Dear Concerned Customer,
Thank you for your inquiry as to the legitimacy of Ruger’s new design. While we would like to say “They stole from us like an unguarded PRC official in the US Patent office.” such statements might be construed as politically incorrect. While the primary differences in our design, the P3AT, and their design, the LCP .380 consist mainly in its construction (Milled 4140 Bar stock and 7076-T6 Aluminum Billet used in our P3AT vs. Ruger’s investment cast mystery metal) other differences, such as the name, do distinguish the LCP as a unique creation. For example, their magazine has a different floor plate.
While our design was clearly an inspiration for Ruger’s version of it, we were not consulted in anyway and did not license or sell any portion of it to them. We are not making parts for them, and they are not making parts for us, although I’m sure they are probably completely interchangeable. Use of Ruger parts in any Kel-Tec product will, of course, void any warranty. US Patent law dictates that if a patent is changed 30% from its original specifications including cosmetic changes then it is an original design. Who determines what that 30% change actually is is somewhat less clear. We are certain of one thing however, Bill Ruger would not approve. This could be because he didn’t think civilians should be allowed to carry concealed handguns, but that is purely speculation.
It’s not everyday that one of our designs is so comparable to another design by a different manufacturer. Usually it’s companies like Taurus (P11 vs. PT-111), Skyy ( P-11 vs. CXP-1), Cobra Enterprises (P11 vs. “Patriot 9”), and the now defunct Talon (P-11 vs. T200) who draw these comparisons and not such a prestigious American manufacturer. Not everyone can be an innovator, and imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Anyway, thank you for your concern. We will continue to build the lightest, strongest, best and most original pistols and rifles now and in the future.
Sincerely,
Your friends at Kel-Tec CNC, Inc
