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Posted: 4/6/2007 6:12:39 PM EDT
h)
I think its the second gen because it has the clip on the side of it as well and the ejector looks different than the grey handled type. First Kel-Tec I've owned and have heard tons of good and tons of bad things about them but for the, what seems to me, below average new price I could'nt refuse. I have a Bersa .380 and it been flawless so I thought I'd by him a slightly baby brother. I have large hands and I know its not for long time shooting or comfort, but I've seen that you can put a Bersa Thunder .380 finger extension on it if you want.

So, think I got a good deal? Also anyone else with info on them would be great. I saw the Fluff and Buff page, think it would be wise to do this before shooting?
Link Posted: 4/6/2007 6:31:33 PM EDT
[#1]
You got a great deal before the "No additional charge" ammo.

I have one that I carry every day, I shoot it every time I go to the range and I have had not  had any issues at all.

Take it to the range, shoot about 50 rounds through it, if you have problems then do the F&B, I would polish the feed ramp anyway though.

There are +1 extensions available, I have never bought one but I am thinking about it for the extra finger grip.
Link Posted: 4/6/2007 6:34:36 PM EDT
[#2]
If you got a second generation P3AT (new) at that price it seems like a great deal. Instead of the finger extension, I like the magazine extension. One extra round, and I can curl my "pinkie" finger around the extension and below the grip, so I get a full hand grasp on the pistol (you need it!).
Link Posted: 4/6/2007 11:21:26 PM EDT
[#3]
Thanks for the replies. I'll put the extension thats on my Bersa on the P-3AT and if I don't like it I'll try the +1 mag extension. I may or may not do the F&B from the start, depends how it looks after a closer exam of the insides when I pick it up.

After looking around its definatly the 2nd Gen Brand new.
Link Posted: 4/7/2007 1:15:38 PM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
I think its the second gen because it has the clip on the side of it as well and the ejector looks different than the grey handled type.


It sounds like you are describing the belt clip, which is sold as an accessory.  Are you sure it is NIB?  The 2G uses a flat extractor spring, the 1G uses a coiled extractor spring (that you can't see unless you remove the extractor).  I have no clue what the "grey handled type" referrs to; please clarify.


Quoted:
So, think I got a good deal? Also anyone else with info on them would be great. I saw the Fluff and Buff page, think it would be wise to do this before shooting?


I think $189 for a P-3AT of any vintage is the best price I have seen for NIB, and a good deal even for a used pistol.  I would pass on the F&B and just clean and lube it first.  Kel-Tec has improved the finish on their pistols to the point that few do the F&B now except for those who are in the habit.

Lubrication LINK for ya.
Link Posted: 4/7/2007 3:37:16 PM EDT
[#5]
Its definatly NIB, I'll just clean and lube like I do all my new toys before taking it to the range.

I said the grey handle type because I kept seeing the 1st gen in that color when I was looking around for reviews. It is a second Gen because of the different extractor. I figured $189 was pretty good, especially here in Illinois. Finally I got a good deal on something here!

Anyone know about those washers I read about on the Kel-Tec forum? Seems like its for preventing the peening on the front of the slide by the recoil rod. Anyone use it?
Link Posted: 4/7/2007 5:07:27 PM EDT
[#6]
OK, now I understand about the gray grip.

Does the steel on your 2G seem thin around the hole?  If so, the washers might be worth a try.  I haven't read about them so I don't know; and I don't have a 2G to try it on.  Ultimately, it will be up to Kel-Tec to replace the slide if your pistol has the problem.  

It is disappointing that after all the progress they have made in improving their QC, suddenly the peening problem creeps up.  Esentially due to a error in the CNC milling AFAIK.

Enjoy your P-3AT in .380!  (BTW, they made a few 1Gs in .32NAA.)
Link Posted: 4/8/2007 4:48:37 AM EDT
[#7]
I can't find them for less than $300 here in south florida..
Link Posted: 4/8/2007 2:41:44 PM EDT
[#8]
How does the safety work on the P-3AT? I have a 1911,XD,Bersa,Ruger,Taurus 85UL...etc and I know how all of them work but not sure about the Kel-Tec

What I've read the internal hammer is slightly cocked and the trigger is the safety as it has to be pulled on purpose to fire. However, does the safety work like a Glock where it has to be pulled to cock the rest of the way then fire or is it more like a revolver with a transfer bar or hammer block that moves out of the way as your pulling the trigger?

The Kel-Tec is not in my hand yet as I will pick it up next week because of a waiting period. I've seen the mechanisim picture on Kel-Tec's website but dos'nt really show how the safety is very well.
Link Posted: 4/8/2007 11:50:54 PM EDT
[#9]
It is a hammer block style, and is completely drop safe AFAIK.  

One thing to remember when you shoot it is that you must allow the trigger to go all the way forward after each shot.  For those used to shooting a pistol with a short reset trigger, it takes a while to get used to this.  If you fail to allow it to reset, the hammer will essentially perform a half-strike (off the hammer block) that normally isn't strong enough to  ignite a primer.  So if you start getting light strikes, check your technique before you grab for the punch set or cardboard box...
Link Posted: 4/9/2007 12:01:42 AM EDT
[#10]
Are you sure it's new?  

First, your price is very low for a new P3AT.  Throw in a couple of boxes of ammo and it goes to the "unbelievably fantastic price" category.  Second is that I've never heard of a P3AT coming new with the belt clip installed.
Link Posted: 4/10/2007 12:45:34 AM EDT
[#11]
Well this is from a store and I had full access to the gun looking inside and out and asked the owner twice if it was new and he said yes. It certainly looked new. I saw someone on the Kel-Tec board get a Sub2000 new for $250 and that is also a great deal. First really good deal I've ever gotten. The clip is on there but mabey was ordered with it who knows. I'll post pictures on the Kel-Tec board and here when its in my hand.

The Kel-Tec board could'nt believe it either. The new gun shop I found this at in my area has alot of guns well below the price what I think their worth. Just a good place to shop I guess.
Link Posted: 4/10/2007 8:29:10 PM EDT
[#12]
Which KT board did you go to?  

Thanks (in advance) for posting the pics here too.  I hate it when people start a thread here then bail to the KT boards and leave us standing around like fat chicks at the prom.

BTW, ask your dealer - he may have installed the belt clip himself.  Even if the pistol were used, there is really no difference.  Kel-Tec seems to enthusiastically honor the warranty on all guns sent to them, even though their official policy states otherwise.  Just don't bring it up.  If your dealer says it it new than it almost certainly is.  

If you don't like the belt clip you can get the factory to send you a plastic frame pin free of charge by asking a tech for it.
Link Posted: 4/10/2007 10:58:02 PM EDT
[#13]



Some slight peening on the slide by the guide rod from factory. Yes this can happen as other people on the Kel-Tec forum have gotten slides returned to them brand new with slight peening after only being test fired. This is from a bad batch of slides. I will just get what they call the washer mod until Kel-Tec gets rid of the old slides then return it to them for a new one.

In any case the gun is new. I asked the shop owner a third time today. It also looks brand new inside and out. I have not cleaned it yet but have looked it over. Everything is new.

I kinda like the belt clip but will call Kel-Tec for the pin if I get sick of it. I think its a great little blaster and can't waith to shoot it after an extensive cleaning and the washer on the slide.

here is the site---> www.ktog.org/
Link Posted: 4/11/2007 12:24:19 PM EDT
[#14]
There seems to be something wrong with that link Nakanokalronin.

here's another one

Congrats on the good buy
Link Posted: 4/11/2007 4:39:52 PM EDT
[#15]

Quoted:
I can't find them for less than $300 here in south florida..


The gunshows usually have them for around $249.

From what I understand, current wholesale on them is $195 and up, plus a belt clip and ammo...
Link Posted: 4/12/2007 8:25:47 PM EDT
[#16]
Yeah, I can see the peening.  I think your plan is a good one - use the washer method for now.  The gun certainly looks new.  

The link doesn't work due to the .com being there when it should be .org.  Again, nice pickup on the P-3AT.  

The other KT site I alluded to is The Kel-Tec Range.  Be sure to carefully read their rules before you sign up.  Lots of good info there.
Link Posted: 4/13/2007 11:57:21 PM EDT
[#17]
Nakano,

I was looking at the pic you posted and it just occurred to me:  the blue case comes with the P-32, and the P-3AT comes in a black zipper case.  I am starting to think your dealer isn't giving you a very accurate history of this pistol.  It was one thing to accept that it shipped with a belt clip from the factory, but a belt clip and a P-32 zipper case?  Like I said, a used pistol is no big deal; but a dealer who can't keep his facts straight is disconcerting.
Link Posted: 4/19/2007 4:05:48 PM EDT
[#18]
If it's clean when you bought it, it must be used. Mine was nasty and $240. I guess you need to pull the thing apart and see if there is any finish rubbed off anywhere under the slide or on the rail ends.

Nice looking belt clip.
Link Posted: 4/19/2007 10:37:51 PM EDT
[#19]
Yea I know the belt clip dos'nt come on the P3AT from the factory but who knows. I sent the slide into Kel-Tec with a copy of an e-mail from the KT customer service saying the "vintage" peening slides are gone and it was only a small amount from 2 shifts. Not what I see but mabey my magical e-mail will convince the 1....yes 1 person that repairs them to get up and take a look. Kel-Tec told me they only have 1 person repairing guns. Not very efficent.

I did open it up and it looks very new on the inside. The magazines had 0 wear, the inside had the wear you would see from shooting 1 magazine, kinda like test firing at the factory. The hole by the guide rod was very very thin. I don't think it would of taken much to make it peen, and the peening was only 3/4 around the hole. There was oil on the inside and kinda dirty but not much. The smith that sold it to me from his shop does very amazing gunsmithing from the work I've seen so far and he might have taken it apart, cleaned it then put it back in the case. He only has a small handfull of guns on hand at 1 time because he does more smithing than anything.
Link Posted: 4/19/2007 10:46:31 PM EDT
[#20]

Quoted:
Yea I know the belt clip dos'nt come on the P3AT from the factory but who knows. I sent the slide into Kel-Tec with a copy of an e-mail from the KT customer service saying the "vintage" peening slides are gone and it was only a small amount from 2 shifts. Not what I see but mabey my magical e-mail will convince the 1....yes 1 person that repairs them to get up and take a look. Kel-Tec told me they only have 1 person repairing guns. Not very efficent.

I did open it up and it looks very new on the inside. The magazines had 0 wear, the inside had the wear you would see from shooting 1 magazine, kinda like test firing at the factory. The hole by the guide rod was very very thin. I don't think it would of taken much to make it peen, and the peening was only 3/4 around the hole. There was oil on the inside and kinda dirty but not much. The smith that sold it to me from his shop does very amazing gunsmithing from the work I've seen so far and he might have taken it apart, cleaned it then put it back in the case. He only has a small handfull of guns on hand at 1 time because he does more smithing than anything.



How about a range report?  How's it shoot?
Link Posted: 4/20/2007 1:12:30 AM EDT
[#21]
I'll tell you when I get the slide back. I did'nt even bother test firing it with the guide rod hole so thin and hav'nt gotten in the washers for the fix so I said heck with it and sent in the slide hopfing a short turn around time. I got the finger extensions to that have the extra grip bumps on it. Their even bigger thanm my Bersa stock magazine extensions.
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