LCP or P3AT?

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Jotobo

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I got the LCP. Its ok. Nothing to really rave about.

Ive seen a few articles and videos that seem to suggest many still prefer the P3AT.

Looking for some advice here. I can easily sell the LCP to a close friend and pick up the Kel Tec. Id actually come out ahead $50 on the deal as the Kel Tec is cheaper in price.
 
The P3AT has more sharper/ more aggressive checkering on the factory grips that will chew-up your palms quicker when practicing.

Other than that, functionally and practically, they are the same gun. Both are a great example of what they're intended to be.

Les
 
Im aware they are the same with the LCP being a bit more "refined". Hoping to get input from people who have owned both or have had experience with both.
 
Other than the LCP being a tad nicer looking, they are the same gun. I own a LCP, and a good friend owns a Kel tec. Same gun.

I highly recommend the crimson trace laser.
 
What magical things are you expecting from the keltec over the LCP? If your LCP is reliable stick with it. Best case scenario you replace a reliable LCP with a reliable keltec.

I personally prefer the more refined finish of the LCP.
 
You hear good and both about one or the other. Just thought you I might get some input here
 
^^^^
Pair-off into groups of three and line-up in a circle... - Yogi Berra
 
I have a Keltec a friend of mine has an LCP ... the LCP shoots a little better.

Neither is fun to shoot though and both carry like they're not there (but I really only pack my .380 when I need to go with a pocket gun ... so that limits it to pretty much just the gym).

If Keltec would redesign their entire line to be more like the PF9 they'd sell even better.
 
The P11 really appeals to me as well. A bit more kick than I like but it being a 9mm is a huge plus.
 
I have both K-T & LCP and whats been said above it pretty much it. The only real functional difference is the manual slide lock on the LCP, which means you can use the release button to chamber a round rather than sling-shot the round in like the Kel-Tec. LM
 
LCP is ok Only issue I had was in hip pocket carry , releasing the mag when I sat down once. It is a 7 yard gun.
P11 had one and glad it is gone, worst trigger I ever saw could not hit well at all it was a 7 yard gun too. For the size and ease of carry the Glock sub compacts are a world apart
I have access to a 9mm PA 63 which I would grab before a P11 if given a choice.
 
My 00.02 cents.

I have owned all three from the .32 KT to the P3AT and now the Ruger LCP.

The LCP gets my vote for the better mouse gun,I carry it only as a BUG.
 
I shot both before choosing the LCP. My choice came down to the fit and finish of the LCP and the outstanding reports I have read of Ruger's customer service. My wife decided that LCP stands for Little Cute Pistol.
 
Like the Kel

I own the Kel-tec P3AT. Never jammed in any way. Here it can be a bit sensitive to certain kinds of ammo - my buddy has had trouble with his. I am enjoying mine. Put an ArmaLaser on it. Works great. Has greatly increased my ability to hit a target more reliably. Carries wonderfully in my jeans back pocket. Since it's an inexpensive gun I've been having fun doing minor gunsmithing things to it. Polished the feed ramp, beveled the mag well a bit, and added white paint to the rear sight and flourescent orange to the front. What a difference. The little P3AT also likes to be clean and well lubed. Good luck.
 
I was looking for a LCP and couldn't find one and bought a P3AT instead. It's a great gun for carrying and an awful gun for practicing with; it's painful to shoot. The slide not locking is a big deal. It wouldn't be so bad if there was at least a manual lock lever, but there's not.

I like it anyway. And it is surprisingly accurate if you can keep from flinching. I've finally accumulated enough brass to actually practice with it (always lose a few because it throws so far)
 
I owned two P3ATs (one first gen and one second). Both jammed regularly with any ammo. Both needed F&B, new springs, new mags, and neither ended up being reliable enough to carry. Sold each at a loss with full disclosure.

Bought an LCP when they came out. A pleasant surprise--worked right away, with any ammo I could fit in it. Unfortunately, it was subject to the recall, so I sent it in. While it was gone, my Bass Pro had about a half dozen of the 371 (post recall) series for something like $269, so I grabbed one.

When my recalled 370-series returned, I put a bunch more ammo through it. Yep, still works fine. I sold the 371 to a friend for what I paid--everyone is happy.
 
I owned two P3ATs (one first gen and one second). Both jammed regularly with any ammo. Both needed F&B, new springs, new mags, and neither ended up being reliable enough to carry. Sold each at a loss with full disclosure.
Click to expand...
Mine has been completely reliable with several different kinds of ammo. It throws the brass so far I was afraid it was going to crack the slide or the slide stop -- I called Kel-tec and they said that was normal. I put a much stronger spring in it anyway, and it helped a little but not much. But I feel better about the slide impact force. :) I would not hesitate to carry mine, except I need to practice a lot with it. BTW, don't dry fire it without snap caps unless you modify the extractor screw so the firing pin doesn't hit the threaded portion. (I haven't done that yet.) You can reset the trigger between shots without ejecting the cap by pulling the slide back about 1/4".
 
The P3AT is the cheaper of the two, and lacks a slide stop.
The LCP has a slide stop and is as some have said a more refined design.

If a slide stop and a few design shanges matter to you, get the LCP, otherwise get teh P3AT.

There is a hybrid clone called the IO Hellcat...it's a P3AT with LCP grip for lack of a better description. I have not shot one though, so no comment on quality.
 
FWIW, i sold my Kel Tec P3AT due to FTF and FTE. Even after the 500 round break in period, and even after going to a certified gunsmith that i trust, the gun still did not work properly. Maybe i just got a dud, but i personally would have a hard time spending my hard earned dollar on another one. Bunker
 
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