[joemama]

Hello, all.
I have been lurking around this board for a while. Well, I finally took the plunge and bought my P3-AT last weekend and shot it last night. Happy to report that it functioned perfectly for 100 rounds. No FTE’s or FTF’s. The only problem that I encountered is that the area between my thumb and forefinger was almost immediately sore after the first couple of mags. I don’t have this problem with my Browning High Power 40 S&W. Is it my technique, or is there some mod that I could do remedy this? Maybe I’m just a weenie.(The most likely problem) I’m also having a hard time locating a couple of mag extensions. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Wilson]

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

The NAA (gray grip below) or Bersa (black) finger extension are the best $5 accessory you can buy for your P-3AT.

My personal preference is the North American Guardian extension which can be purchased at http://www.naaminis.com/guardacc.html#parts #MZ-FPK, with installation instructions on Darvell’s web page http://www.geocities.com/PocketGuns/P32ext.html .

However the Bersa Thunder finger extension can be installed with out alteration. One source for these extensions is here http://www.bersafirearmsusa.com/parts_380lt_mat.php Part #48.

(click to enlarge)


Wilson – who’s posting the above photo only to help a Newbie :

 

[Bobo]

Glad your gun ran smoothly - clean/lube/shoot! ;D

As far as the gun wacking your web, magazine finger extentions and/or a slip-on grip will most likely help.


Magazine Finger Extension Base Plates:
The NAA style extensions must be modified slightly.
Instructions: http://www.geocities.com/PocketGuns/P32ext.html
The Bersa style extensions need no modifications.

You can get both styles (NAA and Bersa) here:
http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=2503;action=display;num=1144727732

Or NAA here:
http://www.naaminis.com/guardacc.html#parts
Two Finger Extension Base Plates for all Guardian magazines: $10.00
#MZ-FPK Two Finger Extension Base Plates

or here (lower shipping cost):
http://www.freewebs.com/gunsgripsnmore/guardianaccessories.htm

Or Bersa here:
http://www.bersafirearmsusa.com/parts_380lt_sat.php
Part #48


Slip-On Grips

Hogue, Pachmayr, Glaser, and Butler Creek (Uncle Mike's) make slip-on grips that fit the P-3AT. They are all a bit different. Some may need trimming.

Hogue HandAll, Jr
These have finger grooves, are thinner at the front and back straps, have slight palm swells, and are textured on the sides.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=6938&s=

Pachmayr, Model 4
These have finger grooves, are the same thickness all around, and are textured all over.
http://www.pachmayr.com/pachmayr/slipons.htm

Glaser (a forum member)
These have no finger grooves, are the same thickness all around, and are smooth all over.
http://www.aglaser.com/grips/index.html

Butler Creek (Uncle Mike's), Small
These have no finger grooves, the same thickness all around and a bit thinner than Glaser and Pachmayr, and are textured on the sides.
http://www.uncle-mikes.com/adtempla...3&subcatky1=4548794&subcatky2=3036920

Or you can make your own:
One good thing about doing it this way is that the material is thin and you can experiment by trying a different number of layers. Some bike tubes have ribbed areas, so you can make a ribbed or smooth grip.
I got a couple of tubes free - went to a local bike shop and asked for any bad ones they were throwing away.
http://www.ktrange.com/articles/a7/a7.html

 

[kraigster414]

Very nice assist.  I know of very few gun sites where members like Bobo will take the time to provide such helpful and complete information - links, the whole works.  You have come to the right place my friend.  

This place keeps getting better and better and it's because of the overwelming majority of folks that go out of their way to help in a friendly manner. And it's done everyday.

 

[Soybomb]

I wanted to keep my p3at as slim as possible so I never did anything to the grip and I get the same thing after going through a ton of rounds. Its just a small light gun that puts alot of oomph in a real small area. Shoot a couple mags for practice and you won't feel it. If you try to go through a couple boxes at once though there might be a price to pay

 

[joemama]

Thanks to all for the great info.......that's why I joined this forum, I could tell the members were truly wanting to share their knowledge. I'll try both the grips and the mag extension.

 

[Baldy]

Hey Joe these little guns have a lot of tourque to them. I have the same problem as you. I am going to shoot about a 1/2 a box of ammo in mine from now on. I am also going to try the handall. Keep in touch on how things go for you.

 

[joemama]

I called and ordered the Bersa grip extensions today, and found the Handall Jr. on eBay yesterday. Should be all set. I could handle a little discomfort at the range, but I plan on getting my wife comfortable with this little sweetheart so she can carry. She is dead on at 10 yards with my .40 S&W. A little too good!!!!!!!!!!!