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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.