Ahh, bad news for Kel-Tec.

I’ve never actually look at MSRP on a Kel-Tec. I was thinking the P3AT was retailing for $260ish.

I didn’t even really look when I bought my P32 or 380, but I’m pretty sure I gave $219 for .32 and $230 something for the .380. Ruger always has been a proud company so a $100 jump didn’t surprise me. My bad.

And for anyone talking about royalties or licensing, kel-tec doesn’t hold a single patent for any of their guns. All of their designs are derivatives of earlier guns and wouldn’t stand up to a patent challenge even if they filed for one.

I too am pleasantly surprised Ruger is selling a pistol clearly geared for civilian concealed carry. More competition in this area can only lead to more innovation & better firearms. If I didn’t already own a P32 & PF9 I might consider it.

Does Ruger know that people might actually use this for protection (shoot someone)?

Is anyone surprised it’s $100 more than a Kel-Tec? I still might buy one.

Here’s an interesting disconnect between the gun press and the Real World. Yesterday I talked to several Powers That Be in the gun mag business. One of the big questions was what did I think of the little Ruger LCP .380. I waxed enthusiastic about the little blaster for all the obvious reasons…light, built like a small tank, incredibly attractive pricing ($330 MSRP), etc.

I got some raised eyebrows. “But Michael,” said one P-T-B, “a .380? Big whoop.” NOT A 1911! NOT A BATTLE RIFLE! Well, for most people, people who aren’t paid to carry a gun every day, it is a big whoop. A lot of us have said repeatedly that the key to carrying a gun is carrying a gun…every single time you’re out of the house. That is harder than one might think…its so easy to not put that on that gunbelt, load in the Glock or 1911, etc. when you’re gdoing to the convenience store or running out to walk the doggie. For people in the Real World, the Ruger LCP makes carrying being safe a lot easier, and it puts effective self-defense with a quality gun from a company with an undeniable reputation for quality and durability within reach of a lot more people.

For all intents and purposes, with modern ammuntion the .380 is the equivalent of the much beloved .38 Special in small J-frame revolvers — in a smaller and lighter package. Let me put it this way…yesterday I ordered one of the little Rugers for me for test & evaluation…I also ordered one for my Sweetie’s purse.