Ruger Lcp vs Lcp 2: Which Pocket Pistol Reigns Supreme?
Looking for the ultimate concealed carry pistol? The world of pocket pistols can be overwhelming, but two names consistently rise to the top: the Ruger LCP and its successor, the LCP 2. Both are designed for discreet carry and personal protection, but a few key differences set them apart.
This comparison delves into the specifics, helping you decide which Ruger LCP model best fits your needs. We’ll explore everything from size and weight to features and performance. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each pistol.
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to concealed carry, understanding the nuances between the Ruger LCP and LCP 2 is crucial. Get ready to discover which pocket pistol is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and personal defense strategy. Let’s dive in and see which one comes out on top!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | LCP | LCP 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .380 ACP | .380 ACP |
| Capacity | 6+1 | 6+1 |
| Weight (oz) | 9.4 | 10.6 |
| Overall Length (in) | 5.16 | 5.17 |
| Height (in) | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Width (in) | 0.82 | 0.9 |
| Barrel Length (in) | 2.75 | 2.75 |
| Sights | Fixed | Fixed |
| Trigger | DAO | Improved DAO |
| Grip | Textured Polymer | Textured Polymer |
| Frame Material | Polymer | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Size and Weight
- Ruger Lcp: Extremely compact and lightweight, making it ideal for deep concealment. However, this small size can lead to a less comfortable grip and increased felt recoil. Weighs approximately 9.6 oz unloaded.
- Lcp 2: Slightly larger than the original LCP, providing a more comfortable grip and better handling. Still very compact and lightweight, making it easily concealable. Weighs approximately 10.6 oz unloaded.
- Winner: LCP 2
Trigger
- Ruger Lcp: Features a long, heavy, and somewhat spongy trigger pull. This can make accurate shooting more challenging, especially for new shooters.
- Lcp 2: Boasts a significantly improved trigger with a shorter, crisper pull and a more defined break. This results in better accuracy and easier shooting.
- Winner: LCP 2
Grip and Ergonomics
- Ruger Lcp: The small grip can be difficult for shooters with larger hands. The lack of texture can also make it slippery.
- Lcp 2: The grip is slightly larger and features improved texturing, providing a more secure and comfortable hold, contributing to better control.
- Winner: LCP 2
Sights
- Ruger Lcp: The original LCP has rudimentary sights, essentially a groove in the slide, which can make target acquisition difficult at longer ranges.
- Lcp 2: Features improved sights, though still small, they are easier to acquire than the original LCP.
- Winner: LCP 2
Magazine
- Ruger Lcp: Typically comes with a 6-round magazine. Magazine release is functional, but the small size makes manipulation a bit awkward.
- Lcp 2: Uses the same 6-round magazines as the original LCP, but the magazine release is slightly improved.
- Winner: Tie
Recoil Management
- Ruger Lcp: Due to its small size and light weight, the LCP has a significant amount of felt recoil, which can make follow-up shots more difficult.
- Lcp 2: While still snappy, the slightly larger size and improved grip of the LCP II help to mitigate recoil somewhat, making it more manageable.
- Winner: LCP 2
Safety Features
- Ruger Lcp: The original LCP has a double-action-only trigger, which acts as a safety feature. There is no external manual safety.
- Lcp 2: Maintains the double-action-only trigger and adds a last-round hold-open, but still no external manual safety.
- Winner: Tie
Overall Build Quality and Reliability
- Ruger Lcp: The original LCP is known for its reliability and simplicity. It’s a robust pistol designed for concealed carry.
- Lcp 2: Builds upon the LCP’s reputation for reliability, with an improved design that addresses some of the original’s minor weaknesses.
- Winner: LCP 2
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Trigger | LCP 2 |
| Ergonomics | LCP 2 |
| Concealability | LCP |
| Value | LCP |
| Overall | LCP 2 |
What They Have in Common
- Caliber: Both pistols are chambered in .380 ACP, making ammunition readily available. This commonality ensures that users can easily find and purchase ammunition for either firearm.
- Magazine Capacity: Both the LCP and LCP 2 share a standard magazine capacity of 6+1 rounds, providing a similar amount of firepower in a compact package. This helps maintain a balance between concealment and stopping power.
- Concealability: Both pistols are designed for deep concealment due to their small size and lightweight design. This makes them ideal for concealed carry in various environments.
- Fixed Sights: Both models come equipped with fixed sights, which are simple and reliable for quick target acquisition at close ranges. This design choice prioritizes ease of use and durability.
- Polymer Frame: The use of a polymer frame in both pistols contributes to their lightweight nature and resistance to corrosion, enhancing their suitability for everyday carry. This makes them more durable.
Ruger LCP vs LCP 2 Buying Guide
Concealability
Both the Ruger LCP and LCP 2 excel in concealability, making them ideal for everyday carry. Their small size and lightweight design allow for easy concealment in various carry methods, such as inside the waistband or pocket carry. The original LCP is slightly thinner and lighter, potentially offering a marginal advantage for deep concealment. However, the LCP 2’s improved ergonomics and grip texture can make it easier and more comfortable to handle, which contributes to a more confident carry experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences and carry style.
Ergonomics and Grip
The Ruger LCP 2 significantly improves upon the original LCP in terms of ergonomics. The LCP 2 features a redesigned grip with a more aggressive texture, providing a more secure and comfortable hold, even with wet hands or during stressful situations. The LCP, on the other hand, has a smaller, smoother grip that can feel less secure for some shooters. The LCP 2’s improved grip allows for better control and faster follow-up shots, enhancing the overall shooting experience. This makes the LCP 2 a better option for those who prioritize handling and control.
Trigger Mechanism
The trigger mechanism is another area where the LCP 2 shows improvement. The LCP features a long, heavy, and somewhat mushy trigger pull, which can make accurate shooting challenging. The LCP 2 boasts a much-improved trigger with a crisper break and a shorter reset, facilitating faster and more precise shot placement. This enhanced trigger mechanism contributes significantly to the LCP 2’s overall shootability. The LCP 2 trigger is a major selling point for those looking for a better shooting experience in a small, concealed carry pistol.
Accuracy and Sights
The LCP 2 generally offers improved accuracy compared to the original LCP. While neither pistol is designed for long-range shooting, the LCP 2’s better trigger and improved grip contribute to tighter shot groups at typical self-defense distances. The LCP has rudimentary sights, making target acquisition more difficult. The LCP 2 offers slightly improved sights, though they are still small and minimalist. The enhanced sight picture of the LCP 2 can help with faster and more accurate target acquisition, particularly under stress.
Reliability and Durability
Both the Ruger LCP and LCP 2 are known for their reliability and durability, essential qualities in a concealed carry pistol. Ruger has a solid reputation for producing firearms that can withstand rigorous use. Both pistols are built with quality materials and are designed to function reliably in various conditions. Regular maintenance and proper cleaning are crucial for ensuring the continued reliability of either pistol. Both are well-regarded for their ability to function consistently, making them dependable choices for personal protection.
Price and Value
The original Ruger LCP is often available at a slightly lower price point than the LCP 2, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the LCP 2 offers significant improvements in ergonomics, trigger, and accuracy, justifying its slightly higher cost. When considering value, it’s important to weigh the increased price against the enhanced features and performance of the LCP 2. The LCP 2, despite the higher price, provides better overall value due to its improved shootability, making it a worthwhile investment for many. The choice depends on your budget.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy LCP If…
- You prioritize the absolute smallest and lightest possible concealed carry option.
- You’re on a tight budget and want the most affordable option.
- You are familiar with and comfortable with the original LCP’s trigger.
Buy LCP 2 If…
- You prefer a more refined trigger pull with a smoother feel.
- You value improved ergonomics and a better grip for handling.
- You want a pistol with updated features and a more modern design.
- You want a last-round hold open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the LCP and LCP 2?
The primary difference lies in the improved ergonomics and trigger of the LCP 2. The LCP 2 features a more comfortable grip with enhanced texture for better control, along with a significantly improved trigger mechanism with a crisper break and shorter reset. These upgrades make the LCP 2 easier to handle and shoot accurately compared to the original LCP, which has a smaller grip and a heavier trigger pull.
Which pistol is easier to conceal?
Both pistols are exceptionally easy to conceal due to their small size and lightweight design. The original LCP might have a slight edge in terms of thinness and weight, which can make it marginally easier to conceal in certain situations. However, the difference is minimal, and the LCP 2’s improved ergonomics don’t significantly hinder its concealability. Both are excellent choices for discreet carry.
Does the LCP 2 have better sights?
Yes, the LCP 2 features slightly improved sights compared to the original LCP. While neither pistol has prominent sights, the LCP 2’s sights are slightly larger and easier to acquire. The original LCP has very basic sights, which can make target acquisition more challenging. The improved sights on the LCP 2 contribute to better accuracy, especially in rapid-fire scenarios.
Is the LCP 2 trigger better than the LCP trigger?
Absolutely. The LCP 2’s trigger is a significant upgrade. It offers a crisper break, a shorter reset, and a lighter pull weight compared to the original LCP’s trigger. This results in more accurate and controlled shooting. The LCP’s trigger is known for being long and mushy, making it harder to shoot accurately. The LCP 2’s trigger is a key improvement.
Are parts interchangeable between the LCP and LCP 2?
No, the parts are generally not interchangeable between the LCP and LCP 2. Ruger made significant design changes in the LCP 2, which means that components like the trigger, grip, and frame are different. Attempting to use parts from one model on the other could lead to malfunctions and safety concerns, so it’s not recommended.
Which pistol is more accurate?
The LCP 2 generally offers better accuracy than the original LCP. The improved trigger, enhanced grip, and slightly improved sights of the LCP 2 contribute to tighter shot groups. While neither pistol is designed for precision shooting, the LCP 2 allows for more accurate and consistent shot placement at typical self-defense distances. This is a noticeable improvement.
Which pistol is better for a beginner?
The LCP 2 is likely the better choice for a beginner. The improved ergonomics, including the more comfortable grip and the better trigger, make it easier to handle and shoot accurately. The LCP’s smaller grip and heavier trigger can be challenging for new shooters. The LCP 2 provides a more user-friendly experience, making it a better option for those new to concealed carry.
Final Verdict
The Ruger LCP 2 emerges as the superior choice due to its enhanced ergonomics, improved trigger, and slightly better accuracy. While the original LCP remains a viable option, the LCP 2 offers significant upgrades that make it a more enjoyable and effective concealed carry pistol. The LCP 2’s improvements in shootability and handling justify its slightly higher price point.
Winner: Ruger LCP 2