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Old January 10, 2012, 03:10 PM   #1
chilton1990
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LCP vs P3AT

Money is tight around here and I am looking into a small CC gun. I think I have narrowed it down to a Ruger LCP or a Kel-Tec P3AT. I have had a few Rugers and have never had a problem. The LCP and P3AT have both been out for a while, so I figure that there's at least a few of you out there that have put some rounds through one or the other.

Anyone have any opinions/reviews of one or both of the guns?
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Old January 10, 2012, 03:20 PM   #2
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I'd go with the LCP which to me is just a more refined version of the P3AT. I own both Ruger and KelTec, though neither of the above models. I do, however, use a P32 as a BUG for many years now.

I've looked into both and the LCP is, IMO, simply better. It's just that .380 doesn't interest me.
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Old January 10, 2012, 03:24 PM   #3
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LCP is a bit more polished and prettier. It's actually an ounce heavier than the P3AT. Dimension-wise, they are the same. They can even share the same LaserLyte side mount laser and fit in the exact same molded holster. If money is tight, you still can't go wrong with the P3AT or even the P32. Get the LCP if you care about looks.
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Old January 10, 2012, 03:29 PM   #4
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I looked at both of those as well about a year ago. I ended up with neither as I bought the Tuarus TCP instead. Trigger pull is a little better on it than on the two you mentioned and the price is about the same as the P3AT. I got the "black stainless" version OTD for about $265.

So far I'm completely happy as the gun has had no problems at all. I have only shot about 3 hundred rounds or so but I find it to be completely reliable and fairly accurate to boot. The sights are very small and take a little getting used to but once you do it's very accurate. Everything I have shot so far has been inexpensive FMJ either from Fiocchi or S&B. Love the fact that it comes with two mags as well. I did not buy this gun to carry on a daily basis but I don't see why it would not be adaquate for that.
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Old January 10, 2012, 04:22 PM   #5
chilton1990
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I have done a little studying over both guns, I have heard that the LCP is better made. I do like the looks of the Ruger better as well. I wouldn't trust anything smaller than 380 or 38spl for a CCW.

What are your thoughts on the LC9?
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Old January 10, 2012, 04:37 PM   #6
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I owned (past tense) the LCP and my buddy owned the Keltec P3AT so I have shot them both, though not extensively as neither was real fun to shoot. Hands down I would take the LCP, fit and finish is much better, the Keltec is really rough and was less comfortable to shoot. It is mostly aesthetics, but I prefer the LCP. I sold it because I was not real big on the .380 round, not that I don't think it could get the job done, I am just more of a .45 ACP guy so I replaced it with a Springfield Micro Compact 3" 1911. Not exactly a pocket pistol, unless you count cargo pants pockets, but it is more my speed.
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Old January 10, 2012, 04:40 PM   #7
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Go with the lCP, Ive had mine over a year. Use all ammo never had a ftf or fte. Great pocket pistol.
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Old January 10, 2012, 04:42 PM   #8
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anyone had any experience with the LC9?
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Old January 10, 2012, 04:43 PM   #9
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LCP
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Old January 10, 2012, 05:39 PM   #10
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I had my Kel-Tec P3AT for several years before Ruger copyed it. Ruger had several recalls before they got the bugs ironed out. And though it may be somewhat more spit & polished , I never found enough reason to trade my K-T in for one. The K-T is flatter and thinner , the very qualities I look for in a back pocket hide-out gun. Plus my K-T has never failed to feed or fire. Can't say the same for several Rugers friends own or those I saw in action at my gun club.

And saying it's better simply because it's a Ruger doesn't wash with me. I've seen enough turkeys from Ruger in the past several years that I was starting to think they were in cahoots with Taurus!
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Old January 10, 2012, 06:07 PM   #11
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I'm not saying that Ruger does no wrong, but I personally have never had an issue with any that I have owned. And I have yet to put hands on a Kel-Tec.
If money was no issue, I'd buy both and see which I like better!

And I agree about Taurus, I wouldn't get one. It seems like you either get a good one, or a bad one...
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Old January 10, 2012, 07:09 PM   #12
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I never owned either but from my experience the Keltec has the better trigger.
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Old January 10, 2012, 07:13 PM   #13
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Old January 10, 2012, 07:43 PM   #14
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Old January 10, 2012, 08:28 PM   #15
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Old January 10, 2012, 08:40 PM   #16
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My LCP has been flawless with zero FTF or FTE. To me, it seems better made than the P3ATs and with Ruger's customer service, it is hard to go wrong with a LCP.
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Old January 11, 2012, 12:59 PM   #17
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Quote:
And saying it's better simply because it's a Ruger doesn't wash with me. I've seen enough turkeys from Ruger in the past several years that I was starting to think they were in cahoots with Taurus!

I agree. I've had numerous Rugers that had issues. Ruger always made things right, but the fact they let so many problems out to begin with shows poor quality control.
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Old January 11, 2012, 02:34 PM   #18
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As long as the customer service is great, any problems that would arise with either gun could be manageable.
As long as problems are infrequent and the gun gets back from the shop quickly....
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Old January 11, 2012, 02:35 PM   #19
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Am I the only person seeing 3 blank posts?....
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Old January 11, 2012, 02:38 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chilton1990
... Am I the only person seeing 3 blank posts?....
Are we ...?
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Old January 11, 2012, 03:04 PM   #21
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My LCP has been flawless in terms of function. Also, to me, the slide hold-open feature present on the Ruger but not on the 3AT, along with the more refined finish on the LCP, is worth the few extra dollars needed to buy the Ruger over the Kel-Tec.
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Old January 11, 2012, 03:26 PM   #22
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13~15 post why are they blank?
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Old January 11, 2012, 03:27 PM   #23
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That does it for me....the hold open. That's a must. The old Mark 1 I had didn't have a hold open (obviously) and drove me nuts. I just like to physically see that the gun is empty.
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Old January 11, 2012, 03:30 PM   #24
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IDK 9mm.....either trying to make a point or to get their # of posts up....or a problem with the site...
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Old January 11, 2012, 08:26 PM   #25
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I think there was a glitch with the site last evening. One of my posts ended up as blank but I went back and edited.
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