NRA Gun of the Week: Ruger LCP II Pistol

by
posted on August 26, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The Lightweight Compact Pistol (LCP) by Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., introduced at the 2008 SHOT Show, quickly became one of the most successful concealed-carry pistols on the market. After more than 1.5 million units of sales of the original, Ruger released the LCP II in 2016. Very much a utilitarian, no-frills gun like the original LCP, the latest iteration is more than just a line extension—it’s basically a new pistol. At the heart of the LCP II is a completely new trigger system with a single-action pull that breaks at around 6 lbs. Additionally, Ruger included better sights and the redesigned frame with enhanced gripping surfaces. An automatic slide hold-open lever was also added. To learn more about the LCP II, check out this week's NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman Editor-in-Chief Mark Keefe. For more on the LCPII, check out ruger.com.

Specifications:
Model: LCP II
Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Chambering: .380 ACP
Action Type: recoil-operated, center-fire semi-automatic pistol
Frame: glass-filled nylon
Slide: alloy steel, blued finish
Barrel: 2.75”
Magazine: six-round, detachable box
Sights: integral; blade front, notch rear
Trigger: single-action; 6-lb. pull
Weight: 10.6 ozs.
MSRP: $349

Additional Reading:
Tested: Ruger LCP II Handgun
   

 

Latest

Kimber 2K11
Kimber 2K11

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.