Ruger LCP II 380 Reliability Issues?

[Trigger Time]

I have the LCP II .380 and since it was new it will randomly jam up on the the 3rd or forth round. It seems like the extractor is losing it's grip on the spent case. I have to drop the mag and clear it.
Any thoughts on a fix for that other than sending it back to Ruger?

 

[calicojack]

I have owned and carried (for years) a Kel Tec P32, P3AT, Ruger LCP, LCP II and now LCP Max. Rarely have I ever heard them to be called inaccurate. In fact, I used the LCP in IDPA back up matches and other shooters were amazed at how accurate it is.

The trick to making them run is doing a fluff and buff (plenty of videos) and mags can use a good clean and lube. Some after market parts do make the triggers better. One thing that should not be change is the recoil spring guide rod. The seat in the frame will get beat up when you put a "stronger" guide rod or change the polymer one to steel.

As for dropping mags, these guns are small and don't fit everyone's hands. The .380's are also flippy. This combination causes mag releases. If I recall correctly, I have repaired this issue with a thicker piece of piano wire which can be bought on ebay.

So the MCARBO stainless steel guide rod is a bad idea. What about the MCARBO replacement take down pin? Or do you think the Ruger original take down pins are fine as is. If you read MCARBO's write up (well - video) they lead you to believe that the take down pin will walk out over time.

 

[Blaster229]

I have the LCP II .380 and since it was new it will randomly jam up on the the 3rd or forth round. It seems like the extractor is losing it's grip on the spent case. I have to drop the mag and clear it.
Any thoughts on a fix for that other than sending it back to Ruger?

Some people just don't want to accept that some pistols they own(because they might have researched until their face is blue), could be just crap.

 

[RFBfromDE]

I like mine.

I’ve had no failures with it.

It shoots low so I adjust my point of aim.

Like the 7rd mags.

 

[calicojack]

I have the LCP II .380 and since it was new it will randomly jam up on the the 3rd or forth round. It seems like the extractor is losing it's grip on the spent case. I have to drop the mag and clear it.
Any thoughts on a fix for that other than sending it back to Ruger?

I have not had that problem and if it were me I would send it back to Ruger.

 

[3paul10]

With ya Blaster.

Besides, if it isnt 100% reliable, go to another gun....a life may depend on it.

Seems kinda simple to me...

 

[calicojack]

One thing that should not be change is the recoil spring guide rod. The seat in the frame will get beat up when you put a "stronger" guide rod or change the polymer one to steel.

On my LCP II, the original guide rod is steel. It sticks to a magnet. Even so - gotta wonder why MCARBO thinks it needs to be replaced, other than they just want your money.

 

[Biggfoot44]

I should clarify my earlier comment. I don't shoot my Max especially well. I even sent mine back to Ruger for testing, and they sent me a target that confirmed that I'm the problem. That much is granted.

I'm hardly an accomplished shot, but I'm noticeably worse with the Max than I am with any other handgun I've shot (Beretta 92 a possible exception, but I have maybe three mags through one). I'm confident enough to carry it, especially when concealability is the primary concern, but I'd be a lot happier about it if I shot it better.

Sounds like I need training, eh?

Tiny , " flippy " guns are inherently more difficult to shoot well . ( Insert large sample of observing same people shooting small frame snub .38 vs 4 inch medium frame .)

Sometimes there is simply a misfit between tiny guns and large hand . (Ike my .32 Gaurdian in my XXL hands .)

An LCP just might not be the right gun for you . It happens, no shame in it .

 

[calicojack]

Some people just don't want to accept that some pistols they own(because they might have researched until their face is blue), could be just crap.

I don't think I would go so far as to say the LCP II is "just crap". I think the question is does it meet the standards for a CCW. You could make the argument that you need to spend more money on a CCW pistol in order to be more confident. IDK. S&W makes a pretty decent mouse gun (M&P Bodyguard) and it's not terribly expensive.

 

[Blaster229]

I don't think I would go so far as to say the LCP II is "just crap". I think the question is does it meet the standards for a CCW. You could make the argument that you need to spend more money on a CCW pistol in order to be more confident. IDK. S&W makes a pretty decent mouse gun (M&P Bodyguard) and it's not terribly expensive.

I always poo poo on mouse guns and people who think they are worthy as a viable self defense carry pistol.
"Something is better than nothing" doesn't equate to "carry gun", albeit it's a gun you can carry.
Let someone take their mouse gun in one of the most basic self defense pistol courses and the mouse gun shooter will not perform up to par with students using normal carry pistols.

As long as the person carrying one knows exactly what lane those pistols are in.

 

[RFBfromDE]

As long as the person carrying one knows exactly what lane those pistols are in.

This?

 

[Blaster229]

This?

View attachment 463285

Wonder what that is?

 

[RFBfromDE]

A lavender scented .25acp Browning is my guess.

 

[outrider58]

A lavender scented .25acp Browning is my guess.

Colt 1908(model N) Vest Pocket pistol.

(Lavender scent optional...)

 

[Trigger Time]

Some people just don't want to accept that some pistols they own(because they might have researched until their face is blue), could be just crap.

Well this thread wasn't about "What is the best carry gun"
The OP asked about reliability issues with the LCP 380 and I shared my experience with the one I own. I paid a total of $280 with shipping and Bud's lifetime warranty, I just never sent it back because it wasn't worth my time.

 

[RFBfromDE]

Perfect Prison Packers!

 

[platoonDaddy]

I have an LCP Max. I don't love it. It's not accurate. To the extent that I'd hate to have to defend my life in any respect, I'd especially hate to have to defend it with that particular piece. But I imagine it beats the hell out of a sharp stick.

That said, its concealability is outstanding. Simply no one looks at you twice while carrying such a pistol.

I have over 500 rounds through my LCP MAX without any issue all within a 4” shooting target at 21’

 

[Blaster229]

Well this thread wasn't about "What is the best carry gun"
The OP asked about reliability issues with the LCP 380 and I shared my experience with the one I own. I paid a total of $280 with shipping and Bud's lifetime warranty, I just never sent it back because it wasn't worth my time.

All threads with pistols end up about being a carry gun.

 

[Blaster229]

I have over 500 rounds through my LCP MAX without any issue all within a 4” shooting target .

At 5 or 7 yards?

 

[platoonDaddy]

At 5 or 7 yards?

I updated my post, thank u..

7 yards, 21’