KEL-TEC P-3AT Question

[Mike1951]

When someone asks me about Kel-tec, I tell them what an excellent service department Kel-tec has and that they have a reputation for standing behind their product. I also tell them that they will probably need to send it back once or twice.

I also try to explain a 'fluff & buff' to see if they're comfortable with doing that.

If they're the computer type, I recommend reading on http://www.ktog.org or http://www.ktrange.com .

If you're the type that will never again trust a pistol that malfunctions on you, don't buy a Kel-tec.

If however, you are willing to let Kel-tec fix any problems, I believe the end result will be a pistol that you can feel comfortable carrying. I have a P-32 s/n 005xx and a P-3AT, 1st gen, s/n 005XX that have been through the process and I now trust them completely.

Two close friends (one bought two) and my brother bought P-3AT's based on my recommendation and all were well satisfied. I think only one of those four had to go back to Kel-tec.

[tbranch]

Any suggestions? Break it down and clean it good? Replace pin?

Try this link:

http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB. ... 234834/1#1

Don't let all the anti-KT people run you off!

Tom

[KBCraig]

Every time someone dismisses KelTecs by pointing out how many times these $250 pistols go back to the factory before they're reliable, I'm reminded of new Kimber buyers who wind up sending their $1k pistols back at least as many times as P3AT owners.

I own neither a Kimber, nor a KelTec. I'd like to own one of each. And I wouldn't trust either one until I'd put 500 rounds through it, at least 10 full mags without failure.

Mechanical devices are what they are. They either work, or they don't. Judge them by that, not by the name stamped on the slide.

[mr surveyor]

I do own both Kimber and KelTec (as well as a few others), and understand the concerns a few people seem to have with KT. IF it's the only gun you have, or one of only 2 or three, I can understand the concern when it may be one of the small percentage that need a trip back to Florida for some work. I have a P3AT that spends a lot of time with me, as well as a PF9 that is IWB a great deal. The Kimber, Sig, J frame and others do get their time as well, but not as much. My (wife's) P32 has been flawless for a long time, and although she rarely shoots, she can consistantly shoot 4-6 inch groups. My former P11 that I bought used was flawless and went through many, many 200 round range trips when 9mm ammo was near 3 bucks per box. My former Sub2000 rifle was flawless as well, and a blast to shoot. Shouldn't have traded it. NOw, my P3AT WAS a pain to deal with for a while. It was an early release of the Second Generation that was seriously prone to FTE with all brands of ammo. It was a dissappointing experience having to send the pistol back twice, but I loved the size, weight and bang enough to make it work. For me, it's more than worth it. Most folks don't realize how "iffy" most all .380's can be. There is just something about the size to power ratio of the round that seems to make designing the perfect gun around it near impossible. I don't know of any manufacturer that produces 9mm kurtz pistols that haven't had some "problems".And, as for my KT PF9, it's been flawless since last May.

My Kimber (1997-1998 Compact Stainless "Series 1") sometimes seems to be a magic machine with it's own ability to put rounds where it knows you want them. But, it is still a machine. Last year I was shooting a qualification round and had 5 instances where it failed to go into battery. My time and accuracy was affected but not enough to really hurt. Turned out a new 24# Wilson Combat spring cured that one.

Gun ownership can be a test of patience, and every gun enthusiast will experience that test of patience sooner or later. I have friends that have had nightmares with Taurus 24/7 pistols, with Para Ordinance pistols, and many others. If we had true statisitics on returns for each manufacturer, it may be interesting to compare.

surv


p.s. I still believe that even the low priced/low quality "ring of fire" guns may serve a purpose in arming folks on a really low budget.