Kahr P380 vs. Ruger LCP - Is Kahr Worth The Premium?

[marine2541]

You're too bias!

[marine2541]

Let me get this straight....you wouldn't carry a Ruger because it doesn't give you confidence that it would be dependable save your life, BUT it is good enough for you wife? I hope she hasn't seen this critique!

[rossdeutsch]

I just got a Ruger LCP today, I really like it. Eventually I will be in the market for a Kahr but I am pleased with my Ruger so far, and for the price.

[jtmoney606]

i had too send my lcp in too ruger i shot 150 rds of remington umc and amercian eagle and had about 10 jams, the rd fired its just the casing is getting cocked to the side on the extractor and not ejecting. hope they fix the issue and dont keep it long

[MrSchpankme]

IMHO - IF you wanted proven reliability, you would have two (2) revolvers for this interview, not Autos.

[1bigdumb]

Hard to tell with this review which one is better. Lots of Uns and Uhs.

[AntaresInScorpius]

i love the lcp. i dont have any experience with the kahr. i havent had any problems with the lcp.

[mokyan7]

One extra thing, the Kahrs seem to cycle better with the nickel-cased rounds, they are smoother feeding, also make sure you choose a JHP ammo with a tapered nose (test the carry ammo at the range before you carry it). I mention because I've tried different brands, one kind had a flatter nose, it would hit the steep feed ramp and jam. Multiple times.

[mokyan7]

I've noticed that Kahrs have very smooth trigger, and are very accurate, shooting right where you point. Good idea on the grip cover, that checkering really hurts your hand. Plus it adds to grip/traction. Also you can adding the top half of a Kahr rubber grip decals to the grip area above the slip on grip. Hm, the PM has captured/nested spring.

For take down lever you can push the pin out from the right side of the frame, using a hard object, vs. prying up with screwdriver. Great review.

[herrbrahms]

Question about the Kahr P380: is the mag release reversible for a lefty? I kinda doubt it but it's worth asking...

[TheBardicDruid]

The main reason I won't buy Ruger anymore is the lack of quality, as the spring has shown.

[jrumpsa]

dude, you need to drop your mag when field stripping. it releases the tension on the slide lock so that you can just push it out with your thumb. but thanks for the vid. I was contemplating getting the LCP, even after a good friend bought me a CW-9. but after seeing the poor build quality (even being a die-hard ruger man), I'm pretty proud of my kahr!

[frosty1too]

The reason the inner guide rod spring was caught on the guide rod: at some point, it was installed backwards. This often occurs when a weapon is broken down for cleaning, repair, or comparison. Although it cannot be ruled out that it was shipped that way, the odds of that are highly unlikely.. possibly someone has commented on this already, and if so, I apologize for duplication. I did not take the time to look at all the comments.

[MrCleanerNash]

@frosty1too that is possible. thanks for the comment

[tubevideoguy762]

@MrCleanerNash is the ruger worth the extra $200? .....YES, if you can afford it other wise buy any cheap pistol and carry it because being armed is the main issue a good example is the i.o. hellcat 380 another lcp clone but i've heard positive reviews from owners and $100 less than the ruger

[tubevideoguy762]

@MrCleanerNash correction is the KAHR not ruger ...retail for lcp is $300 and its $500 for the kahr

[kiddyuknot]

Came looking for videos AFTER MY RUGER LCP STOPPED PERFORMING CORRECTLY

FIRED ABOUT 250 ROUNDS THROUGH IT WITH 2 JAMS

BUT LAST WEEK WHILE AT THE RANGE it seems like the slide wouldnt close or there was a jam

I couldnt tell to be exact

I changed mags

I had been shooting remingtons brass ( brass hasnt gotten such great reviews) and the thats all the range had so I didnt get a chance to try any other ammo

any thoughts out there

you are correct, after about 50 rounds it is very uncomfortable

[MrCleanerNash]

@kiddyuknot you should definately have ZERO issues with Remington brass. 380's are picky in general that is why I have moved onto the 9mm for my EDC. 

[kiddyuknot]

@MrCleanerNash

thanks

I will also take it apart and clean it

take care

[aphillips3325]

... and definately shoot a box or 2 of your chosen hollowpoint before carrying. Make sure it runs well. Chuck Hawks has a decent article about Self-defense ammo and really likes 90gr Federal Hydra-shok and Cor-bon 90gr JHP. I'm sure either weapon is fine, but take the time to find what ammo IT likes. I personally prefer the Kahr and since break-in, the Hydra-shok runs great. Oh... and a mountain bike tire inner tube sure makes a cheaper option for slip-on grips.

[MrCleanerNash]

@aphillips3325 I agree always put a few hundred rounds of your carry ammo thru the pistol before carrying to make sure its running 100%. I do that with all my carry guns regardless of what the break-in period is. I have used Hydra-Shok and like that as well. The grip was only $10 plus I wanted it to look factory. thanks for the comments and watching.

[aphillips3325]

As a firearms instructor and armorer, I have to point out the obvious... Dude! There's a scented candle on your table!!! ;) Seriously, though. I'll agree that a kahr requires a bit of breakin (I'll go along with 200-300 rounds) but I don't think this is applicable as an "additional cost of owning a Kahr." I would strongly recommend against carrying ANYTHING as a defense weapon that you don't have at lease a few hundred (or more) rounds through.

[bigbully407]

I just bought the LCP and it is a damn good good gun for what it is designed to do. It looks like to me the spring in the back of the Kahr is for the firing pin not recoil.

[MrCleanerNash]

@bigbully407 Yes I agree the LCP is good for the money. It's no Kahr though. If you haven't shot and handled one then you won't know what I'm talking about until you do so.

[Kitchdmn3]

I'm sold. Good video.

[MrCleanerNash]

@Kitchdmn3 thanks bro

[jbravo70]

I just bought a box for plinking. But have been trying to break it in with Winchester fmj & hp. I will try and put another 200 rounds through it and if it doesn't work better I'm gonna send it back to see what they do to it. For that price it should be almost flawless. It's a beauty, got a ct laser for it too. That's what bugs me too about it.

[jbravo70]

I have the Kahr P380 and the Ruger lcp. Both guns feel awesome. Although I wish I could say the Kahr is better...cause I spent so much for it, I give the winner to the lcp. It has not misfired not even once on me. I shot about 300 rounds out of my Kahr and still stovepipes a lot. I think it was Aguila ammo that wouldn't fit in the chamber either...WTF?!?!

A gun has to fire EVERYTIME, with good ammo, otherwise what good is it when you pull it out in a life/death situation?

[MrCleanerNash]

@jbravo70 aguila ammo is garbage...feed it higher grade ammo and it most likely wont stovepipe. The Kahr has much tighter tolerances than the Ruger so it is pickier with ammo. Once you determine what works with it stick with it is about all I can tell you. good luck

[cpallen13]

Hey nice video... I'm glad you too the time to "Fart" with the guide rod and spring. It was nice to see the difference in size.

[MrCleanerNash]

@cpallen13 lol thanks bro appreciate you stoppin by.

[GilligansIsle1]

BTW: Thanks, I needed to vent.

[MrCleanerNash]

@GilligansIsle1 I hear ya buddy its frustrating. My only word of advice is with all the micro compact 9mm's coming out it almost makes the 380 round obsolete. I'd go 9mm or a j-frame revolver 38 sp +P kicks even 9mm ass. :-) good luck man

[GilligansIsle1]

@MrCleanerNash I was looking for something smaller (and thinner) than my S&W 642 revolver which gets tricky to hide in the summer. When I carry my 642, it's loaded with the Buffalo Bore "FBI" load (158g LSWHC +P).

[MrCleanerNash]

@GilligansIsle1 damn that is some serious stopping power in a small package. I just have the hornady critical defense+P not sure the grain. My wifes J-frame is lighter than my PM9 fully loaded.

[GilligansIsle1]

I just sent my P380 back to Kahr. I've watched edgedweapon88's series of videos about his experience and I am not looking forward to this process. I'm sure they'll make it right eventually, but I hate being burned after paying a premium price for what was supposed to be a superior firearm. This is my first Kahr and it will be my last.

[MrCleanerNash]

@GilligansIsle1 I know I had helped him through that process. I did a 3 part series beforehand. I was not impressed with their customer service either. I wouldnt write off Kahr all together though. I've run thousands of rounds through my PM9 with mostly Wal-mart junk and it runs flawless. I've owned almost every 380 on the market at one point and I got rid of ALL of them. Every one had issues. I got out of the 380 caliber all together they are just too picky and I can't trust my life to them.

[GilligansIsle1]

@MrCleanerNash My guess is that it's the size of the firearm chambered for 380. In that caliber, there's a big push to make the firearm as small as possible. For example, scaled down 1911 style 45's were (and many still are) considered temperamental because the energy of the round can't be managed properly by the lighter, compact frames and shorter actions. I'll take your advice and shop 9mm when it comes time to replace the S&W Bodyguard 380.

[MrCleanerNash]

@GilligansIsle1 agreed...Smallest 1911 I go is 4" barrel.

[GilligansIsle1]

Just remember that the true cost of the Kahr P380 is the purchase price, plus the cost of 200 to 300 rounds of ammo to break it in.

[MrCleanerNash]

@GilligansIsle1 depends on the person. I'm gonna run 200 rds through any carry gun regardless if the manufacturer tells me or not so I feel 100% comfortable carrying it.

[GilligansIsle1]

@MrCleanerNash Yes, that's always a wise thing to do. The reason I spoke up about the Kahr P380 is that I bought an S&W Bodyguard 380 recently and it performed perfectly out of the box with a 70 round mix of ball and hollow point. The difference between the two pistols was so dramatic that it made the Kahr look overpriced and finicky. Yes, the P380 is better than an LCP, but is it better than the S&W BG380, which costs $200 less and requires little or no break in?

[MrCleanerNash]

@GilligansIsle1 maybe...I haven't shot a BG380 so I'm not in position to give my opinion. If you've shot both put a vid I'd be interested to watch. thanks buddy

[GNut1980]

does the kahr hurt your fingers when you shoot it?

[MrCleanerNash]

@GNut1980 nope...the Kahr and the Sig P238 are the only pocket pistols I can shoot all day.

[GNut1980]

@MrCleanerNash thnks for telling me!! now im sold on the kahr!!

[GNut1980]

i have an lcp for ccw and i am thinking of replacing it with the kahr..i dont like how it shoots as far as battering my finger and web of hand as you said....good video..

[MrCleanerNash]

@GNut1980 thanks for watching

[GNut1980]

i like the metal that it rides on..it makes a difference but i disagree with it chipping away after continuous use..maybe for the lcp but for the p 95 i had and others also who have put thousands upon thousands of rounds thru them with no worn rails...and the p series does ride on polymer rails

[sbs9026]

I don't see it, your paying $500 for a pocket pistol! This is Not a range gun. With the Kahr, your basically getting an LCP with a auto slide lock, and a slightly smoother trigger pull. NOT WORTH IT !!! IMO

[MrCleanerNash]

@sbs9026 slightly smoother??? You obvioulsy have never shot a Kahr before LOL. Its the smoothest DAO trigger period! and the plastic gritty action of the Ruger doesn't hold a candle. Now is it worth an extra $200 well that is in the eyes of the beholder. thanks for the comment

[obend52]

great video.. i disagree though I bought my ruger lcp for 280 dollars and the crimson trace laser for 150 with a 50 dollars rebate so a total of 380 and i have shot 500 rounds through it and have not had one single ftf or fte...the kahr is definently a nicer gun but the only real differnce is the sights and the laser i was able to buy made the ruger way more accurate..the kahr is probably more ffun to shoot at the range but that isn't what i was looking for in my pocket pistol

[MrCleanerNash]

@obend52 If I did the vid today I'd say the Ruger is more reliable overall. I just couldn't stand the trigger. The kahr trigger is really like butter, one of the best if not the best trigger for DAO pistols. If you haven't ever shot a Kahr you'll never understand till you do. Thanks for the comment its appreciated.

[MichaelBrat3]

Great vid, thanks for sharing

[MrCleanerNash]

@MichaelBrat3 your very welcome sir.

[jumac81880]

Thanks bro, just ordered it for just 10.85 with shipping included. Thanks for the fast response as well. Best wishes to you and your family.

[MrCleanerNash]

@jumac81880 no problem...makes it feel very comfortable.

[jumac81880]

Sup man, I just purchased Kahr P380 and I saw your rubber grip on your P380, where did you get that if you don't mind me asking? I have big hands and would want it to have a thicker handle like that.

[MrCleanerNash]

@jumac81880 Pachmayr #4 slip on grip. Fits perfect.

[mcj5644]

Interesting video, MrCleanerNash. I enjoyed your comparison of these two fine little pieces. By the way, it appears that the recoil assembly on your LCP was "jammed up" because the inner spring was installed backwards (the wider, "flared" end of the inner spring should be aligned toward the muzzle). Happy shootin'!

[MrCleanerNash]

@mcj5644 This was my first time disassembling this brand new gun I just got done shooting for the first time at the range. If thats the case it would be factory error. thanks for watching.

[mcj5644]

@MrCleanerNash I hear you, bud. It seems inconceivable, but factory personnel do occasionally assemble new weapons incorrectly. That's one of the reasons that buyers should *always* take the time to carefully evaluate, disassemble and clean/lube any new firearm prior to shooting it for the first time. Anyhow, enjoy your pistols, bro. I'll keep watching. ;^)

[MrCleanerNash]

@mcj5644 I agree. I usually do with all my guns. thanks for the comment

[emmy1cat]

50 rounds is a non-issue. If you're in a gunfight where 50 rounds are expended, you got the wrong gun in the first place. Its not a range piece. I can see how the Kahr would be more comfortable, its just that CCW need not be comfortable, but it should be a comfort. Its about what does the job and thats confidence in your tools and training.

[MrCleanerNash]

@emmy1cat yes, comfort should not be a main criteria in a pocket gun. I touched on it briefly but it's surely not a decision maker. thanks for watchin!

[mecenas107]

I hear you. I have done the same thing many times, fortunately without any bad results. That is why I am particularly careful. Thanks for replying

[MrCleanerNash]

@mecenas107 No problem. Your right, you can never be too careful.

[mecenas107]

If you are a seasoned shooter you should know that you need to remove the magazine before taking a gun apart. With the Kahr you still had a mag in the pistol so you really violated the first commandment of safety

[MrCleanerNash]

@mecenas107 Yup the mag should have been taken-out prior to slide take-down. Both pistols were safety checked several times before take-down, but I see your point. If you watch any of my other vids, mag is always out before take down. thanks

[garyp53161]

Good comparison

[MrCleanerNash]

@garyp53161 thank you sir

[SmokeRingsPipeDreams]

You get what you pay for when it comes to guns. Ruger makes guns for people who can't afford to spend money on better ones.

[MrCleanerNash]

@SmokeRingsPipeDreams yes I agree...although I'm pretty sure they have better customer service lol. thanks for the comment.

[MrRacer310]

in the video you had a bubble pop up tha said that your wife now carries the p380 and you went with the pm9/cm9. i am tossed between the two and was wondering what made you decide to go with the 9mm vs the 380 as far as ccw weapon goes? i'm a 6ft 230lb guy and was wondering if the p380 would be to small, or if the pm9 is to big for pocket carry or ankle carry. thanks

[MrCleanerNash]

@MrRacer310 Your big guy def would go with the PM9. The P380 can be finicky with ammo. I just did a vid on pocket carry with my PM9 (check it out). Best of luck!

[teammazza]

I get my p380 Fri. can't wait. It will probably be my primary EDC. What ammo does the p380 like best?

[MrCleanerNash]

@teammazza You should be able to run anything but reloads in it. If it hiccups a few times, I'd send it back to Kahr so they can get it runnin' like a champ.

[twcbttn]

Good enough for you wife but not fot you? Better be careful she might read something into that. I know mine would. Just sayin. lol

[MrCleanerNash]

@twcbttn I know didnt realize what I was sayin till after the vid opps...We sold the LCP and she has had my P380 so I'm safe hehe. Thanks for watching!

[jones1inc]

I like the kahr p380 better i did the same type of video.

[MrCleanerNash]

@jones1inc yeah feels alot better in hand and the trigger is like "butter". Yeah I watched your comparison before. Thanks for watching.

[TheYankeeMarshal]

Nice comparison. The Kahr is definitely worth the extra money to me.

[MrCleanerNash]

@TheYankeeMarshal Yeah I agree. If only the customer service was equal to the quality. 

[TheYankeeMarshal]

@MrCleanerNash I keep hearing that from people. I guess I got lucky. I have always had great experiences with their CS. They have even sent me free parts.

[MrCleanerNash]

@TheYankeeMarshal They send free parts that don't fix the real problems at hand (in most instances I've encountered)...I have a 3 part series you might wanna reference and edgedweapon88 does so as well. He has had worse luck than me. Thanks for watching.

[TheFireArmGuy]

Great review and comparison. In my opinion, and your, the Kahr is a far better gun. The $200 is nothing compared to life

[MrCleanerNash]

@TheFireArmGuy Thanks I appreciate the comment. 

[tekinak007]

/watch?v=EEOnW9Kjrlw&feature=f­eedu a good reason to not touch the khar.

[Trombone119]

Thanks. Very helpful review....helped me to make up my mind. ONE QUESTION: What type of rubber grip is that on the P380?

[MrCleanerNash]

@Trombone119 Your welcome. Pachmayr #4 grip fits perfect no trimming needed and makes its a pleasure to shoot. Thanks for watching!

[SnakeStrike77]

Great head to head compare. Im not fimilar with eaither so this was a good education for me. Thanks for sharing.

[MrCleanerNash]

@SnakeStrike77 Yeah, didn't really see a comparsion head-to-head of the two so decided to put one up. I did that vid prior to the Kahr having some FTF issues. I put 100+ rds thru each pistol without a hiccup at this point. Thanks for watching.

[MrCleanerNash]

@SnakeStrike77 Yeah, didn't really see a comparsion head-to-head of the two so decided to put one up. I did that vid prior to the Kahr having some FTF issues. I put 100+ rds thru each pistol without a hiccup at this point. Thanks for watching.

[jbravo70]

How was the accuracy comparison between the P380 & LCP?

[MrCleanerNash]

@jbravo70 Two things that made my groupings with the Kahr alot tighter: 1) It has a set of real sights & 2) the trigger is alot smoother and crisper. I'm lefty and I tend to pull the LCP alittle left and down since the trigger tends to get caught up.

[ustfu]

I like Kahr.

[lpd1122]

good deal. I was looking at getting the p380 as a back up. I can get one for $450 new because of the police discount. your video really helped me decide between that and the LCP. Thanks for making it.

[MrCleanerNash]

@lpd1122 Yeah thats a great price. I think you'll be happier with the Kahr overall. Glad to have helped and thanks for watching.

[lpd1122]

LOL @ 1:50 - 2:05 My life is worth the extra $200... next breath - this one is my wife's. (at least you know where to pinch pennies)

=)

[MrCleanerNash]

@lpd1122 lol yeah I realized that after shooting the vid hehe. If you check out my PM9 Black Stainless vid, she now has my P380 and I have the P9. The LCP is gone she didn't have it long anyway.

[hulkbuster1026]

whats the width difference between the two

[MrCleanerNash]

@hulkbuster1026 Kahr is .75" and Ruger is .82"

[Mrmotomonkey13]

keep to good vids coming