Kel-Tec & Ruger 380, Best Carry Weapons

[kcraig52]

I'm 54 and have been collecting and shooting pistols all my life. However, it was years before I realized that if my pistol was not light enough to carry everywhere, every single day, then I didn't have the right personal protection pistol. It doesn't matter how powerful a pistol is, if you won't carry it everyday, it is a poor Personal Protection choice, because the day you need it, you won't be carrying it.

Thus, I have been carrying the Kel-Tec and Ruger 380 pistols for several years now. I'm in a location where I can shoot every day and these two conceal carry weapons are great. They have only one thing that I had to modify to greatly increase their reliability. You must fix the magazine release button

I carry the Kel-Tec & Ruger in my pockets or a rear pocket holster. What you find is that your constantly pushing the magazine back in. The magazine release button is raised enough that it gets inadvertently pushed and you must constanly push the magazine back in. Other than this, in a close up confrontation, these two pistols will serve you well if you can handle the high pressure confrontation.

It is a very simple fix. I just used my grinder to grind the magazine release button flush with the handle. I have never had an unintentional magazine release since doing so. This fix dramatically increases the reliability of this weapon.

Subject: Kel-Tec P3AT & Ruger LCP 380 Magazine Release Malfunction

Click the YouTube link below to see the video I made showing my pistol after the magazine release modification. The magazine NEVER releases accidentally any more!

YouTube - Ruger, Kel-Tec 380 Clip Malfunction

 

[ohio pat]

kel tec and ruger 380 semi auto

I have not had the problem you have and I have both the kel tec and ruger 380.

By Ohio Law I have to carry my pocket pistols in pocket holsters, maybe that is the difference.

It would also make a difference which front pocket you carried the pistols in.

Just my 0.2 cents

Pat Olvey
email [email protected]
Cincinnati, Ohio
Hamilton County

 

[Lowjiber]

I haven't released the magazine with my LCP in an Uncle George holster (back pocket). When I first got the LCP, I did inadvertently release the mag when firing the gun (once).

I agree that it would be a bit nicer if the mag release button was on the bottom-rear of both guns though.

 

[mg1cigar]

You guys like you Ruger LCP? I carry either my Kahr PM 40 or S&W mdl 42. I'm thinking about picking up a LCP. Just wondering about your thoughts. I have done my homework and have researched both the Kel Tec and LCP, both obviously have pros and cons. I also have friends with both, and also have friends which tell me they would never own or carry a .380.
Last thing, I was at a Gun Show a couple of weeks ago and saw a Jimenez .380, (JA Arms), I read, somewhere, possibly on the box not to shoot hollow Points through this handgun. Is this so for the LCP?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[azasadny]

We've had our LCP since Dec 2009 and more than 1,100 rounds down the pipe without a single issue... Easy to carry, reliable, and a good value.

 

[bumnthsun]

I've had no issues with the clip ejecting, but I use a DeSantis nemesis pocket holster and carried for a couple of years with no issue...

 

[mg1cigar]

AWESOME!! Thanks for the info especially on the pocket holster, probably going to buy an LCP this week some time.

One other question, what type of ammo and what load do you use when you carry?
Mike

 

[Skywarrior]

I carry my Kel-tec w/crimson trace laser in a crossbreed IWB holster and shoot Hornady Critical Defence and never had a problem with it. I have shot less expensive hollow points also with no problem in over 1,000 rounds.

Best holster I have ever had.

 

[snatale42]

I haven't released the magazine with my LCP in an Uncle George holster (back pocket). When I first got the LCP, I did inadvertently release the mag when firing the gun (once).

I agree that it would be a bit nicer if the mag release button was on the bottom-rear of both guns though.

Any issues with comfort while sitting on it? I'd be iffy on breaking the damn thing.

 

[-06]

Went from a 1911 to a Warthog(compact 1911) to a Makarov and now a Sig 232 in 380. Fine shooter, accurate, and slim-what is not to like?

 

[Oldgrunt]

.380 Pistol

One of the finest little pistols I have found is the Bersa .380. It was inexpensive but has proven to be an exceptional gun for me. I have large hands and the Bersa is the smallest pistol I can handle comfortably. Some will say that the .380 bullet is too small but, if I have to pull it, I don't think the BG is going to ask the size of the round. I only carry it when I really want to conceal my weapon. My regular carry weapon is the Glock 23 but I sometimes want something a little smaller.:smile:

 

[Ed Hamberger]

While I respect everybodies opinions of their choices in .380 pistols, mine is different. I own, carry daily a Taurus PT738/TCP. I've had my TCP for over a year now and have put several hundred rounds through it, (unlike some shooters, I don't keep count!). My daughter had a Ruger LCP and had some sort of problem with it, so she sold it and now carries a Kel-Tec P32, I like that little gun but I'll stick by my TCP, thank you very much. leasantry::yu:

 

[SPRSkip]

I carry the Kel-Tec PF9 IWB. very small 9mm and mine has had no problems eating anything I feed it.

 

[Kasper]

My edc is a Glock 19. But my Kel-Tek P32 is always with me being that the thing is so light with full clip plus one in the chamber you can place it in your shirt pocket and no one can tell it is there down side is getting it out of your shirt pocket in a hurry. And for all those that think a 32 is not enough let me shoot you with 8 and then tell me that it is not enough of a bullet. Pocket pistols are made to be pulled and emptied on the attacker no double tap or triple tap for me if I have to pull it I am pulling the trigger till it is empty.
Since it has no sights on it and is more of a point of aim It is best used at 5 yards for me at 7 yards my shoots don't go where I intend on the target.

 

[giantmonkey]

i could never lay into a gun with a grinder like that. i've been research which gun to buy and this is the first i've heard of this. an increased tension clip release spring would have solved the problem without scarring the gun.

 

[Naybor]

I carry a Kel-Tec P-11 in winter and have put a Ruger LCP in layaway for use this summer with thinner clothing. That 9.4 ounce weapon sure feels good in an IWB holster. I'm also gonna get a pocket holster but don't know which one to get yet.

 

[handgonnetoter]

I was carrying my LCP, in a Uncle Mikes #3 pocket holster, all day long today!leasantry:

 

[mg1cigar]

Just purchased my LCP this past Thursday, I've got to say it's a nice little handgun. During my purchase, before the paperwork even started, the gun shop owner showed me a Ruger LC9, almost changed my mind. What a feel in the hand, at least mine anyway, and I have big hands. I told him next time, even though I'm typically a .40 cal guy. I just liked the way it felt in my hand, way different than my G23 or PM40. I'm starting to think "single stack" might just be the way to go. I want to shoot the LC9 before I make an emotional purchase - that just might be my decision maker, who knows