Ruger LCP II
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. · Pistol · Discontinued · 2016
Also known as: LCP II, LCP 2, Lightweight Compact Pistol II
Overview
The Ruger LCP II is a subcompact, semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in .380 ACP, introduced in October 2016 as a significantly improved successor to the original Ruger LCP. Weighing a mere 269 grams unloaded and measuring just 131mm in overall length and 19mm in width, the LCP II is one of the smallest and lightest centerfire pistols ever manufactured, engineered specifically for deep concealment pocket carry. The pistol features a glass-filled nylon grip frame and an alloy steel slide with a blued finish. Key improvements over the original LCP include a redesigned trigger with a shorter, crisper pull and tactile reset utilizing Ruger's Secure Action fire-control system that combines a protected internal hammer with a bladed safety trigger, a last-round slide hold-open function, improved fixed integral sights with a taller profile, front and rear slide serrations for easier manipulation, and an enlarged squared-off trigger guard. The hammer-fired blowback action provides reliable cycling of .380 ACP ammunition through its 70mm barrel with six-groove right-hand rifling at a 1:16 inch twist rate. The flush-fit magazine holds 6 rounds with an optional 7-round extended magazine available. The LCP II quickly became one of the most popular pocket pistols in the United States before being succeeded by the higher-capacity LCP MAX in 2021.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 269 g (9.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 363 g (12.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 131 mm (5.16") |
| Barrel Length | 70 mm (2.76") |
| Height | 94 mm (3.70") |
| Width | 19 mm (0.75") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 26 N (5.8 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 272 m/s (892 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 216 J (159 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .380 ACP · primary — also known as .380 Auto, 9mm Browning Short, 9x17mm, 9mm Kurz
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Internal Hammer Block, Bladed Safety Trigger
- Features: Pocket Sized, Last Round Hold Open, Recessed Hammer, Finger Grip Extension Floorplate, Fixed Integral Sights, Snag Free Profile, Front And Rear Slide Serrations, Enlarged Trigger Guard, Loaded Chamber Indicator
Variants
- Ruger LCP II .22 LR Lite Rack — Caliber Variant
Base model
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Backup)
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carry Market · adopted 2016
Production
Production years: 2016-2023
High-volume commercial production; one of the best-selling pocket pistols in the US before being superseded by the LCP MAX
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 2023
Notes
The LCP II was introduced at the 2016 SHOT Show as a direct improvement to the original LCP, addressing the most common complaints about the first generation: a heavy and gritty trigger, lack of last-round hold-open, and minimal sights. The Secure Action trigger system provides a lighter pull weight of approximately 26 newtons (5.9 pounds) compared to the original LCP's heavier double-action pull, giving it a feel closer to a single-action trigger while maintaining hammer-fired safety. The pistol is not rated for +P ammunition. The LCP II .380 was discontinued around 2023, effectively replaced by the Ruger LCP MAX which fits 10+1 rounds of .380 ACP into a nearly identical footprint using a double-stack magazine design. The .22 LR Lite Rack variant of the LCP II remains in production as a training and recreational pistol. The slide width of just 19mm (0.75 inches) makes the LCP II one of the thinnest semi-automatic pistols on the market, ideal for front pocket or ankle holster carry where printing must be absolutely minimized.
Background
The LCP II addressed every major complaint about the original LCP -- adding a crisper trigger, last-round hold-open, and improved sights -- yet maintained the same incredibly thin 19mm width that made the original a pocket carry legend. It was ultimately retired in favor of the LCP MAX, which fit 10 rounds into a nearly identical footprint.