P-3AT Issues...I have given up...

Hello all and Happy Holidays!!

I've posted here before about my .380 purchase but will briefly go over everything again before I begin...

I recently purchased a new P-3AT (2nd Gen) to replace my trusty P-32 that was recently stolen.  I now
regret not getting another P-32.

When I first took it to the range for 100 rounds, it kept getting jammed and was just not reliable so I sent
it back to Kel-Tec with a detailed letter explaining the issues.  Exactly 4 1/2 weeks later, I just got it back
from Kel-Tec right before they closed for the Holidays!  The work order?

"Replaced Slide", "Polished Feedramp", "Test Fired".

OK so I was excited and just took it to range for testing.  The pistol continues to jam frequently.  In fact,
I can't even get through a single mag without one or two failure's (mostly FTE).  But that's not the worse
part though.  Please take a look at the two pictures below.  During the final shots, you'll see the the shell
got jammed in the complete opposite direction in the barrel!  Never seen this before and in fact, it was so
jammed in that I could not clear the gun and continue shooting.  Had to bring it home and remove it with
a pair of pliers.  

I would also like to add that unlike some who have posted here on recoil, there IS a very significant difference vs. the P-32.  In fact, I find it extremely unpleasant to shoot and have a cut on the socket area of my thumb that does not heal.  I strongly feel the gun is just too light for this caliber and not as manageable.  Mind you that I have the pads and rubber
grips on it as shown in the two pics provided below.  Still unpleasant to shoot!

I loved the P-32.  It was pleasant to shoot and was just more reliable.  I'm not sure what to do?  I would love to sell it
or trade it for a P-32 but I have never sold any of my guns before so I don't know what is involved or even how to sell
it?

Right now, I'm carrying the excellent and highly reliable CZ RAMI but would still like a Kel-Tec for easy carry when wearing
very light clothes.  Just slips into the pocket and you forget it's there!  

If anyone can offer some advice, I would greatly appreciated.  Here' the images of one of two of these unsual jams...





Thank you and Happy Holidays to all!!
--mike

 

Hey All,
Merry Christmas to you guys too!

Thanks for the super quick replies.  I'll do my best to respond to all...

First of all, the RAMI is an amazing gun and highly recommended.  I absolutely love this gun but there are times when
I want to carry a smaller pistol.  

As far as ammo goes, it has been fired with only American Eagle FMJ's and Fiocchi FMJ's.  I prefer these (red box) or Fiocchi
(purple box).  For practice, I will only shoot these two brands.  It is definitely not the ammo.

Perhaps you guys are right and this gun is not for everyone.  I'm just glad that you guys at least admit it can
be unpleasant to shoot!  Before I bought it, I researched it a bit and actually found the opposite. Everyone would
say the recoil was no different than the P-32.  It is apparent that it is.

However, I do hold it very tight and think I manage the recoil well.  It just jams constantly in awkward ways and
just not the pistol I'm after.

Don't think I want double pads though.  It should be sufficient with what I have on it but apparently isn't.

OK...I have two questions for you then...

First off, what's the best way to sell the gun?  As I mentioned, never really sold any gun and still own every single
one I have purchased.  How difficult is it to sell to someone?  (Paperwork, fees, etc...)

Second question...
At my local range, they actually have a new P-32 in stock for only $230.  Before I purchase it though, anyone have
any other recommendations?  I actually have a Beretta Jetfire 950 .25 which is nice but I prefer LDA or DA/SA.  The
Jetfire is SA only and would feel more comfortable with the .32 caliber.

Unless someone has any other alternatives, it is now between the P-32 or the Beretta Tomcat .32, which is actually
DA/SA.  I would have considered a Guardian but I don't want a DAO with a 10lb trigger pull!

Look forward to any suggestions or comments...

Thanks,
--mike

 

98_1LE,
Wow, didn't expect to sell it here but yes, I would consider selling it to you to avoid the hassle of
posting it up for auction online.

I would be willing to sell it as low as $120 but would still consider your offer.  However, like I said,
I have absolutely no clue what is involved in selling a firearm to another person and want know all
fees involved to see if it is worth it.  Also, how does the serial transfer take place?

Let me know before I decided to research and consider posting it on an auction site.

Syndil,
Yes, I'm aware of the weight difference and that Kel-Tec is really the only manufacturer that has
this strong hold of the market. I have already made up my mind and will be getting another P-32
once I sell this one.  Thanks.

--mike

 

Hi All,
Well, I posted my P-3AT on gunbroker and it sold within just hours for very close to what I paid for it!

With that said, I went over to the range/shop today and picked up the P-32.  Man, is this gun so much
more pleasant to shoot!  I truly missed it!  

I don't normally shoot a pocket gun right out of the box after purchase, but since I was already there,
I shot a box of Fiocchi (genuine) FMJ's and happy to report there were no hiccups!  I have always had
good luck with P-32's and I strongly feel it is just a more reliable pistol than their .380.

I was a bit disappointed though when stripping it down for cleaning when I got home.  This is a second
gen pistol but noticed the spring guide rod is plastic.  If I do remember, I believe that all my P-32's I
have gotten back from Kel-Tec in the past have had a metal rod?  Can you guys confirm this?  

BTW, I definitely prefer the slide lock.  The .380 did not lock back on empty.

Thanks,
--mike