These are some possible mechanical causes of Kel-Tec P-3AT malfunctions and their fixes in order of potential cause.
Note: (2G) = Second Generation model with external buttonhead screw.
Failure To Feed (FTFe).
1. Dirty or rough Chamber and/or Feed Ramp and/or Hood - Clean them and/or polish them.
2. Something obstructing the forward movement of the slide (dirt, burrs) - Clean, de-burr, lube.
3. Non-compatible ammo - Try other brands.
4. Bad recoil springs - Replace them.
5. Dirty Magazine - Clean it.
6. Bad Magazine Spring - Replace it.
7. Bad Magazine Follower - Replace it.
8. Bad Magazine Tube - Replace it.
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Failure To Fire (FTFi).
1. Failure to allow the trigger to fully reset - Allow the trigger to move fully forward after each shot.
2. Bad Ammo (commonly hard primers) - Try other brands.
3. Poor Lubrication - Lube it.
4. Firing Pin Spring Too Long - Replace it. (Only on older guns. New guns come with shorter springs.).
5. Firing Pin Jammed - This can happen if the extractor screw loosens, and while loose, the firing pin turns (the extractor screw also retains the firing pin). When the screw is re-tightened it can jam the firing pin because the screw is not in the retaining slot of the firing pin. (The screw must have loosened a lot for this to happen and you would probably have had a lot of FTEx's first).
6. Weak or Broken Hammer Spring - Replace it.
7. Dirty Firing Pin Channel - Clean it.
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Failure To Extract (FTEx).
1. Loose Extractor Spring Screw (External Button Head Screw) (2G) - Tighten it.
2. Dirty Extractor - Clean it.
3. Dirty or Rough Chamber - Clean it and/or polish it.
4. Non-compatible ammo - Try other brands.
5. Limp-wristing - Lock your wrist
6. Bad Extractor - Replace it.
7. Poor Slide Lube - Lube it.
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Failure To Eject (FTEj).
1. Loose Extractor Spring Screw (2G) - Tighten it.
2. Bad Extractor - Replace it.
3. Dirty or Rough Chamber - Clean it and/or polish it
4. Non-compatible ammo - Try other brands.
5. Limp-wristing - Lock your wrist
6. Bad or Missing Ejector (part #115) - Replace it.
7. Poor Slide Lube - Lube it.
8. Dirty Magazine - Clean it.
9. Bad Magazine Spring - Replace it.
Bobo