Post by Callahan on Nov 3, 2005 13:12:06 GMT -5
I really like this pistol!
I've owned a .32-caliber Kel-Tec for a few years, and liked the pistol, but never had quite the confidence I needed in that caliber, even though I had a one-round magazine extension that gave me 8+1. I also did not like the fact that the .32-caliber case is subject to rimlock, which is not a place to be in a defense situation.
The 3AT (.380 ACP, 9X17, 9mm Kurz, 9mm short) is not quite 2 ounces heavier than the P32. It weighs just over 11 ounces -- loaded. It carries in a pocket holster and prints like a wallet. There is also a lanyard or belt clip available.
(For more details on the P32, see Xavierbreath's excellent write-up under Range Report.)
I bought the model with the chromed slide after having trouble finding one of any sort anywhere in Houston. I have to admit the gun stores got shopped up pretty good during the Hurricane Katrina evacuation and during Rita. All the big stores were out. I finally located a 3AT at a good-sized independent shop about 30 miles away.
I took the 3AT to the country the next day and used a Shoot N See target that's about the size of a small plate. For a 2.6 inch barrel, I was pleased with the results from this Browning-action (not blowback) firearm. I was able to fire off 7 rounds in 2-3 seconds and stay on the target at 10-12 feet. In slow, carefully aimed fire I was able to fire 2-3 inch groups.
To start, I loaded one and fired and then loaded two so I could check that it cycled the secong round properly. That being done, I started firing off full mags.
No failures of any sort. I was using Blazer FMJ with aluminum cases for the first box. I will try out some hollowpoints soon.
I admit I noticed a bit more recoil, and I have heard some comments about the pistol being rather punishing for sustained shooting. In view of this, I wore a workout glove that made a pretty good shooting glove. I'm used to recoil, however, owning a Sig in 357 Sig and .40 S&W. I can't really say it was unpleasant to fire. It is plenty loud, maybe due to the short barrel.
Disassembly is easy. You only need the rim of a cartridge to loosen the slide pin.
One possible drawback. I'm not wild about the fact that the slide will not lock back upon emptying the mag. I've heard some shooters prefer a non-locking setup; I'm not used to it. Also, the ejector is held in place by the slide and upon disassembly there is a danger of dropping and loosing it. I would have appreciated it if they had warned me of that in the manual. Turns out I have the second-generation pistol with the original manual. I downloaded the new manual at Kel-Tec's Web site. On a related note, some say Kel-Tec service dept. sets the standard for the industry.
This is the gun I'm going to carry routinely for the foreseeable future. I may carry something bigger when traveling or for use in home defense, but this little guy is the pistol I'm keeping at hand routinely. I will update as needed.
Update:
Ordered and received a spare 6-round mag with the one-round extension from Kel-Tec to give me 7+1. Fired another box of ammo, this time a 100-round value pak of Winchester FMJ from Wal-Mart. No problems of any sort, no glove needed. This is one sweet little defensive pistol. I'm thinking of it as a baby Glock!
I've owned a .32-caliber Kel-Tec for a few years, and liked the pistol, but never had quite the confidence I needed in that caliber, even though I had a one-round magazine extension that gave me 8+1. I also did not like the fact that the .32-caliber case is subject to rimlock, which is not a place to be in a defense situation.
The 3AT (.380 ACP, 9X17, 9mm Kurz, 9mm short) is not quite 2 ounces heavier than the P32. It weighs just over 11 ounces -- loaded. It carries in a pocket holster and prints like a wallet. There is also a lanyard or belt clip available.
(For more details on the P32, see Xavierbreath's excellent write-up under Range Report.)
I bought the model with the chromed slide after having trouble finding one of any sort anywhere in Houston. I have to admit the gun stores got shopped up pretty good during the Hurricane Katrina evacuation and during Rita. All the big stores were out. I finally located a 3AT at a good-sized independent shop about 30 miles away.
I took the 3AT to the country the next day and used a Shoot N See target that's about the size of a small plate. For a 2.6 inch barrel, I was pleased with the results from this Browning-action (not blowback) firearm. I was able to fire off 7 rounds in 2-3 seconds and stay on the target at 10-12 feet. In slow, carefully aimed fire I was able to fire 2-3 inch groups.
To start, I loaded one and fired and then loaded two so I could check that it cycled the secong round properly. That being done, I started firing off full mags.
No failures of any sort. I was using Blazer FMJ with aluminum cases for the first box. I will try out some hollowpoints soon.
I admit I noticed a bit more recoil, and I have heard some comments about the pistol being rather punishing for sustained shooting. In view of this, I wore a workout glove that made a pretty good shooting glove. I'm used to recoil, however, owning a Sig in 357 Sig and .40 S&W. I can't really say it was unpleasant to fire. It is plenty loud, maybe due to the short barrel.
Disassembly is easy. You only need the rim of a cartridge to loosen the slide pin.
One possible drawback. I'm not wild about the fact that the slide will not lock back upon emptying the mag. I've heard some shooters prefer a non-locking setup; I'm not used to it. Also, the ejector is held in place by the slide and upon disassembly there is a danger of dropping and loosing it. I would have appreciated it if they had warned me of that in the manual. Turns out I have the second-generation pistol with the original manual. I downloaded the new manual at Kel-Tec's Web site. On a related note, some say Kel-Tec service dept. sets the standard for the industry.
This is the gun I'm going to carry routinely for the foreseeable future. I may carry something bigger when traveling or for use in home defense, but this little guy is the pistol I'm keeping at hand routinely. I will update as needed.
Update:
Ordered and received a spare 6-round mag with the one-round extension from Kel-Tec to give me 7+1. Fired another box of ammo, this time a 100-round value pak of Winchester FMJ from Wal-Mart. No problems of any sort, no glove needed. This is one sweet little defensive pistol. I'm thinking of it as a baby Glock!
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