Ruger LCP

The Ruger LCP (Lightweight Compact Pistol) is a subcompact, .380 ACP pocket pistol announced by Sturm, Ruger at the 2008 SHOT Show.

Ruger LCP
Ruger LCP 380 Pistol
TypeSemi-automatic pistol
Place of originUnited States
Production history
ManufacturerRuger
Produced2008–present
Specifications
Mass9.4 oz (270 g)
Length5.16 in (131 mm)
Barrel length2.75 in (70 mm)
Width.82 in (21 mm)
Height3.6 in (91 mm)

Cartridge.380 ACP
ActionSingle Strike Double Action Mechanism
Feed systemDetachable box magazine; capacities:
  • 6+1 rounds (standard)[1]
  • 7+1 rounds (extended)[2]
SightsFixed

Overview

Weighing just 9.4 oz (266.5 g) this is Ruger's first entry into the field of tiny, ultra-light defensive pistols.[3] LCP stands for "Lightweight Compact Pistol" and was designed in direct response to customer requests for a compact firearm for use by police as a back-up, and as a defensive handgun for civilian concealed carry needs.[4]

The pistol has a glass-filled nylon frame, a two-finger grip, and a through-hardened blued steel slide. It is similar in appearance to the Kel-Tec P-3AT which weighs 8.3 oz. and uses a similar tension spring for the lightweight hammer, identical locked breech mechanism, and similar takedown method. The main differences are the Glock style extractor and the incorporation of an external slide stop. It is possible to tell if there is a round chambered by looking at the "view hole" next to the extractor.[5]

In 2013, a seven-round extended magazine was released for the LCP.[6]

Restrictions

The pistol lacks certain features required for sale in California or Massachusetts.[7][8]

Recall

On October 29, 2008, Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. announced a recall of some of the LCP pistols with serial number prefixes less than "371-xxxxx" due to the possibility of some of the guns discharging if dropped onto a hard surface.[9] The recall announcement stated that Ruger would upgrade the hammer system, make other unspecified improvements, and compensate the owner by providing a grip extension, which may be attached to the provided magazine.

Variants

Coyote Special edition

In April 2010, Texas Governor Rick Perry brought further spotlight to the weapon when he used it to shoot a coyote that was menacing him and his daughter's Labrador retriever during a morning jog near Austin.[10] Neither Perry nor his dog was injured, and the governor claims to have left the dead coyote where it fell, stating that "he became mulch". Sturm Ruger has since released a "Coyote Special" edition of the gun to commemorate Perry's encounter.[11]

Second Generation

In 2013, Ruger modified the original LCP to include more prominent sights and a shortened trigger pull.[12] The second generation LCP pistols can be identified by serial number, which lacks the hyphen that was present in the serials of first generation LCPs

LCP Custom

In 2015 Ruger introduced the LCP custom model. It is easily distinguishable by its red hard anodized aluminum trigger which features a shorter improved geometry pull. The LCP Custom also features improved higher profile sights. The replaceable front sight is attached in the same manner as a Glock front sight, and is compatible with the Glock sight removal tool. The rear sight is also replaceable and is affixed with a dove tail slot. The front sight of the LCP Custom is phosphorescent "glow in the dark," while the rear sight is plain black. This model was discontinued with the introduction of the LCP II.

LCP II

Ruger LCP II
TypePistol
Place of originUnited States
Production history
ManufacturerRuger
Produced2016–present
Specifications
Mass10.6 oz (300 g)[13]
Length5.17 in (131 mm)[13]
Barrel length2.75 in (70 mm)[13]
Width0.75 in (19 mm) (slide only)[13]
Height3.71 in (94 mm)[13]

Cartridge.380 ACP
.22 LR
Feed systemDetachable box magazine; capacities:
  • 6+1 rounds (standard)[13]
  • 7+1 rounds (extended)[14]
  • 10+1 rounds (.22 LR only)[15]
SightsFixed iron sights

Announced October 6, 2016[16] with an MSRP of $349 the slightly larger LCP II features updates all around, now locking the slide back when empty and includes a trigger safety. The LCP II is compatible with the original 6-round LCP magazines but not the extended 7-round magazines. However, the LCP II will not lock the slide back when using original LCP magazins, as the original LCP lacked the feature.

See also

References

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