Already have LCP. Why? Ruger brand loyalty mostly. Like and trust their handguns. Wouldn't buy ANY Taurus because I consider them "bush league" in general. Kel-Tec's reputation is OK but I prefer Ruger's rep as well as the look of the LCP over the P3AT... Liking my LCP a lot!

I would not spend $100 for a new P3AT. I wouldnt spend $50 for one. Get anything else.

RCG

We now have both the LCP & the 3AT. I got my 3AT before Ruger came out with LCP. They both shoot the same for me. The LCP is a little nicer looking, but there is no big difference in them.

I have the LCP, It is a better quality version of the Kel-Tec

Diamondback 380

ruger makes a great pistol!

I voted LCP. I have not owned a P3AT but did own a PF9 that functioned very well. Just wasn't for me. The LCP is clearly an unabashed copy of the P3AT which begs to question why have the copy when one can have the original? In this case, and in my opinion, the LCP seems to be a little more refined in the fit and finish department. Other factors that swayed me where the trigger is pretty darned good and you can lock the slide to the rear. If I already had a proven P3AT I wouldn't sell it to get a LCP. But starting out fresh like I did and based on my now limited but positive experience with it I'd recommend it for consideration. I am not a Taurus basher (never had one) but based on their spotty reputation I can't recommend them especially with the LCP and P3AT in the mix. Much better gamble. I paid $319 for my LCP and believe the P3AT's run about the same. Worth every penny.

Originally Posted by kevinsmith1

Help me decide on a pocket pistol. pros, cons, and opinions. thanks

I'm happy with my Ruger LCP. I went with it over the others based on reviews.

I have an LCP, and it works OK. No Taurus for me, thanks. The Keltec, I might give a try...if I wanted another mouse gun.

P3AT. It is the original with a longer history and cheaper. Works first time every time.

Very happy with the LCP with a CT laser. Just seemed better made than the Keltec and I've been "burned" by Taurus' CS before.

JMOO:

I voted with my billfold for the Ruger LCP (3 times)...

All three have been absolutely reliable and more than self defense accurate right out of the box... I added a Crimson Trace laser to my daily carry LCP (my wife has one with the engraved slide, and the third was purchased simply because i was so pleased with the ones my wife and myself have).

I have owned two Keltecs in the past (P32/P11), and both were fine.

I just like Rugers because I've owned a Ruger of one type or another for half a century, and (knock on wood), have yet to have a bad one.

I don't care for Tauri.. The reputation for a fantastic lifetime warranty doesn't mean too much when the general reputation of the Taurus customer/warranty repair service sucks.

But, to each his own.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

I've never had a failure with my P3AT and think you could use the 100.00 or so difference between it and the Little Copy Pistol to buy ammo and practice.

I am giving the lcp to my daughter who is waiting on her ccw. I purchased a p238 & love it. Carl pointed me in that direction best advise for best gun, yea it cost more but is it sweet. You can see other opinions on gundirectory.com Happy shooting and stay safe

my LCP works all the time...

FYI, here's a couple pics of my LCP w/ProMag 10-rd. extended mag:

What about the new S & W Bodyguard in .380.

A manufacturer with a good reputation, and a small and light weapon.

I'm not sure how easy these tiny weapons are to shoot well. I would probably choose the one that fit the hand best. The lighter the weapon the greater the percieved re-coil. I'd go with something small and heavy that fit my hands well.

Originally Posted by Packard

What about the new S & W Bodyguard in .380.
A manufacturer with a good reputation, and a small and light weapon.

JMOO:

As I've mentioned before I'm a big Smith fan (2 snubby's/6 pistols), but over the years I've learned the hard way to NEVER buy a first run, or early series ANYTHING..

The "anything" includes pistols.

If you don't mind being a "beta-tester" for the manufacturer then buy away, but chances are excellent there WILL be unfound "bugs" in whatever it is that will necessitate a recall at the very least, and could malfunction at the worst time as Mr. Murphy and his "law" is alive and well in 2010..

A malfunction at the "worst time" is even more critical in a firearm you might be using for self defense.

IF I were in the market for "another" mousegun, I'd certainly give the little Smith a consideration, but from learning the hard way in decades past I'd take a pass until a few thousand, pretty much bug-free, had been sold and found dependable.

No offense to anyone, just repeating what I've tried to teach my Son on such matters.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

Originally Posted by PX

JMOO:

As I've mentioned before I'm a big Smith fan (2 snubby's/6 pistols), but over the years I've learned the hard way to NEVER buy a first run, or early series ANYTHING..

The "anything" includes pistols.

If you don't mind being a "beta-tester" for the manufacturer then buy away, but chances are excellent there WILL be unfound "bugs" in whatever it is that will necessitate a recall at the very least, and could malfunction at the worst time as Mr. Murphy and his "law" is alive and well in 2010..

A malfunction at the "worst time" is even more critical in a firearm you might be using for self defense.

IF I were in the market for "another" mousegun, I'd certainly give the little Smith a consideration, but from learning the hard way in decades past I'd take a pass until a few thousand, pretty much bug-free, had been sold and found dependable.

No offense to anyone, just repeating what I've tried to teach my Son on such matters.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

All right. I will agree with that. Do you think Glock has been around long enough for me to get one?

Originally Posted by Packard

All right. I will agree with that. Do you think Glock has been around long enough for me to get one?

Packard:

Of course..


Jesse

My vote was for the LCP because Kahr P380 was not on the list. Kahr is the best .380 IMO.

How come Seacamp is not on the list? It is smaller than any of them; has a long track record; and I believe they are quite reliable.

It is available in .32 or .380 as I recall.

See this size comparison chart: http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf

Also the Beretta (in .32 only).

Compare ballistics: http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_power_chart.htm

Originally Posted by Tuefelhunden

I voted LCP. I have not owned a P3AT but did own a PF9 that functioned very well. Just wasn't for me. The LCP is clearly an unabashed copy of the P3AT which begs to question why have the copy when one can have the original? In this case, and in my opinion, the LCP seems to be a little more refined in the fit and finish department. Other factors that swayed me where the trigger is pretty darned good and you can lock the slide to the rear. If I already had a proven P3AT I wouldn't sell it to get a LCP. But starting out fresh like I did and based on my now limited but positive experience with it I'd recommend it for consideration. I am not a Taurus basher (never had one) but based on their spotty reputation I can't recommend them especially with the LCP and P3AT in the mix. Much better gamble. I paid $319 for my LCP and believe the P3AT's run about the same. Worth every penny.

I have heard many folks say the LCP is a "copy" or Little Copy Pistol. As cute as it is to refer to this and as fun as it is to say these things I will take a page from a friend of mine on another forum who is a bit of a gun eficianato.
He knows guns and is just anal enough to research completely before he gives an opinion. I will pass on what he has to say...

The evolution of firearms is similar in ways obvious to many, to the evolution of life. There are certain effective traits that show up repeatedly in convergent evolution, using the parts and structures available. Occasionally, a new trait is developed, but overall, form and function dictate change and design. Simple really

I have looked at the Kel-tec and LCP drawings, and though they are similar, there are improvements made to the Ruger that give it new traits within the overall structure of the firearm design. There are no matter what one may wish to believe.

In my opinion, the design is an improvement on the Kel-tec. It is also a better-made firearm; of higher quality. That has been the remark of every reviewer and would be very hard to rationally dispute.

Thus, calling the LCP a "copy" of the Kel-tec is simplistic, and does not take into account the obvious differences in the two firearms, in relation to the general structure of that genre.

I specifically would not want the Kel-tec, after examining one, contrary to popular opinion, looks is not the main consideration. Well, that's evolution for you.

LCP .... I think the above poll says it all ......
(my wife has one)