Kel-Tec .380 ejector

Kaybe · 08-20-2009, 11:56 PM

Is it common for the Kel-Tec .380 ejector to be loose, and fall off the frame if turned over? I had one fall off just a bit ago,and don't have much experience with them. Is this normal? Anything else with the Kel-Tec that I should know?

TRUE GRIT · 08-21-2009, 12:17 AM

As I remember the ejector is an insert that press fits in the frame with a notch on the back and is secured in place by the hammer assem once the slide is reattached. It should not just fall out unless it was not put back together correctly.

The extractor is held in place by a pin thru the top of the slide along with the ejector spring, if it or the spring was missing it would drop off.

I would call Kel-tec's tech support / customer service and see what they say.

tappedandtagged · 08-23-2009, 03:49 PM

My ejector on my P11 hasn't ever fallen out. It did break once; however, I called Kel Tec and they immediately sent me a replacement one with detailed instructions on how to replace it. If it just fell out, but was not broken, I'd say that True Grit is correct in saying that it wasn't assembled properly or the pin that holds it in is missing.
If you must contact Kel Tec, I will say that from my experience, their customer service is exceptional.

Kaybe · 08-23-2009, 11:35 PM

The gun is one of those real small ones, the one Ruger copied. ANY info would be a great help. I did contact Kel-Tec and am waiting on an answer

Kaybe · 08-24-2009, 10:53 AM

Kel-Tec e-mailed me back and stated that it was normal for it to do that with that pistol. Odd, I would have made it stay in. Thanks for the help and info.

cold queso · 08-28-2009, 10:59 AM

Kel-tec's newer .380s have a stamped ejector held onto the slide with a hex head bolt. The original ones were milled and placed in a slot in the slide.

The new ones are notorious for loosening and falling off. Get another, along with the hex bolt, and install with loctite.

Kaybe · 09-05-2009, 11:56 AM

One of the problems with the Kel-Tec P3AT I had, was there was a bulge in the recoil spring. I tried to tighten it with some plyers and reduce the size of the coils. That worked some, but I still had some hang ups. I asked Kel-Tec about getting an outer recoil spring, since that part wasn't listed on the web site. They said to send the S/N and an address and they would send me one. They sent me an inner and outer spring. The gun functions great now. Good customer service from Kel-Tec.

Flgunner · 09-17-2009, 04:47 PM

The original ejector was designed loose and will fall out if you hold the frame upside down - so disassemble it on a light surface so you can find the ejector when your drop it - and you will - one reason I prefer the PF-9.

08-20-2009, 11:56 PM	#1
Kaybe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northcentral Ohio Posts: 641	Kel-Tec .380 ejector Is it common for the Kel-Tec .380 ejector to be loose, and fall off the frame if turned over? I had one fall off just a bit ago,and don't have much experience with them. Is this normal? Anything else with the Kel-Tec that I should know? __________________ Some people are alive simply because it is illegal to kill them.

08-21-2009, 12:17 AM	#2
TRUE GRIT Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North East L.A Posts: 589	As I remember the ejector is an insert that press fits in the frame with a notch on the back and is secured in place by the hammer assem once the slide is reattached. It should not just fall out unless it was not put back together correctly. The extractor is held in place by a pin thru the top of the slide along with the ejector spring, if it or the spring was missing it would drop off. I would call Kel-tec's tech support / customer service and see what they say. __________________ Roll with the punches, learn from your scars. Last edited by TRUE GRIT; 08-21-2009 at 12:20 AM. Reason: brain fart

08-23-2009, 11:35 PM	#4
Kaybe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northcentral Ohio Posts: 641	The gun is one of those real small ones, the one Ruger copied. ANY info would be a great help. I did contact Kel-Tec and am waiting on an answer __________________ Some people are alive simply because it is illegal to kill them.

08-24-2009, 10:53 AM	#5
Kaybe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northcentral Ohio Posts: 641	Kel-Tec e-mailed me back and stated that it was normal for it to do that with that pistol. Odd, I would have made it stay in. Thanks for the help and info. __________________ Some people are alive simply because it is illegal to kill them.

09-05-2009, 11:56 AM	#7
Kaybe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northcentral Ohio Posts: 641	One of the problems with the Kel-Tec P3AT I had, was there was a bulge in the recoil spring. I tried to tighten it with some plyers and reduce the size of the coils. That worked some, but I still had some hang ups. I asked Kel-Tec about getting an outer recoil spring, since that part wasn't listed on the web site. They said to send the S/N and an address and they would send me one. They sent me an inner and outer spring. The gun functions great now. Good customer service from Kel-Tec. __________________ Some people are alive simply because it is illegal to kill them.

08-23-2009, 03:49 PM	#3
tappedandtagged Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Southwest Arkansas Posts: 840 Blog Entries: 1	My ejector on my P11 hasn't ever fallen out. It did break once; however, I called Kel Tec and they immediately sent me a replacement one with detailed instructions on how to replace it. If it just fell out, but was not broken, I'd say that True Grit is correct in saying that it wasn't assembled properly or the pin that holds it in is missing. If you must contact Kel Tec, I will say that from my experience, their customer service is exceptional.

08-28-2009, 10:59 AM	#6
cold queso Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 196	Kel-tec's newer .380s have a stamped ejector held onto the slide with a hex head bolt. The original ones were milled and placed in a slot in the slide. The new ones are notorious for loosening and falling off. Get another, along with the hex bolt, and install with loctite.

09-17-2009, 04:47 PM	#8
Flgunner Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3	The original ejector was designed loose and will fall out if you hold the frame upside down - so disassemble it on a light surface so you can find the ejector when your drop it - and you will - one reason I prefer the PF-9.