3750

TTAG commenter TruthTellers messaged me on YouTube and commented on the Ruger LCP II press release post, sharing concerns expressed by many that the introduction of the LCP II would mean the LCP Custom is going the way of the dodo. We reached out to Ruger for comment and were informed that…

3_1

The original LCP will remain in production. However, they strongly encourage that prospective purchasers try an LCP II before committing to an LCP or LCP Custom. Apparently the LCP II’s trigger is “extraordinarily better than the Custom’s,” and the sights are quite useful yet have lower potential for snagging than those of the Custom.

 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

47 COMMENTS

  1. Well I handled a LCP custom last week. It was OK but certainly wasn’t better triggerwise than the TCP I had a few years ago. Not looking to buy a 380 anyway…but the Ruger and Taurus are soooo cheap now it could happen.

    • I’m not gonna lie and say the reason for my preference for the Gen 1 LCP or LCP Custom isn’t solely based on price, because a lot of why I like those LCP’s is because they can be bought for under $230 after all the shipping, FFL fees, etc.

      A .380 pocket gun shouldn’t cost $500 or more because they’re basically backup guns or they’re primary carry guns for people that, if they must use them, will be taken as evidence by the authorities and a $500+ gun that you may never get back is no small amount of money.

      At the prices the LCP II are selling for now, if the original LCP’s disappeared, the Kahr CW380 may as well be bought because for the extra money, it’s smaller, has the stainless slide, a great trigger, and can handle with ease the hotter “+P” Buffalo Bore .380 JHP loads which penetrate 11+ inches in ballistic gel.

      Last I checked, Ruger makes is pretty clear in the LCP owner’s manual to NOT use +P .380 ammo ever. Not exactly a ringing endorsement to the LCP’s strength.

      • I have a Kahr CW380. I bought it because my primary CCW is a Kahr P9, which I’ve had since the first model year. The P9 was reliable out of the box. The CW380, not so much. Kahr did repair it and make the situation right, but here are the CW380 caveats:

        1) Kahr recommends a 250 round break in. It was a jam-o-matic for the first 100 rounds—failure to go into full battery one out of every 5 rounds. It also failed to lock back on an empty mag, dropped the magazine during firing repeatedly, and somewhere after I’d completed the break in THE SLIDE STOP CAME FLYING OUT. Now, Kahr’s customer service is excellent. I Fed Ex’d the pistol to them on a Friday, they received it on Monday, and shipped it back to me on Tuesday. They basically took the kitchen sink approach to repairing it, and now it is flawless. Feeds everything, but it should have worked OTB.

        2) The recoil spring is ridiculously stout. I could barely retract the slide at first. Kahr’s recommended method for chambering a round is to lock the slide back and depress the slide stop lever. Clearing a malfunction with the tap-rack-bang method may not work with a new CW380.

        Other than that, I think the CW380 is the best deal in tiny .380s. It is every small. Not much bigger than the NAA Guardian or a Seecamp. It’s dirt cheap—I’ve seen it online for just under $300. It’s made in America. The company is outstanding to deal with. And let’s not forget the stainless slide. I’ve polished mine to a high shine. SO BLINGY!

      • @truthteller. The lcp II can be bought for $279 for law enforcement pricing and about $300 or so for civilian pricing. Where are you finding them at $500?? That is a ripoff.

    • Ruger has said on a number of occasions that they are unable, for various mechanical reasons, to produce a striker-fire LCP. They also said they couldn’t produce a striker-fired LC380 for the same reasons. The “ask the CEO” section of their website has a question/answer in this regard.

      • I know a guy with a super tiny mauser in .25 acp. It is striker fired. Made in 1910, the factory magazine it has is worth more than the gun.

        I cannot for the life of me figure out why they cannot do the same for a modern firearm in 2016…..

  4. With many (most) 380 pistols being “pocket” guns, plus the plethora of those that are VERY corrosion resistant… WHY, oh WHY did Ruger not decide on/offer a better finish/material than blued alloy steel for the slide??? I am a BIG-TIME Ruger fan. Blued steel on a pistol designed for CCW???

    • Keepin’ it cheap, and tactical-looking, too.

      I agree that using stainless for the slide (and any other blue-steel parts) would have made more sense.

    • But then it wouldn’t be as cheap, and people would be lured over by the S&W Bodyguards and such.

  5. I’m a fairly big fan of the original LCP, I carry one 5 days a week. Last round hold open is a big selling point for me, and if it comes with a shorter trigger pull, I’m a buyer.

  7. The safe-action style trigger and slide lock is are great improvements but going back to the tiny sights are a step in the wrong direction. The “bunny ears” need to at least be an option. I will keep me red trigger Custom for now since I can make consistent hits at 20 yards.

    • Took bright white appliance paint & painted the sights on my LCP Custom–carefully only put the paint only under the front photoluminescent dot–this makes for a great sight set up–extremely accurate gun with a great trigger

  8. Thanks for the post. I really, really beg to differ on the LCP Custom’s trigger. I haven’t of course fired the LCP 2 trigger, but I have lots of rounds through my LCP Custom and I think it is frankly an absolutely awesome DAO trigger. And perfect for the gun. I wouldn’t want a SA trigger on a tiny little pocket 380 like this. I’m not planning on shooting it for groups like an Olympian. The DAO on the Custom is it’s safety too. The pull is smooth and breaks consistently at a good spot and very crisply. The wide trigger shoe also makes it very comfortable for such a small frame. This is very different that the old LCP trigger which the worst trigger I had on any gun. The pull was longer than my penis, stacking, and finally broke somewhere in the middle of the magwell, or so it felt. And the sites were non existent. On the Custom, the sites are perfect for the gun. I’ve had zero snagging issues and it’s my EDC, and I’m actually carrying it. If you haven’t actually shot at least a box of ammo through the Custom, then it’s hard for you to make an accurate assessment. I’m a trigger snob, have more guns than pairs of socks and I think the LCP Custom trigger, and the whole set up by the way (with a hogue hybrid LCP grip cover in a Recluse holster) is an awesome package. And I have many options to choose from too. Just my .02c. Oh, and if Ruger hasn’t discontinued the Custom, well they may have stopped actually producing them, because they have almost disappeared off of Gunbroker and the price went up by at least 50 bucks too. Not too long ago, there were gaggles of them on GB. I paid $239 for mine. Might still be the best value gun purchase I’ve made to date. But, to each his own. Go with the new LCP 2 with the updated styling and the olympic trigger and you can look real silly squinting one eye and posing like KJW on the range shooting your little tiny pocket gun for groups 🙂 For me, the LCP is my ‘oh shit, this is real, get off me’ gun. Peace

    • Agree that the trigger on the Custom is perfect for this type of gun–even though I also did not care for the trigger on the original LCP, it was still WAY better that a lot of triggers currently on guns from Remington, S&W, Kahr and a few others–if you want the absolute worst functioning .380, try a Beretta Pico–Ruger is the process of moving LCP production & I wonder if it will be restarted at the plant the are gearing up for LCP production–also so far can not tell whether there will be 2 plants making LCP’s or just the new one

      • I think all production at the Newport, NH plant is going to end soon. Labor cost is higher in New Hampshire than Tennessee or Arizona and the winter season up there really hurts production.

        Sad to say, but manufacturing in New England is never coming back. Which is fine, I can’t wait to leave Rhode Island.

        • Mayodan, NC is shaping up to be maybe Ruger’s new headquarters–they are moving a lot of stuff there–Shop Ruger, AR 556, SR 762, American Rifle, SR 22 Pistol plus other yet to announced new production and new introductions

    • My sentiments exactly. Well said. I am now on my third LCP. I handled the New LCP ll at the local gun shop and really did not like the light trigger. The LCP 2nd gen is perfect and much more safe for a pocket gun. I can shoot fast, and quickly to target with my LCP 2nd gen and with great results. I know there are folks that want to turn a pocket pistol into a range target gun, but not me. I do like the larger trigger guard on the new model. But not worth investing in $300.00 for a gun that is just as good and safer. And why only one lousy mag? Now to get three you are talking about $330. for a “throw away pocket gun”.

    • According to my sources, the original LCP has already been moved to Ruger’s Mayodan, NC factory with the LCP Custom to resume production in Prescott, AZ when caught up with the demand for the LCP II–indeed, Davidson’s had an absolute boatload of the Customs on sale Cyber Monday at such a low price that I am now mad I did not order another for the heck of it–I like the Custom better than the ‘II’ for my tastes–the LCP is in production in Mayodan & I hope that Prescott does resume the Custom or just move it to Mayodan also–Mayodan produces the American Rimfire, SR 762, SR 556, AR 556, SR 22 Pistol & original LCP and is home to Shop Ruger–would be interesting to see if their Corporate Headquarters go there too

  10. I literally bought a Gen2 (not a synth) LCP last week. Just my luck a new one comes out right after.

    • I’m right there with you. Plus I bought accessories (Crimson Trace and a Desantis holster). Oh well. Still a great pocket carry even if it isn’t the latest and greatest.

  11. Saw a LCP II at a gun store just yesterday and they were looking for $270 which is reasonable for a brick and mortar. I liked the feel of the gun and may go back and buy it. It would be by far the smallest pistol and the least powerful I ever owned, but I would like a pocket gun for backup.

    • Load it up with Ruger ARX ammo made by Polycase & you will find performance close to that of 9mm normal loads

  12. Jeremy, thank you for getting an answer from Ruger on this. Much appreciated.

    Ruger’s statement didn’t explicitly say anything about the Custom, just the original LCP as a whole so the only definitive answer we will all get on whether current production of new LCP Custom’s is finished is time.

    As for Ruger’s adamant position on the LCP II’s trigger being “much improved” I just have to ask the question: How good of a trigger does one need for a gun that’s built for engagements of 15 yards or less?

    • If yours was made in 2012 or newer, I would say no–Ruger made some good running improvements to the LCP, culminating with the Custom version–I have no desire to trade my Custom for the ‘II’

  14. I traded my two gen 2s in on two IIs. They are awesome, they are just enough wider that they fit better and are extremely better at managing follow up shots FOR ME. I have no regrets and about 400 rounds through each of mine.

    • the ‘original’ LCP in it’s updated 2nd gen design is being moved to a new plant–still have not confirmed if the ‘Custom’ will resume production–tried a LCP II & I am going to stick with my Custom, might even get a second one–nice having choices

  15. I put 200 rounds through my brand new LCP II today… i never shot the original LCP or custom so i cant compare them.. that being said.. the trigger of the II felt very good, almost like my SR9c.. smooth, clean break, short reset… it felt good in the hand, albeit a bit small.. i would have thought it would have been pretty snappy, but it wasnt.. much more tame than say, the LC9s. overall i like the LCP II a lot.. .and it fits perfectly in my back pocket.

  16. Ruger lcp is a great gun for people who are looking for a small weapon to use for their concealed carry. I would recommend buying this gun new since you can then ensure proper maintenance. Most lcps are relatively cheap. I was thinking of buying another one for my cousin, but I want some advice. I have linked below a site I’m looking at, but I would appreciate if anyone here can let me know about better sites/deals. https://www.gunsforsalereviews.com/ruger-lcp-380/

    • I have 2 LCP Customs, absolutely fabulous. The Custom IS going back into production at Prescott, AZ where the new ‘II’ is made. The original LCP is now being made in Mayodan, NC, Ruger’s newest plant. As for info: ‘gunwatcher.com’ automatically scans every known ad in US for best prices on any gun. Sites that are really hard to beat with prices & service are; ‘sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com’–‘grabagun.com’–‘CDNN,com’–‘galleryofguns.com’. Gallery of Guns is a major Ruger distributor & you automatically get a lifetime replacement warranty, if the gun becomes unrepairable you get it replaced free; highly improbable with a Ruger. Good idea to stick with Ruger; 100% American Made down to the RAW materials & undisputably have the best customer service.

  17. the ruger is definately a great gun for beginners. The compactness of it makes it perfect for women especially since they can conceal-carry with ease. I really like the lcp custom since its just a great all round gun. For anyone interested, I have linked below a site I bought mine from, just in case anyone here was looking to buy one:
    https://www.gunsforsalereviews.com/ruger-lcp-380/

  18. All great comments here. As for objectivity, I own about 13 guns different calibers and models. As a matter of fact, I am a sucker for good advertising to where I have to own the latest and greatest. I read every review and watch every YOUTUBE video before I purchase thinking to myself, that’s the safest bet. I guess when you fall for the same thing more than 10 times, they are no longer the sucker, you become the sucker. My whole thing after getting my concealed carry was to find the gun that everybody was carry. So I bought a G19, G23, Kahr, Keltec, HK P30, CZ P07, Glock 23, Sig P938.. tried them all and found myself leaving the gun at home when I went out simply because it was annoying to sit with the gun poking out when I sat down or the weight pulling at my shorts.

    Finally I thought I found what I was looking for with the M&P Shield 9mm, I liked it so much that I spent nearly $200 on an Apex trigger, which is incredible.. but once again the weight of the fully loaded pistol made me leave it at home or in the car most of the time.

    Long story short (LOL) I read about the lightest guns available in any caliber and of course the .380 came up, which I never felt I would carry in a million years, because it’s a woman’s purse gun – right? Wrong. I read the ballistics tests and saw that with the right ammo, they could also be quite powerful. So I purchased the LCP Custom. What can I say, but having owned just about everything out there, the LCP Custom is something I put in my pocket and carry everyday. It’s light, consistent at the range, and the red trigger looks pretty trick. Anyway, I am about to start selling all my other pistols as I know I am now spoiled and will never carry them again. So before you buy into the hype, do the technical research and don’t fall for the marketing hoopla as I did. I could have saved myself a lot of time and money.

    • The Ruger LCP Custom is truly a great firearm. Beyond easy to carry & actually very powerful with Ruger ARX ammo. The .380 ACP ARX rounds will blow up a water jug like a good HP 9mm or 38 Spl +P. Also makes the gun even a little lighter to carry. Had a guy shoot my Custom right after he shot his S&W with the same ammo; the Ruger was better in every aspect. Everyone at the range remarked on the difference. Not positive, but the Custom may go back into production at Prescott when caught up with LCP II production. The original LCP is up and running at Mayodan, NC.

Comments are closed.