Range Report P3AT: Backstory and photos.

[Cygnus]

Finally got to test out my new P3AT.

Backstory:
Tried it on Wednesday but.....click no bang. No strikes to the primer. 5 different rounds.....
Back to the store. The store, a site supprter BTW ,confirmed the issue and fixed it on the spot with phone support from KelTec. Apperently they tightened the fring pin screw down all the way before feeding the pin through the hole!
Musta been a Friday in Florida!

Anyway finally got to test it out today. and the verdict is ....GREAT GUN!!!

I fired 103 flawless rounds through it. No FTF or FTE.


Ammo breakdown:

50 rounds of (yellowed old 70's looking box) PMC FMJ 90gr

30 rounds of minty Magtech FMJ 95gr

15 rounds of (yellowed old 70's looking box ) Fiocchi 90 grain FMJHP

8 rounds of GoldDot 90grain GDHP

How it shot:

Most were fired in 7 round sets. One in the chamber, 6 in the mag. No FTF or FTE. Most shot in K5 on a badguy target.

2 mags with one hand. All in K-5 at 7yards

At 7 yards all were on the paper. Most in K5 Zone. tried one mag at 15 yards and had 5 on the paper. Good enough for me at this point. It's a close distance weapon and my aim sucks! Hoping to get better. I tried one mag at spitting distance and could pretty much pick the spot. The final mag was a test. I figured the gun was dirtier than it would ever be when I'd carry. I loaded 2 speer, 2 fiocchi, and 3 Magtech. I made sure the Magtech was the one on the pipe. The rest were all mixed in no particular order. I figured 2 different types of 90grain HP's mixed with 95 grain fmj would be a good test. The fiocchi have a rounder profile and a smaller HP than the Speer as well.

Flawless performance!

Concerns, and a question to P3AT or even LCP owners:

This thing really crushes some of the casings! Is this normal for .380's in general, and for small ones in particular?
The first few looked horrible with edges folded into the casing. It seemed to get better and just mis-shape them after awhile. The Speer were the least affetced.
I shoot low with this. I started to come up as I went on but alotta nut shots on the poor badguy!

UPDATE: Just cleaned it and no major issues but the clip loosened up. Easy fix with the allen wrench. No big deal as I won't be shotitng 100 rounds in a SD situation.
Maybe a concern with the recoil springs. the inner smaller one has curve to it when sitting out alone. Not a huge deal but it likely means I'll be buying some JIC.


Pics of gun and casings:






Top row are the earlier shots and worst examples. Bottom row are later rounds. Right 2 lower are Speer.






2 Worst casings:





5 worst casings:





So there ya have it!

2 questions for you all:

Do I have an issue because of the casings?

How many more rounds till I should consider it a reliabale carry piece? (assuming the smashed casing are "normal")



Next day update: Dang my hand hurts!!!!