Kel-tec vs. LCP 380's

[Volt]

I have the first gen 3AT, the second gen 3AT and the Ruger LCP.

In my opinion the Second Generation 3AT is a little better than the Ruger LCP. I think the trigger pull is better and I think the front sight is better. They are near clones to each other.

I have discovered what looks to be a hair line crack in the feed ramp of my Ruger LCP. Plus it is ejecting the magazine when I fire the pistol. And the pin that retains the slide started to back out. I am going to call or e-mail Ruger today. It is just back from the recall.

 

[VdrSain]

I just got an ElsiePea the other day as a summer carry anywhere, or a BUG for my CS40. Love it, I think the quality is better than the KT but that's based on fit and finish as much as anything. I was actually looking for a KT PF9 but really hard to get here, got one sold out from under me, but after getting the Elsie I am glad I did. First time at the range I was amazed at how well it shot, and it's so small and light you can carry anytime easy peasy. I've got an ArmaLaser on the way for it, looking forward to trying it with that.

 

[animalmother]

I'll take the Ruger over the Kel-Tec. There is nothing wrong with the Kel-Tecs, but I own a lot of Rugers and simply like / trust the more established company (Ruger).

 

[animalmother]

Has anyone actual held or shot one of the Kahr 380s?

 

[Erich]

And let's don't forget the forthcoming Taurus micro .380!

 

[38-44HD45]

Originally posted by Erich:
And let's don't forget the forthcoming Taurus micro .380!

Oh, let's do...

 

[flop-shank]

Originally posted by 38-44HD45:

Originally posted by Erich:
And let's don't forget the forthcoming Taurus micro .380!

Oh, let's do...

+1. I will never buy another Taurus. Their QC sucks and their customer service is next to nonexistent.

 

[Haku]

Don't forget about the new Kahr P380

 

[Mediumbore]

....Plus it is ejecting the magazine when I fire the pistol. And the pin that retains the slide started to back out. I am going to call or e-mail Ruger today. It is just back from the recall.

So I am not the only one experiencing this problem! Don't bother emailing, they just suggest you call. I called and spoke to a nice lady who sent me a UPS label for overnight return for service. The other issue is a blown casing. My local shop was of the opinion it fired out of battery, but I'm reserving judgement until it has been evaluated in the factory. So far this is my first experience with Ruger's Service Dept., we'll see how it goes.

 

[bluesman99]

I just got a P3AT and It has fed around 50 rounds of WWB .380 though it without a jam. It is plenty accurate at 5-7 yards also. I have to say that this gun hurts my hand to shoot more than any other handgun I own. The skinny grip that makes it so easy for pocket carry coupled with the little nibs on the grip just plain hurts. I ordered a rubber grip for it in hopes it will help.

 

[reerc]

The Ruger has a better fit 'n finish than the KelTec, but based on just a couple of posters here who have apparently had bad experiences with their "Elsie Pea"s (cute, I like that) I guess I'll be happy with the P3AT. I do wish it had a slide lock-back, though.

 

[Kollin]

The slide lock on the Ruger is not automatic. It is manual only. Kind of pointless if you ask me. Kel-tec saved a couple thousands inch by not putting one and it makes their gun stupid simple. Mine has been flawless for 2 years.

 

[flop-shank]

Originally posted by bluesman99:
I just got a P3AT and It has fed around 50 rounds of WWB .380 though it without a jam. It is plenty accurate at 5-7 yards also. I have to say that this gun hurts my hand to shoot more than any other handgun I own. The skinny grip that makes it so easy for pocket carry coupled with the little nibs on the grip just plain hurts. I ordered a rubber grip for it in hopes it will help.

Bluesman, feel free to disagree, but based on this post and your last one in the holster thread you started, I think, unless you have a physical infirmity like arthritis, you need to push yourself a little in the area of recoil tolerance. I only consider myself naturally average in that area, but have developed the ability to deal with far more recoil than I once did through weekly practice. Frequent (as in at least weekly) sessions of twenty to thirty rounds (and in the J frame only a couple cylinders need to be full power) will give you the ability to fire a gun like the P3AT and a Smith Airweight in relative comfort. Small guns like that push the envelope of comfort by their very nature and a big part of training with them is developing the ability to ignore their snappy nature. After several months and a good thousand rounds you will likely not be bothered by these two lightweights. Be patient and give it time.

 

[reerc]

Originally posted by Kollin:
The slide lock on the Ruger is not automatic. It is manual only. Kind of pointless if you ask me. Kel-tec saved a couple thousands inch by not putting one and it makes their gun stupid simple. Mine has been flawless for 2 years.

I knew that the lockback was manual, I just like that feature, personal preference. You've got me beat by a few months I think though, My P3AT has only been flawless for about a year and a half, give or take.

 

[Norton 750]

I won a Ruger at a Friends of the NRA event. Its flat enough, and reliable with ball ammo and silver tips, the only .380 I had in stock and its tough to resupply right now! It replaced my Baby Browning .25 as my swimsuit gun, but I can't imagine what other situations I would be in, clothing wise, that would not allow me to carry something with more moxie.

 

[ldubu]

I have LCP and kel-tec I think the ruger is a better built gun fits hand better, both shoot the same I perfer my PPk for the 380 carry but it's quite heavy. I put the kel-tec in my wife's car leave the ruger in my truck.I carry a XD40 subcompact.

 

[Thiokol]

Originally posted by OCD1:
It was developed in 1912.

Are you sure about that? The .380 version of the Colt Pocket Hammerless Pistol was introduced in 1908.

 

[walnutred]

Originally posted by Thiokol:

Originally posted by OCD1:
It was developed in 1912.

Are you sure about that? The .380 version of the Colt Pocket Hammerless Pistol was introduced in 1908.

According to my old 3rd edition of Cartridges of the World 380 was introduced to he US market in 1908 and the European market in 1912.

 

[starbuck]

I use this for my Keltec but it should also fit the Kahr .380.

 

[Repellere]

Thought I'd post this over here too. This is a photo of the last polymer mousegun that I'll ever own:

Note the blown out grip bottom and the destroyed spring and follower in the mag. The two remaining rounds in the mag had their bullets seated well down in their casings.