Ruger LCP II Review: Part 1 - Introduction, Specifications and Summary

Ruger LCP II Review
Part 1 - Introduction, Specifications and Summary
May 7, 2017

The Ruger LCP (Light Compact Pistol) was and is still a huge success. Due to its compact size and light weight, I feel it was the catalyst for the increased interest in this size pistol chambered in the 380 auto caliber. A couple of years ago I reviewed the LCP Custom Pistol and have enjoyed it ever since. I also have many friends who own LCP pistols and are very happy with their concealability. With Ruger having such a success with the LCP, then why the LCP II? I can only give my thoughts, but there were some opportunities for change. The first is that Ruger had a clear opportunity to improve on the trigger for this pistol. The original LCP had more of an double-action feel where the LCP II has more of a short single-action feel. My next thought is that Ruger may be changing the overall style of this pistol to be more along the same look as their Ruger American Pistol which I reviewed last year and this look seems to be a current market trend. While making this change in styling, they also improved on the texturing of the grip surfaces and increased the size of the grip giving the shooter better management of the recoil. Ruger also improved on the sights by making them taller and more visible which I feel was needed compared to their basic (not custom) model LCP. Lastly, Ruger gave the LCP II the ability for last round hold open which is a desired feature for many shooters. Overall, these modifications/improvements are what I say defines the second generation of the LCP and this seems like a natural progression for improving this pistol series. Looking back, it makes me wonder why some weren't there from the start.

At the time of this review, Ruger is showing both the LCP and LCP II at their website and both pistols are listed in their 2017 catalog. I'm not sure what Ruger's plans are for the future, but if you are wanting a pistol that has more of a double action trigger pull then I'm sure you can find some good deals out there on the original LCP pistols. There is a good chance Ruger may continue to carry the original LCP just for the double action pull alone, but only time and sales will tell.

The photo below shows my original LCP-Custom and the LCP II. Although they have two significantly different looks, they are very similar in size and and general feel, but the LCP II does have a larger feel because of the additional grip width in the area where the Ruger logo and name are shown. Some of the styling is just a matter of opinion and some does provide functionality. For example, the flatted front of the trigger guard is also textured for you to rap a finger around if desired and the serrations at the front of the slide give another place for gripping the slide when racking the slide or checking the chamber. If you are deciding on which to buy, make sure you look them over carefully to get the style and functionality that you may want.

During my reviews I like to compare my results to the manufacturer's claims where possible so the following text in colored italics was taken directly from the Ruger website on 4/27/17 and gives the Key Features and Specifications for the Ruger LCP II Pistol. The , and are my way to keep up with details that I have covered in this review with either photos, commentary or both.

Key Features

Compact at just 5.17"13.1 cm long and 3.71"94.2 mm tall, the LCP® II is designed to fit a variety of holsters and provide concealed carry options.
Rugged construction with through-hardened steel slide and black, one-piece, high-performance, glass-filled nylon grip frame.
Short, crisp trigger pull with single-action feel.
Textured grip frame provides a secure and comfortable grip. Larger grip frame surface provides better distribution of recoil forces.
Includes finger grip extension floorplate that can be added to the magazine for comfort and grip.
Easy-to-rack slide designed to hold open after last round ejection.
Blued, alloy steel barrel.
Improved sights for superior visibility.
Fixed front and rear sights are integral to the slide, while the hammer is recessed within the slide.
Safety features include bladed trigger safety; neutrally balanced sear with significant engagement and strong spring tension; and hammer catch to help prevent the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled.
Also includes a pocket holster and one 6-round magazine.
Note: Six-round LCP® magazines are compatible with the LCP® II, but will not activate the last round hold-open feature of the LCP® II. Seven-round LCP® magazines are NOT compatible with the LCP® II.

Specifications

Model Number: 3750
Caliber: 380 Auto
Capacity: 6+1
Barrel Length: 2.75"
Overall Length: 5.17"
Height: 3.71" with the flat floor plate installed on the magazine
Weight: 10.6 oz. review pistol weighed 10.7 with extended floor plate and 13.0 with 7 rounds of 90gr ammunition
Grip Frame: Black, High-Performance, Glass-Filled Nylon
Slide Material: Alloy Steel
Barrel Material: Alloy Steel
Slide Width: 0.75" and about 0.91" across the grip
Sights: Integral
Twist: 1:16" RH
Grooves: 6
Slide Finish: Blued
Barrel Finish: Blued
CA Approved: No
MA Approved & Certified: No
Suggested Retail: $349.00

This review is broken down into multiple parts with this page providing links to each part along with an overall summary of the specifications, pros and cons, and my final "bottom line" comments. Make sure you take time to checkout the other parts of the review because they contain many photos and lots of commentary. Also, there is an extreme amount of detail in those parts which is not covered on this page.

As you read these Pros and Cons below, keep in mind that it is hard to keep my particular preferences from creeping in the equation. Therefore, it is important that you take the time to look at the other parts of this review so you can decide yourself on items which may be more of a personal preference.

Pros:

The LCP II includes a pocket holster which I feel was a nice addition to the package.
The forward cocking serrations on the slide are a big improvement from the original LCP.
Longer improved sight radius.
The trigger pull came in at 5.3 pounds and the total travel of the trigger was 1/10 inch shorter than the original LCP.
It has plenty of accuracy potential and I found it to be very controllable.
The slightly wider grip felt better in my hands.

Pro/Con/Comment (you decide)?:

Disassembly requires a small screwdriver or tool and I recommend putting tape or cloth on the slide or tool so that over time you don't scratch the finish on the slide when removing the takedown pin. This is the same comment as on my original LCP-Custom pistol.

Cons:

I feel that every pistol should come with two magazines at minimum. The LCP II only comes with one magazine which might be all that most people would want for conceal and carry situations, yet two magazines would be best for range and training purposes. This was also the same con when I reviewed the original LCP.

Bottom Line:

The original LCP was and is a great pistol and the new LCP II is an even better pistol for what I want in a compact carry pistol. I like a shorter, lighter trigger and also have larger hands and prefer a larger grip, so the LCP II would clearly be my choice if I were making a decision between these two pistols today. On the other hand, there are many people who carry double action only revolvers because of their longer trigger pulls and pull weight which makes pulling the trigger seem more like a very deliberate act from a safety perspective. Again... I feel the LCP II is an improvement and would still recommend this pistol for anyone wanting a compact carry pistol. The pistol proved to be accurate and did cycle all the defensive ammunition I shot without issue. If you are considering a compact 380 Auto pistol, then make sure you check out one at your local gun shop.

You can also checkout a quick summary and a comparison against the original version by watching this video below.

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