Ruger LCP versus Kel-Tec P-3AT

[Zerstoerer]

Is there any reason to wait for a Ruger LCP versus getting a
Kel-Tec P-3AT for $267 delivered NOW?

Also, anybody have any experience with the pocket clip carry?

 

[R.W.Dale]

NO absolutely none, they're the same gun with as best I can tell the same hit or miss rate

Literally a gun version of GMC vs Chevy

 

[Schofield3]

Literally a gun version of GMC vs Chevy

+1 ....

 

[SniperStraz]

As far as I can tell theres no reason to wait for the LCP. The only real difference is that the LCP has a slide catch which the P3AT doesnt. On the other hand the P3AT has proven track record.

 

[Crazy Fingers]

If you buy the Kel Tec you buy the original. The Ruger is plagarized.

 

[-v-]

The Rugger is slightly thicker across and has a slide catch. The P3AT is thinner and you have to sling-shot it after it locks back. That's really the only real difference between the two guns, other then the name on the side. Choose which one you prefer more.

 

[Crazy Fingers]

Does anybody actually use a slide catch? I've always considered it darn near worthless. Just something else to get in the way and catch on clothing, etc. I have always pulled on the slide of every pistol I have, even ones with catches.

 

[Loomis]

I've never owned a gun that doesnt' have a slide release lever, and i've never not used a slide release lever.

 

[WC145]

I've had my P3AT for a few years now and have been very happy with it. I have the clip on it and use it all the time, it is very convenient and as long as your pocket is loose enough that the gun doesn't print it looks like a knife clip.

I saw a LCP for the first time the other day and, while it is a nicer looking gun, it is just a knock-off. If it was me I'd buy the Kel-tec, IMO the Ruger isn't worth the extra money or the wait.

BTW, the P3AT does not have a slide lock and the LCP slide lock has to be set manually, neither gun locks the slide back after the last shot.

 

[Crazy Fingers]

BTW, the P3AT does not have a slide lock and the LCP slide lock has to be set manually, neither gun locks the slide back after the last shot.

That's odd. My P32 locks back after the last shot. Maybe that's something they added when they designed the P32 from the P3AT.

 

[Claude Clay]

J M Browning labels it as "slide stop." in combat its whatever you need it to be. but refer to it as its maker designated it.

 

[WC145]

That's odd. My P32 locks back after the last shot. Maybe that's something they added when they designed the P32 from the P3AT.

No room for it when they went to the .380

 

[presspuller]

If they were the same price and both of them were laying there at the same time I would probably go with the Ruger simply because of looks.
But the Kel-Tec is gonna be about 50 bucks cheaper and chances are you can find one today.
But for all practicial purposes they are the same gun, as has been said GMC vs. chevy.

 

[SwampWolf]

Does anybody actually use a slide catch? I've always considered it darn near worthless. Just something else to get in the way and catch on clothing, etc. I have always pulled on the slide of every pistol I have, even ones with catches.

A slide stop/catch/release can be a very worthwhile feature if your pistol should ever jam during a gunfight. Being able to lock the slide back and not have to fight the pressure of a recoil spring with one hand while you're trying to clear the malfunction with the other can be a lifesaver.

 

[janobles14]

i gotta go with the lcp for fit and finish. mine is also a bit more accurate than my wifes keltec.

BUT if the price is 50-60 bucks less then i dont think its worth it for a close range weapon.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I like the extractor on the ruger much better than the k/t. K/T isn't famous for their qc either.

 

[eng23ine]

I have and use a clip on my P3- Right rear pocket. even with not so loose jeans people think its a knife.

K/T isn't famous for their qc either.

Its true that a few bad lemons get out, but KT isn't the only one...I've seen $1000 guns that were junk out of the box.

I have a 1st Gen P3(the ones with the most problems) that has been 100% thru about 1k rounds and 5 years of daily carry.

KelTec's customer service is as good as anybody in the gun industry.

 

[earlthegoat2]

the ruger has better fit and finish, that is the only difference

 

[Newton]

I've had two P-3ATs, a gen 1 and a gen 2, and both were complete and utter pieces of junk.

My LCP exists on an entirely different level of quality and performance.

They may look alike, but that's where the similarity ends.

 

[Craig M. Arnold]

Newton;

I had just the opposite experience as yours. I've had two first gen Kel-Tec P3ATs. Both have been perfect. The first one has 1,300 rounds through it. The second one has 800 rounds throught it. Both my P3ATs are very accurate also.

I bought a Ruger LCP because I wanted an additional pocket pistol. The LCP had a bad frame and after only 160 rounds or so was replaced by Ruger with a new one. The replacement had a crappy trigger. Neither LCP had as good a trigger as my P3ATs. Neither LCPs were as accurate as my Kel-Tecs.

I now have two Kel-Tec P3ATs and zero Ruger LCPs.

Best regards.