~Ruger LCP -vs- Kel Tec P-3AT~

[The_Outlaw]

Howdy Y'all....

Over the years my primary conceal carry sidearms of choice have been both the Glock 27 & Glock 19.

On certain occasions though it can feel like I'm a bit weighed down and I would like the option of having something smaller and easier to carry around (Especially on those extra hot & humid days).

I have never owned a .380 before, but I must admit that it's really looking more & more appealing to me.
I'm seriously considering purchasing either the Ruger LCP or Kel Tec P-3AT.
The .380 seems to pack 'just enough' punch if ever needed for such a compact little sidearm.

Anyhow, your thoughts and opinions would be much appreciated.

P.s. I'm leaning towards the LCP.

 

[wizshuto]

I own both and I prefer shooting the LCP over the Kel Tec, just my preference.

 

[rilkil23]

Nothing wrong with the Keltec, LCP just felt better to me.

 

[scfd5]

I also carry a glock 23 most days but love my lcp for those other days like you are talking about. Never had the chance to shoot a keltec but me and the wife carry lcp's and love them.

 

[justxboxin]

I own a lcp n seen and held a kel , but the ruger is about the same , but I like it better

 

[USN2Pulpit]

Check out the Taurus PT-738 TCP. I got one a little over a week ago, and I'm very happy with it.

 

[Bigcarlover]

Also highly recommend the TCP. My B model has been great. Compared to the others I preferred the trigger, grip, and the fact that the slide locks back. But if it were just between the other two choices, I'd go with the LCP over the Kel-Tec.

 

[crowsnake]

Never had any problems with a gun that had Ruger stamped on it. But have had problems with guns that said Kel Tec & Taurus. Love my LCP, Mark III & hubby's P89.

 

[robstid]

Go with the Ruger, I love mine. You wont be disappointed.IMO

 

[fudo]

I have an LCP. It's a nice gun, but I like the SIG and Colt more, but there's a huge step up in price.

 

[rroche]

I own the Kel Tek and it has never given me any problems. It's a little small for my hand but I guess that's the point of a conceal carry weapon of this type. It is however very easy to conceal, no bigger than a wallet in a pocket holster. I cannot comment on the Ruger specifically but do own a few larger models and would recommend the manufacturer.

 

[father-of-three]

I have a p3at. My brother has both. He says the Ruger feels a little better in his hand, but tends to carry the p3at more than the ruger. They are about as close as you can get to the same gun.

 

[the dark]

My wife has the P3AT - it is a no frills reliable pistol. Never an issue with it. Know some folks who have the LCP and love it. My BUG is a TCP and have never had an issue with it (I preferred having a slide that locked back on the empty magazine). The P3AT has no slide lock at all. But it costs the least and, from our experience, is as reliable as the other two.

 

[24ever]

I have a Kel-Tec .380. It took hundreds of rounds and a professional "fluff & buff" to get it reliable as a back up. I only feed it Speer Gold Dots nowadays. I added a Link Removed and it is now incredibly accurate at 21ft. If I had a do-over, I would have gone with the LCP, but I'm resolved to keep my Kel-Tec due to how much I have invested in it now...arrgh!
This is mine:
Link Removed

 

[Rayb]

I normally carry M&P 40 or Para 45 but when the situation calls for it I have a Sig 380 that has proven reliable and fun to shoot. I also just bought an LC9 but have not had a chance to try it out yet, if I like it (and my wife does not keep it) it might replace the Sig.

 

[pmb61]

I have the Ruger with Wolff springs installed. I like that better than my friends Kel-Tec , his seems to have a bite to the trigger. However , I also have a S&W Bodyguard and have found I am more accurate with that and have been carrying that more and more in this Florida heat.

 

[RockyTopDC]

Just bought an LCP. Put 100 straight rapid fire rounds through it right after I bought it and it never hung up. Very reliable. Andd I think it looks a little better than the KelTec.

 

[the dark]

Just bought an LCP. Put 100 straight rapid fire rounds through it right after I bought it and it never hung up. Very reliable. Andd I think it looks a little better than the KelTec.

Definitely looks better...the KT is not pretty.

 

[wizshuto]

My next 380 will be the Kimber SOLO.

 

[The_Outlaw]

Thanks for the input everyone...
I went ahead and purchased the Ruger LCP yesterday.
(It's my Fathers Day, Birthday & Christmas Present all rolled up into one.)
The wife was a bit annoyed about the purchase, but she took it well overall.
I have not fired it yet, but so far I really like it!