KelTec P-3AT Pistol: The Ultimate .380 Auto for Deep Concealment and Everyday Carry

Are you searching for a discreet, lightweight, and reliable firearm for personal protection? Do you need a pistol that can comfortably disappear into a pocket or be worn without printing, offering peace of mind wherever you go? The KelTec P-3AT, chambered in the dependable .380 Auto cartridge, is engineered precisely for these demanding scenarios. As an industry leader in innovative and minimalist firearm design, KelTec delivers a solution with the P-3AT that prioritizes extreme portability without compromising on essential self-defense capabilities.

This remarkable semi-automatic pistol stands out as an exceptional choice for anyone prioritizing ultimate concealment in their everyday carry (EDC) setup. Whether you're a seasoned carrier seeking a highly portable backup gun or a new enthusiast looking for an accessible and unintimidating self-defense option, the P-3AT answers the call. Its unique blend of featherlight weight, ultra-slim profile, and straightforward operation makes it a top contender in the subcompact pistol category.

Why Choose the KelTec P-3AT for Your Personal Protection Needs?

The KelTec P-3AT is more than just a small pistol; it's a carefully engineered tool designed for a singular purpose: to provide effective personal defense in the most discreet package possible. Understanding its core features helps clarify why it's consistently recommended for deep concealment.

Unparalleled Portability and Concealment

• Pocket Perfection: Weighing an astonishingly light 8.3 ounces unloaded, and with a loaded magazine adding only 2.8 ounces, the P-3AT truly defines "pocket pistol." This minimal weight ensures it won't drag down clothing or feel cumbersome during prolonged carry, making it ideal for everything from casual wear to professional attire.
• Ultra-Slim Profile: At just .77 inches wide, the P-3AT boasts one of the slimmest profiles among modern handguns. This exceptional thinness virtually eliminates "printing" – the tell-tale outline of a firearm under clothing – ensuring maximum discretion.
• Compact Dimensions: With a length of 5.2 inches and a height of 3.5 inches, this pistol is incredibly small. It can be comfortably carried in a multitude of ways: in a pocket holster, inside-the-waistband (IWB), or even as a backup gun in an ankle holster. For users who find larger handguns impractical or uncomfortable for daily carry, the P-3AT offers a viable and unnoticeable alternative.

Reliable Self-Defense in .380 Auto

• The Venerable .380 Auto Cartridge: While often debated, the .380 Auto (also known as .380 ACP) cartridge has proven itself as a capable self-defense round, especially when paired with modern ammunition designs. It offers a balance of manageable recoil for quick follow-up shots and sufficient terminal ballistics for close-range defensive encounters. The P-3AT's design, optimized for this cartridge, ensures reliable feeding and extraction.
• Double Action Only (DAO) Operation: The P-3AT operates in double action only, meaning the trigger pull both cocks and releases the hammer for each shot. This design offers a consistent trigger pull from the first shot to the last, enhancing safety by requiring a deliberate, full-length pull before firing. The stated 5-pound trigger pull is light enough for effective use while providing a safety margin against accidental discharge.
• 6+1 Capacity: With a standard capacity of 6 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber, the P-3AT offers 7 rounds of immediate self-defense. For a pistol of its size, this capacity is respectable and aligns with the typical needs of a defensive encounter. Optional extended magazines may be available to further increase capacity if desired.

Engineered for Practicality and Durability

• Locked Breech Design: Unlike some smaller pistols that use a simple blowback action, the P-3AT features a locked breech design. This mechanism helps to reduce felt recoil and allows for the use of more powerful .380 Auto ammunition, contributing to the pistol's overall durability and reliability.
• High-Quality Materials: KelTec utilizes robust materials, including a durable polymer frame – in this specific model, a distinctive green finish – and a sturdy steel slide and barrel. This combination ensures the pistol can withstand the rigors of regular use while contributing to its light weight.
• Simple and Intuitive Operation: The P-3AT eschews external safeties and complicated controls, focusing on simplicity for defensive use. Its double action only trigger is the primary safety mechanism, making it straightforward to operate under stress.

Common Questions Answered About the KelTec P-3AT

• Is the KelTec P-3AT a good choice for concealed carry? Absolutely. Its extremely small size, lightweight construction, and ultra-slim profile make it one of the most effective pistols for deep concealment and pocket carry on the market today. It's designed to be easily hidden, even in minimal clothing.
• What caliber is the P-3AT, and is it effective for self-defense? The P-3AT is chambered in .380 Auto (also known as .380 ACP). While it's not a large-caliber cartridge, modern .380 Auto ammunition, particularly hollow-point designs, offers adequate performance for self-defense at close ranges, which is where most defensive encounters occur. Its manageable recoil also allows for faster and more accurate follow-up shots.
• How does the P-3AT's double action only (DAO) trigger work? In a DAO system, the trigger pull performs two actions: it cocks the hammer (or striker) and then releases it to fire the cartridge. This results in a consistent trigger pull weight and length for every shot. For the P-3AT, this consistent 5-pound trigger pull is designed for simplicity and safety, reducing the chance of accidental discharge while providing a predictable feel.
• What kind of recoil can I expect from the KelTec P-3AT? Given its very light weight, the P-3AT does have noticeable recoil when firing standard .380 Auto ammunition. However, the locked breech design helps manage this, and most users find the recoil to be manageable, especially for the limited number of shots typically needed in a self-defense situation. Practice is key to becoming proficient with any firearm, including compact ones.
• What's the best way to carry the P-3AT? Due to its diminutive size, the P-3AT excels in pocket carry, ideally with a dedicated pocket holster to protect the trigger and maintain orientation. It's also an excellent candidate for inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry, ankle carry, or as a backup gun. Its light weight makes it comfortable in almost any carry position.
• Is the KelTec P-3AT reliable? KelTec has made continuous improvements to their designs, and the P-3AT has a reputation for reliability when maintained properly and fed quality ammunition. Like all firearms, consistent performance depends on proper cleaning, lubrication, and using reputable ammunition brands.

Enhancing Your P-3AT Experience: Accessories and Maintenance

To maximize the utility and longevity of your KelTec P-3AT, consider a few essential accessories and adhere to proper maintenance practices.

• Holsters: A quality holster is paramount for safe and effective concealed carry. Look for pocket holsters that fully cover the trigger guard, IWB holsters that offer comfort and retention, or ankle holsters for deep concealment.
• Extra Magazines: Having additional magazines is always advisable for self-defense firearms. Not only do they provide more ammunition capacity, but they also allow for efficient practice sessions at the range.
• Cleaning Kit: Regular cleaning and lubrication are vital for the reliable operation of any firearm. A basic pistol cleaning kit with cleaning rods, brushes, patches, and appropriate gun oil and solvent will keep your P-3AT in top condition.
• Ammunition Selection: Experiment with different brands and types of .380 Auto ammunition to find what functions most reliably in your specific P-3AT and what you prefer for self-defense. Always prioritize quality, reputable ammunition for defensive purposes.

Why Purchase Your KelTec P-3AT from DEGuns?

When investing in a personal protection firearm like the KelTec P-3AT, choosing a reputable dealer is as important as choosing the right gun. DEGuns is committed to providing an unparalleled purchasing experience, offering a comprehensive selection, competitive pricing, and expert customer service. Our inventory, including the KelTec P-3AT with its distinct green frame, is meticulously sourced to ensure you receive a genuine, high-quality product. Trust DEGuns for your firearm needs, where informed decisions and customer satisfaction are our top priorities.

The KelTec P-3AT remains a cornerstone in the world of ultra-compact firearms, prized by those who demand absolute discretion and reliable performance in a lightweight package. It's more than just a handgun; it's a commitment to personal safety, designed to be carried comfortably and deployed effectively when it matters most. For anyone seeking the ultimate balance of concealment, weight, and self-defense capability in the popular .380 Auto caliber, the KelTec P-3AT is an outstanding choice that continues to define the category.

KelTec P-3AT Specifications

Feature	Detail
Caliber	.380 Auto
Weight Unloaded	8.3 Ounces
Loaded Magazine	2.8 Ounces
Length	5.2 Inches
Height	3.5 Inches
Width	.77 Inches
Barrel Length	2.7 Inches
Sight Radius	3.8 Inches
Muzzle Energy Max	250 Foot-pounds
Capacity	6+1 Rounds
Trigger Pull	5 Pounds
Frame Finish	Green
SKU	KTP3ATBGRN
UPC	640832000702