In April we posted about the the Ruger LCP .380 and the Kel Tec. It seems to have been a long journey and waiting list but a member of the BGM Tactical Team has purchased one. Lucky’s Gun Store in Cropwell, Alabama had one in stock or at least about to hit the shelf. The price was slightly higher and a distant drive from our favorite Simmons Sporting Goods. The price and drive have proven to be worth it as the weapon is fun and exactly as expected.

The LCP 380 is not an everyday shooter as it is not a heavy duty service style weapon. It is however more comfortable than the Kel-Tec. If it wasn’t for the difference in the grip you wouldn’t be able to tell the Kel-Tec from the Ruger.

During the testing of the pistol we also had a Kel-Tec and the same ammunition, wolf full metal jackets with the standard wolf steel case. With the same shooter moments apart they both performed exceptionally well. Even at 100 yards they hit the target. 100 yards with a .380 is a long distance that is far beyond the practical usage of the weapon. After about 15 rounds through the Kel-Tec feed errors and ejector problems plagued the pistol. The Kel-Tec is about 1 year old has had almost 100 rounds fired through it and was probably due for a full break down and cleaning. None-the-less in this side-by-side comparison the Ruger LCP .380 outperformed the Kel-Tec P3AT.

If you have the opportunity to purchase the LCP 380 we highly recommend it. If price is the issue then the Kel-Tec P3AT is a good choice and probably easier to obtain. If you are going for style go for the Ruger. If you are looking just for a daily carry pistol or pocket pistol the choice is yours.

Ruger a few months back launched a new gun, the LCP. The new pistol is similar to the Kel Tec in size. It is a .380 caliber auto and meant for everyday carry. Beacuse of its size it is a lot more practical than that of the same caliber from periods before. It is the only competitor to the Kel-Tec. Jeff Quinn of gunblast.com put together a side-by-side comparison.

If you notice the Ruger is a few onces heavier and may be due to the so called beefier feel of the weapon. The Ruger is listed at about $50 more than the Kel-Tec the MSRP for the Ruger is $330. The Kel-Tec has been in development longer and many of the bugs worked out. For now the Kel-Tec is probably the best option. With the large R&D department and the Ruger name the LCP will quickly work out the kinks and make up the difference. The Ruger is now available but still remains as hard to get as the Kel-Tec.

If you are looking to purchase or would like to hold one in person talk to our friends at Simmons Sporting Goods. A quick note on Simmons they are having big sales right now in the off hunting season. Check them out especially for the great deals on Smith & Wesson

See the video for a quick look at the new Ruger LCP.