Ruger LCP1 Gen2 Vs. Gen3

[Ethan Verity]

In 2022 Ruger made some additional design upgrades to their original LCP1 model, in what I am calling the "LCP1 Gen3". This post will highlight those specific changes for information purposes.

Improved Extractor:
The most obvious difference between the two gens is the extractor. The LCP Gen2 had a short "Glock" style extractor, whereas the new Gen3 has the improved "LCP Max" extractor.
Gen2 on left / Gen3 on right:


Close up of the LCP Gen2 extractor:


Close up of the LCP Gen3 extractor:


Shorter Slide Rails:
The slide rails don't come all the way to the end of the aluminum receiver in the Gen3, as they did in the Gen2. This was likely done to prevent the slide from battering the front of the rails, since they are a potential weak spot in the receiver. You can see on the Gen2 how shiny the metal is at the front of the rails, where this battering has been happening.
Gen2 on left / Gen3 on right:


Improved Hammer-Cam Geometry:
I'm not exactly sure what this part of the slide is called (the part that pushes the hammer back to cock it) so I'm just calling it the hammer-cam. The Gen2 is at front, and the Gen3 behind it. You can see that the Gen3 cam ramps up gradually from the rear of the firing pin, whereas the Gen2 is full height all the way across. This change makes the Gen3 feel smoother and lighter to rack, since the hammer is gradually being cocked back over the full length of the slide's travel, rather than all at once within the first bit of slide movement. In racking both LCPs side by side, this does create a noticeably improved difference in feel.
Gen2 at front / Gen3 behind:


Improved Feed Ramp Geometry:
The Gen 3 is on top, and the Gen2 on bottom. You can see a noticeable difference in the depth and curve geometry of the feed ramps. The Gen2 ramp was a bit too long, and would smack the top round in the mag during recoil resulting in a dented bullet. You can also see some additional milling cuts around the hammer slot in the back of the slide on the Gen3; I'm not exactly sure what those are for.
Gen3 top / Gen2 bottom:


Improved Barrel Cam Geometry:
The Gen3 barrel is on top, and the Gen2 on bottom. It looks like the Gen3 has a slightly longer dwell time than the Gen2, and it has more of a gradual curve into the unlock position.


Improved Take Down Pin:
The Gen2 pin is on the left, Gen3 on right. The LCP is notorious for having the pin head sheer off, I personally have gone through at least 4 of the old pins with my 8 year old Gen2 model. Ruger eliminated the channel at the base of the pin head where they would sheer. I believe the take-down detent spring is a slightly higher gauge on the Gen3 to make up for that lost depth.

 

[Rick McC.]

Apparently; my LCP Max is a Gen III based on the extractor.

 

[Ethan Verity]

Apparently; my LCP Max is a Gen III based on the extractor.

This information is only specific to the original Ruger LCP 1. The LCP Max is a different model; same goes for the LCP II.

 

[JN01]

Nice write-up.

 

[1KPerDay]

Thanks for the info. I’m still carrying my Gen 1. I shoot it a few times a year to make sure it’s working, wipe it down and put fresh ammo in it.

 

[Tallball]

TYVM for the excellent article.

 

[bassjam]

Great information, I'm glad Ruger is continuously improving this model and not leaving it for dead. I carried an LCP for 10 years before it finally died and Ruger replaced it in 2019 with a Gen 2 (not LCP II). If this one ever dies I'll buy another original LCP again.

 

[unclenunzie]

Reference post. Thank you.

 

[Ethan Verity]

Thanks for checking out my post!

Great information, I'm glad Ruger is continuously improving this model and not leaving it for dead. I carried an LCP for 10 years before it finally died and Ruger replaced it in 2019 with a Gen 2 (not LCP II). If this one ever dies I'll buy another original LCP again.

I'm glad too. I have tried both the LCPII and the LCP Max, and for one reason or another I didn't like either one as much as the original LCP. That's why I bought this new current production LCP1 Gen3 recently, to have a backup replacement on hand in case the other one breaks. My LCP Gen2 has over 6,000 rounds through it over the past 8 years, it's getting tired.

The LCP1 is rarely talked about anymore now that the other models have overshadowed it, however it's still very popular. My local gun shop sold 3 LCP1s just this past month (not including mine).

 

[Buckeye63]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[defjon]

Anyone know which gen the lcp custom red trigger model is?

 

[Ethan Verity]

Anyone know which gen the lcp custom red trigger model is?

It was the Gen2 base model, with custom dovetail sights and aluminum anodized flat face trigger. I believe they were only made in 2015-2016?

LCP1 "Gen1" = 2008-2013
LCP1 Gen2 = 2013-2022
LCP1 Gen3 = 2022-Present.

 

[defjon]

Thank you. This should be a sticky!

Kinda wish ruger published these facts. It's really good information, and possible justification for picking up a second lcp with the gen 3 enhancements

 

[Speedo66]

It was the Gen2 base model, with custom dovetail sights and aluminum anodized flat face trigger. I believe they were only made in 2015-2016?

LCP1 "Gen1" = 2008-2013
LCP1 Gen2 = 2013-2022
LCP1 Gen3 = 2022-Present.

Ruger is showing a red trigger model, Davidson’s exclusive, currently on their site.

 

[Ethan Verity]

Ruger is showing a red trigger model, Davidson’s exclusive, currently on their site.

Yeah, they sometimes do dealer exclusive specials with different colored aluminum anodized triggers, there is the red, and a blue version of that trigger. The 'Custom' version, as mentioned above, also had the dovetailed sights. There were also stainless steel slide models of the LCP, including the 2008-2018 10 year anniversary edition which had a grey anodized version of the aforementioned trigger. I would consider these all just style variations, not different base design generations.

 

[Speedo66]

Yeah, they sometimes do dealer exclusive specials with different colored aluminum anodized triggers, there is the red, and a blue version of that trigger. The 'Custom' version, as mentioned above, also had the dovetailed sights. There were also stainless steel slide models of the LCP, including the 2008-2018 10 year anniversary edition which had a grey anodized version of the aforementioned trigger. I would consider these all just style variations, not different base design generations.

The rear sight on the Davidson’s version is also drift adjustable.

 

[Ethan Verity]

I got one of those anodized triggers directly from Ruger once to try in my LCP... I actually found it to be extremely uncomfortable, and ended up putting the original polymer trigger back in it! The sharp edge of the flat face trigger dug into the side of my finger during recoil, and after just 50 rounds my finger tip was feeling very sore. The polymer trigger has a rounded surface, like a revolver trigger, which feels much better to me. I can easily put 100 rounds through it with the original polymer trigger, no issue at all.
I didn't really notice a big improvement in the trigger pull either. I just don't understand the hype surrounding flat face triggers.

 

[Ethan Verity]

The rear sight on the Davidson’s version is also drift adjustable.

I looked it up now, you're right! I didn't realize they were offering that again.

 

[Ethan Verity]

I finally made it out to the range today to shoot my brand new LCP1 Gen3 pistol. I put 100 rounds of FIOCCHI 95gr FMJ, and 12 rounds of Hornady 'American Gunner' XTPs through it. It ran flawlessly, as expected. Some key observations that I made while actually shooting this new LCP1, compared to the previous generation.

The ejection pattern is more consistent on the new Gen3. My Gen2 would sling brass straight back over my head, occasionally straight back into my face! Having a fast hot brass shell casing go into your eye isn't ideal in a self defense situation, when you're not wearing safety glasses. The new Gen3 was reliably sending the shells up and right of the gun, more along the lines of a full size pistol.
Also, I ejected a chambered round mid-way between shooting to see if the bullets were being dented, like with the Gen2. Indeed, the new feed ramp geometry significantly reduced how bad this was happening. There is still a slight dent in the bullet, but nothing like how it is on my older Gen2. I would sometimes wonder if the deeply dented HP bullets would not perform as expected out of my Gen2; this is no longer a concern.

Overall, I'm happy with it! I love how well I can shoot the ol'LCP1 model in general, it just feels great in my hand. Which is ironic, because the LCP1 is the one that most people love to hate.

I plan to put another 100 rounds of FMJ, and 25 more rounds of my carry HP (90gr American Gunner XTPs) through it before I officially promote it to the ranks of one of my carry guns, but I'm expecting it to eat that up with no problems after this initial good range trip.

 

[halfmoonclip]

I got one of those anodized triggers directly from Ruger once to try in my LCP... I actually found it to be extremely uncomfortable, and ended up putting the original polymer trigger back in it! The sharp edge of the flat face trigger dug into the side of my finger during recoil, and after just 50 rounds my finger tip was feeling very sore.

This was my finding as well. The broader trigger reduced perceived pull, but the squared edges are irritating to the trigger finger, especially under recoil.
I'm back to the original LCP; my experience has been that the IIs give me trigger slap/pinch. My originals have always worked, but, dammit, they just aren't any fun to shoot. Yinz boys who fire a hundred rounds at a session, may God love you, but I can't do that.
Ruger could make some real improvement; make the frame insert of steel, instead of aluminum, to add just a bit of weight, and better standard sights. And Ruger could make them feel an improvement, quality wise, over the KelTec design, that they stole fair and square. I realize some put a pile of rounds through your examples, but they just don't feel like something you're going to will to your grandchildren.
LCP I is still the go-to for small/light/works all the time, but it could be so much better, small improvements notwithstanding.
Ethan, that was really spectacular analysis. Thank you.
Moon

 

[unclenunzie]

In my most recent purchase I seem to have skipped right over gen 2 from gen1 to gen 3. Hard to believe my original gen 1 is 15 years old.

@halfmoonclip I am going to say lightweight (the "L" in LCP) and small size are what makes the LCP the LCP. It's an inexpensive, reliable little pocket 380 as evidenced by the more than 2 million sold. Moving to a steel chassis would make it a lot heavier by pocket pistol standards. Ruger's formula for success has been to keep it mostly the same but improve the basic pistol over the years, and introduce distinct new models. But they wouldn't be LCPs of any stripe if the aluminum frame were changed to steel. That's my opinion, anyway. Having said this, If Ruger made a bodyguard type with true DAO I could be persuaded to try one. But then when it comes to pocket pistols I'm easy

 

[halfmoonclip]

If Ruger made a bodyguard type with true DAO I could be persuaded to try one. But then when it comes to pocket pistols I'm easy

Not disputing the fundamental goodness of the LCP, but it could be better. I'm currently using a BodyGuard, partially for its slightly greater weight and perceived build quality. The extra weight, in a pocket, hasn't been a problem, and it does make it more pleasant to shoot. The real double action trigger is long, but smooth...and it doesn't bite/sting my trigger finger, or hand. The factory sights are good, and they can be replaced with great ones.
The downside; I've two, one has worked to perfection from day one, the second, the intended spare, wants to short cycle, sometimes, despite two trips to the mother ship.
It still seems someone (Glock? SIG?) is missing an opportunity for a quality, LCP sized pocket pistol, even if it costs a little more than the Ruger/KelTec. My Smith may be an answer.
Moon

 

[Ethan Verity]

.......
"Ruger could make some real improvement; make the frame insert of steel, instead of aluminum, to add just a bit of weight," .......

Yep, I would have loved it if Ruger made the frame insert out of steel. I feel like it would add an inconsequential amount of additional weight, but with the benefit of being far more durable. The aluminum insert is ultimately why I felt the need to get a pocket pistol replacement for my old Gen2 in the first place, because after 6,000+ rounds it's finally starting to wear out to a point where I question how much longer it will reliably work for me. Specifically, the aluminum is peening out around where the takedown pin goes in, to the point that the takedown pin is starting to get loose in the frame. This can cause problems if it gets too severe, since that pin is what cams the barrel. Being the serialized part, it can't just be replaced like other components, so the gun's total lifespan depends on that one part holding up. My Gen2 still works fine at the moment, but it will be relegated to being a backup for my new Gen3 should anything take it out of service for a time.