[MillCreek]

Over on THR, I read a posting about the new Ruger .380 just announced at the Shot Show: www.ruger.com/LCP/

It is a locked-breech .380 pistol within a smidgen of the size and weight of the Kel-Tec, and with a steel slide and polymer frame. MSRP of $ 330, and retail is expected to be around $ 250-275, from what I have seen so far. 9.4 oz. unloaded and 6+1 capacity.

If they come out with a stainless slide (for the corrosion resistance), I just might have to pick one of these up as a new bicycling gun.

 

[flyandscuba]

I've had Kel-tec products for years -- spent some time at the factory in Cocoa on a few occasions. I've appreciated the innovative design and business smarts that Geroge Kelgren has used to create a successful business.

I heard him say that when people copy his firearms designs -- it is the highest form of compliment.

That said, I will buy one of these new Ruger offerings -- simply because they added a slide stop on their P3AT copy (which it obviously is).

 

[Bubba]

I look forward to more information coming out on this. Sounds like a good back up pocket gun.

 

[Taurus_9mm]

I'm sure it'll pique the interest of more than a few mousegun aficionados.

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=3701&return=Y

 

[Bubba]

Have they announced when they will release it?

 

[Gopher]

Ruger selling a CCW sized gun to the public, what is this world coming to? What's next, 30 round Mini 14 mags to civilians?

 

[Taurus_9mm]

Ruger selling a CCW sized gun to the public, what is this world coming to? What's next, 30 round Mini 14 mags to civilians?

I'm glad I didn't have a mouthful of coffee when I read that Gopher or it would have been all over my monitor.

 

[Jkwas]

I have been shamelessly beating the drum for Keltecs since I purchased one. As far as an everyday go anywhere CCW, it is the best concept to come along the pike yet. The people who usually rip into them are always trying to compare them to a finely crafted high end firearm, and there remarks have merit. These small plastic pocket guns, like the Keltec and Rugtec are in a different category. They are light and somewhat less than strongly built, but they have to be in order to acomplish their mission. Hopefully other manufacturers will also get in the game as well. That would be really cool.

 

[Taurus_9mm]

I've considered a Kel-Tec P-11 9mm different times in the past but other purchases ultimately won out in the end. It's still a possibility however. I'm curious to see if Ruger will offer their own version of the P-11 as well.

 

[MillCreek]

If this new Ruger pistol is successful, I wonder what action it may spur on the part of Taurus. I have often thought that if Taurus came out with a somewhat smaller single-stack 9 mm version of the Millennium Pro, this would be a hot seller. If they were available with a titanium slide, I would certainly buy a couple.

 

[thunderjohn]

I like it. I still have a KelTec P-32 & P-11. Had some troubles with the 380's I had, so I let them go, but this Ruger will be interesting to try out. Would like to have a pocket 380 again.

 

[Smokewagon]

I've been looking for a pocket gun and this one has my interest up. :clap: Rugers are great in my book. :thumb: I really like the polymer material and steel finish on my P345. Are they out yet?

 

[Steelheart]

I've been seriously thinking about getting a P32/P3AT in the near future. Now I'll have to add this to the equation.

There's a pic on Gunblasts Shot Show page under Day 2.

Steelheart

 

[VegasGuy]

I've been seriously thinking about getting a P32/P3AT in the near future. Now I'll have to add this to the equation.

Same here. I was at my favorite gun shop three days ago looking for a Kel Tec P3AT and a Judge 3" Magnum. They didn't have any so I started calling around. I only found one gun store in Vegas with any Kel Tec 380's in stock, and they wanted $339 (that's not a typo). I'll pass at that price.

This new LCP 380 gives me another option. From the ShotShow video it looks like it may have better fit and finish. I have to echo MillCreek's sentiment about a S/S model. If they come out with a S/S version my decision is dead simple. I'll probably get a blued version in the mean time anyway.

Here's the video:
http://www.downrange.tv/shotshow2008/?p=21

BTW, I read on another site that they expect them to hit the streets in March. The street price is anybody's guess, but $280 seems reasonable. $250 would be great.

 

[Jkwas]

Yes, if you can wait it out look at the new LCP. At least then you can really compare the two. Of course I would be leary of purchasing any new design upon its introduction. Maybe let them work the bugs out first. And if it's a hot seller, don't be surprised if they get $350 or better until they get out there in circulation. I had a tough time finding my P3at. I'm to understand that Keltec makes 1000/week and still can't meet demand! I also read that Keltec has a full 1/2 of the .380 market in the US. No wonder Ruger was so hot to jump on a cash cow. Last time I looked, Buds was sellling the P3at for about $275 delivered. So If you know a FFL that will do a reasonable transfer, that would be another way to go.

 

[alfsauve]

Another new Ruger...?

There is the LCP coming in March. Not clear, but appears to be DAO. .380ACP only and I would guess as competition to the Walther PPK. MSRP of $330.

http://ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=3701&return=Y

 

[alfsauve]

Is it a DAO with a protected hammer? Is it really locked breech? Hard to tell from skimpy drawing.

 

[Steelheart]

I'm not sure on the protected hammer but since it appears to be aimed right at the KelTec P3AT I'm almost positive that its DAO and uses a locked breech.

Steelheart

 

[Jkwas]

It's an exact copy except for the extractor. The Keltec hammer is at "half-cock" ready to fire with a 5lb trigger. The Ruger may be DAO as it has an 8lb trigger. But the internals are essentially the same. It is locked breach as well.

 

[Smokewagon]

My range/gun shop owner has some on order. Says they will most likely go for under $300 bucks. :thumb: :yipee: