Ruger LCP vs. Kel-Tec P3-AT

[hookster]

While I haven't shot either of these models, I had a Kel-Tec P32 that I got on a trade. I took it to the range and my wife and I put about 100 rds through it and it had 2 or 3 FTF's. Overall, it wasn't a terrible gun, but I wasn't all that impressed with it either, so I sold it.

[longtooth]

Many will disagree w/ you & me. I will never own another.

[brewster]

As far as trigger pull, there's not a big difference that I could see. Both are double action, and I would estimate within a pound of each other. Ruger was probably a little smoother, but not enough for me to notice, so I can't beat up the Kel-Tec here. I don't have a way to measure the trigger pull without rigging something up, and I'm not sure it matters that much to me anyway. I would say that both guns are around 7-8 pounds. The Ruger's trigger has smoother plastic and feels nice on the finger, like on my Beretta Px4.

In case anybody wonders why I'm not overly concerned about trigger pull (but I don't fault anyone who is), here's why:
1. I don't find the trigger pull to be excessive with either gun. If I were looking at a match grade 1911, that would be a different story. With these pocket guns, you have to remember that the trigger pull is the ONLY mechanical safety you've got, assuming that it's designed not to go off when you drop it. Therefore, I actually LIKE the triggers.
2. I also find it no problem to rapid fire either one. So, where should we focus? I have an opinion on this, and again, it's only my opinion. These are very small light guns. Although it's "just" a .380, there's a decent amount of recoil to deal with. These little things may jerk your hand as much as a .45 would. It's all about weight, the power going out of it, and what the gun doesn't absorb. I have a 2" .357 snubbie that weighs 24 oz, and it will eat the skin off your hand after 10 rounds. Would a three pound .357 do that? No, you can shoot those all day long. What I think we should focus on is how we handle and fire the gun, management of the recoil, and reacquisition of the target. With these guns, that takes training to maximize the effectiveness. If the trigger pull were three pounds, you still have to deal with that recoil and get it back on target. Having a light trigger might result in errant follow up shots too. It would make for a nice first shot, I'll give you that.
3. These are BUGs or primary carry for those who'd rather carry light than carry a knife. Practice with them, and get good with them. They are different by nature than our full-sized guns, and are supposed to be. I think we should adapt ourselves to them as such. It's a fair question, though.

FYI everybody....I expanded the review with pictures of my targets and added another paragraph or two. It starts just below the picture of the gun sights.

[tbranch]

I own both the P-3AT and the LCP. I would have to agree with the OP except neither of my weapons has had any failures. I was a bit surprised that Ruger did not go to a metal mag release since this is a well-known issue with the P-3AT. I carry the LCP daily.

Tom

[Rex B]

A guy on KTOG sells a metal mag release for P32 & P3AT for about $13.
I bought one, but have yet to install it. Mine work fine.

[Greybeard]

Quote/Question: "but I would sure like to know why Ruger didn't go all the way and make it a last shot slide lock."

Methinks probably because it could (1) add to the cost when they are trying to compete with some rather inexpensive guns and (2) it's just one more thing that could go wrong with what is already a pretty tough task: making an itty bitty gun operate reliably (for cheap).

[Out West]

Guns are a subjective choice - especially daily carry guns. I like both the Ruger and the Kel Tec. I bought the first LCP that I saw. Have to admit that it looks better than my Kel Tec P32 - fit and finish on the LCP are what you would expect from Ruger. I took the LCP to the range and fired a single box of FMJ 380 through it. No failures of any kind. Long trigger pull, but manageable. I was confident from that session at the range that the LCP would make an excellent concealed carry choice. However, I did not like the recoil coming from that 8 oz. package! Given the much higher recoil of the LCP over the P32, that the P32 has a higher magazine capacity, and finally that the ballistics for these two different calibers don't have a great deal of difference (neither is much to brag about, especially when compared to 9mm or 38 special +P) - I decided to sell the LCP. Sold it for exactly what I paid. For the price of sales tax on the new LCP I got to try it out. I enjoyed it. But ultimately, the LCP is not for me.

Out West

[Rex B]

I would not like my Keltec P3AT much without the pinky rest mag extension.
So far I have not seen such available for the Ruger.

[03Lightningrocks]

Anyone want to recommend a defense round to feed through either of these pea shooters? Maybe a quick why to go with the recommendation?

[Rex B]

Allegedly the Corbon DPX was developed for the P3AT.
Many suggest you may as well use ball ammo for penetration.
I have used a variety, settled on JHP handloads. The hollow is small enough it feeds and penetrates like ball ammo, but can expand it the planets are aligned correctly.

[Dan20703]

Anyone want to recommend a defense round to feed through either of these pea shooters? Maybe a quick why to go with the recommendation?

This may be of help. Just select the ammo type.

http://www.brassfetcher.com/380ACP.html

[tbranch]

A guy on KTOG sells a metal mag release for P32 & P3AT for about $13.
I bought one, but have yet to install it. Mine work fine.

I've not had any problems with either weapon's mag release but I don't slam them home either. I depress the release, insert the mag, and then allow the release the engage.

Tom

[brewster]

Tom, I'm totally off topic and may be presuming a lot here, but I just noticed the image on your tag line. I assume this person died in service to our country at a young age; if this is the case, we all offer that person a big "thank you".

[tbranch]

Tom, I'm totally off topic and may be presuming a lot here, but I just noticed the image on your tag line. I assume this person died in service to our country at a young age

I appreciate the thought. I served from 1979 to 2000 in the US Air Force.

Tom

[brewster]

Well, I suppose I was rather presumptious. You never know these days; I have talked with a lot of people who have lost a sibling or child in the line of duty with the current conflicts going on.

My original statement doesn't matter...therefore, THANK YOU for giving two decades of your life in service to our country. My father was a drill sgt. in the army, although I never enlisted. However, if the need arose, I'd shave my head in a second and be in front of the line to sign up. This country is what it is because people like you said "yes". I applaud you and all others who have served and are currently serving. Thank you from all of us.