NRA Gun of the Week: Kel-Tec P3AT Pistol

American Rifleman Staff

posted on September 29, 2018

Support NRA American Rifleman DONATE

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

A few years following the launch of Kel-Tec’s P-32 polymer pistol, a more potent variant built around the .380 ACP cartridge was introduced—the P3AT. This recoil-operated semi-automatic pistol tips the scales at 8.3 ozs., empty, and features a 2.7” barrel with a capacity of six rounds in the magazine. To learn more, watch this NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by Christopher Olsen.

Specifications:
Model: P3AT
Manufacturer: Kel Tec CNC Industries Inc.
Chambering: .380 ACP
Action Type: locked breech, recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Barrel: 2.7”
Frame: black polymer
Sights: integral, non-adjustable; square notch rear, post front
Trigger: double-action-only; 7-lb., 14-oz. pull
Magazine: six-round detachable box
Weight: 8.3 ozs.
MSRP: $338

Additional Reading:
The Last Great Mouse Gun Race
Is the Mouse Gun a Dying Breed?
Tested: Kel-Tec KSG-25 Shotgun
Tested: Kel-Tec's Flexible Folding SU Series Rifles

Latest

Short & Classic: Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine SBR

While many short-barreled rifles available today are based on the latest designs, there are a few classic models in the mix, too, such as Auto-Ordnance's M1 Carbine SBR.

News, Guns

Review: Garmin Xero C2 Chronograph

Garmin doubled down and, hot off the introduction of its Xero C1 chronograph, introduced its next-generation Xero C2, which provides some added capabilities and features over the original.

Reviews, News

The "Nub Sub:" KelTec's Ultra-Compact SUB-SDP

KelTec is expanding its SUB2000 line yet again with the SUB-SDP, a foldable, braced pistol that KelTec folks colloquially refer to as the "Nub Sub."

News, Guns

Gun of the Week: EAA Girsan Witness2311 CMXX

One of the latest options in EAA's line of 2011-style handguns is the Witness2311 CMXX, which incorporates a large, single-port compensator at the muzzle end.

Reviews, News

The Armed Citizen® July 24, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Armed Citizen, News

Review: Freedom Ordnance FM-9D

New small arms with groundbreaking designs are rare in an industry where new products tend to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Fortunately, Freedom Ordnance marches to the beat of a different drum and invested its creative energy into developing the unique, innovative FM-9D.

Reviews, News