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Kel-tec VS. Ruger LCP

rdc5
Selling my Beretta Tomcat on the auction side and can't decide if I want a LCP or Kel-tec .380 to replace it. Known differences are, Kel-tec is lighter(+) because of the plastic guiderod(-) Like the feel of both but, don't know which one?[?]
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Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • Bill DeShivs
    The guide rod has very little to do with the weight difference.
    Plastic guide rods work fine.
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  • He Dog
    Hard to be the Ruger customer service if you need it.
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  • lcdrdanr
    I wouldn't let the Ruger customer service be the deciding factor, KelTec has a lifetime, no questions asked warranty to the original owner and typically to any owner.
    I own a bunch of Rugers and several KelTecs. I don't own a P3AT or an LCP. The LCP is a pretty blatant copy of the KelTec P3AT with the addition of a slide lock, some prettier handles and a higher price tag. Hate to accuse Ruger of Knocking off someone elses gun but if you look at the two diagrams side by side you can see what I am talking about.
    Most people don't see much difference in the actual operation of the two. There's been some issues with the LCP, it's Rugers first entry into the pocket mouse gun arena while the KelTec P3AT has been out for a number of years and pretty well gone through all of it's teething pains.
    If I were going to get one or the other (I'm not, don't want to take up shooting the .380)l I would go with the P3AT since it's easier to come by and less expensive.
    YMMV
    Dan R
    Edited to add "Oh, yeah, and as far as that customer service goes, I have yet to send any money to KelTec for any of the extra parts they have sent me in response to questions I've had on a P11 but I have given Ruger my credit card a number of times for nickel and dime parts on Mark II's and 10/22's !
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  • select-fire
    Notice the price of keltecs have come down. Rugers have held their ground. NO comparision between the two. Keltec uses a stamped piece of spring steel under its barrel in which it slides into the bottom of the barrel to retain the recoil spring. My keltec malfunctioned and had to be sent in to be repaired....not target practicing but in a situation I needed the gun. I sold it. Bought a Ruger and carry it.
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  • amblerrl
    i have the ruger lcp and have had no problems with it. at the present time if i didn't have 380 ammo i woild hold off buying
    any 380 caliber pistol.
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  • Jorge
    There are options other than Kel-Tecs or Rugers.

    Myself, I traded Tomcat for Seecamp.

    No problems whatsoever since:

    www.seecamp.com
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  • 32 Magnum
    quote:Originally posted by select-fire
    Keltec uses a stamped piece of spring steel under its barrel in which it slides into the bottom of the barrel to retain the recoil spring.
    Not on the .380 it doesn't - I'm looking at the slide of mine as I write this and the recoil spring/guide rod retainer is milled out of the slide blank. On the .32 ACP version it was a separate piece fitted into the frame which retained the guide rod.

    Look, both are fine for their intended purpose - close range self defense. We sell both - prices on both have NOT dropped - the PA State Police Troopers that come into our shop to purchase a deep cover BUG choose the Kel-Tec 3 to 1 - most often stated reasons (I ask them why they'd rather have the Kel-Tec): lighter and smoother trigger pull and reset, easier follow up shots and better accuracy with the Kel-Tec. Just my experience based upon fact, you have your own experience.
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  • select-fire
    quote:Originally posted by 32 Magnum
    quote:Originally posted by select-fire
    Keltec uses a stamped piece of spring steel under its barrel in which it slides into the bottom of the barrel to retain the recoil spring.
    Not on the .380 it doesn't - I'm looking at the slide of mine as I write this and the recoil spring/guide rod retainer is milled out of the slide blank. On the .32 ACP version it was a separate piece fitted into the frame which retained the guide rod.

    Look, both are fine for their intended purpose - close range self defense. We sell both - prices on both have NOT dropped - the PA State Police Troopers that come into our shop to purchase a deep cover BUG choose the Kel-Tec 3 to 1 - most often stated reasons (I ask them why they'd rather have the Kel-Tec): lighter and smoother trigger pull and reset, easier follow up shots and better accuracy with the Kel-Tec. Just my experience based upon fact, you have your own experience.


    Grab that little triangular piece the guide rod fits into. Watch it flex... Try that with the ruger.. It is made like a real automatic is made. All I know is my keltec failed.. failed when I really needed it. Junk to me.
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  • 32 Magnum
    Grab that little triangular piece the guide rod fits into. Watch it flex... Try that with the ruger.. It is made like a real automatic is made. All I know is my keltec failed.. failed when I really needed it. Junk to me.
    [/quote]

    There is no "little triangular piece" on my Kel-Tec 3AT - the guide rod fits into a hole bore through a lug extension of the slide which is part of the slide ... ??? What am I missing here?
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  • Bill DeShivs
    The early Keltec .380s had a seperate piece that retained the recoil spring. It won't "flex."
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  • select-fire
    Then how did mine come out? Didn't know the newer ones didn't have the slot. Comparing a keltec to a ruger is like comparing a corvair to a corvette.

    GW.. the Corvette guy.
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  • fastcarsgofast
    Kel Tec has worked out the problems with the P3At and has IMHO superior customer service.

    Ruger on the other hand recently had a recall and still may some bugs left to work out and (again IMHO) has only decent customer service.

    Aside from the the plastic mag catch in my P3At wearing out I have never had a hiccup out of it.


    Buy the Kel Tec and enjoy.
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