P3AT thoughts for those with them....please... - Page 2 - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

wolfsburg_de · 04-20-2008, 07:24 AM

My P3AT has been very reliable, I probably have over 1000 rounds through it and it and it's still shooting groups tighter than the nut that squeezes the trigger.

I never did a F&B an it ate its first box of FMJ with no hiccups at all. I did end up having two "problems" both of which I remedied.

The first was a tendency to once in a while drop the mag unexpectedly, I have four magazines and it seemed to be inconsistent when it happened. I never really determined if the problem was user error (my thumb hitting the release during recoil) but I solved the problem by getting a metal mag release from a guy on KTOG. Since then (over 500 round ago), zero unintended mag drops plus the side benefit of a cool CLICK when seating the mag, and the ability to slam it home.

The second "problem" was user error on my part, I did not clean and lube the P3AT as carefully as I should have. After range trips, it is imperative to thoroughly clean and generously lube the slide rails as well as cleaning the underside of the slide, the part that contacts the brass of the next round waiting in the magazine. As most of you folks know, the XD is not sensitive at all to that sort of care, as attested by the torture tests. If you have a P3AT, you MUST clean it thoroughly after every range trip, no exceptions.

All of that said, the P3AT is not for everyone and I can understand how reports of unreliability can sway one's decisions. I was fully prepared to encounter lots of problems and failures in the P3AT and I would not carry it until I fully trusted it. Thankfully, I did not experience that, and I have complete confidence that if my P3AT ever needs to leave its holster in a defensive situation, that 7 rounds of .380 into a BG at a reasonable range (7 yards or less) are just a few seconds away.

avgjoe3 · 04-20-2008, 03:33 PM

I have had several P3ATs, (you may know where one of them came from).. they work fine--one I had to work with... you either get them right out of the box or they take a some work--Kel-tec always makes them right. My wife carries a P3AT with a laser on it, I carry a P11 as my deep cover gun... revolver in the glove compartment of course. I carry my G30 most of the time but when I have to "dress up" as my wife says it is always the P11... No matter what you get put plenty of rounds through it so you trust it with your carry ammo too...

I would try a PF9 or P11, welcome to meet up with me and shoot my P11. I got a buddy with a PF9 I am sure I can swindle from him. With a clip on it slid over your pants and under your belt you never know I have it... and 10+1 rounds of hot 9mm makes me feel a whole lot better...

Joe

thunderjohn · 04-21-2008, 11:39 AM

Had a 1st generation that would FTE 1/2 the time. KelTec sent me a new extractor and no problems. Had a 3rd gen with no problems. I'd get
a Ruger if I could find one at a decent price. Saw a used one already for $300.

I have not had a PF-9, but I have a P-11 that is reliable.

ScottyT · 04-21-2008, 06:55 PM

can anyone recommend a good OC holster for this gun? My wife checked it out at the local shop tonight and loved it, but won't have her CCW for a few months.

Recommendations for IWB CC holsters would also help! Thanks!

jamstutz · 04-22-2008, 05:28 AM

I have had very good luck with my Kel-Tec's, Seecamp's, and Kahr's, but my everyday, all the time handgun is a S&W 642 with CT laser grips in a pocket holster.

Regardless of the manufacturer, it seems that every model of "pocket" semi-auto has mixed reviews, but rarely do you ever hear the same about the J-frame revolvers.

HS-HDM · 04-22-2008, 05:53 AM

Over 300 rounds now mixed ammo NO problems. Its in my pocket every day when i am not at work, and fits perfectly in the ashtray of my GMC Jimmy when i am at work.

I also have Kahr cw9, Tarus 85, SW 36, XD9sc, all of which are heavier than the p3at, i got kinda spoiled i guess.

Krackels · 04-22-2008, 06:09 AM

I'm going to abstain from voting since I bought my p3at used from a member here, but ever since I've had it it's been problem free and working 100%.

IIRC, the previous owner may have put 100 or so rounds through it.

Bree · 04-22-2008, 05:47 PM

My P3AT works just fine. Just give it a fluff and buff and keep it clean. It will do you right.

Corbon DPX is the ticket for this gun. The .380 is a short 9mm. That means it has less powder so less oomph. The Barnes bullet penetrates more deeply than other competitors and every little bit counts with a .380. So DPX or similar deep penetrator is where the smart money goes in .380.

View Poll Results: How long did it take you to get your P3AT to work properly?
No rounds, right out of the box it worked great!	27	62.79%
100 rounds	4	9.30%
150+ rounds	1	2.33%
None, never worked properly	4	9.30%
Fluff and buff.	7	16.28%
Voters: 43. You may not vote on this poll

04-20-2008, 07:24 AM	#11
wolfsburg_de XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SE PA Posts: 645	My P3AT has been very reliable, I probably have over 1000 rounds through it and it and it's still shooting groups tighter than the nut that squeezes the trigger. I never did a F&B an it ate its first box of FMJ with no hiccups at all. I did end up having two "problems" both of which I remedied. The first was a tendency to once in a while drop the mag unexpectedly, I have four magazines and it seemed to be inconsistent when it happened. I never really determined if the problem was user error (my thumb hitting the release during recoil) but I solved the problem by getting a metal mag release from a guy on KTOG. Since then (over 500 round ago), zero unintended mag drops plus the side benefit of a cool CLICK when seating the mag, and the ability to slam it home. The second "problem" was user error on my part, I did not clean and lube the P3AT as carefully as I should have. After range trips, it is imperative to thoroughly clean and generously lube the slide rails as well as cleaning the underside of the slide, the part that contacts the brass of the next round waiting in the magazine. As most of you folks know, the XD is not sensitive at all to that sort of care, as attested by the torture tests. If you have a P3AT, you MUST clean it thoroughly after every range trip, no exceptions. All of that said, the P3AT is not for everyone and I can understand how reports of unreliability can sway one's decisions. I was fully prepared to encounter lots of problems and failures in the P3AT and I would not carry it until I fully trusted it. Thankfully, I did not experience that, and I have complete confidence that if my P3AT ever needs to leave its holster in a defensive situation, that 7 rounds of .380 into a BG at a reasonable range (7 yards or less) are just a few seconds away. __________________ -Andy 1 X .177" , 2 X 0.224" , 2 X 0.308" , 2 X 0.355", 1 X 0.729" The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned - PA Constitution

04-20-2008, 03:33 PM	#12
avgjoe3 XDTalk Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Florence, KY Posts: 60	I have had several P3ATs, (you may know where one of them came from).. they work fine--one I had to work with... you either get them right out of the box or they take a some work--Kel-tec always makes them right. My wife carries a P3AT with a laser on it, I carry a P11 as my deep cover gun... revolver in the glove compartment of course. I carry my G30 most of the time but when I have to "dress up" as my wife says it is always the P11... No matter what you get put plenty of rounds through it so you trust it with your carry ammo too... I would try a PF9 or P11, welcome to meet up with me and shoot my P11. I got a buddy with a PF9 I am sure I can swindle from him. With a clip on it slid over your pants and under your belt you never know I have it... and 10+1 rounds of hot 9mm makes me feel a whole lot better... Joe __________________ "To learn you must make mistakes, I consider myself a scholar..."

04-21-2008, 11:39 AM	#13
thunderjohn XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 743	Had a 1st generation that would FTE 1/2 the time. KelTec sent me a new extractor and no problems. Had a 3rd gen with no problems. I'd get a Ruger if I could find one at a decent price. Saw a used one already for $300. I have not had a PF-9, but I have a P-11 that is reliable. __________________ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

04-21-2008, 06:55 PM	#14
ScottyT XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 636	can anyone recommend a good OC holster for this gun? My wife checked it out at the local shop tonight and loved it, but won't have her CCW for a few months. Recommendations for IWB CC holsters would also help! Thanks! __________________ ------------------ XD 45 compact Mosin Nagant M91/30 Remington 870 Express Ruger 10/22 ------------------ "I seek not for power, but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country." - Moroni

04-22-2008, 05:28 AM	#15
jamstutz XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 181	I have had very good luck with my Kel-Tec's, Seecamp's, and Kahr's, but my everyday, all the time handgun is a S&W 642 with CT laser grips in a pocket holster. Regardless of the manufacturer, it seems that every model of "pocket" semi-auto has mixed reviews, but rarely do you ever hear the same about the J-frame revolvers. __________________ I am not a gunsmith, but I've put a few of their kids through college...

04-22-2008, 05:53 AM	#16
HS-HDM XDTalk Newbie Join Date: May 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 6	Over 300 rounds now mixed ammo NO problems. Its in my pocket every day when i am not at work, and fits perfectly in the ashtray of my GMC Jimmy when i am at work. I also have Kahr cw9, Tarus 85, SW 36, XD9sc, all of which are heavier than the p3at, i got kinda spoiled i guess.

04-22-2008, 06:09 AM	#17
Krackels XDTalk 15K Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Southeastern PA Posts: 18,984 Blog Entries: 5	I'm going to abstain from voting since I bought my p3at used from a member here, but ever since I've had it it's been problem free and working 100%. IIRC, the previous owner may have put 100 or so rounds through it. __________________ "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." --Benjamin Franklin America's Third Parties --- Duping the Foolish and Idealistic since 1832. PA Roll Call .................... My Blog

04-22-2008, 05:47 PM	#18
Bree XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 3,210 Blog Entries: 5	My P3AT works just fine. Just give it a fluff and buff and keep it clean. It will do you right. Corbon DPX is the ticket for this gun. The .380 is a short 9mm. That means it has less powder so less oomph. The Barnes bullet penetrates more deeply than other competitors and every little bit counts with a .380. So DPX or similar deep penetrator is where the smart money goes in .380. __________________ Shoot Straight and Ride Safe! Bree XD .45 Compact -- Ruger SP-101 .357 Mag. -- Keltec P3AT .380 Rock River Arms 20" Varmint A4 AR-15 w/4-16x56mm MilDot Ruger 10/22 Black Stainless Mossberg 590 Mariner 12 Ga w/Knoxx SpecOps Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide Patriot Guard Rider Iron Butt Association Member The 60's Can't Die As Long As I Won't Leave Them!! I support McCain-Palin with CA$H!

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