Which one and why??

I have both. The Ruger is more refined but no better in my opinion. The Ruger will rust if carried in your front pocket like I do. I mostly carry the hard chromed P3AT from Kel-Tec. No rust problems at all.

Ruger hands down there was only $20 difference but the fit and finish of the Ruger is superior

I've got the P3AT and carry in the front pocket in a blackhawk pocket holster.

I carry it all the time and forget it's there. Ruger borrowed the Kel Tec design, so they are about the same with fit and finish going to Ruger.

The Kel Tec has the better customer service and I've dealt with both!

also the ruger has a steel extractor that is substantial, the p3at is stamped sheet metal; also the LCP has a slide open lever that will allow you to lock it open while cleaning or not shooting.

I too have owned both. +1 for the Ruger LCP.

......and I would not recommend carrying any handgun in your pocket without a holster.

Bob

I'm guessing that by substantial vs stamped you mean heavier?
I'm not a big guy(5'6 and 145 soakin') so if I'm carrying in the front pocket I don't want it to look like I have a chubby I may not carry in the front pocket anyways I may go with a IWB but not sure if that's the route to go either. ahhh choices...
I was leaning towards the Ruger anyways but got a recommendation to look at the Kel-tec.

Thanks for the responses

Very simular pistols, I have one of each. The LCP has better fit and finish, but does cost more. Reliability pretty much the same, no issues with either. I carry he Kel-Tec more, Wallet holster works for either

After talking to some others..it seems many own both but carry the Kel-tec any particular reason why???

I'd recommend the Taurus TCP.

If you actually carry one you will know why! It's practically invisible and so light you forget you have it on.

It's the thinnest and lightest 380 out there and the grip is textured in a way that is easy to grip.

My buddy has a Keltec (that I have shot) and I have the LCP. The Keltec was ammo picky and up to this point the LCP hasn't been.

I like the LCP and its easiness to conceal the only thing I don't like about it when you empty a mag it doesn't lock the slide open. Not a big deal for me but more for my wife, she has a hard time pulling the slide back on any auto. She likes her Glock better than anything else I have had her shoot...a close 2nd was a Bersa though.

Good luck.

Keltec p32. If u carry it iwb, put the 10 round mag in it to have a full grip. 7 round mag for pocket carry. Or if u think iwb is more useable for u, get a keltec pf9. Very easy to conceal iwb. If u have to have 380, you wont make a bad decision with the p3at, lcp or tcp.

I've carried a Glock, full size as my CC firearm for several years, and I also had a Glock 26, and I never owned a pocket pistol until I bought the Kel Tec after I renewed my license this last summer, and I find myself carrying all the time where in the past I would at times not carry.

As for locking back, it's not that big a deal with the small pistol as it's not a range gun, and for it's purpose it just gets the job done.

I thought I would feel undergunned, but seriously who wants to get shot with a .380 and at close range, and after a few well placed shots will forget about trying to harm you and start worrying about those new little holes you just put in their body.

As I typed this I had to pat my pocket to see if I was wearing my P3AT, and yep, it's still there!

I know the LCP is a better seller. and I agree with bob, I wouldn't carry one outside of a holster. There was an incident where someone discharged a firearm in their pocket in a Walmart checkout line just about a week ago in Stephenville. Had to have hung a key or something. I didn't hear of any injuries luckly. Just seems like a good way to shoot yourself in the leg to me.
+1 for LCP
Tom

I agree look into the TCP before buying one I shot all 3 before I bought one. I choose the TCP it has best trigger of the three better fit and finish than kel-tec it also has bolt hold open on last shot.