[RAT76]

Here is a tip for field stripping the P3;

Insert the lighter in the mag well, press up with your pinky and pull the slide back. The lighter will move up and lock the slide back. Eliminates the third hand needed to hold the slide open while you squeeze the grip and remove the assembly pin.

To remove the lighter just push down on the top when you pull the slide back.

Jim, who's wife finally got tired of helping him field strip the P3.

 

[kenzo]

hummm...never had any problems... ???

i just "un-lock" the assembly pin with empty shell case or plastic bottle cap...right thumb on backstrap & fingers on top of slide...pull back the slide ~1/8" and assembly pin practically falls out...

same with re-installing except no "tools" required...snaps right back in place.

 

[Packer]

Gee, I just do it like this:

That's a good idea though, for those who DON'T have a slide lock/release on their P3AT.

Packer.

 

[inothome]

hummm...never had any problems...  ???

i just "un-lock" the assembly pin with empty shell case or plastic bottle cap...right thumb on backstrap & fingers on top of slide...pull back the slide ~1/8" and assembly pin practically falls out...

same with re-installing except no "tools" required...snaps right back in place.

Same here, I only move it back 1/8 to 1/4 inch. I don't know why I have read some need a third hand, first gen maybe? Good tip, if you do need the third hand!

 

[RAT76]

If I only move the slide back 1/4 inch I can't get a cartridge rim under the head of the pin. If I go to full lock back I can.

If you don't need the temporary slide lock, don't use it.

 

[Packer]

It is a VERY good idea, Rat! Your lighter beats heck out of my plastic pipe union. Thanks for coming up with this, and for sharing it with us.

Packer.

 

[inothome]

If I only move the slide back 1/4 inch I can't get a cartridge rim under the head of the pin.  If I go to full lock back I can.

If you don't need the temporary slide lock, don't use it.

Now I understand why some need the third hand. No need for your second sentence though, it's Friday, relax. I did say it was a good idea.

 

[RAT76]

Didn't have a pipe union.

 

[Wilson]

On my newer P-3ATs with the small head A-pin, I use a slightly trimmed Pentel Hi-Polymer eraser, you know the pretty non-abrasive rectangular white ones that turn black when used in a P-3AT

Wilson – who’s also known to just rack the slide and hold it open and assembly spring in place with his right hand wrapped around the grip while prying the A- pin out with a screwdriver in his left hand (this will create a blood blister if you let the slide slip ;D )

 

[kenzo]

Wilson – who’s also known to just rack the slide and hold it open and assembly spring in place with his right hand wrapped around the grip while prying the A- pin out with a screwdriver in his left hand (this will create a blood blister if you let the slide slip ;D )

yup...them lil suckers can bite...figured she was hungry & i wasn't feeding her enough!

...as a matter of fact she didn't like wut i fed her last night(remington umc)...i better be careful! ...i thinks she's just "high maintainance"(gold sabers & gold dots) and i bet she eat DPX's...go figure ;D

 

[rjhauser]

i use an eraser.
:-/

 

[Bobo]

Thanks RAT76 - good tip! ;D

(And nice pics too)