Kel-Tec P-3AT
Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc. · Pistol · Discontinued · 2003
Also known as: P3AT, P-3AT
Overview
The Kel-Tec P-3AT is an ultra-compact, semi-automatic double-action-only pocket pistol chambered in .380 ACP. Introduced in 2003 and designed by George Kellgren, it uses a locked-breech, short-recoil action with a polymer frame over an aluminum insert and a steel slide and barrel. Weighing only about 240 grams empty, it was marketed as one of the lightest production .380 ACP pistols in the world, feeding from a 6-round detachable magazine and intended for deep-concealment carry by civilians and off-duty law enforcement.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 240 g (8.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 310 g (10.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 130 mm (5.12") |
| Barrel Length | 70 mm (2.76") |
| Height | 89 mm (3.50") |
| Width | 20 mm (0.79") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 22 N (4.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 7 m (8 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .380 ACP · primary — also known as .380 Auto, 9x17mm, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Block, Long Double Action Trigger
- Features: Polymer Frame With Aluminum Insert, Locked Breech, Double Action Only, No Manual Safety, Fixed Sights
Variants
- Kel-Tec P-32 - Caliber Conversion
Service history
Operators
- United States civilian concealed carry market · adopted 2003
Production
Production years: 2003-2022
One of Kel-Tec's best-selling pistols; discontinued in early 2022
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: George Kellgren
Discontinued: 2022
Notes
The P-3AT is a scaled-up .380 ACP development of the earlier .32 ACP Kel-Tec P-32, sharing the same frame footprint. It has no manual safety, relying on a long double-action-only trigger pull.
Background
Kel-Tec built the P-3AT by scaling its tiny .32 ACP P-32 up to .380 ACP without enlarging the frame, producing what it advertised as the world's lightest production .380 pistol and helping ignite the modern pocket-.380 craze that competitors like the Ruger LCP directly copied.