Ruger announced a new ccw pistol at the Shot Show. It is a Kel-Tec 380 clone. Just like a P3AT, but a bit slicker looking. Here's a link for more info, pictures and videos:

http://www.ruger.com/LCP/

I already have a P3AT, which is 100% reliable, and I carry it often. But I would like to fondle one of these Rugers, and try it out.

Very nice, I hope Ruger beefed the mini up in places were the Kel-Tec lacked and the standard extractor is a plus as I don't like the Frankin Bolt on the P3-AT 2nd Gens. It appears they also included a slide release lever on the side of the pistol and once you add a little finger extension on the Magazine (Wonder if the Kel-Tec and Ruger Mag's will interchange?) it looks like a nice second gun to a larger pistol or revolver.

I can see that .380's are becoming more and more popular. Or, have they always been popular, and I'm just on the late show?

I think it is just the pocket pistol is gaining popularity. And of course it must not be a saterday night Special.

The new ruger might be good for the wife but I'd have to check it out first.I noticed the guy shooting it in the video closed his eyes each shot which might mean too much rocket for the pocket or maybe the guy just needs better training.

Since I was at the Shot Show, EVERYONE there was giving Ruger a crap load of... well... crap about cloning the P3AT. The reason is this: Ruger has projected a price about $150.00 more than the Kel Tec price for the exact same weapon. This is in facta CLONE, Ruger didn't add *as far as I was told by the Kel Tec reps* any beefing to the frame, slide or moving parts of the weapon, they just reverse engineered the gun and put their name on it, charging extra for the name. The proof of course, is in the pudding, and we'll all see what the reviews state when they come out. Here's to hoping that Ruger did it right, I would hate to see them lose face over this.

A lot of firearms use the same generic design. A snubby is a snubby, a 1911 is a 1911, an AR is an AR, an AK is an AK, a bolt-action is a bolt-action, a pump is a pump, a derringer is a derringer, etc. no matter who makes them. We use the word "variant" or something like that, but basic designs are basic designs. I know that the KTOG forum was bashing the new Ruger .380 pretty good, but... there seems to be a niche in the market out there that businesses are trynig to get into. And, like I said, I don't know all about intellectual capital and ripping off designs or whatever.... but that's what patents are for. Let Kel-Tec sue Ruger or SCCY or whomever is trying to steal their design. I bet you they make their products with just enough difference that they don't violate the pantent. Y'know, like an improvement. Anyway, bad for them and good for us because now the consumers got a choice. The greatest compliment is imitation, right?

I don't believe a single word Kel-Tec speaks after having to deal with their customer service trying to repair the numerous problems I had with all of my Kel-Tec's. Of course they are going to bad mouth the Ruger but I can't see Ruger trying to sell the same gun for $150.00 more as this will lose them market share. I see the same MSRP to get the market buying and I plan on trading in my Kel-Tec ASAP once the Ruger hits the FFl's.

look and compare


http://www.ruger.com/LCP/Specifications.html



http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/p3at.html

Very interesting... They are basically the same gun. I have the P3AT, paid $220.00 for it and I've had zero issues with it.

My father has a colt 25 (old school) that is the same size as my 380 but it's much heavier and it's only a 25 cal.

380acp is to rich for me, ill stick to white box 38specials, but the ruger lcp is a slick looking gun!

wish i had a colt 25......

Did you get the Ruger Glockman?

I'm in the market for a pcket pistol but I need something that will be reliable.

45, I have a p-11 and like it. Its a tad big for a real good pocket carry but it works that duty from time to time.

I will go take a look at the ruger one of these days though.

Thanks for the info Andrew. I just got back from the range and was shooting a friends lcp, it was flawless.

I shot fmj and that wasn't bad but my friend also had Buffalo Bore .380 FNHC 100 gr, that was a bad dream to shoot. Those Buffalo Bores have some serious kick that I wasn't expecting.

I went out after my last post and bought an LCP for my wife. I did polish the ramp and had it to the range a few times, it has been 100%.

I will be getting her slip on grips and mag grip extensions this week.