Kel-Tec P3AT Review … The Little Gun That Could

James Reeves
by James Reeves

In this episode of TFBTV, James gives viewers a brief rundown of why he likes the humble Kel-Tec P3AT as a pocket pistol for concealed carry. At just $200, there aren’t a lot of features, but it works and it is certainly concealable. Watch the video for James’ explanation.

James Reeves
James Reeves

Owner, Neutral Ground Gun Co. NRA/Louisiana State Police certified concealed weapons instructor, 2012-present Maxim Magazine's MAXIMum Warrior, 2011 TFBTV Executive Producer Champion, Key West Cinco De Mayo Taco Eating Competition Lawyer Instagram: gunshorts Twitter: @jjreeves

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  • GunFun ZS GunFun ZS on May 31, 2016

    It seems like willful blindness not to acknowledge the real world prices and the fact that two superior clones have been on the market for over 4 years at essentially the same price. I regularly see both Taurus TCP 738 (my preferred), and Ruger LCPs at under $230. Frequently the plain blued only models are $180 with a couple mags and either a holster or a goofy pouch thing. The TCP can be had for $200 any day in black nitrided stainless with two mags. It has a better trigger, slightly better sights and locks open when empty.

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    • GunFun ZS GunFun ZS on May 31, 2016

      @RickOAA . YMMV. I think they are harder to shoot than bigger guns, but they fill a needed niche for a pistol that you never have an excuse not to carry.

      While I don't trust the average kel-tek very much, the guns in this category are all reliable and effective with the right ammo. I've found both the ruger and the taurus to be shootable. Moreso the taurus. I can run any of the above better than a J-frame and get two extra shots. I like the Sig 380, and find it to be on another tier of quality, however the manual of arms is undesirable and I have actually experienced feeding issues with one. Kahr and Ruger both put triggers on theirs that make them awkward for me to shoot because the trigger breaks so far back I feel as though I am reaching inside my palm.

      For my two cents, I would carry a PPS or a shield 90% of the time and one of these the other 10%. If I could only own one of them it would be the 380, since it can be carried in situations where the others would be conspicuous. I don't always mind being a little conspicuous, but there are situations where bulk really does matter.

  • Andrew Andrew on May 31, 2016

    Three times in the video he pulled the trigger and the Kel-tec didn't fire. Was that because he forgot to chamber a round or were these actual malfunctions? If they were malfunctions that would seem to contradict his claims that these are reliable pistols that get the job done.

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