Ruger LCP clip defect (?)

[erkme73]

I bought two LCP 380s today at the Tampa Gun Show. Paid a premium ($399 each) due to high demand. The SN's both start with 370, but they both have the diamond stamp at the hammer slot - so I assume they've been back to Ruger as the dealer stated.

Took both to the range this afternoon, and was quite disappointed. One kept dropping the clip after each shot. I'd have to push it back in, and rack the slide to get a new round into the chamber.

I moved to the other LCP, and the clip stayed put through all 6 rounds. I swapped clips and the problem stayed with the gun - not the clip. So, I figured the first LCP has a defective release. I continued to shoot with the second gun and after about another 50 rounds, the clip on it started to come out while shooting. However, on this LCP, if I push the clip back it, it won't lock in place (loaded or not, with either mag). I took both to the range officer/armorer who said there is likely a defect in the molding of the clip release in both guns.

Both are unusable, and neither leave me with any sense of confidence. After all, they've been at the factory twice (supposedly). You'd think this would have been caught.

I called the dealer (Shoot Straight in Apopka, FL) and was told to either go back to the gun show (about 75 mi RT) or call tomorrow when their gun show person is back in the store. I will do the latter.

I did more research on this purchase than ever before. It was a toss-up between the expected Kel-Tec 3AT and these. Based on photos and reviews, I thought the quality appeared better on the Ruger (other than the recall). I don't want to start a debate, as I'm sure there are loyalties on both sides. I just wanted to make an unbiased first 12-hour review of TWO LCP's and make clear just how disappointed I am in my $800 purchase.

Given the ongoing recall effort, I'm concerned that shipping these back to the factory (if it comes down to that) will result in long down times - precisely what I wanted to avoid by paying the 'got to have it now' premium



I will post my progress as I try to resolve this problem. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Searching for "clip ruger lcp" didn't turn up much - sorry if I missed it.

This is my first post here so please go easy on me

 

[Vern Humphrey]

LCP = Little Crappy Pistol

 

[trekgod3]

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I would have gone with the P3-AT, much cheaper and awesome customer service. Mine has been 100% after a good cleaning and a 100 round break-in. Is it possible you are just accidentally hitting the mag release? These guns are so small, its easy to bump it while shooting.

 

[Graymutt]

I hate to say this but, having someone else shoot it would not be a bad idea. The idea that you are hitting the Mag release should be elimanated.

I have one and have not had any issue, other than it doesnt like remington ammunition, but it eats everthing else that I put in it.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The idea that you are hitting the Mag release should be elimanated.

Agreed.

 

[tblt]

I have 300 rounds thru my LCP no problems ser # starts with 370

 

[erkme73]

Thanks for the posts...

I was at the range with a buddy, and he was having the same problem with both guns. I suppose squeezing too hard could cause this, but, if so, that should be considered a design issue - since any adrenaline packed non-range use will likely cause an even tighter grip.

I doubt this is the cause - at least not on the gun that simply will not hold the MAG (thanks for clarification, BTW). It just pops back out as though I'm holding the release. The other one snaps in, but I can pull the mag out with just a light tug on the base, without pushing the release at all.

Remmington FMJ is what I used...

 

[P90shooter]

I recently picked up the LCP as well... Only 299 for me. I didnt have the mag problem that you had but I could not shoot more that 2 shots without a FTF. I called Ruger and they said that they will take my gun, do the recall fix and fix my issue.

Ok so right now it doesnt work, but when I get it back I will get another mag with the finger extension. Sounds like a winner to me being that this was only a backup piece to begin with.

Good luck to you with them

 

[moooose102]

+3 on haveing someone else shoot them, OR, build up a "dam" out of several washers, and electrical tape it to the grip. so you have to use something like an ink pen to release the magazines. it is very possible that your thumb is the culprit, and not the firearms. if you do not have the magazine extentions yet, there is a good posibility that the pistol is rotating in your hand when you fire it. those little extentions, in my opinion, should come standard. the ruger does not have very good checkering on the grip, making them a little harder to hold onto than the kel-tec's. try some of the sugestions here, before you send back both of your pistols . you will likely be without them for a while if you do. and if there is not a problem with them, the factory can not fix it. also, the likelyhood of both pistols having the same problem in such a short time period is astronomicly small. i think this is a problem that you (or your gun sales place) can fix. it might just take those little finger magazine extentions, or something else small and inexpensive (like sugically altering your thumb) [just kidding!].

 

[benderx4]

+1 on Vern

Sorry, but I can't believe how many issues this little POS gun is having and folks continue to buy them in droves??

 

[erkme73]

Just got off the phone with Shooting Straight Florida (Brad) who told me that once a new gun leaves the store, whether it's fired or not, it cannot be exchanged or returned. Then only avenue is to take it to the store for repair (but they don't have any parts), or send it to Ruger for repair.

Based on my description - especially the part where gun #1 wont hold a mag at all, and gun #2 will let the mag be pulled out with little force WITHOUT touching the release - he said there must be a defect in the release catch.

Looks like I'll be calling Ruger tomorrow. Anyone have any suggestions or tricks on how to speed up the repair process with them (if necessary)?

FWIW, the following link is a 3mb, 40 sec video showing the problems on both guns.

http://www.oakstead.org/videos/lcp_probs.wmv

 

[AirForceShooter]

it sucks but Ruger will make it right.
Their CS is excellent

AFS

 

[Geezer Glide]

I'm sorry to hear of your problems with the LCP. I am a P3AT owner and that's all I'll say about that.

From this experience, just remember how Ruger treats you and I'd be sure and remember that dealer that grossly overcharged you for these two paperweights.

 

[Marcus L.]

+1 on Vern

Sorry, but I can't believe how many issues this little POS gun is having and folks continue to buy them in droves??

+2

I haven't seen this many problems from a pistol in years. Most pocket autos don't tend to be very reliable in the first place due to their dependence on spring strength(light slide mass) for operation. In addition, the small grip size results in a less stable shooting platform. A stable shooting platform is needed for reliable operation of a recoil operated pistol and add the fact that it is so dependent on the recoil spring makes it that much more sensitive.

I don't think I'll be trading my Sig P232 any time soon for a smaller .380acp. Over 5000rds fired, about 2000rds of that defensive hollow points and it has been highly reliable, accurate, and just keeps on going.

 

[mgregg85]

I don't think I'll be trading my Sig P232 any time soon for a smaller .380acp. Over 5000rds fired, about 2000rds of that defensive hollow points and it has been highly reliable, accurate, and just keeps on going.

I love my P232 too, but its so big and heavy for a single stack .380 ACP. I only carry mine occaisionally in the winter anymore, otherwise its the P3AT or the XD45.

 

[erkme73]

I called Ruger on Monday (the number on the manual). The girl who answered the phone apologized about the inflexibility of the dealer for not just exchanging them. She didn't say they had to, but her tone made it sound like it was not out of the question.

After asking a few questions, she promptly faxed a UPS next day air label to my office. I sent both LCPs out in the same box, with a note describing the problem... I also asked that I be extended the courtesy of an 'extra magazine' - as was afforded to those that returned the guns for the recall.

I'm hoping this is a quick and simple fix. She told me 3-4 weeks.
Will report what happens here.

 

[erkme73]

Called Ruger again today (12/17) and was told both have shipped (yesterday) with 2nd day air - and will arrive tomorrow. They said they replaced the extractor and magazine release clip on both guns. And, they tossed in two extra magazines. All in all, about 10 days - not bad.

 

[stevemis]

Another thing about this dealer who overcharged you $100+... they probably sent their pistols in for the recall and sold the free magazines and hats to other customers.... so you got overcharged about $150.

Would you mind posting the name of this dealer, so others can be sure to avoid them in the future?

 

[erkme73]

The dealer name is on the video - but sure. For the record, it is Shoot Straight in central Florida.

I asked the salesman if they received the extra mag when they returned them for the upgrade. He specifically said dealers didn't qualify for the free mag. Not to blame the wife, but I was fully prepared to walk away (easy to say now).

 

[Boba Fett]

LCP = Little Crappy Pistol

ROFL

If you are going to give your pistol an acronym, you have to be sure you don't turn out a piece of crap...

I said it on one of the other LCP posts, but I treat new firearms like new models of cars: wait at least one year from the time a new model comes out so all the main problems will surface and not be on your dime.

 

[erkme73]

Received both LCPs today - they came in two separate UPS 2nd Day packages. Each included an extra mag (with finger extensions), a goofy 10-gallon hat, and two $25.00 off coupon for Ruger products. I test fired 12 rounds through both LCP's behind my office (rural area - sort of) without any problems.

I'll spend some more time at the range in the coming days to verify, but for now, all is good.

On an aside, when I talked to the girl at Ruger yesterday, she seemed very sympathetic and frustrated at "what dealers are getting away with..." This was her comment after I told her that Shooting Straight would not exchange the guns only 6 hours after I purchased them.

So, to conclude my experience, despite my initial disappointment in two DOA purchases, I think Ruger was:

- proactive by sending me a NDA by fax same day as my call
- responsive by repairing and returning both guns within 10 days (despite the recall backlogs)
- generous for including the extra mags and extensions
- effective in fixing the problem on the first attempt (so far)

While they get an "F" for initial quality/reliability, they get an "A+" for support.

 

[czrami9]

Glad its fixed. Ruger is in a position where they need EXCELLENT customer service right now, as their QC (at least in Arizona) is slack.

 

[chuckusaret]

Ruger lost many many old customers and good name recognition over the LCP and its accessories.

 

[esq_stu]

Is the mag release plastic? I had the same problem with a P3AT. Especially if there was a little pinky rest on the bottom of the mag. The downward pressure on the mag while shooting damaged the mag release after just a few mags full. KT replaced the button. But I had to give up on the pinky rests. That's the main reason I sold mine.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

This was her comment after I told her that Shooting Straight would not exchange the guns only 6 hours after I purchased them.

Has anyone ever taken a gun back for exchange or refund and been successful?

I thought after a 4473 was filled out, the gun was considered used, so it would be hard for a dealer to send it back also. I don't know, just asking.

Since Ruger built the crappy thing, looks like they ought to be the ones to fix it, not someone who is just reselling them.

When your car breaks down the day after you buy it, the auto company pays for the repairs, not the dealer.