Kahr P380 vs Ruger LCP

[papaholmz]

Ok, first of all, this is not a thread asking if a .380 has enough stopping power or if it's a good carry weapon. I've already made those decisions.

I want the input and advice of the forum members who have used BOTH the Kahr P380 and the Ruger LCP. What are your comments on how one gun stacks up against the other or any issues/experiences you've had with the two guns. Also, could you comment on if it's worth paying $650 for the Kahr vs $350 for the Ruger?

Thanks,
-papaholmz

 

[jocko]

considering the P380 kahr is not evenin the hand sof shooters yet, probably a question that should be asked 6 months from now when a 1000 or so are out in the shooters hands. Some will think kahrs are over priced. They woh't be pumping them out the door at the rate of one every 52 seconds lkke ruger can with the lcp. Neither of the two prices above willbe what the consumer finally pays. Many lcps being boufght for $269, Not sure what the P380 kahr will ultimately sell for. Ilike my flawless lcp with 1550 rouondss through it. that being said I will buy the P380 kahr when I can get my hands on one.

 

[Boba Fett]

LCP = Little Crappy Pistol

Paraphrasing orchidhunter, do you really want to be another unpaid Ruger beta tester?

Give the LCP another year before buying it.

As for the Kahr, wait for people to find flaws in it once it is released before you buy one. Give it a 6 months to a year before buying to make sure there aren't any issues that come up.


Until then, get a Kel-Tec P-3AT.

 

[Girodin]

The Khar .380 looks promising but as has been stated it is hard to recommend a pistol that no one has tested out. I read some where that the Khars have shipped but I have yet to hear of anyone actually having one.

 

[Davionmaximus]

I second the Kel-tec. Tons have been sold. They are proven reliable to go bang. You never want to "beta test" a gun for any of these companys..

 

[papaholmz]

I hadn't realized the Kahr P380 wasn't out yet. So I guess that kind of narrows it down.

Two of you have mentioned the Kel-Tec P-3AT. Don't flame me, but I was under the impression that Kel-Tec was second-rate in quality. If not, then that one looks like a good choice considering the price.

-papaholmz

 

[jocko]

my dealer just got one in today andit was gone in 5 minutes. I have called him every day for 2 weeks. He won't take a down payment on any gun, due to the demand. He just doesn't want to mess with it. Pissed me off but what could I say, I just keep calling and hopefully.

Kahrs are starting to arrive, might be awile before we get decent feed back.

 

[jocko]

my dealer just got one in today andit was gone in 5 minutes. I have called him every day for 2 weeks. He won't take a down payment on any gun, due to the demand. He just doesn't want to mess with it. Pissed me off but what could I say, I just keep calling and hopefully.

Kahrs are starting to arrive, might be awile before we get decent feed back.

 

[kitsapcharly]

My 2 Kel-Tec 380s work fine. They have more experience making them than their imitators at Ruger. Like all machinery(including new cars) they need a break-in period to let them wear in before real use. Pump the action a couple of hundred times. Dry fire it with a snap cap. Carefully feed ammo through the action by racking the slide and keep the mags fully loaded for the springs to wear in a bit.
All this after stripping, cleaning and lubing. Do this with any new gun.
The Kel-Tec is the lightest of all which makes a much bigger difference in pocket carry than in other means of concealment. They have reportedly been stashed in loose bathing suits with a SmartCarry and didn't get spotted even when swimming on and off.
This design is so minimal that it's very touchy to make. No bit of metal is any thicker than it has to be which is why Ruger is having so much trouble copying it. Their Little Copy Gun is often a Little Crappy Gun but Kel-Tec has years of experience at making them and can do it right. Even the Chinese haven't tried to rip off this design and Ruger may wish they hadn't.
Get a Kel-Tec. It doesn't look good but it shoots.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have 3 kel tecs not as pretty as ruger copycat All 3 over 500 rounds and run perfect and never been recalled

 

[FranklyTodd]

First phase of the LCP "beta test" is over - get a 371-###### serial number and you are good to go. Or, get a 370-###### and go through the recall.

Mine is a 370-series, bought April 08 (right after release). It's been flawless, but I'm on the list for the recall anyway - slight improvements in safety and reliability, plus a free new magazine, I'm in...

I would be happy with a Kel-Tec, too, but the LCP is a slightly nicer pistol, IMHO.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I've "beta tested" several hundred rounds down range with my LCP and it works just fine. i can't imagine the Kahr wold be worth anything close to the difference in price. Either the KT or the Ruger are a better choice in my opinion unless you just want to say you own a Kahr.

 

[CPshooter]

I haven't owned a Kahr .380 (obviously), but I have owned a pm9 and let's just say that it was a terrible experience and I won't consider buying another Kahr ever again.

I'm not a Ruger handgun fan but I did buy the LCP. Fantastic gun with a great fit and finish, and most importantly it has been VERY reliable for me so far. I never had problems with mine for several hundred rounds..not a single hiccup. But I sent it in for the recall upgrades anyways. I just got it back a few days ago, but haven't had the chance to shoot it again.

The LCP is a steal considering I got it brand new for $330 OTD. I don't think I'd pay more for a pocket gun anyways. IMO you should go for the Ruger, get a nice pocket holster, and lots of ammo.

 

[legion3]

I've "beta tested" several hundred rounds down range with my LCP and it works just fine. i can't imagine the Kahr wold be worth anything close to the difference in price. Either the KT or the Ruger are a better choice in my opinion unless you just want to say you own a Kahr.

Just insert over 1k in rounds down range with no issues and you have my LCP. In fact I so much enjoyed "beta" testing this gun I purchased another one, and both combined equalled the MSRP for the Kahr.

My pistol was gone for a total of 5 days when it went back to ruger. And so far so good.

 

[Tirod]

My LCP has been just fine, too. The previous feedback on P3AT's was poor in the initial offering. Now, they seem to be fine - just like the LCP.

There are more .380s coming out, including a 1911 Mustang style from SIG, IIRC the news from SHOT 2009. That may be a real hot seller - which means speculators and scarcity. Oh well.

For right now, a Keltec or Ruger for the price, or something larger and more expensive. For later, even more choices. Either way, run a few hundred rounds thru and know you can trust it.

 

[jocko]

lots of good 3890's out there now to choose from...

 

[redneckrepairs]

Ill go against the grain because i have a KelTec P3at. its pretty much the Ruger sans slide stop . I also have a European Walther PPKS, and 3 Kahrs in 9mm and .45 . With all the above being said there is no way i would buy a Kahr .380 at the current price spread . In a similar vein i like the looks of the Rorabaugh 9mms , but i wont buy one given what my kahr pm9 can do and where it can hide . IMHO on the " small " .380 front the only thing a Kahr gives you is " bragging rights " . If a wind up rolex makes sense to you over the current crop of timepieces available then by all means get the Kahr . Heck i may buy one to put up , because they aint gonna sell , nor at the price break do they need to for us average folk .

 

[Jbabbler]

I'm sure the Kahrs will move closer to the $400-$450 price point. The MSRP of a CW9 is $539 but most places sell them for $389-$415. I paid $379 for mine. If I can get one for $400ish than I will probably be a "beta tester". I have a P3at and, aside from the crappy thin finish and mold marks on the polymer, it has been a great gun. I put 100 rounds through it w/o a failure of any kind and started carrying it. I'l put a magazine or two through it at the range when I go but that's it.

 

[camper]

My PM9 is flawless, my LCP should get back from Ruger tomorrow and I'm first on the list at my local dealer for the P380. As for price, I think it will retail in the mid 5s and stay there.

 

[jocko]

camper

just read the first report ont he AR15 forum on the new P380. fella shot 150 ronds of silvertips throuhg his P380 and it was flawless. +1 so far.

I'm envious..