Kel-tec vs. LCP 380's

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makeminestainless

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I had the Kel-tec 380 on my short list and never got around to it. Now Ruger has what looks like a clone. I really should get one of the two as I find myself walking around without a gun at times. Yes I'm lazy, I don't think that's going to get any better. I've shot the Kel-tec several times and don't have any issues with it, it's definately the right size for lazy people like me! I've never even seen a Ruger. Any opinions about the guns?
 
The Ruger has had a recall and is a newer, less tried product. I carry the P3AT and it's a little lighter than the Ruger too. Now about that laziness, always remind yourself that the gun you have with you is the one you will be forced to fight with.
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I had a Kel Tec .32 and .380 and both were perfectly reliable, had good accuracy, and decent combat triggers. They were excellent little guns for what they were designed for and they were low priced. The Ruger is a well executed copy and much more refined looking in exterior machining, and I wanted one the first time I handled it. It is more expensive and probably a good gun now that the recall bugs are worked out, and since both guns have excellent warranties I would say try both and pick the one you like best.
 
I have a Kel-tek p-11 and I don't completely trust it. Ruger is having severe issues with the Little Crappy Pistol. Bite the bullet and find a Colt Pony or Mustang. It's worth it. It always goes BANG!

yashua
 
I have a LCP. I sent it of for the recall and got it back in less than a month. The recall was because the LCP can fire if dropped (it says so in the owners manual.) The Kel-tec can fire if dropped too, but they are not recallng them. If the ser # starts with 371 or there is a diamond stamped behind the hammer, it does not to be recalled. My LCP shoots well, I have not had any problems with any ammo. Ruger has been around for a long time and they make good guns and they make their recalls good (you get an extra mag with recall.) If someone asked, should I get a S&W or Taurus? would anyone say get a Taurus because their cheaper? I paid < $300 for my LCP brand new about 6 months ago. For a few extra bucks, I'd go with the LCP. If you want something cheaper, I think Raven makes a .380 for around $100. I carry my LCP to church.
 
Originally posted by yashua-p:
I have a Kel-tek p-11 and I don't completely trust it. Ruger is having severe issues with the Little Crappy Pistol. Bite the bullet and find a Colt Pony or Mustang. It's worth it. It always goes BANG!

yashua
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If a P3AT has issues, Kel-tec is very good about honoring their warranty. Mine had trouble, I sent it in, and now it runs like a champ. It's a great gun.
 
Originally posted by Igiveup:
Are both the P3AT and LCP in .380 caliber?
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Yep.

.380 mouseguns are the new big thing, so to speak. IMI/Desert Eagle just released one too, which is even smaller than the P3AT.
 
Kahr recently announced a 380 auto mouse gun. While it looks great, it does cost much more than the Keltec or the Ruger. I intend to buy the Ruger.
 
suprisingly my $100 PT38T has been 100%, its my home pocket gun and thats it. Perfer it my Seacamp, niether is a Sig 230 though, but then your in 9mm size...but still a sweet gun
 
The P3AT is a pefectly servicable pistol. I have "refined" mine by trimming the rough edges from the inside of the trigger guard, covering the grip with bicycle tubing and hand polishing the feed ramp. Mine shoots nicely but I will only run it with full metal jacket for good reliability. Much of the JHP ammo has a tough time feeding with the extreme angle of the feed ramp and the magazine. It will shoot but it feels "clunky". I'm to understand they recommend gold dot but I've not been able to document it. It is my main CCW.
 
FWIW, my P3AT feeds Speer Gold Dots flawlessly and also a handloaded clone of the Speer GD. It is unreliable with Hornady's cone-shaped JHPs, the FTX and XTP. YMMV.
 
Thanks all. Actually the money was not my primary concern. Since Kel-tec did it first I was wondering if they had a better design that Ruger can't copy due to patents. I was not aware Kel-tec's would fire on dropping too.
 
Originally posted by flop-shank:
I've never heard that P3ATs can discharge by being dropped. What is the source of that allegation?
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Fourth sentence from loubob608 in the post above. Five posts down from the top.
 
Originally posted by makeminestainless:
Originally posted by flop-shank:
I've never heard that P3ATs can discharge by being dropped. What is the source of that allegation?
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Fourth sentence from loubob608 in the post above. Five posts down from the top.
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Yes I read that in his post. I am wondering where he heard that. I'm not saying that he is wrong, but in all the discussions about P3ATs that we have had here on this forum, I've never heard that K_Ts can fire from being dropped. I'm curious as well as concerned.
 
I have both. Get either one you can find. The Ruger is a little nicer looking pistol based on the finish of the plastic (polymer) There is not a whole lot that seperates them. Pretty darn close to the same pistol but the parts are no interchangable. The Ruger does have a metal recoil spring rod if that means anything. You can get them for the KT. The Ruger is not a "crappy little pistol" No it's not a Sig 232 but you can't put the Sig in your pocket and doen't cost what a Sig costs. Both have excellent customer service. As to the comment that .380 is the new upcoming thing, that is not exactly true. Maybe here in the US but it has seen a lot of use in Europe both in the Military and Police. It was developed in 1912. With the newer ammo today it is a fine pocket pistol. The Rem Golden Sabers, Gold Dots and Hornady rounds are very effective. When you get snickered at for carrying a .380 just tell them it's a 9mm Kurtz and they nod their heads and go OH OK.
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The Magnum Research Micro Eagle is a very cool gun and very well made. Do not know if the Kahr is out yet but it will be pricey also. I think even Taurus has one now.
Here in Florida or any hot State they are great to slip in your shorts pocket and do not even know its there. I have a SW 642 but carry the .380.
 
On the issue of the P3 AT discharging when dropped, it has a spring-loaded firing pin, that is, the spring resists the motion of the firing pin until hit by the hammer. Having taken it apart, I find it extremely difficult to imagine a drop AD. There is also a Kel-tec forum at <[email protected]> with hundreds of active members, and no one there has ever personally experienced or heard a credible account of a drop AD.
 
Buy a light J frame. My wife has a P3AT. I used to carry a P32 as something of a third tier BUG. I don't particularly care for these micro .380s. The smallest that I like to go in a .380 is a PPK, Sig P232 or Bersa.
 
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