The early keltecs had a lot of problems, customer service fixed every one, and also asked customers to fluff and buff. This went on for about two years, including an unannounced release of a Gen 2 version.
The Ruger - which, by the way, does not compromise any copyright designs, as these things have been generic in autos for decades - posted a recall to improve the drop safety after three customers had accidental discharges and poked holes in the furniture.
Frankly, .45 auto shooters should be that good.
Nonetheless, Ruger stood the full charge of retro-fitting every single one, just as they do with every SAA ever made. You got a new magazine and hat for free, too, all shipping on them. Compare that to the non-existent Keltec recall - which left customers handling it as a service issue. Both companies do it well, you choose.
I bought mine right in the middle of the boutique buyers rush the first summer, and since November of that year, demand has gotting higher. Ruger set the record for producing the most handguns of a new model, ever, in American history that year.
Whether a recall - which was to improve safety on a pistol that was already approved under government safety standards - is an example of Ruger beta testing the market or not, again, you choose. I see it as a response to the vast majority of buyers who now no longer have any proper training from home, school, or experience in the military. Growing up, all were available - I shot .22 International in high school, and one in ten had served at least one three year enlistment. Now, it's one in one hundred. The public has become pretty clueless - but they still buy firearms hand over fist.
I like my LCP, I can hold it with at least three fingers, not being completely supersized living in a McMansion anyway. Got mine for $260 by being on a list. You don't have to spend $$$ at a gun show. MSRP is really that, of course, and Keltecs are on the shelf. Right now, I don't see much difference in reliability, and if it matters, customer service for both is great.
Do try one out before you buy - the short grip and long trigger pull aren't for everyone. It's not a range pistol, either. It's Ruger's change of heart that weapons are meant for exactly that, and they have even come out with a honest tactical version of the Mini14 - with hicap magazines. Whoa!
Little Crappy Pistol? Copy of the P3AT? Don't write them off, it's the biggest growing segment of the firearms market.
