Want either a Ruger LCP or a Taurus PT738

[stchman]

Hello all.

I am wanting to get an ultra small .380ACP pistol. I have narrowed it down to two models:

Ruger LCP
Taurus PT738

The KelTec P3AT looks too unfinished for me.

I am a big Ruger fan and really like the LCP, but I jsut wished they made it in two tone. Taurus makes the PT738 in two tone which really catches my eye.

My question is has anyone tried both? Ruger probably has better quality, but I would like to get the forum members opinions.

Thanks.

 

[Just One Shot]

I went with the Ruger because I want it to fire when I need it to.

 

[atomd]

Not many people have their hands on the Taurus yet so I don't think you're going to get the exact feedback you're looking for. It's also a new design so it might take some time to really see how it performs and get the bugs (if any) worked out. Since the LCP is pretty much a refined copy of the P3AT we all kinda know the deal with it. I have one of the LCPs and it is what it is. It goes bang. It hides anywhere. I think it's good for what it is. I don't care if it's 2 tone or whatnot because it just sits in my pocket anyways. I don't find any of the mentioned pocket pistols to be good looking to begin with. They aren't safe queens..that's for sure. I'd buy the LCP and use it for a while...then see what happens with the Taurus after it's been out for a bit.

 

[dairycreek]

My question is has anyone tried both? Ruger probably has better quality, but I would like to get the forum members opinions

I have had more than enough personal experiences with Taurus' poor quality control and lack of reliability. Customer service is a whole other topic.

I just am not going to carry a gun that has the taint of unreliability no matter how doggone "pretty" it might be. For me that translates into never buying or trusting another Taurus product.

 

[owlhoot]

I too am in the market for one of the mini .380's. I have lots and lots of ammo on hand so that is not an issue. I had pretty well decided on the Ruger but Saturday I visited a gun shop with a box of ammo in hand and rented an LCP.

The first shot fired and the top edge of the trigger took a bloody bite out of my trigger finger. I found I had to be very careful about the placement of my finger to avoid a bite on the trigger re-set. I shot up the box of ammo and except for the bite, I liked the peashooter. But the bite was enough to make me pass on buying the gun. In the many reviews I have read there has been no mention of this propensity of the Ruger. Has anyone else had this problem with the LCP or do I just have weird fingers?

 

[rhinoh]

You must have weird fingers or something was amiss with that LCP, never had mine do that or heard of it.
As for two-tone...I personally would NOT want that in a carry weapon, don't need anything catching the attention of a BG in a possible defensive situation. The element of total surprise is priceless. I like basic black for carry, of course my S&W 638 snubbie violates that preference.

I own 2 ea P3ATs as well and mine have been great, don't discount them just on perceived "quality". Heck I also have one of the high dollar (for a 380) Sig p238s looks great, really beautiful but has been the most problematic of all my 380s.
Waiting on Sig to send me the correct rear night sight, turns out it shooting too high is because they apparently put the wrong sight on some of them.

 

[Patrick R]

I have a Ruger 380. Also have large hands. No trigger bite.

They are small so hard to get a grip on. They seem hard to aim. Small sights.

But they shoot very well & accurate. Good pocket gun.

 

[mm6mm6]

I think you already sold yourself on the Ruger. I have one and it's fantastic! You can send the slide out for plating and it won't cost you much because just the slide can be shipped in a small, light box. If you're not sending the frame, you can send it yourself.

http://www.mahovskysmetalife.com/Metalife Finish Page 2.htm

Metalife is one of the oldest and best around. They'll give your LCP slide a very durable and good looking satin nickel finish for just $70. I don't think anyone else can do better than that price (but I could be wrong). There's a reason they're still around. Their costs go into their plating, not into their website.

 

[jad0110]

I myself am not one to buy a brand new gun/design without first letting it live out in the real world for a few years to get the bugs worked out. Especially when that new, unproven design is backed up by Tauri's infamous customer disservice.

But then again, the average age of my carry guns is 25 years old.

 

[Erik M]

Have you looked at modern airweight revolvers? i was in the same situation trying to decide between the taurus 709 and the similar KelTec pieces. Ended up with a S&W .38 and couldnt be happier.

I have fired the Ruger and it is a nice weapon, just a bit to small for my oven mitten sized hands.

 

[NinjaFeint]

I love Rugers. I would purchase the LCR over either

 

[Brazos]

If you want 2 tone by a can of Dura-Coat and spray the slide yourself. I won't cost much and you couldn't screw up too bad.

 

[Yo Mama]

The KelTec P3AT looks too unfinished for me.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder , it's a tool, does a good job

I'd look at the pf9 before you buy a .380

 

[KyJim]

I have the Ruger and have been pleased with it. Two points, both which have already been made:

1. Many new model guns need to have the kinks worked out of their design and/or production techniques.

2. Taurus has a reputation for spotty quality in most of their handguns.

 

[shootistpd27]

I am a big fan of Taurus. I am looking forward to buying another Taurus soon. Im going to get their PT 1911, but the LCP is the best pocket pistol you can buy. You can carry them anywhere and anytime with little to no inconvenience. I love mine. I recently traded for a Kel Tec P32 and I love it too. Even though it is a smaller caliber, I shot a 32 through a treated piece of two by four and it went right through with both full metal jacket and hydrashock. I love them both. I seriously recommend the LCP.

 

[BK]

I spoke to a dealer yesterday about the chances of getting a Seecamp. It's a two year wait, they said. So, if I were to go for a pocket auto, I might opt for the micro eagle. It really looks like a little bulldozer to me. I'm happy with my 9+P though.
Go for the Ruger over the Taurus.