Last year, KelTec challenged current handgun configuration conventions once again with the release of the PR-57 pistol. Like other KelTec models, this semi-automatic embraces a host of unconventional features. This includes the slide shape, action type and its chambering in the FN 5.7x28 mm cartridge. But what made folks really stand up and pay attention to the first member of the PR series is its loading process. This pistol does not have a removable magazine. Instead, it is “top loaded” through the slide using cartridge stripper clips.
The PR-3AT (left) is notably smaller than the PR-57 (right).
This year, KelTec is expanding the no-removable-magazine PR pistol line up with the addition of the new PR-3AT. Chambered in .380 ACP, this model blends the compact size and caliber of KelTec's now discontinued P3AT pocket pistol with key features borrowed from the PR-57. This evaluation takes a closer look at the PR-3AT Defender package, which is a KelTec Direct exclusive (purchased directly from the company) that provides a few extras not included with the stand-alone pistols.
Based on the discontinued P3AT pocket pistol, this model borrows key features from the PR-57.
For 20 years, the original single-stack, 6+1 capacity P3AT was one of the lightest and most compact .380 ACP pistols in production. In fact, it was available five years before the Ruger LCP (a close copy of the P3AT) launched the pocket pistol rush of the late 2000s. But by the 2020s, it was losing steam in the market place. This was due in part to the “micro nine” movement. But in recent years, we've also seen the release of double-stack .380 ACP micro pistols with ammunition capacities of 11 to 14 rounds, including the Ruger LCP Max, Sig Sauer P365-380 and Springfield Hellcat OSP. In order to update the P3AT to be able to compete with other double-stack, optics-ready models, KelTec opted to go the PR design route.
The rotating barrel is supported by dual-captured recoil springs.
The new PR-3AT is currently available in three configurations, each of which is available with black, OD green or tan polymer frames. The “Standard” version sports a 2.85" barrel, a set of fixed sights, and an unloaded weight of 9.66 ounces. Its 4.67" height provides for a grip frame ammunition capacity of 13+1 rounds. The 10+1 round capacity PR-3AT 10 model is just 3.93" high. The shorter grip frame and iron sights make it a better fit for pocket carry.
The slim Viridian RFX1 green-dot optic was installed at the factory.
The all-black Defender configuration shown here is a Standard pistol with the polymer rear sight block removed. In its place is an aluminum block which is used to support a Viridian RFX1 green-dot optic. Features include a 3 MOA dot, aluminum housing, instant-on technology, automatic brightness adjustment and up to 30,000 hours of run time using a single CR1632 battery. With the optic installed, this pistol's unloaded weight is 10.8 oz.
This version of the PR-3AT weighs just 10.8 oz., unloaded.
In addition to the optic, the Defender package includes four (instead of two) 7-round stripper clips, a belt clip and a Rounded Gear brand, in-the-waistband kydex holster. This optics ready holster is tension and cant adjustable, has a fiber reinforced belt clip, a full-length sweat guard, an optics cutout and weighs just 2 oz. When it is in the holster, with the optic installed and 14 rounds of 95-gr. ammunition loaded, this PR-3AT has a walking-around weight of 17.8 oz. For comparison, the 10+1 capacity Ruger LCP Max tips the scales at 18.5 oz. without an optic, holster or ammunition.
The PR-3AT can be loaded with 13+1 rounds using two of the provided stripper clips.
This pistol is a short-recoil operated semi-automatic that employs a locked-breech, rotating barrel. The configuration is intended to smooth out the levels of felt recoil which is a plus for a light weight pocket pistol like this one. It has a hammer-fired design with a double-action-only trigger that exhibited a smooth, 3 lbs. 15 oz. trigger pull. The only other external control is the left-side slide catch. The trigger guard is rounded off with a grip that has KelTek's signature “waffle” pattern texturing.
The KelTec exclusive Defense package includes a holster, optic and four stripper clips instead of two.
The grooved, rotating barrel is supported by tandem full-length guide rods, each supporting a single recoil spring. With the slide locked open, the polymer follower inside of the grip frame is exposed. Individual rounds can be pressed in, much like loading an AR-15 magazine, or the internal, fixed magazine can be loaded using the 7-round stripper clips. Using two clips will fill this pistol to its 14-round capacity with the first round chambering when the slide is closed. The bottom third of the grip frame is secured by a takedown pin. Removing the pin allows this section of the grip frame to be separated so as to provide access to the spring and follower for cleaning.
Rest_01 Like other pocket-sized .380s, this one can be a handful with hot loads.
When I shot the single-stack P3AT for the first time years ago, I found it to be a real handful. So much so that I went with the softer shooting P32 pistol instead. The PR-3AT is a more controllable pistol thanks to the wider grip and the rotary action. But the two-finger grip leaves the little finger of the shooting hand hanging, so it still handles like a pocket pistol. That is to say, regular practice is do-able but this is not a gun one shoots for recreation.
The PR-3AT proved to be utterly reliable with all of the ammunition tested which included practice-grade and premium hollow point loads. The smooth trigger and the green-dot optic provided for a notably more manageable shooting experience than I've had with some pocket rockets.
This little pistol proved to be utterly reliable with all the ammunition tested.
But getting ammunition into and out of this pistol was a more challenging proposition than with most semi-automatics. The stripper clips for the PR-3AT are much more robust than those of the PR-57. The plunger, which is pressed to load the rounds, is easy to grip and it will not fall out. It has a relatively thick, forward-facing lug that locks firmly into the slide to press the rounds into place. So far, so good.
However, when trying to extract the clip from the slide, the thickness of the lug required the clip to be tilted forward in such a way that the top round inside the pistol often fell out and had to be pressed back into place manually. I tried different things to keep that top round in place but I have yet to figure out the just-right way to do it.
The best individual group of 0.91” was fired using the American Eagle load.
When it comes time to unload the pistol, you have two choices. Either shoot the gun until it is completely empty or cycle the slide manually to eject each round one at a time. Both approaches are less than ideal by modern pistol standards.
Formal bench-rested performance testing was conducted using the factory-installed optic to aim. Five 5-shot groups were fired into paper targets posted at a distance of 7 yards. The ammunition used for this portion of the test included Federal American Eagle, Barnes Bullets Tac-XPD and DoubleTap Controlled Expansion loads. A Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph was on hand to measure the average bullet velocities for 10 shot strings. Here are the results:
KelTec's PR series of fixed magazine pistols is specifically designed to provide double-stack capacity for self-defenders who live in regions that restrict pistol magazine capacities. The new PR-3AT neatly fits the pocketable pistol niche that the PR-57 is just a bit too big to cover. The little .380 ACP that I worked with is reliable, lightweight, optics-ready and has a smooth trigger.
But the trade-off for the PR-3AT's political correctness is a slow loading and unloading process. Utilizing the stripper clips works well enough for shooting at the range or staging the pistol for self-defense. But they would not be the optimal choice for use in a defensive situation. Like some other pocket guns I've evaluated, the ammunition loaded into the PR-380 is, for all intents and purposes, what you would have to work with in the field. But 14 rounds on tap is nothing to sneeze at.
As I said with the PR-57, I do hope KelTec will work up a magazine-fed version of the PR-380 for those of us who live in less-restrictive states. The standard and 10-round versions are available for suggested retail prices starting at $399.99. The Defender package, which is available directly from KelTec, is $589.99. For more information, visit the company website.
