NRA Gun of the Week: Kel-Tec P3AT Pistol

by
posted on September 29, 2018
** 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

Match Ready M1 Garand 1
Match Ready M1 Garand 1

Making a Match-Ready M1 Garand

For decades, fans of the M1 Garand have gone to Camp Perry to shoot the John C. Garand match, a test of their shooting skills and rifles. Here, one M1 Garand enthusiast prepares his rifle and ammo for the shoot.

Will the USPS Allow Handguns to Be Mailed?

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on April 2, 2026, published a proposed rule that would permit the mailing of lawful handguns through the U.S. mail for the first time in nearly a century.

The Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8x24 mm: A Flexible Optic for Dangerous Game Hunting

Trijicon is probably best known for its military and law-enforcement optics, but the company is also serious about its commercial line of riflescopes designed for hunting.

U.S. Army Bases Will No Longer Be Gun-Free Zones

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced this week that U.S. Army bases will no longer be gun-free zones.

Gun of the Week: CZ Shadow 2 Carry

One of the latest concealed-carry handguns to hit the consumer market is the CZ's Shadow 2 Carry. Watch our "Gun of the Week" episode to see the details of this carry-oriented design.

The Armed Citizen® April 3, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.