kel-tec - The Firearms Forum

21bravo · 01-29-2009, 05:36 PM

i havent seen this topic discussed and dont see it in the past five pages in this section so.... what are your opinions on kel-tec pistols? any of them p-11, p-3at, p-32, and pf9.. good, moderate, or crap? (give a reason to back your statement if its negative please..dont just say "i think they're Edited by Admin")

ponycar17 · 01-29-2009, 05:58 PM

My P-3AT was a bit tight when I got it and took some rounds to get it functioning smoothly. After my break-in period (can't remember the number of rounds through it) I've had no failures to feed or eject. It's no champion in regards to accuracy but it serves the purpose of always being there due to its light weight and my willingness to carry it often. I think the Ruger LCP feels and looks better made but I haven't shot the one my uncle picked up when we went gun shopping last weekend yet.

21bravo · 01-29-2009, 06:27 PM

from what ive seen it takes approx 200 rounds to break in a kel-tec. if you dont mind let me know how the lcp shoots....or anybody else out there who has shot one. the only thing with the lcp though is around here there is a waiting list thats 2 or 300 names long!!..

what im lookin for is a carry/backup gun... so it'd be good if my backup was the same caliber as my service weapon... but since im not a LEO YET i dont know what the service weapon will be... i may be getting my cart before my horse...

ponycar17 · 01-29-2009, 07:42 PM

21bravo, I picked up a Kahr PM40 (in .40 S&W) last week and it's just a bit larger than my Kel-Tec. It's a lot more pricey than the Kel-Tec but I think it's worth it. It too, has a break-in period that must be met. In the pocket holster it looks no different than a PDA in a front pocket. I'll let some other guys chime in now. I've already eaten up my time in both threads...

oldogy · 01-29-2009, 08:44 PM

I have a KelTec PF9. For $300 I really did not expect a high quality automatic but I do like it. I had one failure to eject about the 6th or 7th round but after that and another couple hundred rounds it has been fine. I can maintain pretty good accuracy with it, far better than I had expected and entirely acceptable.
ray, the oldogy

graehaven · 01-29-2009, 08:50 PM

I have the P-11 and the P-32.

Haven't had any problems with either. Just took the P-11 (my regular carry) to a local range last week where they'd set up 2 tactical scenarios with multiple targets, where you move and shoot from cover, have to reload, and shoot again. The P-11 functioned flawlessly.

obxned · 01-30-2009, 09:01 AM

My P-3AT kas been so reliable and accurate that I recently bought a PF-9. I have only put a few hundred rounds through it, but it is also reliable and very accurate. These pistols would get a lot more respect if the price was higher. Folks have a hard time believing that something this good can be sold for such a low price.

oscarmayer · 01-30-2009, 09:58 AM

has anyone experienced any bad luck with a kel-tec. i've steered clear of them since they reminded me of a grendell ( remember those things

) but i've yet to see anyone bad mouth them. i might be missing out on a excellent choice for a very small gun to stuff into a pocket when nothing bigger will work.

w1spurgeon · 01-30-2009, 07:56 PM

I'm amazed that anyone can discuss these guns (and I include the Ruger here) without bringing up the sorry trigger pull. If you pull on it long enough (hard enough, far enough, etc.) it will eventually go off, but without any warning or tactile feedback. The Ruger is no better than the Kel-Tec (or the Grendell, for that matter) in this regard. They all suck.

LOL....can you tell that my carry gun is a revolver?

21bravo · 01-30-2009, 08:29 PM

thanks for your input w1.. ive thought about a wheel gun as a backup... but because of the fat "belly" of them that kinda limits the places to keep it.

RJay · 01-30-2009, 09:26 PM

That's odd, I have a Kel Tec P-32 and I really find nothing wrong with the trigger pull.

It's not heavy, it's smooth and consistent. Long trigger pull ? perhaps, but it's not that bad and nothing to gripe about. When all my heavier guns are home in bed, the little P-32 is with me in my right hand front pocket in a quality pocket holster.

ponycar17 · 01-30-2009, 10:24 PM

RJay, I tend to agree with you on the trigger pull of the little Kel Tecs. Although they are very long, and somewhat awkward in trigger pull depending on your hand size, the Kel Tecs don't bother me. A pocket pistol, NO MATTER THE BRAND, is a compromise at best. At this time, there's no Kimber 1911 equivalent pocket carry gun...

As in, the quality isn't absolutely perrrrfect as Kimber owners claim of their guns for every popular pocket pistol.

Can you tell that some Kimber owners aggravate me?...

The Kel Tec P32/P3AT trigger pull was hard for me to adjust to because of the length of the pull being longer than the bend radius of my index finger with respect to the first joint. At first, you wonder when the heck this pistol is going to go off, and then it does...

If that bothers anyone profusely, I'd urge them to visit Kel Tec's website and purchase a trigger boot that they sell for the P3AT and P32. It makes the trigger feel thicker, and effectively eliminates the problem I referred to above...

TxYoteHunter · 01-31-2009, 12:17 AM

I've had the P3AT for a couple of years now. It makes a great carry weapon if your wearing slacks or suit pants. I carry my .40 S&W with jeans but you've got to have something for those dress up occasions.

Like has been said, you have to get used to the trigger and know when it's going to really pull. It's fairly accurate up to about 15 to 20 yards for me. Much past that and it does get a little off center. All in all, I'd recommend it.

azsigman · 02-04-2009, 03:51 PM

My wife loves her P3AT and amazes me at how accurate she is with the little devil. She just drops it in her purse and, weight wise, forgets it is there.

oldogy · 02-04-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w1spurgeon

I'm amazed that anyone can discuss these guns (and I include the Ruger here) without bringing up the sorry trigger pull. If you pull on it long enough (hard enough, far enough, etc.) it will eventually go off, but without any warning or tactile feedback. The Ruger is no better than the Kel-Tec (or the Grendell, for that matter) in this regard. They all suck.

LOL....can you tell that my carry gun is a revolver?

If I need to get a few rounds off real quick that long trigger pull is not going to be on my mind. I have rapid fired it a few times and never noticed the long pull. It fires and comes back to point pretty well for me. As I stated earlier, it is not an expensive gun and I would not expect the same pull as a custom.
oldogy

patrol · 04-04-2011, 07:01 PM

I had a Kahr before and I was going to get another CM which is the new version of the poor mans "PM'" from what I hear they shoot just as well they just don't have the poly match grade barrel and have some milled metal vs stamp for a micro non-target gun I doubt it makes much of a difference but the price doe's. I found a used PM40 But then I messed up and put my hands on a Kel Tec PF9..The darn thing felt really nice and compact and well put together and best of all the hammer and trigger were very smooth unlike the larger P11 and the 3AT the 5 pound vs 9 to 11 pound trigger pull of the PF9 sold me. Not to mention the freakin awesome price at less than $300 even the Ruger LC9 felt sloppy compared to the Kel Tec PF9 especially the trigger and it was almost $100 more as well...I said the heck with it never owned one I'll give em a "shot" no pun intended and if I hate it I'll go back and trade it in for another PM 40 or PM9 or do like i had originally set out to do and get the CM9..I will post in here when I shoot it, for now though it's a pocket carry easy and a secondary back up weapon at work once I qualify with it..I also love the fact it's something my wife will actually carry when she needs it on her job related appointment's in southside ghetto Richmond..8 rounds of good Cor Bon 9mm or Gold Dot bonded or Golden Saber convientianl will do the job..

MisterEd · 04-04-2011, 10:25 PM

I do not have a KT pistol but if they are as good as the KT Sub-2000 I own then I'll give them a +1. The Sub-2000 is well designed and very tight and the KT pistols I have held are as good. The trigger on my Sub is a little heavy but smooth and consistent and is getting better with time. The 'good' reports on KT pistols far outweigh the 'bad'. As previously mentioned the 'low' price may scare people off but you have to hand it to KT for keeping them low and affordable for something this good. Their customer service is excellent also. Try the KTOG forum for additional info.

Willie · 04-04-2011, 10:56 PM

My 380 is a fine carry gun. I do carry it more due to its size. No problems ever.

Bill DeShivs · 04-05-2011, 12:24 AM

I have P11s, P32s, P3ATs, a PF9, and a PM30. All are great guns.

group17 · 04-05-2011, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w1spurgeon

I'm amazed that anyone can discuss these guns (and I include the Ruger here) without bringing up the sorry trigger pull. If you pull on it long enough (hard enough, far enough, etc.) it will eventually go off, but without any warning or tactile feedback. The Ruger is no better than the Kel-Tec (or the Grendell, for that matter) in this regard. They all suck.

After shooting a P-11 for the first time I have to smile at the above Quote.
The P-11 had the worst DA trigger pull I have ever experienced.

Bodyguard · 04-05-2011, 08:46 AM

I started with three P-11's, each one had a better trigger than the previous one. I kept the last and sold the first two. Bought a p3at and thought it was a bit heavy on the trigger but I either got used to it or it got better with use. Bought an LCP and traded it off for an LCR when I found that I liked the LCP no better than the P3at. Got a Sub-200 with glock mags....another great shooter, no problems at all with that one. Finally found a used PF-9 and I use it frequently as a BUG. IMHO they are all great little guns especially for the price range.

Gun Geezer · 04-05-2011, 11:16 AM

I own a P3AT and a PLR-16 by Kel-Tec. I am completely satisfied with both. Never had a problem with either. I put over 250 rnds. through the P3AT without a hiccup. It's my go-to carry gun in summer wear(shorts and T-shirt). I am considering a PF-9 or P-11 for the more powerful cartridge. None of them are fun range guns but the trigger pull has never been an issue and it serves as the only safety. IMHO they are extremely underrated. Most of the FTF,FTE complaints are the result of limp wristing. You need to be ready for the snap but that's the price you pay for the smallest, lightest most reasonably priced sub-compact out there.

Old Guy · 04-05-2011, 03:46 PM

I have done a lot of looking and research and a PF9 will be my next purchase. Keltec is an innovative American company that I feel deserves more of a look than we have given them.

fas111 · 04-05-2011, 05:18 PM

I had a P3AT which never would get through a mag. dispite 2 trips back to KT, they finally offered me a refund which I took them up on. Their C/S is the best and I feel I just ended up with a lemon-it happens. I replaced it with a LCP and could not be more pleased.

K75RT · 04-05-2011, 07:35 PM

I have several Keltec arms all are reliable and reasonably accurate. If anyone has wondered the Keltec line has been copied by:
Cobra Patriot 9mm copy of P-11
Ruger LCP copies 3AT
Ruger LC9 copies PF-9 with an un-needed safety
Sccy/Skyy copies P-11 with an un-needed safety
Taurus 738 copies 3AT
Taurus 709 copies PF-9 with un-needed safety
Microtech copied the 3AT in 9X19
I.O. Inc. copies the 3AT
Can you all think of any others?

01-29-2009, 05:36 PM	#1
21bravo Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: wilkes county, nc Posts: 790	kel-tec i havent seen this topic discussed and dont see it in the past five pages in this section so.... what are your opinions on kel-tec pistols? any of them p-11, p-3at, p-32, and pf9.. good, moderate, or crap? (give a reason to back your statement if its negative please..dont just say "i think they're Edited by Admin") --> Last edited by Crpdeth; 04-10-2011 at 12:01 PM.. Reason: Discernible foul language

01-29-2009, 05:58 PM	#2
ponycar17 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: South Carolina Contributor Posts: 4,884	Re: kel-tec My P-3AT was a bit tight when I got it and took some rounds to get it functioning smoothly. After my break-in period (can't remember the number of rounds through it) I've had no failures to feed or eject. It's no champion in regards to accuracy but it serves the purpose of always being there due to its light weight and my willingness to carry it often. I think the Ruger LCP feels and looks better made but I haven't shot the one my uncle picked up when we went gun shopping last weekend yet.

01-29-2009, 06:27 PM	#3
21bravo Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: wilkes county, nc Posts: 790	Re: kel-tec from what ive seen it takes approx 200 rounds to break in a kel-tec. if you dont mind let me know how the lcp shoots....or anybody else out there who has shot one. the only thing with the lcp though is around here there is a waiting list thats 2 or 300 names long!!.. what im lookin for is a carry/backup gun... so it'd be good if my backup was the same caliber as my service weapon... but since im not a LEO YET i dont know what the service weapon will be... i may be getting my cart before my horse... Last edited by 21bravo; 01-29-2009 at 06:32 PM..

01-29-2009, 07:42 PM	#4
ponycar17 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: South Carolina Contributor Posts: 4,884	Re: kel-tec 21bravo, I picked up a Kahr PM40 (in .40 S&W) last week and it's just a bit larger than my Kel-Tec. It's a lot more pricey than the Kel-Tec but I think it's worth it. It too, has a break-in period that must be met. In the pocket holster it looks no different than a PDA in a front pocket. I'll let some other guys chime in now. I've already eaten up my time in both threads... Last edited by ponycar17; 04-02-2011 at 10:24 PM..

01-29-2009, 08:44 PM	#5
oldogy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East TN Posts: 309	Re: kel-tec I have a KelTec PF9. For $300 I really did not expect a high quality automatic but I do like it. I had one failure to eject about the 6th or 7th round but after that and another couple hundred rounds it has been fine. I can maintain pretty good accuracy with it, far better than I had expected and entirely acceptable. ray, the oldogy

01-29-2009, 08:50 PM	#6
graehaven Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 2,853	Re: kel-tec I have the P-11 and the P-32. Haven't had any problems with either. Just took the P-11 (my regular carry) to a local range last week where they'd set up 2 tactical scenarios with multiple targets, where you move and shoot from cover, have to reload, and shoot again. The P-11 functioned flawlessly. __________________ The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it." - Thomas Jefferson RESISTANCE IS FEUDAL... PREPARE TO SERVE.

01-30-2009, 09:01 AM	#7
obxned Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,342	Re: kel-tec My P-3AT kas been so reliable and accurate that I recently bought a PF-9. I have only put a few hundred rounds through it, but it is also reliable and very accurate. These pistols would get a lot more respect if the price was higher. Folks have a hard time believing that something this good can be sold for such a low price. __________________ Proud member of a North Carolina Committee of Safety "If we loose Freedom here, there's no place to escape to. This is the Last Stand on Earth!" Ronald Reagan

01-30-2009, 09:58 AM	#8
oscarmayer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Contributor Posts: 2,387	Re: kel-tec has anyone experienced any bad luck with a kel-tec. i've steered clear of them since they reminded me of a grendell ( remember those things ) but i've yet to see anyone bad mouth them. i might be missing out on a excellent choice for a very small gun to stuff into a pocket when nothing bigger will work.

01-30-2009, 07:56 PM	#9
w1spurgeon V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 176	Re: kel-tec I'm amazed that anyone can discuss these guns (and I include the Ruger here) without bringing up the sorry trigger pull. If you pull on it long enough (hard enough, far enough, etc.) it will eventually go off, but without any warning or tactile feedback. The Ruger is no better than the Kel-Tec (or the Grendell, for that matter) in this regard. They all suck. LOL....can you tell that my carry gun is a revolver? Last edited by w1spurgeon; 01-30-2009 at 08:00 PM.. Reason: correct typo

01-30-2009, 08:29 PM	#10
21bravo Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: wilkes county, nc Posts: 790	Re: kel-tec thanks for your input w1.. ive thought about a wheel gun as a backup... but because of the fat "belly" of them that kinda limits the places to keep it.

01-30-2009, 09:26 PM	#11
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,487	Re: kel-tec That's odd, I have a Kel Tec P-32 and I really find nothing wrong with the trigger pull. It's not heavy, it's smooth and consistent. Long trigger pull ? perhaps, but it's not that bad and nothing to gripe about. When all my heavier guns are home in bed, the little P-32 is with me in my right hand front pocket in a quality pocket holster. __________________ RonJames

01-30-2009, 10:24 PM	#12
ponycar17 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: South Carolina Contributor Posts: 4,884	Re: kel-tec RJay, I tend to agree with you on the trigger pull of the little Kel Tecs. Although they are very long, and somewhat awkward in trigger pull depending on your hand size, the Kel Tecs don't bother me. A pocket pistol, NO MATTER THE BRAND, is a compromise at best. At this time, there's no Kimber 1911 equivalent pocket carry gun... As in, the quality isn't absolutely perrrrfect as Kimber owners claim of their guns for every popular pocket pistol. Can you tell that some Kimber owners aggravate me?... The Kel Tec P32/P3AT trigger pull was hard for me to adjust to because of the length of the pull being longer than the bend radius of my index finger with respect to the first joint. At first, you wonder when the heck this pistol is going to go off, and then it does... If that bothers anyone profusely, I'd urge them to visit Kel Tec's website and purchase a trigger boot that they sell for the P3AT and P32. It makes the trigger feel thicker, and effectively eliminates the problem I referred to above... __________________ Arm yourself with intellectual Ammunition! Gunfacts 5.1 Myth-Busting Facts JustFacts.com on Gun Control Stopping Power, the Downloadable Book Last edited by ponycar17; 01-30-2009 at 10:25 PM..

01-31-2009, 12:17 AM	#13
TxYoteHunter Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas, Tx. Posts: 7	Re: kel-tec I've had the P3AT for a couple of years now. It makes a great carry weapon if your wearing slacks or suit pants. I carry my .40 S&W with jeans but you've got to have something for those dress up occasions. Like has been said, you have to get used to the trigger and know when it's going to really pull. It's fairly accurate up to about 15 to 20 yards for me. Much past that and it does get a little off center. All in all, I'd recommend it.

02-04-2009, 03:51 PM	#14
azsigman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 320	Re: kel-tec My wife loves her P3AT and amazes me at how accurate she is with the little devil. She just drops it in her purse and, weight wise, forgets it is there. __________________ If in doubt........don't NRA Life, GOA, 2AF

04-04-2011, 07:01 PM	#16
patrol V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 325	Re: kel-tec I had a Kahr before and I was going to get another CM which is the new version of the poor mans "PM'" from what I hear they shoot just as well they just don't have the poly match grade barrel and have some milled metal vs stamp for a micro non-target gun I doubt it makes much of a difference but the price doe's. I found a used PM40 But then I messed up and put my hands on a Kel Tec PF9..The darn thing felt really nice and compact and well put together and best of all the hammer and trigger were very smooth unlike the larger P11 and the 3AT the 5 pound vs 9 to 11 pound trigger pull of the PF9 sold me. Not to mention the freakin awesome price at less than $300 even the Ruger LC9 felt sloppy compared to the Kel Tec PF9 especially the trigger and it was almost $100 more as well...I said the heck with it never owned one I'll give em a "shot" no pun intended and if I hate it I'll go back and trade it in for another PM 40 or PM9 or do like i had originally set out to do and get the CM9..I will post in here when I shoot it, for now though it's a pocket carry easy and a secondary back up weapon at work once I qualify with it..I also love the fact it's something my wife will actually carry when she needs it on her job related appointment's in southside ghetto Richmond..8 rounds of good Cor Bon 9mm or Gold Dot bonded or Golden Saber convientianl will do the job..

04-04-2011, 10:25 PM	#17
MisterEd V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: LaPine, OR Posts: 110	Re: kel-tec I do not have a KT pistol but if they are as good as the KT Sub-2000 I own then I'll give them a +1. The Sub-2000 is well designed and very tight and the KT pistols I have held are as good. The trigger on my Sub is a little heavy but smooth and consistent and is getting better with time. The 'good' reports on KT pistols far outweigh the 'bad'. As previously mentioned the 'low' price may scare people off but you have to hand it to KT for keeping them low and affordable for something this good. Their customer service is excellent also. Try the KTOG forum for additional info. Last edited by MisterEd; 04-04-2011 at 10:26 PM..

04-04-2011, 10:56 PM	#18
Willie Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Galveston,TX Contributor Posts: 1,002	Re: kel-tec My 380 is a fine carry gun. I do carry it more due to its size. No problems ever. __________________ Willie West End Electric Galveston Electricians

04-05-2011, 12:24 AM	#19
Bill DeShivs Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Contributor Posts: 1,470	Re: kel-tec I have P11s, P32s, P3ATs, a PF9, and a PM30. All are great guns. __________________ Bill DeShivs www.billdeshivs.com

04-05-2011, 08:46 AM	#21
Bodyguard Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: So Central Kentucky Posts: 24	Re: kel-tec I started with three P-11's, each one had a better trigger than the previous one. I kept the last and sold the first two. Bought a p3at and thought it was a bit heavy on the trigger but I either got used to it or it got better with use. Bought an LCP and traded it off for an LCR when I found that I liked the LCP no better than the P3at. Got a Sub-200 with glock mags....another great shooter, no problems at all with that one. Finally found a used PF-9 and I use it frequently as a BUG. IMHO they are all great little guns especially for the price range.

04-05-2011, 11:16 AM	#22
Gun Geezer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,710	Re: kel-tec I own a P3AT and a PLR-16 by Kel-Tec. I am completely satisfied with both. Never had a problem with either. I put over 250 rnds. through the P3AT without a hiccup. It's my go-to carry gun in summer wear(shorts and T-shirt). I am considering a PF-9 or P-11 for the more powerful cartridge. None of them are fun range guns but the trigger pull has never been an issue and it serves as the only safety. IMHO they are extremely underrated. Most of the FTF,FTE complaints are the result of limp wristing. You need to be ready for the snap but that's the price you pay for the smallest, lightest most reasonably priced sub-compact out there.

04-05-2011, 03:46 PM	#23
Old Guy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Beaufort County, NC Contributor Posts: 343	Re: kel-tec I have done a lot of looking and research and a PF9 will be my next purchase. Keltec is an innovative American company that I feel deserves more of a look than we have given them. __________________ Old Guy ___________ NRA Life Member GOA Life Member

04-05-2011, 05:18 PM	#24
fas111 Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 12	Re: kel-tec I had a P3AT which never would get through a mag. dispite 2 trips back to KT, they finally offered me a refund which I took them up on. Their C/S is the best and I feel I just ended up with a lemon-it happens. I replaced it with a LCP and could not be more pleased.

04-05-2011, 07:35 PM	#25
K75RT V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Litchfield County, CT Posts: 309	Re: kel-tec I have several Keltec arms all are reliable and reasonably accurate. If anyone has wondered the Keltec line has been copied by: Cobra Patriot 9mm copy of P-11 Ruger LCP copies 3AT Ruger LC9 copies PF-9 with an un-needed safety Sccy/Skyy copies P-11 with an un-needed safety Taurus 738 copies 3AT Taurus 709 copies PF-9 with un-needed safety Microtech copied the 3AT in 9X19 I.O. Inc. copies the 3AT Can you all think of any others? __________________ Political language. . . is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.