LCP vs Kel-tec Is it worth it?

[Pocketman]

i would skip both and buy something else entirely

That too sounds like a viable option

 

[hntrdav]

I was just looking at the LCP today, thanks for the reviews.

 

[abnk]

The Kel-Tec has a serviceable life of approximately 5,000 rounds, with a rebuild mandatory at every 1,500 to 2,000 rounds.

Is that from the manual, Josh?

 

[SubicWarrior1988]

Just a couple of notes, I've shot both and owned the KelTec (Which I later sold)

If I were to desire another pocket gun and my choices came down to these two guns again, I would go with the LCP without hesitation. There is a big difference in the finer details of the two guns.

The only caveat of the LCP is that it has had a recall for the early models as they were prone to AD if dropped. This is important to consider and address, should you get the LCP, especially a used one. Make sure that Ruger has dealt with this recall.

Here's the big differences,

1) I can't over state the importance of a slide stop, especially should you have to clear Malfs. Some folks are lucky out of the box and everything runs 100%, many folks are not. That is why the "break in" period and the "fluff and buff" are both household terms in the mouse gun vernacular. If there is a FTF or FTE, You will be glad that you have the ability to lock the slide and clear it.

2) The Mag release on the LCP is recessed, IE, there is a far greater chance of tapping the mag release on the KelTec because it sticks out. This will cause Malfs and Jamming, to be fair, I never accidentally kicked the mag out on the KelTec.

3) It may seem small, but I definitely liked the finish on the LCP at least 50 dollars better than the KelTec. There is a smooth surface where the thumb should rest with proper grip on the pistol. The Ruger Emblem is a personal favorite of mine, so that much is just bias. The KelTec has excess plastic hanging off of it where the injection molds come together. Nothing structural, but it just looks..........cheap.

4) The ejector on the LCP is fixed and not prone to be lost during cleaning. The KelTec has a tiny ejector that has the personality of a solo sock in the dryer.....to draw an analogy. Be careful when field stripping.

5) The Ruger is just a prettier gun, period. It doesn't make it better, more functional and it won't make you lose 10 lbs or lower your blood pressure. But the LCP is just finished with higher quality look.

6) The Frankenbolt, 2nd gen extractor on the KelTec has a tendency to come loose. Prepare to use some blue loctite.

They will both serve their purpose, but if I buy another mouse gun, It will definitely be an LCP. That probably won't happen, but that is a different thread.



Notice the slide stop, recessed mag release, Ruger emblem and smooth finish for the thumb on the LCP.

 

[Deet]

I have shot both, and I have also shot the .380 Kahr. The Kahr wins by a large margin. Save up for a Kahr you won't regret it. If price is a huge issue then consider a used Radom P64. It shoots the 9x18mm, it is all metal, easy to pocket carry and they can be had for $150. Ammo is cheaper, and they are reliable.

 

[boogieman]

I have owned both the lcp and p3at and did not like either. I just couldnt hit anything with either one. Got rid of both of them after about 50 rounds each. I recently picked up a taurus 738 and like it alot. It shoots much better in my opinion, and comes with 2 mags and a nifty belt pouch. I would take the taurus over the others any day.

 

[jmildoc]

I have owned both as well and I will just say that I do still have my LCP and carry it everyday everywhere..... My keltec found a new owner

 

[Armed-N-Ready]

TCP Taurus 738

I have shot both the LCP and own a P3AT. the Kel-tec is a nice BUG but the TCP shoots better and is easier to control. The take up and reset take a bit to get use to but it is a better gun and has a lifetime warranty.

 

[Hoosier8]

The Kel-Tec has a serviceable life of approximately 5,000 rounds, with a rebuild mandatory at every 1,500 to 2,000 rounds.

I know of no such limitation on the Ruger, so that's the one I personally chose.

Remember, the Kel-Tec was based around the .32acp and only resprung for the .380acp. As far as I'm aware, the Ruger was designed with the .380 in mind, and though it's a very close copy of the Kel-Tec, its design was much beefed up.

Josh

The Kel-Tec has a serviceable life of approximately 5,000 rounds, with a rebuild mandatory at every 1,500 to 2,000 rounds.

Josh, you need to back this up with some facts. The Ruger is basically a prettier clone with the addition of the slide lock and has the same limitations as the P3AT with +P ammo. The Kel-Tec has a written lifetime warranty the Ruger does not (but from what I can tell they take care of their customers just like Kel-Tec does).

 

[CSK22]

LCP


That would be my only concern, but then again I shoot reloads all the time.

 

[FatGeek]

Looks like there is another P3AT clone on the market, the Hellcat IOP0001. Has anyone heard of it? Today is the first I've seen it online, stumbled over it browsing Buds.

IO IOPI0001 HELLCAT 380 6+1 2.75IN BLK $229.00 SHIPS FREE

 

[DoubleJJ]

Haven't seen the Hellcat. Very happy with the p3at though. I have fired many different types of ammo through it and never had a hic-up.

 

[CandRFan]

The Kel-Tec has a serviceable life of approximately 5,000 rounds, with a rebuild mandatory at every 1,500 to 2,000 rounds.

Josh, you need to back this up with some facts. The Ruger is basically a prettier clone with the addition of the slide lock and has the same limitations as the P3AT with +P ammo. The Kel-Tec has a written lifetime warranty the Ruger does not (but from what I can tell they take care of their customers just like Kel-Tec does).

I posted a question to this comment too. What would a mandatory rebuild consist of? Does the slide or barrel just fall apart or something?

 

[Hoosier8]

I posted a question to this comment too. What would a mandatory rebuild consist of? Does the slide or barrel just fall apart or something?

I have found nothing other than some forum like this one. I don't think it is a fact.

 

[CandRFan]

I have found nothing other than some forum like this one. I don't think it is a fact.

I headed over to the Keltec Owner's Group at ktog.org and did some searching...found several threads about the life expectancy according to Kel-Tec of their pocket guns and folks asking the same questions we have. And as usual...no real solid responses...lots of people stating that their Kel-Tecs are well past the official 6k life expectancy, one post of a guy stating that his PF9 had a cracked slide somewhere north of 3k....

The main gist of all the threads was that Kel-Tec, if needed, replaced pieces parts and made everything good in the end.