Ruger LCP vs. Kel-Tec P3-AT

[Rex B]

2nd Brewster's sentiments. My dad is retired Air Force also, and I appreciate what that means.
Thank you, Tom, for your service to our country.

[GaryTx]

Good review. How is the trigger pull compared to the KT? Same? I have a KT .32 that I want to trade in on the Ruger..

Jim

Kel-Tec 5#
LCP 8#

[brewster]

Here's an update..I called Tel-Tec about my broken hammer spring. This is the third time I've called them since I've owned the gun. This is also the third time I've encountered a pleasant, helpful guy on the other end. I explained my problem with the broken hammer spring, and asked if it was necessary to send it in or if a part could be mailed to me. He said that it was not a hard replacement, and that he would mail me a part that day.

Two days later, the part arrived. It was not only a hammer spring, but a hammer. Included was a small instruction sheet that said "for qualified gunsmiths only". I found this rather humorous, as I am not, despite my tendency to tinker. I found the first three of the thirteen or so instruction steps helpful; after that I wondered if I could figure it out or send it in. Long story short, I figured it out.

Had I needed help, I have not doubt Kel-Tec would have taken care of it. Hats off to their great customer service. However, I did find the hammer spring replacement challenging; a repair that is not for everybody. I would prefer not to do it again.

Can't wait to try out the Kel-Tec again!

[slow944]

I was in Bullet Trap in Plano yesterday and noticed a sign about Ruger recalling the LCP for a defect. Something to do with the gun fireing if dropped. Everybody that bought one might want to check out Ruger's sight and see what it's all about.

[Keith B]

I was in Bullet Trap in Plano yesterday and noticed a sign about Ruger recalling the LCP for a defect. Something to do with the gun fireing if dropped. Everybody that bought one might want to check out Ruger's sight and see what it's all about.

That recall is on the SR9 http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/ ... _News.html

I don't believe there is a recall on the LCP.

[frankie_the_yankee]

The only problem I can find with the LCP is that they can't keep them in stores long enough for me to get my hands on one. I've got a P32, but would much prefer the 380 in essentially the same size package. And I figure Ruger quality & reliability is probably a step above Keltec. (But have you checked out the exploded drawing of the Ruger on their websire? It is amazingly similar to the P32.)

I've had two problems with my P32 so far. In one case the trigger transfer bar managed to somehow disengage itself from the hammer so it would not fully cock the gun. I managed to fix this on my own. The 2nd was when the extractor pin and spring managed to destroy themselves. Keltec sent me free replacements which I managed to install with only a little difficulty.

But I just keep it as a BUG so it's not a big deal.

The 380 would be for my son who recently got his CHL and who's mid-20's lifestyle demands something suitable for deep cover. I figure a Ruger might be a better bet.

[texasag93]

What are they going for?

My P3AT is 100% (except for brown bear FMJ, FTE every time, so I use Remington for range and carry).

for the range report.

texasag

[hookster]

My next-door neighbor bought a Ruger LCP the other day and he called me over to check it out. It was much nicer than the P32 that I used to have. The same night I made a multiple-gun trade with a guy from another forum and he included a P3AT. It is brand new and unfired, but not nearly as nice as the LCP. Side by side, the ruger looks and feels like a much better gun. The finish is better, the trigger is smoother and overall it just seems to look a lot more attractive to me. I don't think I'll be keeping the Kel-Tec for long.

[brewster]

I should probably mention that after I replaced the hammer spring in the Kel-Tec, I still have the same FTE rate; about 3%-4%. The Ruger has been flawless. Plus, it feels better to hold and is darn nice to look at.

As far as LCP availablity, the manufacturing simply has to catch up with the demand. I know that Ruger has been spreading these out to dealers in small numbers (rather than sending them all to big dealers), which is the fair thing to do. It does make it hard to get one when your dealer does, which is why you should get on his list if he has one! I got mine early after release because I had some minor problems with another gun I bought from a nice dealer, so he saved one for me at a great price just for my trouble. Otherwise, I'd probably still be waiting too, or paying above MSRP at the gun show. Anyway, after the production line catches up with demand, the prices at gun shows will settle down to be equal with what Kel-Tec is now. (probably $265 or a little less, but who knows how long this will take to occur). Anyway, I've got some predictions that I'll bet the farm on:

1. Look for the under 10-ounce .380 market to see some more additions over the next few years. Concealed carry is becoming much bigger these days than most people think. I've heard from several CHL instructors that their classes are stuffed full these days. Kahr is launching their .380 right in June, which is a half-ounce heavier than the LCP and about an ounce heavier than the Kel-Tec. More choices are always good.
2. I would look for Ruger to probably take the main market share here for a while after supply catches up. With better name recognition, better marketing, and a better gun, they will grab up a good chunk of the P3-AT market. As other brands add their models to the pile, the market shares of the manufacturers will become a bit more defined.
3. Kel-Tec will either drop prices, spiff up the P3-AT looks and reliability, or do both in response. Either way, they have some changes to make or things will start sliding for them.
4. People wanting the Kahr .380 will buy it anyway. While more expensive, it will bring one more solid choice to the mix.
5. Look for Ruger (and probably others) to go after the small 9mm market next, starting with something similiar to the PF-9/PM9 in dimensions and weight. Expect it to be more solid, attractive, and reliable (on a broad scale, I'm not talking individual experiences here) than Kel-Tec, for about the same price. Expect people to say Ruger ripped off Kel-Tec again. Expect a repeat of #2 and #3. Then possibly look for several small double stack 9mms, similiar to the PF-11 to start hitting the market. Of course, it's possible to see the double stack hit first, who knows? Either way, expect a repeat of #2 and #3 again.
6. Hats off to Kel-Tec for being so ahead in innovation up until now... But, the quality simply isn't there on a mass scale (and I am truly happy for satisfied Kel-Tec owners, I am not bashing), but it's something you have to maintain or you'll lose it. Kel-Tec needs to upgrade their marketing too...when you look at their ads compared to other gun makers, they look like they were done by a college itern on an old computer.

[frankie_the_yankee]

Isn't competition and free enterprise great?

Everybody's trying to make a better gun than the other guy, and the consumer, as usual, is the big winner.

I'm gonna get on my local dealer's waiting list in a couple of days unless I see something on gunbroker that is not too far off the charts.

And FWIW, what holds for guns applies to pretty much everything else in life too. When have you ever seen a government monopoly improve a product or service? Anybody remember the high point of East German automotive development, the Trabant? It was a little two-stroke, smoke belching, underpowered, unreliable little piece of junk that people would save their money for years to buy, because it was all that they COULD buy. And right across the border you had people speaking the same language, with essentially the same resource base available to them (both human and material), and thanks to freedom and competition they were building Porches, BMW's, Audis, VW's, and Mercedes Benzes, which were (and still are) justly renowned as some of the best cars in the world.

I don't want to jack the thread, but just apply the same principles to education and health care. It's an eye opener.

[03Lightningrocks]

I saw a couple of the LCPs at the gun show last weekend. Both the dealers who had them wanted 380.00...LOL. I paid 279.00 at Bullet Trap. Of course I don't have it yet, but I am on the list after paying an 80.00 deposit.

[brewster]

Isn't competition and free enterprise great?
And FWIW, what holds for guns applies to pretty much everything else in life too.....I don't want to jack the thread, but just apply the same principles to education and health care. It's an eye opener.

That hijack is okay, because you are totally right. The principle applies to pretty much everything...well said.

[gregthehand]

I really like my Kel-Tec and won't be selling it. It has not jammed yet and it's fairly accurate. Also it was cheap! I got the pistol, a holster, and a box of Gold Dot ammo for it for under $310.

As far as the Ruger goes I'm guessing it will be a good pistol to own. Would I sell me Kel-Tec to buy one? Nope. But I also still hold somewhat of a grudge against ruger for their past part in the AWB. Funny how so many here will hand out little cards to businesses about no guns = no money. But they'll buy a gun from a company that had a heavy hand in the '94 AWB! Having said that I do own a Ruger 22/45 and love it. But that's about the only business they get from me.

[Jim101]

Soooo, I'm getting ready for the next gun show in Dallas (June) and am thinking of trading my KT .32 with (2) clips toward the Ruger 380, good move? Has the Ruger been reliable enough (so far) where you would trust it for a carry?

Thanks,

Jim

[frankie_the_yankee]

I just scooped one up NIB at gunbroker.com for $349. I know that's more than if I put myself on a store's waiting list, but I'll have it in hand in a few days vs. who knows when if I wait for an order to come in.