Problem Cause Solution:

Back to Kel-Tec stuff

Most of these will apply equally to the P-32 and the P-11 (unless otherwise noted)

Problem:
Assembly pin backing out while firing.
Cause:
If the assembly pin spring is in correctly, either the pin does not have a deep enough groove in it for the spring to hold it in, or something in the frame is machined incorrectly. If the left side of the grip looks to be bowing out slightly, or the slide stop is stickin and/or not under the correct spring tention holding it down, then the assembly pin spring (also the slide stop spring) has probably fallen off the slide stop. This will cause it to not put the pressure on the assembly pin that holds it in
Solution:
If the slide stop spring is not installed correctly, dissasemble the pistol and put it together correctly. If the spring falls off again, then a new spring and/or slide stop should be obtained from KT. If all is as it should be and the pin still backs out, then you could try my Assembly pin fix.


Problem:
Accuracy/Trigger Sucks
Cause:
Normally new (to KT) shooters don't get the accuracy they do with other pistols. This (a VAST majority of the time) can be attributed to not being familiar with the trigger (also the trigger can be modified to help this as well).
Solution:
New Trigger Info
Trigger Smoothing
Trigger stop
Trigger mods
Accuracy Hints


Problem:
Guide Rod Slipped Back, locking the slide on the frame while assembling. 
Cause:
During assembly the guide rod (plastic one) can slide back with the slide and flex just enough to slip over the cup in the frame where it is supposed to rest. If this happens it basically locks the slide onto the frame (you can't pull it forward and off like normal). Note: Don't worry this can ONLY happen during assembly and will not happen while firing or after assembly.
Solution:
Guide Rod Slipped Back.


Problem:
I had a rim lock (.32acp only), what happened and what can I do about it?
Cause:
The .32 acp's semi rimmed deigned combined with the shorter over all length (oal) of JP's
Solution:
First learn exactly what it is
Then decide if you want to bother with HP's
If you do then defeat rim lock


Problem:
I pull the trigger and don't feel any hammer spring tension, I either feel nothing or just very light trigger return spring tension.
Cause 1:
Trigger spring (part 256) has probably slipped out of the groove in the trigger bar (part 260). You may be able to see it poking up between the grip and the slide on the right side (look for a little wire looking thing sticking up in the space between the grip and the frame).
Solution 1:
First you must remove the frame from the grip (instructions on that here). Clean out the grove in the trigger bar to make sure there is nothing in there, fill the groove with grease, and put it back in the pistol. Now pull down on the hammer spring (just to put some pressure on the hammer, like it was installed in the grip). Now work the trigger back and fourth watching how far the end of the spring goes on the trigger bar. Make sure the groove is long enough and in the correct location for the spring to stay in the groove through the entire trigger travel (if not you will need a new trigger bar).
Cause 2:
Hammer axis pin broke
Solution 2:
Remove the frame from the grip and check the hammer axis pin, if it is broke get a new one from KT and reassemble (instructions here)


Problem:
Slide may be locking back early, not locking back at all, and the left side of the frame may be bulged out a bit (happens more often with P-32's).
Cause:
The slide stop/assembly pin spring (part 284) has slipped off of the slide stop/ejector (part 280).
Solution:
Check to see if you have the upgraded slide stop with the groove in it for the spring to ride in if not then call KT and they will send you the new one. If so then look to see if the groove is long enough and in the right place so that the spring rests fully in it at all times. If not you will need a new one with the groove located in the correct place.  Another thing you can do to help, is heat the grip with a hair dryer and squeeze the grip together (from left to right) when it cools it will stay in that location. You want a fairly tight fit from left to right of the frame in the grip, this will not give the spring anywhere to go.


Problem:
I pull the trigger and everything seems ok, but after it fires the trigger stays back until I push it forward again.
Cause:
The trigger pin has walked its way up and is hitting the frame which is keeping the weak trigger return spring from pushing the trigger forward. You probably have the old trigger pin which is just a roll pin, the newer version of this pin has a head on it to keep this from happening.
Solution:
Look at the disassembly instructions to see how to remove the trigger pin and see if you have just a roll pin, if so call KT to get the new pin, and install it.