I’ve carried the Kel-Tec P3AT practically every day for the last three years. The P3AT didn’t just sit in my pocket all those years – drills were performed, of course. With use, comes wear. I was inclined to believe that the P3AT is the variety of pistol that demonstrates wear overtime, but I haven’t necessarily made any substantiate observations that support this belief. I purchased another P3AT despite this. But who needs a reason, anyway?
One would be delegated for carry. The other for training.
I took this opportunity to compare the two pistols and observed some design variations. Whether if they’re really new, or even substantial… I’m not certain.
New on left. Old on right.
Aside from the dust, they appears to look the same.
The older extractor appears to have a bevel along the long edge. The newer extractor also has a new cut.
The newer extractor edge appears to have more material.
The machine tool marks are more prominent on the newer barrel. Also notice the longer taper, compared to the older barrel.
The newer barrel has a cut to allow more room from the recoil guide/spring.
The slide rails on the newer frame has more surface area. The older frame appears to be the same width, just with some rounding of the inside edges.
The slide serrations are deeper on the newer slide.
The notch is gone on the newer slide. Not certain what the function was on the older version.
The older P3AT slide rail took a beating. It appears they machined this out, and performed other minor changes.
Another angle.
I have yet to shoot the newer model. I’ll investigate further if any of the are of any consequence.
Have you noticed any of the above “changes”? Let me know what your thoughts are.
I am interested in the reliability of the new model. Also the finish quality. My circa 2008 model has had close to a thousand rounds through it and been flawless. The only issue is the rust spot it gets from being carried appendix against my body in the summer from sweat. Even though I have taken to revolver carry for the most part, this is really the only semi I carry anymore outside of that. A second one cannot hurt given the price point.