I've been kicking around the idea of getting a deep cover back up of some sort. Initially I was leaning toward a Bond Arms derringer, then after some consideration and some posting on a couple of forums, I'm instead leaning a different direction...

So tonight I went to my local gun store and did some fondling of the merchandise, specifically a Ruger LCP and a KelTec P3AT. Both are small guns, both would stash well, but I believe that I like the trigger, etc. of the KelTec over the Ruger...

So now I need to save my pennies...

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Gotta love N-frames...

The Ruger is stronger, more accurate and also handles a lot better.
From experience.

I have carried a KelTec P3AT for years... perhaps, since they came out. I carry it in my back pocket or front and have never had a problem.

Considering the purpose of these guns, is the strength of the Ruger or "accuracy" even a consideration? These are not range guns and are generally used at a distance measuring in inches, not yards. Would one, in a defensive situation, even look at the sights?

I keep mine clean and I fire a few rounds every few months. Otherwise, it's intended to be a belly gun. A backup.

Between the two it basically boils down to personal preference. We have both and prefer the Kel-Tec over the Ruger, for me the rougher texture on the Kel-Tec's grip allows me to hold on to it's small size better than the smoother Ruger, especially in the summer if my palms are sweaty.

I never did ask my wife why she prefers the Kel-Tec over the Ruger, I just know she mentioned it and when I gave her first dibs on which one she wanted she chose the P3AT No matter, I still have my Kel-Tec P32.......

The extension magazine on the Kel-Tec makes it more manageable, but I like my Ruger better than the P3AT. BUT I would like the .380 in a slightly larger gun. The SIG .380 comes to mind, but it's not quite long enough in the grip for what I want.
Geoff
Who notes the Browning 1910 but it never felt right in my hand.

I'd also go with the LCP. Feels better made and simply feels better in my hand than the Kel Tec. When I shot the two, the Kel Tec felt as if it was going to vibrate apart in my hand when fired (obviously it's been around long enough I know it wont, but it's a big reason why I prefer the LCP).

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- The Federalist #46 -

J.P 60 is correct about the use of up close and personal but accuracy is important when one has to qualify with what they carry by dept regs.
Can't wait to retire!!!!!!

I chose the Keltec. I'd had a P32 for years and when I started looking at 380's in the same size looked at the Taurus, Ruger and Keltec. I thought the Taurus had the best trigger pull of the three but selected a Keltec. Part of it frankly was price. Around here the Rugers cost $40-$50 more new than the Keltecs, I didn't see $40-$50 improvement in design, quality or reviews.

A dissenting opinion if I may...BEFORE you buy and LCP shoot a Bersa Thunder .380 CCW Model. For about the same or probably less money(under $300), you will get a far better gun. The Bersa gives you SA/DA, more rounds (8), has better sights and shoots like a dream - not nearly as snappy and far more accurate than the LCP. To be fair the LCP is a tad smaller and lighter but unless your hands are on the small side of the equation the LCP just won't fit. As always ...YMMV (o;

BG380! This is a Smith and Wesson forum after all.

I was going to say that as well. Why isn't the S&W BG380 in the lineup? Having shot both the Ruger LCP and the S&W BG380 (the latter of which I now own), I can tell you that the Ruger just isn't much of a pistol compared with the S&W, but all three are in the same general ballpark of price.

I purchased the BG380 and am very impressed with it. I have about 200 rounds through it and am liking it a lot. The only issue I have found is that one of my holsters (an in the pocket holster) has a reinforced lip and hits the mag release button. This has happened 3 or 4 times, so I have 'retired' this holster from in the pocket use and replaced it.

The only other caveat so far is the lack of availability of extra magazines. I finally found one in a lgs, and have 2 more on the way from S&W.

As a secondary recomedation, try and shoot each pistol that you are interested in with the defense ammo that you prefer. Many of the small 380's that I have and shoot are very particular on ammo with FTF's being the biggest issue.
One day at the range my friend showed me his keltec that he has carried for a long time. Loaded it up with the ammo that he has had been carrying. 1 shot and all FTF's. Range ammo no problem. Since then he has learned to always check any weapon carried with the ammo you are using. I would suggest to shoot at least 50 rounds thru a BUG to make sure it feeds properly. The more run thru the more secure you will feel about your weapon.
Small auto's can be finicky.

Also how about a Diamondback??

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TDR911 Sigma Laser Systems

Both the LCP & BG are great for pocket size carry

Attached Images

Smith & Wesson BG380 & Ruger LCP.jpg (59.4 KB, 227 views)

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JR

The BG isn't in the initial line-up because they didn't have one in the store. I need to find a store that has all three so I can compare feel between 'em...

Plus I forgot about it...

Too bad we don't have an embarrassed smilie available...

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Gotta love N-frames...

Since someone said Bersa, I will chime in on this. Unless you plan to pocket carry and absolutely can’t get a little more size and mass then you really want to look at the Bersa. I have a Thunder .380 and while it isn’t US made, it has got to be the best foreign made firearm for the price that I have ever bought. They are pretty much PPK clones with slight modifications. I have yet to read a serious negative review on one and every single owner of one that I have met says they are good, solid, and reliable. Yes, it is twice as big as any LCP or BG but you get a gun that doesn’t suck to practice with at the range and you will be able to shoot much better with that practice. I have the duotone and I love it.

I'm looking for something that will fit in the back pocket of my Wranglers. I've got a big enough hiney that I need something small and flat to fit in my pocket...

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Gotta love N-frames...

SIG 238 fits nicely in my back pocket.

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CSM, U S Army(Ret) 1963-1990

We have the Ruger LCP and have put over 1100 rounds through it without a single problem. My wife carries it in a DeSantis Nemesis holster ($19 at Cabela's)

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S&W 645, 3913, 59, 669

MY WIFE HAS AN LCP AND SHE LOVES IT. I PERSONALLY FIND IT A LITTLE HARD TO HOLD ON TO WHEN I FIRE IT, BUT I HAVE LARGE HANDS. THE LCP IS WELL MADE, ALSO EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

THE WIFE CARRIES HER'S IN A $9 DOLLAR CELL PHONE CASE WITH A FOLD OVER FLAP. IT WORKS LIKE A CHARM WITH THE C/T LASER.

I LIKE MY WALTHER PPK IN .380. THE PPK FITS MY HAND VERY WELL.

JIM S.

Or, use a DeSantis Superfly and carry it in front. Much more accurate than usual for a pocket gun.

I've shot both the LCP and the Kel-Tec. I can easily hit a paper plate 100% of the time at 15 yards with either. Accuracy isn't an issue. Honestly, I wouldn't give a nickel's difference between the two. The triggers are different, and I slightly prefer the LCP trigger, but that's likely because I've shot it more. I'll get flamed for saying this, but I'd prefer either over the S&W 380. You need a freaking tool of some sort to switch the safety off and on!!! Why does a DAO pistol even have a safety?
If you want one to shoot, buy a 1903 Colt, or a 51 Remington.

I, too, found myself comparing the Kel-tec and LCP. I passed on both and bought a Bersa... My brother has the LCP and I've taken it for a walk a few times. I am glad I went with the Bersa.

For almost 25yrs , my faithful companion was an AMT Back-Up on a daily basis. Carried in in a Bianchi IWB behind my belt buckle( back before the beer gut) , and then in my back pocket , usually under a bandanna. In the cold weather , it was in my jacket pocket.



Then I got a Kel-Tec P3AT. It's so light , I hardly even know it's there. I don't leave home without it.

Got any proof to back that up?

I have a Superfly but like my D. M. Bullard leather wallet style more.

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CSM, U S Army(Ret) 1963-1990

I wish Ruger would make an LCP in .32 Auto......

I said it was my experience I probably should have said its my opinoin

Stronger?

Never heard of a catastrophic slide failure or ruptured chamber/barrel of a P3AT , have you?

The Kel-Tec has been around a lot longer than the Ruger LCP , which is undeniably a copy of the P3AT. Saying the Ruger is better or stronger , just because 'it's a Ruger' is silly. Barrel , chamber and slide dimensions are almost identical. The Ruger has also had a recall or two. Some say the Ruger has more of a grip , but bigger goes against the grain of what makes for most concealable. The K-T is flatter and thinner in the grip , which is good for pocket carry. Accuracy is a moot point with these two. It's not a target pistol , a plinker or even a mid range combat weapon. 7yds is about the max , and most nefarious social encounters happen a lot closer. IMO , it's for sticking in someones ear or under their chin when engaged in a furball.

Had my P3AT for about 7 years now. Like my now semi-retired Back-Up , it's got a few dents and dings from being dropped a few times , but it still runs thru most ammo just fine. If someone offered me a brand new Ruger LCP in trade for it , even up , I'd decline.