Ruger LCP II .22 LR Lite Rack
Sturm, Ruger & Co. · Pistol · In Production · 2020
Also known as: LCP II .22 LR, LCP II Lite Rack, LCP II 22
Overview
The Ruger LCP II .22 LR Lite Rack is a micro-compact, hammer-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, introduced in January 2020 as a rimfire variant of the popular LCP II platform. Weighing just 10.9 ounces unloaded (309 grams) and measuring 5.17 inches in overall length with a 2.75-inch barrel, the LCP II .22 LR is one of the smallest and lightest semi-automatic pistols available. The defining feature is Ruger's Lite Rack system, which combines refined slide serrations, pronounced cocking ears at the rear of the slide, and a lightened recoil spring to make the slide significantly easier to manipulate than standard pistols -- a critical advantage for shooters with limited hand strength. The blowback-operated action cycles .22 LR ammunition through a tilting-barrel system, feeding from a 10-round single-stack magazine. The pistol includes a left-side manual thumb safety and a magazine disconnect safety that deactivates the trigger when the magazine is removed. Fixed integral sights are milled directly into the blued alloy steel slide for a snag-free profile ideal for pocket carry.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 309 g (10.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 352 g (12.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 131.3 mm (5.17") |
| Barrel Length | 69.9 mm (2.75") |
| Height | 94.2 mm (3.71") |
| Width | 19.1 mm (0.75") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 23.6 N (5.3 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 280 m/s (919 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 102 J (75 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1400 m (1531 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Glass Filled Nylon |
| Slide Material | Alloy Steel |
| Barrel Material | Alloy Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Thumb Safety, Magazine Disconnect, Internal Hammer Block
- Features: Lite Rack System, Pronounced Cocking Ears, Front Rear Slide Serrations, Fixed Integral Sights, Snag Free Profile, Pocket Sized, Last Round Hold Open, Enlarged Trigger Guard, Textured Grip Panels, Includes Pocket Holster
Base model
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carry Market · adopted 2020
Production
Production years: 2020-present
Remains in production as a training and accessibility-focused pocket pistol, even after the .380 ACP LCP II was discontinued.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The LCP II .22 LR Lite Rack was introduced at the 2020 SHOT Show specifically to serve shooters who find centerfire pocket pistols difficult to manipulate due to the stiff recoil springs typical of locked-breech designs. The .22 LR's low pressure allows a simple blowback action with a much lighter recoil spring, and the Lite Rack enhancements further reduce the effort required to rack the slide. The trigger pull measures approximately 5 pounds 4 ounces (23.6 N) with a short, crisp break. Unlike the .380 ACP LCP II which uses a bladed safety trigger, the .22 LR variant features a manual thumb safety on the left side of the frame and a magazine disconnect safety -- features not present on the centerfire model. The 10-round capacity is notably higher than the .380 ACP LCP II's 6-round magazine, made possible by the smaller rimfire cartridge dimensions. The pistol ships with a soft pocket holster and magazine loader. MSRP at launch was $349. The .22 LR LCP II remains in production even after the .380 ACP version was discontinued in favor of the LCP MAX, as it serves a distinct training and accessibility role in Ruger's lineup.
Background
The Ruger LCP II .22 LR Lite Rack was born from a simple but powerful insight: the biggest barrier to pocket pistol adoption is not size or weight but the physical difficulty of racking the slide. Ruger's Lite Rack system addressed this directly, making the LCP II .22 accessible to elderly shooters, those with arthritis or reduced grip strength, and new shooters intimidated by the stiff recoil springs of centerfire pocket pistols. The 10-round .22 LR magazine also provides double the capacity of the .380 ACP version, making it a genuine defensive option for those who cannot manage centerfire recoil. The pistol found an unexpected secondary market as an inexpensive training analog for the .380 ACP LCP II, allowing shooters to practice their pocket carry draw and presentation drills with cheap .22 LR ammunition.