Ruger LCP vs LCP 2
At first glance, you may wonder if the only difference between the Ruger LCP and LCP 2 is a number at the end.
Though these two gun models are remarkably similar, when comparing the Ruger LCP vs LCP 2, you’ll find there are a few key differences between the two centerfire pistols.
The firearm that works best for concealed carry all comes down to the shooter’s personal preferences. While the LCP’s frame is ever so slightly smaller than the otherwise identical LCP 2, there are also differences in its slide, safety system, and trigger pull that may influence your decision.
Keep reading to learn more about what sets the Ruger LCP and LCP 2 apart.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Ruger LCP
When the Ruger LCP 380 Auto was first introduced to the concealed carry market in 2008, it quickly gained popularity due to its lightweight and compact design.
This centerfire pistol is built with a through-hardened alloy steel slide and glass-filled nylon grip frame. The LCP is chambered in 380 Auto and comes standard with a 6-round magazine, though you can find extended magazines that increase its capacity to 7+1 or 10+1.
The LCP features a comfortable textured grip, fixed front and rear sights, a recessed hammer, and a finger grip extension floorplate that can be added to fit more hand sizes.
Overall, the LCP is a popular choice for concealed carry due to its lightweight design and affordability. Looking for a Ruger LCP holster? Be sure to check out our Holsters by Gun Mode page, where you can customize a Kydex holster for your carry gun.
Ruger LCP 2
After the success of the Ruger LCP, the company determined there was room for improvement in a few of the gun’s features and introduced the updated Ruger LCP 2 in 2016.
While a few features set the LCP 2 apart from its predecessor, including its larger grip, easy-to-rack slide, and improved sights, the main improvement reflected in the LCP 2 is its trigger. The LCP2’s trigger is designed to be shorter, crisper, and safer than the original LCP.
Like the original, the new and improved centerfire pistol is built with a through-hardened alloy steel slide and glass-filled nylon gripframe. The Ruger LCP 2 comes standard with a 6-round magazine and is chambered in 380 Auto, though extended magazines are available. The LCP 2 is also available in a lighter .22 LR model.
At the end of the day, the LCP 2 was designed to take what everyone fell in love with about the LCP and improve on it. Looking for a Ruger LCP 2 holster? Check out our Holsters by Gun Model page for custom Kydex holsters.
Ruger LCP vs LCP 2: Specifications
Ruger LCP vs LCP 2: Size and Capacity
When comparing the Ruger LCP 2 vs LCP in size, you will find that the LCP 2 is slightly larger than the standard LCP.
The Ruger LCP is 3.6” tall, 5.16” long, and .82” wide. It weighs 9.6 ounces, just an ounce lighter than the 10.6-ounce LCP 2. The Ruger LCP 2 is 3.71” tall, 5.17” long, and .9” wide. Both the LCP and LCP 2 have a barrel length of 2.75”.
The Ruger LCP and LCP 2 both come standard with a 6-round magazine, but you can find extended magazines for both models. It’s also worth noting that the LCP’s 6-round magazine is also compatible with the LCP 2, though the 7-round LCP magazine is not.
Ruger LCP vs LCP 2: Ergonomics
Frame
The Ruger LCP and LCP 2 are built with a high-performanceglass-filled nylon grip frame. They also include a finger grip extension plate that can be added to the magazine for improved comfort and grip.
While both of these gun models are fitted with a textured grip frame, the LCP 2 has a slightly larger grip frame surface to help minimize recoil.
Slide & Barrel
Both the Ruger LCP and LCP 2 feature a black oxide, alloy steel barrel, and through-hardened steel slide. The Ruger LCP 2 features an easy-to-rack slide designed to stay open after the last round is ejected.
When it comes to slide serrations, the LCP only has rear serrations, whereas the LCP 2 has front and rear slide serrations.
Ruger LCP vs LCP 2: Sights and Optics
Both the Ruger LCP 2 and Ruger LCP sights are fixed front and rear sights that are integral to the slide. Their low-profile sight design helps reduce snags during use. While both gun models have nearly identical sights, the LCP 2’s sights are improved for better visibility and have a slightly different sight post.
When it comes to optics, neither model come optics-ready.
Ruger LCP vs LCP 2: Controls
Safety
While neither the Ruger LCP nor LCP 2 have an external safety, the LCP 2 does include some additional safety features.
The Ruger LCP 2 uses Ruger’s Secure Action™ fire-control system, combining a protected internal hammer with a bladed-safety trigger. The LCP 2 also includes an integrated trigger safety and hammer catch.
Trigger
The main complaint about the Ruger LCP is its trigger, which has a longer and harder pull. As a result, Ruger built the LCP 2 trigger with a short, smooth pull, clean break, and positive reset.
Which is Right for Me?
While these two Ruger gun models are very similar, there are a few key differences.
When comparing the Ruger LCP vs LCP 2 in size, you will find that the LCP 2 is slightly larger than the LCP. The LCP and LCP 2 come standard with a 6-round magazine, but you can find extended magazines for both models. Neither comes in an optics-ready model, but both have integral sights.
The LCP 2 has a slightly larger grip frame surface to help reduce recoil and features an easy-to-rack slide designed to stay open after the last round is ejected. The Ruger LCP 2 uses Ruger’s Secure Action™ fire-control system and is built with an integrated trigger safety and hammer catch.
So, think about what you need out of a concealed carry gun. Now that you have a better understanding of the differences, strengths, and weaknesses of the two firearms, you can make the choice that’s right for you.
If you’re looking for belts or holsters for the Ruger LCP or LCP 2, we recommend visiting our Holsters by Gun Model page. For all of our belt and holster options and for more information to help you choose the carry system that works best for you, visit our Vedder Holsters website.
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