Lcp 2 issues.

[nerfella]

Hi All,

New to the forums and looking for some advice.
I got my gun and wasn't really enjoying the oem feel after about 200 rounds. I felt it had no life to it and with a long trigger and heavy slide, it wasn't an ideal use. The mag was easy pop out by accident due to the placement of the mag button. However it had no malfunctions within the first 200 rounds.
Cleaned my gun, and I went ahead and purchased and installed the following all the while I had my firearm worked on.
Ruger LCP II & LCP MAX Short Stroke Flat Trigger
Ruger LCP II Trigger Spring Kit
Ruger LCP II Extra Power Recoil Spring - 22LR Only
Ruger LCP / LCP II Heavy Duty STRESS-PROOF Takedown Pin
Ruger LCP / LCP II Stainless Steel Guide Rod
Ruger LCP / LCP II Extra Power Mag Release Spring
I put another 300 rounds though it after all the upgraded parts and it would rimfire a dud every 8-10 rounds. Sometimes twice in a row. I can't call it a reliable gun anymore but I really like it for an every day carry.
The trigger and spring kit is tits.
The guide rod, spring and takedown pin I can't feel a difference in other than a little less recoil I guess, but after all, it is a glorified BB gun. The slide also doesn't rack all the way on its own with the new spring. Any experts here care to help?
Thanks in advance.

 

[arfmel]

First, painting a firearm to make it look like it's "just a toy" seems like a bad idea, to me. Good way to get somebody accidentally shot. Plenty of people have been killed with a .22.

If I was going to make several mechanical modifications to a firearm I would do them one at a time, with testing after each change. That way, I'd have a chance to figure out which modification causes a problem. If I had to guess I’d suspect the extra power recoil spring is the likely culprit for your malfunctions. I wouldn’t have replaced the factory part since the pistol was working properly.

For me, the most important factor for a carry gun is reliability.

 

[Mauser9]

Sounds like too much BS goin on with some of these newer guns. Shouldn't need to be rebuilt to begin with. Back in 99 I bought a S&W CS-9 and it goes bang all the time at least.

 

[Cholo]

If I had to guess I'd suspect the extra power recoil spring is the likely culprit for your malfunctions. I wouldn't have replaced the factory part since the pistol was working properly.

↑ Yes.

Why did you change the recoil spring? Malfunctions happen when someone thinks Ruger put the wrong recoil spring in one of their guns.

Ruger determined that it took an X # spring to properly cycle the slide and chamber a new round. A heavier spring slows the process down. In your case it's preventing the slide from fully cycling, and...the slide is slowed down. Sure, it can work...or not.

Sounds like too much BS goin on with some of these newer guns. Shouldn't need to be rebuilt to begin with.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with this gun. It functioned perfectly for 200 rounds as it came out of the box, and then the tinkering started.

 

[mjh]

I got my gun and wasn't really enjoying the oem feel after about 200 rounds. I felt it had no life to it and with a long trigger and heavy slide, it wasn't an ideal use. The mag was easy pop out by accident due to the placement of the mag button. However it had no malfunctions within the first 200 rounds.

No malfunctions within the first 200 rounds and now look what you did.
No life? Not enjoying the feel? Well did it go bang and send lead down range?

I can understand a handgun not having a good fit in ones hand. I can understand a trigger one does not like even though it functions. I can understand the aesthetic like or dislike of a firearm.

As mentioned change one thing at time and see how it functions. Then the next item.

I suspect the Nerf paint job and the bb gun attitude might have something to do with the issues as well.

 

[contender]

First off, "Welcome to the Forum!" We do try to help folks here as much as possible.

But I have to agree with my fellow posters. The gun functioned as designed when it was factory stock. When you start altering parts,, you run the risk of malfunctions. I've seen it OFTEN in USPSA where a lot of "custom" work is done to try & squeeze just a little bit more performance out of a firearm. Sometimes it works,, and sometimes it doesn't.

As for the comment; "but after all, it is a glorified BB gun." I have to disagree. From direct & very personal experience,, I have been shot with a .22 out of a handgun, and I WISH it had been a BB gun instead. I have a permanent disability/injury due to a .22 LR round. And if you consider it so puny, why then do you; "but I really like it for an every day carry." ???

I would also like to POLITELY suggest you re-consider the orange painted muzzle. It's already bad enough that LEO's have to look at guns closely to determine if they are toys or not. Toy companies make their toys with the orange muzzles to assist LEO's in their safety. And to add another real life story, (which I posted here) on 7/3/23, a good friend of mine, a NC State Highway Patrolman was shot in the chest with a Desert Eagle .44 mag that he directly told me he "thought was an airsoft gun at first." Luckily, he realized it was real and he was in a gunfight. He took a round to his chest,, luckily, his vest saved him, and he was able to return fire killing the thug.
If your intention is to make others think your gun is a toy to give you time to fire first,, then I pray you never have to meet a LEO and pull it. And if your intention is to do exactly that TO LEO'S then you aren't the type of person who respects the law or LEO's and I personally dislike that because my son is LEO, a brother from another mother is LEO, and I know many LEO's.

That said,, I'd do as suggested above. Start with one part at a time, replacing your aftermarket ones with the factory ones & see if you correct the problem.

 

[hittman]

Welcome to the Forum.

1. It wasn’t broke.
2. You fixed it.
3. Fix it back to original.

 

[nerfella]

Thanks all for the input.
Firstly, I bought the gun for the paint job. I had a specific build in mind before I purchased it. There’s No children at home, or in the vicinity and it’s not a daily carry. Stays in the safe with a gun lock around it when not at the range.
Also, it would be stupid to CCW this gun.

Many of these parts were chosen because of the forums. After reading that many parts go bad early in the CA compliant version, I also read Ruger has a great parts program from what I understood. I’m a big believer in preventative maintenance and “bulletproofing” so I don’t mind doing extra. Normally I’ve seen great results with my glocks, sigs, and etc however I guess here is one example that isn’t as successful.

Thank you to @Cholo @arfmel and @Mauser9 for the advice regarding the most reliable cycling option of swapping the recoil spring.

@mjh it went bang. I didn’t like how it went bang.

Also, does anyone make an upgraded firing pin? I read it’s titanium from factory and it doesn’t hold up the best if it’s dry firing or hittings duds.

Thanks

 

[nerfella]

As for the comment; "but after all, it is a glorified BB gun." I have to disagree. From direct & very personal experience,, I have been shot with a .22 out of a handgun, and I WISH it had been a BB gun instead. I have a permanent disability/injury due to a .22 LR round. And if you consider it so puny, why then do you; "but I really like it for an every day carry." ???

I’m sorry to hear you got hit with a .22 and got disabled from it. Im not discrediting the round using that phrase. We all know a .22 can cause damage.
Glorified BB gun is what it is. Rounds are about the same size but a .22 will actually ruin your day.

 

[contender]

I was editing my post as you replied. I do hope you will consider the idea of at least removing the orange colored muzzle.

 

[nerfella]

I was editing my post as you replied. I do hope you will consider the idea of at least removing the orange colored muzzle.

I've considered it, the orange is not a hi vis orange. The vertical photo is more representing of the color. It's a little more dull, my gunsmith said the same thing. He didn't feel comfortable matching a toy gun orange and I agree.

Again, this isn't for a daily carry, not really a carry at all. I do like the gun so I am considering purchasing another one that will be kept stock other than the trigger for a EDC.

@contender as for LEO,
1. it would be dumb to post this online and then use it against a LEO. Pretty open and shut case for life in a cell.
2. I'm a veteran.
3. Thankfully we have a justice system and a lawyer on retainer. It would be unwise to exponentially decrease my chances of being a free man because of something a lawyer can handle.

 

[arfmel]

Again. Altering the weapon from factory configuration, for instance by “upgrading” the current firing pin, can reduce the safety and reliability of the pistol. Generally a lightweight firing pin or striker is used to reduce the likelihood of a weapon going off by being dropped on its muzzle. If the design includes a spring to retract the firing pin, the strength of that spring is specified for the mass of the OEM firing pin.

Sometimes well intentioned people swap out parts to “upgraded ones” based on what they’ve read on various websites. We often see posts here from someone who has done just that, and is now seeking help with getting their pistol to work reliably again. Many years of experience has finally taught me not to “fix” what isn’t broken. As a general rule, the more aftermarket stuff you add to a functional pistol, the more trouble you will have with it.

You posted: “I can't call it a reliable gun anymore but I really like it for an every day carry.”

You can see why we're confused about whether you're using the pistol as a carry weapon.

I still don't see how any good can come of having it painted up to look like a toy, or what the legitimate purpose of that would be.

 

[nerfella]

You posted: "I can't call it a reliable gun anymore but I really like it for an every day carry."

You can see why we're confused about whether you're using the pistol as a carry weapon. The belt clip shown in your photos sort of confirms the use as a carry weapon IMO.

I still don't see how any good can come of having it painted up to look like a toy, or what the legitimate purpose of that would be.

I like the size and feel of it as an edc. This specific gun will not currently, nor ever, be used for a carry.
The clip is on because I bought it. after putting +/- 500 rounds through it, I thought I'll try it out at home and the range and see how it sits on me concealed before I buy another lcp2.

Originally, the nerf gun below was the motivation to replicate. Just as others do a Milwaukee or dewalt paint job on their glocks, I've always wanted a "nerf gun". I guess the "novelty"

I don't store my guns with a mag in, again, only with a gun lock and in the safe or locked range bag. See below, gun lock doesn't come off until I'm ready to shoot with a target down range. No bullets in the magazines either until we're at the range, ready to go.

 

[Sam Summey]

You mention in prior post that you have and use a safe for storage, then you put a cable lock through the action. Huh? Firearms don't get together in a safe and conspire to load themselves when left alone in a dark safe interior. Obviously just a little weird since the keys are left in the locks. BTW I have quite a few of those type of locks, there are about 4 different key code configurations. Not exactly infallible.

 

[nerfella]

lol.

We live alone. No kids yet. Cable lock is for piece of mind that the weapon is clear. Safe doesn't have batteries in it.

 

[jav]

First, painting a firearm to make it look like it's "just a toy" seems like a bad idea, to me. Good way to get somebody accidentally shot. Plenty of people have been killed with a .22.

If I was going to make several mechanical modifications to a firearm I would do them one at a time, with testing after each change. That way, I'd have a chance to figure out which modification causes a problem. If I had to guess I'd suspect the extra power recoil spring is the likely culprit for your malfunctions. I wouldn't have replaced the factory part since the pistol was working properly.

For me, the most important factor for a carry gun is reliability.

Ok I did the same thing nothing but a disaster also so I think you are correct on the hd recoil spring , so I change it all back to oem parts and it worked perfectly so don’t fix what ain’t broke . But since I paid for the parts I will try to put the stainless guide rod back in and the hd take down pin and try a range day with that but I will bring the ome parts with me just in case

 

[davevabch]

↑ Yes.

Why did you change the recoil spring? Malfunctions happen when someone thinks Ruger put the wrong recoil spring in one of their guns.

Ruger determined that it took an X # spring to properly cycle the slide and chamber a new round. A heavier spring slows the process down. In your case it's preventing the slide from fully cycling, and...the slide is slowed down. Sure, it can work...or not.


There was absolutely nothing wrong with this gun. It functioned perfectly for 200 rounds as it came out of the box, and then the tinkering started.

I went through a lot of LCP's over the years. And I will most definitely agree that a heavier recoil spring is needed for these guns. The Wolf 13 lb is what I used to prolong the life of the gun. All that said, I no longer buy LCP's. They just do not hold up well. Mine were reliable until they start cracking frames, grips, broken take down pins, rail spits etc. While they lasted, there were no issues with the heavier recoil spring. Fired just fine.

 

[Kevin]

If I missed it, I'm sorry, but nobody has mentioned ammunition. I do agree about changing one part at a time and then testing it. But before I switch everything back again, I'd try some different ammo. There might be some that will cycle just fine with the recoil spring you installed.

But about that paint job: I'm all for cerakoting pistols different colors. I would love to have a Kimber Bel Air. I think that is one of the best looking guns. I do like the shade of blue you picked out, with the graphics. However, I do have to agree on the orange tip being a bad idea. But it's done, so good luck with it, I hope it doesn't get you in any unfortunate situations. I also really like some of the "Gucci Glocks" that are in photographs on the internet. As soon as I can remember to get around to it, I'm going to get one of my Glock's painted all funky.

I think gun companies are catching on about changing the way guns traditionally look to attract younger buyers. I've got a daughter, and if she wants to shoot a pink and blue gun, more power to her. Not all guns have to be black, or steel and walnut.

Anyway, I think you are on the right track, and I wonder how it would have turned out, had you started with a better platform. Something like the SR22. Or a Mark IV 22/45? That pistol has proven aftermarket trigger kits from Tandem Kross. I installed one of their triggers in a 22/45 and it's a great trigger!

Also, one last thought, I see you joined the forum yesterday. I hope you stick around, there is a wealth of knowledge here. I've gotten quite a bit of help over the years.

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

Welcome to the Forum.

1. It wasn't broke.
2. You fixed it.
3. Fix it back to original.

Took the words right out of my mouth. I have had ZERO problems with LCP 2s ( With the exception of stupidity on my part- trying to put subsonics through the .22LR. Can't do that with any ..22 LR semi without jamming). Probably one of the most dependable models of gun that I've ever had. I don't understand your paint job, ( I assume that you don't have small children living at home) but welcome aboard nonetheless.

 

[nerfella]

Ok,
So I swapped nothing. Went to the range and put about 500 rounds through this thing. Jams twice and misfires about 2-3 rounds every 10 round mag. A little upsetting due to literally wasting nearly 30% of my ammo with XXXXXX rimfire issues. Still has issues with extractions and slide resetting all the way forward.

I did see a huge improvement with the malfunctions when I swapped the ammunition I was using. I went from .22lr 40grain super ammo with copper heads at 1250fps as required with the heavier recoil spring, down to the 1050fps 38grain lead head CIR brand I believe and that one had less rimfire issues, but the gun still Jams as stated above.

I met a guy at the range who swears by glock 19x, g26, hellcat, and sig p365. And he let me shoot his new p365 and for the size, I think a 9mm is overkill. There's has to be a tiny gun like this that is tried and true even with mods. Yall keep saying these guns are unreliable when modded but there's no way something basically becomes inoperable unless my gunsmith XXXXXX up.

Moderator Edit: Language

 

[Cholo]

Ok,
So I swapped nothing.

Still has issues with extractions and slide resetting all the way forward.

This thread is downright bizarre.

I don't know whether to say *I can't imagine why* or *Words fail me*.

Since you're not looking for help, why did you start this thread? Really, I'd like to know.

Good luck.

 

[Kevin]

@nerfella
Have you been over to RimfireCentral? I know on that site there are some people who like to change things on their pistols. The few times I've changed springs on different guns, I haven't had gods results. It isn't something I think about doing because of the problems I've had in the past.

But if you had the patience to go through 500 rounds with 2 or 3 jams per magazine, that is something!

Are you against putting the original spring back in the gun? It might be the easiest place to start.

Actually I wonder if the “Heavy Duty Stress Proof Take Down Pin” might be causing a problem. If it is just ever so slightly too big it might have too much friction and not allow the gun to cycle as smoothly.

Just a thought.

 

[contender]

As you can see,, your last post got edited by a moderator. For language. We are a family friendly Forum here,, so please try & respect that.

As for a gunsmith messing up. I see it a lot. Just because a person calls themselves a gunsmith,, doesn't mean that they are actually a GOOD gunsmith. With the tens of thousands of different guns out there,, nobody can be an expert in all of them. With the modern stuff, many will just be swapping parts, and not shooting more than a few test rounds.
Again,, the best idea is to try swapping out one part at a time to try & narrow down the problem. OR,, return all the OEM parts,, run the gun, then try adding one part at a time.

 

[nerfella]

This thread is downright bizarre.

I don't know whether to say *I can't imagine why* or *Words fail me*.

Since you're not looking for help, why did you start this thread? Really, I'd like to know.

Good luck.

LOL.
I wanted to make sure that it was clear to all forum members that nothing was changed back and the consistent issues are not a one time range fluke because the gun was dirty or something was installed incorrectly.

Here's what I noticed
1. Slide didn't go all the way back to firing position, and usually would get stuck 1/4 inch from closing or would have an issue loading a new bullet into the barrel and be wide open. Bullet would be lined up but it was like very slowly entering the barrel.
wasnt sure if this was a cleaning issue but after using a boresnake and gun oil the issue didn't subside.
2. Because of issue #1, there were extraction malfunctions keeping a dud rimfire in the barrel and the gun attempting to load another round in. The dp was very irritating as it had happened nearly every mag at least twice.
3. Trigger is still tits. 3.5 lb trigger with a 10lb spring

 

[hittman]

For as long as I've been alive these little 22LR semi auto's have been "hit or miss" on reliability; at BEST.
Nothings changed.
Some folks thrive on trying to make them work.
Others don't have the patience for that. My hobbies are NOT supposed to be an aggravation; or work and additional expense.

Never seen the logic ( or fun ) in buying a $300 gun then adding $100 or more on experiments throwing parts at it and another $100 or more on "break in" ammo.

Just buy a better / different gun.

 

[nerfella]

Thanks for your input. I guess it really is a hit or miss.

It's my first time buying a cheap gun and modding it. My Sig p220 internals are done by gray guns and it was not cheap but I've also put maybe 2500 rounds through it and not a single issue. My other guns done by shops have been very similar. Thousands of rounds and no issues.
I can relate modding a cheap gun to buying cheap car and transforming it to a track build. I just wanted a fun range gun but actually ended up like the size. Little recoil, cheap bullets, able to spend hours at the range.

It's pretty accurate at 15 yards. Past that distance I'd feel more confident using my sig.

 

[Sam Summey]

To start with the 22LR ammunition is semi-reliable due to the way it is made. Typically promotional ammo like Yellow Jackets, Wildcats etc. are made in the billions. The manufacturer barely puts enough priming compound to fill the rim completely so with the tolerance in the definition of a measured drop there is a 50% that there is not enough priming compound to fill the rim so there are gaps. Then we have the issue of the tolerance on the powder charge, rest assured once it is setup in production, if the charge is checked every 1000 rounds or so, you are lucky. Now you installed an Extra Power recoil spring and are probably running cheap ammo that has questionable quality control (just last couple weeks there was a thread concerning this very issue) and you are bitching about reliablity of the LCP II 22. You also mentioned a trigger spring kit, did it have a replacement hammer spring too? If that was the case the hammer spring in the kit is of a lesser power than the stock Ruger spring. Back to the 22 LR ammo, the brass, the cases are made out of, varies probably .0005 in thickness in the area of the rim and elsewhere so the effort for the hammer needs to be higher (call it the stock spring) than the Trigger Spring Kit did not supply. All your "enhancements" including paint where it was detrimental to functioning are the culprit in the malfunctioning issues. "I got my gun and wasn't really enjoying the oem feel after about 200 rounds. I felt it had no life to it and with a long trigger and heavy slide, it wasn't an ideal use. The mag was easy pop out by accident due to the placement of the mag button. However it had no malfunctions within the first 200 rounds." GO FIGURE!

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

Wanted to add one more thing. When it comes to jams and such in .22 semi handguns, it has almost always been caused by the wrong ammo. Subsonic rounds are a glaring example, of course, but even some standard velocity ( for me, Remington Target come to mind) will cause problems. If you make sure you put quality high velocity rounds through it there shouldn't be any real problems- assuming the gun is clean and all parts are properly aligned.

I am still attempting to find someone who owns an Excel Arms Accelerator MP-17 .17 HMR that I could try. It should theoretically feed as well as a .22 LR, but it hasn't gained fame for it in a pistol. THAT would be closer to Nerfella's "BB" analogy. Could be a fun target pistol for sure.!

 

[jav]

@nerfella
Have you been over to RimfireCentral? I know on that site there are some people who like to change things on their pistols. The few times I've changed springs on different guns, I haven't had gods results. It isn't something I think about doing because of the problems I've had in the past.

But if you had the patience to go through 500 rounds with 2 or 3 jams per magazine, that is something!

Are you against putting the original spring back in the gun? It might be the easiest place to start.

Actually I wonder if the "Heavy Duty Stress Proof Take Down Pin" might be causing a problem. If it is just ever so slightly too big it might have too much friction and not allow the gun to cycle as smoothly.

Just a thought.

Kevin you might have a point in the take down pin I will let you know for sure I put it back in won’t get to the range till end of Dec but I will definitely let you know so my set is original recoil spring new stainless guide rod and heavy duty take down pin we shall see what happens

 

[GypsmJim]

Toy guns have an orange muzzle. Not "real" ones. Having this configuration "May" be illegal, but it certainly is immoral. That gun needs to be turned in to the police for disposal.

Our gun community is under siege, and has been for years. When law abiding citizens own crap like this it simply puts us all in a bad light.

Sorry if I sound harsh, but I value my 2nd amendment rights and I simply get outraged when lack of common sense helps the anti-gunners.