Ruger LCP or Kel tec p3at?

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+1 DevilDog. Copying is the name of the game when it comes to firearms. How many people on this board own AR15 that aren't Colts? Or AKs that aren't Russian? 1911s that aren't Colts? Taurus firearms? Most of those are copied designs. Ruger just seems to get the most flack for it. I own an LCP and it is a much better pistol than the P3AT. It recoils less, functions more smoothly, its just as accurate, and its been very reliable since I bought it and it has about 300 rounds through it. Granted it is being recalled but I would rather they recall it than deny there is a problem like another major manufacturer of plastic guns likes to do.

BTW. I sold my P32 to get the LCP. The P32 was a terrific weapon. It was 100% reliable and very accurate but I wanted a bit more stopping power and 32acp ball just wasn't for me.
 
I bought two of the Kel Tec P3AT models and gave one to my wife and the other to my daughter. My wife took hers to the range and could not handle it because of the muzzle flip. She was all over the paper with it, and she is ordinarily a great shot.

On the other hand, my daughter loved it and shot it well. It still had the muzzle flip, but she could handle it. I shot hers and I could handle it flip as well.

I have never handled the Ruger so I cannot pass judgment on it.

My main observation is this though. I have handled many pocket pistols that do handle better than the P3AT, and if you are restricting yourself to just these two you might rethink and look at others without the muzzle flip.

You might be able to handle the muzzle flip, but if you are ever in a situation where someone else has to protect you with your pistol, can they handle it??????????

Good Luck on your decision.
 
Ruger built a copy of the P3AT and called it their own, effectively stealing tons of kel-tec's business and using their own good name to push their stolen design.
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I guess you don't know what it means to steal a design. It there had been any stealing of patented or trademarked material, don't you think Ruger and Kel Tec would be locked in a lawsuit right now?

In no way is copying a non-patented design stealing. Come on, you should know better than to think otherwise.

Lucky? Why buy something that you know that you're going to have to return and be without it for who knows how long?
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Because you get a free magazine, which is worth about 10% of the cost of the gun. I can use my Kel Tec til it comes back from Ruger!
 
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One could learn a lot about the LCP on the forum devoted to the it, http://LCPforum.com/.
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You are correct. I was in no way saying the LCP is a terrible gun. I was only stating that the info I could find on the LCP was about the recall at the time I was looking. Purchasing a handgun with a known "defect" or whatever you want to call it just doesn't fly with me (if I were in the market). When the 2nd gen comes out and the problem is fixed, I'll take a look. It seems foolish to me to purchase a gun with a known issue before it's fixed from Ruger. When I purchase a handgun, I want it to work out of the box, no questions asked. You know you'll get that for sure with the Kel Tec. So as of now, I'd lean toward the Kel Tec.

Just my opinion...
Ben
 
The P32 is not double the shots of the P3-AT. The P32 is 7+1 and the P3-AT is 6+1.
 
I love my LCP 250 rounds no problems and it shoots great
It is just as easy to handle as my taurus mod 85 revolver
 
I compared the KT P3at and LCP side by side and the difference in external finish is drastic. The LCP just looks like a more well made gun and for the $20 difference in price I got the LCP. It has been flawless and eats any ammo I have shot probably because Ruger did the "fluff and buff" on it when it was made. With KT you have to do that yourself. As far as recalls Kel-Tec doesn't do them. When they have a problem, they just start modifying the current production models and call it the 2nd generation of the gun (they also do improvements/changes that don't warrant the generation designation). The current "change" on the P3at is replacing the hammer block to prevent short stroking. Go over to KTOG forum and you'll see posts from those who have had problems with their P3at's. KT does have a great warranty service and that's a good thing, because you're probably going to need it.
And yes, I have owned Kel-Tecs.
 
The P32 is not double the shots of the P3-AT. The P32 is 7+1 and the P3-AT is 6+1.
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What I said is that in say 5 seconds I can hit twice as many shots on paper with a P-32 than a P3-AT. Most don't gasp speed/rate of fire with accuracy vs. raw ballistics.
 
The current "change" on the P3at is replacing the hammer block to prevent short stroking.
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Yes, last spring KT did redesign the hammer block on the P3s and the PF9 so, unlike the LCP, they cannot be short-stroked resulting in a light strike. Another good reason to go with the original. :cool:
 
Yes, last spring KT did redesign the hammer block on the P3s and the PF9 so, unlike the LCP, they cannot be short-stroked resulting in a light strike. Another good reason to go with the original.
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Funny thing is I don't have a problem short stroking the LCP trigger. If KT fixed that in the PF9, it might deserve a second try (one with the chrome slide).
 
I'm considering both as well. I've not yet handled the LCP, but it looks to be higher quality, especially the extractor. The KT extractor looks like it was garage-fabricated from a binder clip (somebody set me straight if I'm missing something). I'm looking forward to handling both at the same time.
 
I want an LCP, but I couldn't find one for love nor money. So we just picked up our third P3AT (hard chrome slide). My first P3AT worked great, but the slide rusted out so I sold it. The second one was a dud, so I sold it. This one my wife bought, with a hard chrome slide it shouldn't rust, and it seems to be feeding and ejecting well, so maybe third time's the charm.

Still want an LCP tho.
 
My P3AT is solid, but when Ruger gets the LCP bugs figured out, I'm sure the differences will only matter to fan-boys of either brand.
 
I had to make the same decision, I went with what works, the P3AT. The Kal-Tec is a proven and reliable gun. My shoot everything I feed it.
 
i have one of each. 6 of 1, half dozen of another. each have their points, good and bad. neither have a real edge on the other IMO. dont get me wrong, i really like both of them. if i had to sell one of them, it would be a hard choice. the kel-tec has way better checkering, it is easier to hang onto, but, it chucks shells in every direction for 20 feet. the ruger keeps the shells more organized, but the so called "checkering" is lousey, the pistol slips around in your hand. both need better sights if you want to hit anything past 20 feet. i know, they are not intended for anything except very close quarters, but still, i like SMALL groups. why settle for hitting the target, when you could kill the 10 ring.
 
I've pu ta couple hundred rounds through my LCP and it shoots fine. No "bugs" to worry about. I will send it back for the recall but thats no big deal. Its winter. I carry my M&P full time.
 
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