LCP vs P3at

[Glock Lover]

LCP vs Kel tec P3at
which do you prefer, and why? Advantages and disadvantages to both. Curious to see how many of each camp are out there.

 

[Dewidmt]

Wow, first one with an opinion, huh? Okay.......I prefer my Kel-Tecs. The Ruger is basically a 1st-generation P3AT (old extractor) with a few cosmetic changes. If you look at the blow-up diagrams on both pistols, they contain exactly the same parts. I personally think Ruger should have been sued (ala Glock vs. S&W over the Sigma series) but apparently Kel-Tec did not obtain exclusive patent rights to the design. Around my part of the state, the Rugers go for about $100 more than the Kel-Tecs. Customer service with KT is 100%, I've heard Ruger will make things right, but you may have to wait a bit. Ruger had a recall on the LCP's also, which is why I didn't buy one to compare to my P3AT, I like to buy guns (computers,cars) a few years after the base model comes out so that the bugs are worked out of the design. I know people that are happy with both pistols. I shoot a bunch of Ruger pistols and rifles also, so I'm not biased against them. And I own both of the small KT's the P32 and a P3AT. My KT's have been 100% with any ammo I can find, I've heard reports that the Rugers can be finicky in what ya feed em'. Just my 2 cents.......

 

[Clay]

I got the LCP. The gun store had both of them in stock, so I check both of them out side by side. As Dewidmt said, they are pretty much identical in size/shape/construction, but when looking them over, I could definitely tell the difference in quality in the ruger vs the Keltec. Ruger was just a more polished, better fit/finish gun than the KelTec. They were priced with in $50, so I went with the LCP due to the better overall quality.

 

[paddling_man]

I've had a 2nd gen P3AT for a couple of years and it has been flawless. Zero problems. If I was in the market again, side by side, I might pick a post-recall LCP purely for the fit/finish. I doubt I would pay more than $20-30 extra for it though.

 

[melensdad]

I have both. Both work. I like the slide lock/slide release on the Ruger. Otherwise they are pretty much the same functionally. The Ruger looks a bit nicer to my eye, but that is just my opinion. For the price the Kel Tec is the better buy.

 

[CandRFan]

I'll vote for the P3AT. I must admit that I've never handled or shot the LCP but that's mainly because my P3AT hasn't given me any problems or a reason to not trust it. As a Ruger fan I'm sure the LCP is a fine pocket pistol but I don't feel the need to spend the money on one when I already have the "original."

 

[CSK22]

While I've never had a p3at I have played with both the LCP and p3at in the stores. I have personally owned a keltec pf9 and enjoyed it. A bit too much of a bite but not terrible. I am a big Keltec fan, and while the LCP is sexier, I'll stick with what I know best, keltec.

 

[Wabatuckian]

I compared the two when buying, and the LCP just feels more solid. Ruger is not known for weak guns.

That's what I went with.

Josh <><

 

[bigus_D]

I carry a P3AT. I've shot the LCP as well.

Maybe I just got a good deal on my P3AT, but the LCPs I see are about $100 more expensive than my P3AT (250 vs 350). Sure, the LCP appears a bit more finished, I don't think it is worth that much more.

Note: The LCP magazines don't seat in the P3AT... I tried a guy's LCP mag with finger extension, and it wouldn't work in my P3AT. For as close as they look, there are some minor differences.

 

[XDs4me]

LCP with the Crimson Trace was the one I bought. Accurate for a small pistol.

 

[groovatron]

Like 'em both for the use and price. Prefer the LCP based on a few personal preferences. Grip is better IMO....I like the thumb well and recessed mag release. Slide lock +1........better finish for sure.....Kel-Tec has the slight edge on the crappy sights that both pistols are stuck with. Throw on a CT laser and problem solved. P3at also has more upgradeable options. LCP is about $50 more, and I think it is a about $50 nicer. Both great little mousers!

 

[amboran]

I'll pick the Kel-tec over the Ruger. $80 cheaper(buys a lot of ammo and targets) and it has been 100% reliable. Sure-the LCP is a little rounder and prettier, but like others-I'll keep the original especially when they have proven customer service. A Kel-tec P11 is next on my list..........

 

[Lars]

I haven't been able to make either run a full magazine without some kind of failure. I think both guns know I have contempt for them, and thusly refuse to function confirming my suspicions.

I understand some/a lot of you have had no problem at all with your Kel Tec, or LCP.
but esrice, and scutter can both confirm I'm apparently kryptonite for the Kel Tec.

 

[right2arms]

I have the p3at and shot quite a few rounds through it including +P buffalo bore and also the corbon powrball. Not a single failure and that includes shooting it dirty.

Never tried the LCP but my thought is, the kel tec is $100 cheaper and its the tried and true, while the LCP is a new design for Ruger.

 

[gglass]

LCP

I won't give you a reason why... Go handle both and you will quickly realize why.

 

[bigus_D]

I voted P3AT. and that is after 200 rounds of, on average, roughly 1 failure per 6 rounds.

At about 150, I gave the gun a once over per the KelTec forums, which I'm sure somebody can link to... but rounds 200 through 600 have been flawless (just like my glock)

I trust it now. IF I preferred to spend more money than time on my guns, I'd have preferred the LCP; but since I am more confident in a tool I have tested, I trust my Kel-Tec today... Sure, maybe I could have trusted an LCP after 100 rounds for $100 less.

Both sides are 100% valid. Most won't have a problem with either.

 

[stilllearning09]

I bought an LCP in October. I have 300 rounds through it without any failures. I really like that weapon.

 

[LPMan59]

the p3at i had was a giant POS. i considered getting a LCP, but decided to get the Bersa Thunder...i like it better than either of the 2 choices listed.

 

[Mudcat]

I bought an early LCP and have shot the P3at on a few occasions. When I got my LCP it would not fire with a round in the mag. The spring pressure pushing up on the slide would cause off center primer strikes. I sent it back to Ruger and after 6weeks they sent it back, yes 6 weeks. Me, my son son and a friend of his run 200 rounds through it trying to make it hic-cup. no problems at all. I then ran another 300 rounds through it, 500 total without cleaning no issue whatsoever. I have since cleaned it and tried several different types of ammo and carry it daily everywhere.
The pistol should have been this good when I first brought it home.
Now with that the P3at that I have fired is still having some feeding issues.
I would not shy away from a Keltec because of this or because they do not quite have the same fit and finish as the LCP. They both serve a purpose and do it well.

 

[Cemetery-man]

Not a single problem with my LCP. I'm still very pleased that I found one at the LGS at a time when they can be very elusive.