will make it right.