Field
stripping and
cleaning the
Ruger LCP
is easy and straight forward and in many ways is similar to
field stripping and cleaning Glock pistols (which is really easy
to do). Here are step by step instructions for field stripping
and cleaning your LCP.
FIELD STRIPPING The RUGER LCP
Ruger LCP
FIELD STRIP TOOLS
A small coated screw driver is all you need to
field strip the pistol. It is used to remove the takedown pin
without scratching the frame. If you have strong
fingernails you may not need the screw driver.
Magazine
FIELD STRIP PREPARATIONS
Verify the gun is unloaded.
Remove the magazine.
Inspect the chamber and the magazine well to
ensure the weapon is clear and safe.
Takedown Pin
REMOVE THE TAKEDOWN PIN
Pull the slide back about ¼" until the
take down pin is loose.
Pry the take down pin out with a small
screw driver. Be careful not to scratch the slide while you
are doing this. A small screw driver covered with tape or
rubber tubing will ensure that you do not damage the slide
of your gun.
Takedown Pin
TAKEDOWN PIN REMOVED
Slide Assembly
REMOVE THE SLIDE
Slowly pull the slide forward until
it comes completely off of the frame.
Recoil Spring Assy.
REMOVE THE RECOIL SPRING
Remove the recoil spring assembly from
the slide assembly.
Barrel
REMOVE THE BARREL
Pull the barrel out of the slide.
Field Stripped
RUGER LCP FIELD STRIPED PARTS
The Ruger LCP is now field stripped.
CLEANING THE RUGER LCP
Recoil Springs & Guide
Rod
Cleaning The Recoil Spring Guide
Assembly
Disassemble the recoil spring guide
assembly.
The spring comes in two pieces, an inner
spring and an outer spring. The small spring goes inside the
larger spring.
Separate both springs from the recoil guide
rod.
Wipe down and clean the rod and the both
springs. Be careful not to stretch or crimp the
springs.
Apply a thin coat of gun oil to the
guide rod and springs as a protectant, then wipe off.
Slide
Cleaning The
Slide
Pick up the slide and apply a gun solvent to the inside
rails and surfaces.
Clean the slide with a nylon bristle brush followed by a
cleaning with a Q-tip.
Clean the outside the same way.
Barrel Chamber
Cleaning The Barrel
Clean the barrel of the Ruger LCP.
Apply solvent to a patch and clean the inside of the
barrel.
Make sure the barrel is soaked with solvent.
Then use a
bronze or nylon bore brush and clean the inside of the
barrel. Do not reverse directions with the brush while
in the barrel. Push all the way through, then come back.
Follow with a clean patch.
Frame
Cleaning The Frame
Apply solvent the rails, down around the hammer and just
above the trigger. Apply sparingly. Don use too much,
just enough to get it wet.
Clean these areas with a tooth brush. Follow with a
Q-tip cleaning up all the nooks and crannies.
Be sure to remove any excess cotton left by the Q-tips.
Blow with clean compressed air.
Exploded View
Parts List
LUBRICATING THE RUGER LCP
Apply a light coat of gun oil to the following.
Recoil spring guide rod
Large recoil spring
Small recoil spring
Barrel and locking block
Take down pin
Back of the slide rail (each side)
In the middle of the side (each side)
Inside the hood of the slide
Smear it around with a Q-tip or your finger.
ASSEMBLING THE RUGER LCP
Install the barrel into the slide.
Install the springs onto the recoil spring rod to make up the
recoil spring assembly. Insert the smaller spring into the
larger spring. Note that the ends of the small
spring are of different sizes. The small end of
this spring is positioned such that it butts up against the
flat head of the rod. Insert the rod through both springs.
INCORRECTLY INSTALLED
CORRECTLY INSTALLED
CONFIGURATION
Install the recoil spring assembly. The "free end" of the
springs point forward to the front of the gun. The head or "nail end" of
the recoil spring assembly butts against the lip of the barrel
cup.
Install the slide assembly onto the grip or lower unit.
Insert the take down pin into it's retainer hole. Take a close
look at the hole. You will see a small spring sticking up when
you look through the hole. When you install the take down pin
slowly insert the edge of the pin into the hole and try to feel
for the spring, then push down on the pin (and the spring) then
push the spring all the way through. Pressing down at an angle often works well. It takes a little
practice before you will be able to do it quickly.
Wipe it off, work the slide a couple of times and pull the
trigger to make sure it clicks and you are ready to go.
Ruger LCP Field Strip & Cleaning - Comments & Questions
-------------------------
Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2011
Subject: Ruger LCP Small Recoil Spring
The Small Spring in the shot of the springs and Pin in your hand is
Backwards. The larger end of the small spring needs to be forward. this
is an area many get confused about and can cause a malfunction. Please
note the exploded view in the manual. I love my LCP!
Dave
Response - Dave,
Sorry for the delay in responding to you. My computer's hard drive went
belly up and it took me a little while to recover from it. Thanks for
the correction.
I just checked the manual then I checked my LCP and found that my small
spring was installed backwards (see picture). It still worked, but the
large end of the small spring was riding up over the head of the pin. I
can see where this could cause problems.
WHEN AND WHERE YOU NEED IT.
The Ruger® LCP™ is a compact .380 Auto from the industry leader
in rugged, reliable firearms. From backup firearms for law
enforcement to licensed carry for personal protection, the LCP
is the perfect choice.
Designed with both male and female shooters
in mind, the LCP is as affordable as it is reliable. At just
9.40 ounces (with an empty magazine), the LCP is lightweight and
ideal for all-day carry - ensuring you have it when and where
you need it. COMPACT, the LCP is designed to fit a variety of
holsters and conceal-carry options.
All Models:
Caliber:
.380 Auto
Capacity:
6+1
Sights:
Fixed
Length:
5.16"
Width:
0.82"
Height:
3.60"
Weight:
9.40 oz.
Barrel Length:
2.75"
Barrel Material:
Alloy Steel
Grooves:
6
Twist:
1:16"
RUGER LCP CARE AND CLEANING
(From page 23 of the Instruction Manual)
Make sure gun is unloaded. Before cleaning, be certain the pistol and
its magazine contain no cartridges
At regular intervals, or whenever the pistol
has been exposed to sand, dust, extreme humidity, condensation,
immersion in water or other adverse conditions, disassemble,
clean and oil it. Periodic maintenance is essential to the
reliable functioning of any firearm.
To clean the pistol, proceed as follows:
Disassemble (fieldstrip) the pistol to
the extent described on pages 18-20.
Using a cleaning rod, run a
solvent-wetted patch through the bore several times. Then
attach a solvent-wetted bristle brush to the rod and run it
back and forth the full length of the bore as many times as
necessary to remove grease and dirt from the bore and
chamber. Clean bore with dry patches and examine. Bore
fouling can contribute to reduced accuracy, and grease
accumulation in the chamber can interfere with proper
feeding of cartridges from the magazine.
Using powder solvent on a clean patch or
bristle brush, remove powder residue from all components of
the mechanism. After cleaning, run a dry patch through the
bore, then follow with a patch this is very lightly oiled.
Wipe all surfaces clean with a cloth then wipe all surfaces
with a patch or cloth that has been very lightly oiled.
Note: Only a light application of oil is
needed to provide adequate lubrication of moving parts and
to prevent rust. Excess accumulations of oil tend to attract
particles of dust and dirt and may congeal in cold weather,
which can interfere with the safe and reliable function of
the pistol.
Before firing, remove all oil and grease
from the bore.
RUGER LCP LUBRICATION WARNING
Firing a pistol with oil, grease or any
other material even partially obstructing the bore may result in
damage to the pistol and serious injury to the shooter and those
nearby. Do not spray or apply lubricants directly on ammunition.
If the powder of a cartridge is affected by the lubricant, it
may not be ignited, but the primer firing may push the bullet
into the bore where it may be lodged. Firing a subsequent bullet
into the obstructed bore may damage the pistol and cause serious
injury of death to the shooter and those nearby. Use lubricants
properly. You are responsible for the proper care and
maintenance of your firearms.
)
