Ruger LCP V. Kel-tec P3AT

jashoffa · 07-05-2008, 11:58 PM

I just had a chance to handle a LCP at Cabela's today. They also had a P3AT right next to it. The guy behind the counter said Kel-tec was making teh LCP for Ruger. I beleive it, they look like they are the same gun. My question is First anyone had any reliablity issues with either one? I know the LCP is new but what about the P3AT? Has anyone had a chance to fire the LCP.

Cabela's had them both for right at $300. I have to say I have been wanting a small pocket gun in .380 for a while and the LCP has a better grip and better finish IMHO. I think the LCP might be my next gun purchase if I don't hear anything too bad about them. For $300 maybe I should buy two and have one for each pocket.

stitchclimber · 07-06-2008, 02:47 AM

Kel Tec sold the design to Ruger, but they are not manufacturing them...

I can find a Kel Tec P3AT for $259 ($279 if you want chrome or anodized)

KW Gary M · 07-06-2008, 08:05 AM

A dealer in Miami told me they were the exact same gun. I didn't know if he was telling me that because he had the Kel Tec in stock and not the Ruger. Even if they are the same I'd feel more comfortable having the "Ruger" name behind my gun.

jashoffa · 07-06-2008, 08:24 AM

I am not nearly as interested in the Kel-tec at this point. I can tell you for sure they are not the exact same. In design maybe but the Ruger frame is clearly differnet in style and material. The slide has, IMO, a better finish.

KGunner · 07-06-2008, 01:03 PM

I haven't had a problem my Kel-Tec P11...but Ruger definitely has the name to back it up.

SilverRun · 07-06-2008, 01:10 PM

I own the kel-tec and have shot the Ruger - I couldn't tell any difference. They are both great little guns for the intended purpose. If they were about the same price in your area, I would go with the Ruger - i did like the grip just a little better. Not much difference though.

07-05-2008, 11:58 PM	#1
jashoffa Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 380 Trader Rating: (0)	Ruger LCP V. Kel-tec P3AT I just had a chance to handle a LCP at Cabela's today. They also had a P3AT right next to it. The guy behind the counter said Kel-tec was making teh LCP for Ruger. I beleive it, they look like they are the same gun. My question is First anyone had any reliablity issues with either one? I know the LCP is new but what about the P3AT? Has anyone had a chance to fire the LCP. Cabela's had them both for right at $300. I have to say I have been wanting a small pocket gun in .380 for a while and the LCP has a better grip and better finish IMHO. I think the LCP might be my next gun purchase if I don't hear anything too bad about them. For $300 maybe I should buy two and have one for each pocket. __________________ "I don't go shooting without my guns and they don't go shooting without me!" Member NRA

07-06-2008, 02:47 AM	#2
stitchclimber Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The great northwest Posts: 931 Trader Rating: (0)	Kel Tec sold the design to Ruger, but they are not manufacturing them... I can find a Kel Tec P3AT for $259 ($279 if you want chrome or anodized) __________________ turning up the radio, got just enough religion and a half tank of gas...

07-06-2008, 08:24 AM	#4
jashoffa Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 380 Trader Rating: (0)	I am not nearly as interested in the Kel-tec at this point. I can tell you for sure they are not the exact same. In design maybe but the Ruger frame is clearly differnet in style and material. The slide has, IMO, a better finish. __________________ "I don't go shooting without my guns and they don't go shooting without me!" Member NRA

07-06-2008, 01:03 PM	#5
KGunner Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 422 Trader Rating: (0)	I haven't had a problem my Kel-Tec P11...but Ruger definitely has the name to back it up. __________________ Kel-Tec P11 Mossberg 500A Tactical 12 ga. 1947 Mosin Nagant M44 Yugo SKS 59/66

07-06-2008, 01:10 PM	#6
SilverRun Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: AL Posts: 1,659 Trader Rating: (0)	I own the kel-tec and have shot the Ruger - I couldn't tell any difference. They are both great little guns for the intended purpose. If they were about the same price in your area, I would go with the Ruger - i did like the grip just a little better. Not much difference though. __________________ "Those who stand for nothing fall for anything." - Alexander Hamilton

07-06-2008, 08:05 AM	#3
KW Gary M Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Key West Florida Posts: 1,095 Trader Rating: (0)	A dealer in Miami told me they were the exact same gun. I didn't know if he was telling me that because he had the Kel Tec in stock and not the Ruger. Even if they are the same I'd feel more comfortable having the "Ruger" name behind my gun.