Kel-tec P3AT or .32ACP?

[dws1117]

Because of another thread I've decided to get one of these little guns. I just can't decide which one. I am leaning towards the P3AT because of the larger round. What are you experiences with these guns. Which would you reccommend and why?

Also ammo reccommendations for each as I am completely unfamiliar with the .32 and .380 other than them being small.

[MoJo]

I have the P3AT and load it with CorBon JHP or Hydrashock. I'll be testing the CorBon DPX in my gun for function as soon as it is available. All the numbers look very good on it.

[longtooth]

My Mother got a 3AT when the 1st came out. We had nothing but trouble w/ the extractor for 6 months. They worked on it the 3rd time before it was reliable. I understand the problem is fixed now. I have the .32 by recomendation of the vast majority of the LEO in my town. If they carry a K-T for backup it is the .32. None that I could find carry the 3AT. All I talked to say the Ammo today is almost as strong balistically as the .380. For the bigger hole you give up one round & the slide lock. I have shot Mom's much. When I decided on the .32 I am really glad I did. The slide lock & extra round are worth the difference to me. My OPIN. & you know we all have one.

[jbirds1210]

I think both are fine pistols and have shot the .380 a couple of times. For what it is worth..I would stick with the .380. As someone in this thread already pointed out..the .32 is almost as good ballistically as the .380. On that same note...the .380 is almost in tune with a 9MM. It just depends on how much stopping power you want and how important round capacity is to you. I hate decisions like that!!! I think you should just buy both

[anygunanywhere]

I have two P3AT's one blue, one hard chrome, both 1st generation. !00% reliable. My son has a 2nd generation and it performs flawlessly. The breakin on these pistols and fluff and buff are important. The wevsites ktog.org and ktrange.com are full of info.

[EricS76]

I have two P3AT's one blue, one hard chrome, both 1st generation. !00% reliable. My son has a 2nd generation and it performs flawlessly. The breakin on these pistols and fluff and buff are important. The wevsites ktog.org and ktrange.com are full of info.

They definately need break in and fluff and buff. I bought a 2nd gen. P3-AT for my girlfriend, and had nothing but problems for the first 200 or so rounds. I did some research, then alot of polishing. It's now gone about 300 rounds without a failure. I've never delt with kel-tec, but from what I've read they have very good customer service. The only thing my girlfriend didn't like about the gun was the "sharp" grip. I got an A-grip for it and it definately makes the gun more pleasant to shoot.

[Wilson]

We have a several P-32s, a bunch of First-Generation P-3ATs and a couple of Second-Generation P-3ATs (no SG P-32s, yet).

My wife prefers the P-32s for shooting at the range as the slide is easier to rack and they have a slide stop, which eliminates racking the slide with each new magazine.

The P-3AT, which is only slightly larger and heavier, has better penetration, especially with Santa Barbara ammo if you can handle the heavy recoil (a bit more than Cor-Bon). I don’t recommend shooting more than a few rounds of SB without finger extensions.

The Second-Generation Kel-Tec mouseguns have fewer parts, a crescent shaped feed ramp, external extractor and are an ounce heavier which assist some with limpwristing. The FGs are more attractive in my opinion but others may differ (black SG & gray FG below).

(click to enlarge)


I recommend these feather weight pocket pistols only to those that are willing to clean and lubricate every 50 rounds and after each range session. Even if not fired, they should be cleaned every few weeks as they accumulate lint worse than a bellybutton. For a care free gun buy a heavier & thicker snubby revolver.
Wilson

[longtooth]

+1 on the clean regularly even if you do not shoot it. The reason for carrying these tiny EENT guns is because they will slip in a back pocket (where all the lint is) & look like a hankie. They are thinner than most billfolds. Only time I carry mine is when I can't carry the .45.

[dws1117]

Thank you for the very informative post Wilson. I've recently seen several of your posts on either The High Road or one [abbreviated profanity deleted] the Kel-Tec forums (I don't recall which) and it certainly seems that your know your Kel-Tecs.