We all know that the 9 mm Parebellum is ~40% to 60% more potent than the .380 ACP out of the same barrel length, but the .380 can't be beat from a carry perspective, (both overall size and fully loaded weight.) Research conducted this evening indicates that the Kel-Tec P3AT and the Ruger LCP are the premier choices in this chambering. It appears that Kahr, Walther and Taurus have been relegated to a catch-up position.
The above photo shows the "new" Ruger LCP overlaid on a Kel-Tec P3AT.
The reverse is shown in this photo, Kel-Tec overlaid on the Ruger LCP.
Pros. + Cons.
The Ruger appears to have a slightly higher quality of finish.
The Kel-Tec's average price is $50 - $70 less than the Ruger.
The Ruger appears to be on back order at every outlet researched due to limited production.
The Kel-Tec is minimally lighter in weight.
The Ruger is slightly larger in overall size.
The Kel-Tec has greater availability of accessories.
The Ruger has a manual slide hold open device, while neither has last shot hold open.
Specialized high performance defense loads are available for both from Cor-Bon and Buffalo Bore which bring these pocket pistols into the pocket cannon category.
It seems to be nearly a dead heat.
My thoughts: Ruger has some cachet over Kel-Tec but mostly due to its stellar performers in the wheelgun category. However, Kel-Tec was first to market in this new category and has had ample opportunity and actual follow through on consumer based quality and performance feedback.
My choice was, and will continue to be, the Kel-Tec P3AT!
Today, July 22, 2008 – High summer temps. have led to Main Stem water temps. in the low 80’s at least twice already in 2008. NY, PA, DE, NJ and New York City all agreed to allow NYDEC to release up to a billion gallons of water under the FFMP.
The above photo shows the "new" Ruger LCP overlaid on a Kel-Tec P3AT.
The reverse is shown in this photo, Kel-Tec overlaid on the Ruger LCP.
The Glacier Park Ground Squirrel is a very shy rodent.
The Hoary Marmot peeks out from its rocky hiding place.
The reclusive Mountain Goat heartily resists having its image captured by tourists.
Glacier's alpine dwelling Bighorn Sheep quickly vacate the area when people are close by.
We were able to capture this rare image of Nicole's people escaping from view along this precarious cliffside game trail.
This small herd was surprised by our appearance around a blind corner a short way further down the trail. Notice the white bonnets and black shoes common to this peculiar species.
Sizable brown and rainbow trout reside there...
Dry flies ruled this day...
Our guide Brian put us onto some good but somewhat difficult fish. Long casts and feeding the whole fly line into the drift was required. The windy conditions did not help matters either. All this casting did, of course, lead to me burying a caddis parachute past the barb into my loevely wife's upper arm. Brian saved the day with an expert hook extrication.
The browns were by far the larger fish, but the rainbows made up for their smaller stature with plenty of jumps, 2-3 feet out of the water.
Fished spent and CDC caddis pretty much all day. During the early afternoon doldrums we tried a San Juan Worm and a caddis pupae under a Thingamabobber. Didn't even get a bump subsurface.
Managed to land a few on my own on Saturday and Monday evenings. Finding spots suitable for wade fishing was rather difficult.
Let it be said, I am most disappointed.
Everyone needs a carving of a fly fishing scene on their alphorn.
Nice...
Perhaps this delicious libation will replace our revered Basil Hayden?
Yeah, I know, more stupid bear pictures. This is one of latest on 06/30/08
