PLease help me choose a EDC gun (LCR vs p3at)

[BrokenWheel]

It has to small and reliable. Here is what I narrowed it down to

Kel-tec p3at: Pros very small, light and therefore most likly to be carried more often. Lifetime warranty. Trigger light and decent. Cons: concerned about reliability. Feels cheap.

Ruger LCR (the revolver) : Pros Solid trigger pull, feels more comfortable because of larger size. Solid feel to it.
Cons because of the cylinder, physically larger and heavier. Might not carry it then. Whats the use then?

I'm really torn with these two. I feel that if I go with the keltec it may not go boom when I need it to and the smaller size may cause it to fumble in my hands when I need it. However, the Ruger is dimensionally larger and I would want to avoid wearing a IWB holster because I dont want to go out and buy new pants, 2 sizes bigger to fit the holster).


Sorry confused....

 

[WC145]

I've had a P3AT for several years, carried it as a BUG, still carry it occasionally when nothing else fits. Never had a bit of trouble with it, 100% reliable.

The LCR weighs 13oz and is the size of a J-frame, if that's so big that you might not carry it then you need to rethink carrying a gun altogether. If you don't want to carry IWB, then don't. There's plenty of belt holster options available.

Carrying a gun is a pain in the butt, you should understand that up front. You need to learn to dress around your weapon, which means multiple holsters/modes of carry. Also, you need to consider having more than one gun because it's very difficult to make one carry platform fit every situation. Of course, if you could buy both a P3AT and a LCR and appropriate IWB, OWB, and pocket holsters, you would probably be covered for most any venue or outfit.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I now have 4 KelTecs in my family and all fire every time
My self I don't like the new Ruger revolver. May be in a couple years and I have fired a few S&W lite weights I will keep my KT and Corbon DPX for pocket

 

[Katana8869]

The answer is obvious .... Ruger LCP

 

[orvpark]

Of the two I would say LCR

I hate to do it but.

I have found the Kel-Tec PF9 to be a better carry than both.

Slightly larger than the P3AT (not a pocket gun for most), easier on the hip than the LCR and holds more-more potent ammo than both.

I have pocket guns, and lightweight revolvers, but the PF9 is what gets carried the most if it is too warm to comfortably conceal a full sized gun.

 

[Kind of Blued]

I would make sure you can track down .380 Auto first. If not, that will make your decision a lot easier.

 

[WC145]

Here's another thing to consider - you live in Michigan, it gets cold there. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's cold there right now, just like here in Maine, and you're probably wearing warm gloves when you go out. The Kel-tec has a pretty small trigger guard and you'll have a very hard time getting a gloved finger inside it to shoot. That's one of the reasons I don't carry mine as a BUG all the time any more. It's also the reason I got rid of two Kel-tec PF-9's. Nothing wrong with the gun but couldn't fit my finger in the trigger guard with a glove on, I found out at an inopportune time and immediately quit carrying them. On the other hand, the LCR has a nice big trigger guard that should accomodate a gloved finger without any trouble.

Considering where you live, that would make the decision for me. I know that after my experience trigger guard size is one of the first things I look at now. If I have to take off a glove to shoot that's a big problem when you're wearing them almost half the year.

 

[hso]

Not much help here, my KTs have been reliable and I don't own the Ruger to comment on it.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

If you are sold on the KT--then the obvious answer is the LCP---think of it as the upgraded version as the KT and still $100 cheaper than the LCR.

 

[Sock Puppet]

My wife carries a P3AT which has been 100% reliable.

I have an LCP which has been 100% reliable.

I feel the LCP has better fit/finish and I like the slide lock.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another of either pistol.

I can't comment on the LCR.

 

[mljdeckard]

What do you mean you 'might not carry it' if it's larger and heavier?

If a Ruger LCR is too big for you to get your lifestyle around, you will quit carrying anyway. This is a lifestyle, and you need to get your WHOLE LIFE around it. Smaller guns are more difficult to shoot than larger guns. I don't say no one should carry smaller guns, but I do say that it is something you need to train your way up to. These are expert guns.

When you have established the habit of carrying, you are not deterred from carrying by size. When you are unarmed, you feel just as conspicuous as if you were suddenly not able to wear your seatbelt.

If you are practicing, buying holsters, magazines, and INSTRUCTION like you should be, the cost of some new wardrobe isn't that much.

Two ounces of discipline.

 

[backntotheleft]

LCR all the way!

go with the LCR. less to malfunction( although i have had both ) the LCR has a smoother trigger ( no stacking like the keltec) and the LCR is a lot more accurate from the first time the shooter picks it up. another plus is if you are married ,your wife can carry it too. most CCW instructors will tell you that its better for women to carry a revolver. ( especially if they dont shoot much). i have had several customers complain about the keltecs not feeding with some ammo and some have had problems with FTE problems. usually it was caused by "limp wristing" you dont have any of these problems with the LCR.

 

[PX15]

FWIW:


Just curious..

Why would someone considering a Ruger revolver vs a pistol be considering a KelTec P3AT when the RUGER LCP is available, and "generally" recognized as a "refined" P3AT?

I'm not knocking the P3AT or KelTec. In fact in years past I had both the KelTec P11 and the P32.. Both were very good pistols.

But my wife is looking for a lighter cc pistol in 380cal. and we are going to buy her the Ruger LCP, never even considering the P3AT..

Just curious.

Thanks,

Jesse

 

[jtheise4]

I have a Ruger LCR and highly recommend it. The trigger is excellent. Although its not the smallest gun on the market, it is easily concealable and very light.

 

[Yo Mama]

If you are sold on the KT--then the obvious answer is the LCP---think of it as the upgraded version as the KT and still $100 cheaper than the LCR.

Why would someone considering a Ruger revolver vs a pistol be considering a KelTec P3AT when the RUGER LCP is available, and "generally" recognized as a "refined" P3AT?

***??? When did Ruger get this rep? Let's see, LCP had a nice recall, and significant other issues discussed here. I'm not a die hard keltec lover, but come on. The Ruger still has it's growing pains.

 

[glove]

I say go for the Kel-Tec P3AT.
Dave

 

[Water-Man]

I've fired six different HP ammo, including Buffalo Bore, and FMJ through my Kel-Tec and have never had a problem. It fits in the pocket of ALL my pants comfortably. If you own one you WILL carry it and that's what its all about. The P3AT has been around awhile and Kel-Tec has great customer service.

 

[TheProf]

BrokenWheel, if you must limit your choices to the two mentioned... why not carry two P3ATs. This would help help increase the odds of having a reliable working gun on your person. (Not to say that the P3AT is not reliable...but you seemed to be concerned with its reliability.)

May I make a suggestion:

My recently acquired Sig P238 (worn IWB) has finally grown on me (after some minor issues were ironed out.) I consider it my primary...to be supplemented with my LCP, (pocket carry) if the threat level goes up. The Sig P238 is a tiny gun (like a miniature 1911)... it weighs under a 16 oz.. but shoots like a big gun. Nice crisp trigger with laser-like accuracy.