Gun of the Day - Ruger LCP .380

Well, well, well. What do we have here? No, SayUncle, it's not a Kel-Tec. First difference is the slide stop (a definite plus). Second, a much nicer grip. Third, it's been rounded in all the right places making for a smoother and more finished overall appearance. Fourth, the extractor is different and resembles more that found on a Glock.

On the other hand, it really does look like it's almost the same pistol and the dimensions and specs are almost identical. Even the pins all appear to be in about the same place.
In fact, a good long look at the exploded schematics of the Ruger and comparing it to the Kel-Tec P3AT it's apparent that the two pistols have more than a passing resemblance inside as well as out.

It will be interesting to see if Ruger and Kel-Tec have an agreement or will have an upcoming court date...

Regardless of how it looks, Ruger has apparently decided to seriously enter the concealed-carry market by releasing the LCP. It took them long enough. Ruger has been notoriously worried about what the military and police folks want in the handgun market while ignoring the private citizen. Apparently someone in the accounting department noticed that a lot of folks are buying pocket pistols and that that money wasn't going to Mr. Ruger's venture. Adding a little hope to the idea that maybe Ruger is going to really start paying more attention to the consumer is their new marketing for the little LCP (which even includes a picture with the pistol next to an iPod). In addition, there is a new tone from the President's office:

"The development and introduction of the Ruger LCP is in direct response to customer demand," said Ruger President, Stephen L. Sanetti. "We have not been part of this market, but the growing number of states authorizing the licensed carry of pistols for personal protection by law-abiding citizens, and continued demand by law enforcement for quality back-up guns, cannot be ignored. The Ruger LCP is a .380 Auto pistol with superior ergonomic design and handsome styling. It incorporates state-of-the-art polymers, aircraft quality aluminum alloys and high-grade precision steel components engineered for strength and maximum weight savings."

We'll have to see how well the LCP pans out in the tests when it debuts in March. It's $330 price point is close to the Kel-Tech and won't hurt make it into a serious contender in the pocket pistol category.

Caliber: .380acp
Capacity: 6+1
Barrel: 2.75" steel
Weight: 9.4 oz
Length: 5.16"
Height: 3.6"
Width: .820"
Trigger pull: 8 lbs.
Slide: Blued hardened steel
Frame: High performance glass filled nylon