Understanding the LCP Trigger
The Factory Trigger
The Ruger LCP: a name synonymous with concealed carry. Its diminutive size, featherweight design, and chambering in potent calibers like .380 ACP make it a popular choice for personal defense. Many appreciate its effortless concealment, fitting comfortably in a pocket or concealed holster. However, a common point of contention among LCP owners is its trigger. The factory trigger, while undeniably safe due to its deliberate design, often presents a less-than-ideal shooting experience. It tends to have a long pull, a heavier-than-desired weight, and a somewhat “mushy” feel. This can potentially hinder accuracy and overall enjoyment.
Mechanics of the LCP Trigger
Before exploring the best trigger upgrades, it’s crucial to understand the nature of the factory trigger in the Ruger LCP. This knowledge allows you to identify areas for improvement and choose modifications that best address your needs.
The DAO System
The LCP utilizes a double-action-only (DAO) firing system. The trigger pull directly cocks and releases the striker, eliminating the need for a hammer. This design prioritizes safety, minimizing the risk of accidental discharge. The factory trigger typically exhibits a pull weight in the range of seven to ten pounds. The length of pull, the distance the trigger travels rearward, is typically quite significant. This long pull contributes to the feeling of a “mushy” trigger, as the shooter must travel a greater distance before the striker releases. The reset, the point at which the trigger must be released forward to re-engage the firing mechanism, can also be relatively long, potentially slowing down follow-up shots.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The mechanics behind the LCP trigger are relatively simple. Pulling the trigger moves a series of internal components, ultimately releasing the striker. The trigger bar interacts with the sear, holding the striker in place. As the trigger is pulled, the trigger bar pivots, releasing the sear and allowing the striker to move forward, striking the primer and firing the round. This design relies on a combination of springs and carefully engineered surfaces to provide the necessary tension and control. While the factory trigger is designed with safety in mind, its characteristics can pose challenges for some shooters. The heavy pull weight and long travel can make it difficult to maintain consistent accuracy. The lack of a crisp break can result in unintentional movement of the firearm during the trigger pull, causing shots to drift off-target. The long reset can also hinder rapid follow-up shots, making it harder to engage multiple targets quickly.The LCP’s factory trigger has advantages as well. The heavier pull weight and long travel contribute to the pistol’s safety profile, lessening the chances of an accidental discharge. The DAO system also offers a consistent trigger pull for every shot, which can be advantageous for training and practice. The trigger’s simplicity and robust design contribute to the pistol’s overall reliability. However, many shooters find that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, prompting them to seek upgrades.
Benefits of Enhancing Your LCP Trigger
Improved Accuracy
The decision to upgrade your Ruger LCP trigger offers a range of significant benefits. These improvements can transform the feel and performance of your firearm, leading to greater enjoyment and enhanced confidence. Accuracy represents the most important benefit of upgrading the LCP trigger. A lighter, crisper trigger with a shorter reset allows for more precise shot placement. The shooter can experience less unintentional movement while pulling the trigger, resulting in tighter groupings and improved accuracy. By reducing the variables associated with the trigger, you can focus more on proper sight alignment and trigger control, increasing the likelihood of hitting your intended target.
Enhanced Control
Enhanced control translates into more confident handling of the weapon. A smoother, more responsive trigger allows for easier manipulation and better grip control. A lighter pull weight reduces the amount of force required to fire the pistol, minimizing fatigue and improving overall stability. This control is especially important in high-stress situations where a steady hand is crucial.
Faster Follow-Up Shots
Faster follow-up shots are made possible with certain trigger upgrades. A shorter reset allows the shooter to quickly re-engage the trigger and fire subsequent rounds. This increased rate of fire is beneficial in defensive scenarios where engaging multiple targets may be necessary. With a faster reset, you can transition seamlessly between shots, making you more effective at defending yourself or others.
Increased Comfort
Increased comfort plays an important role in the overall shooting experience. A smoother, more refined trigger reduces hand strain and fatigue during extended practice sessions. A trigger with a more ergonomic design can minimize pressure points and improve comfort. Enjoying the shooting process increases the likelihood of more frequent practice, leading to better skills and greater proficiency.
Reduced Fatigue
Reduced fatigue is an additional advantage of upgrading the LCP trigger. A lighter and more precise trigger reduces the strain on your hand and fingers. This is especially beneficial during extended shooting sessions or when practicing in a tactical environment. Reduced fatigue allows you to maintain concentration and accuracy for a longer duration.
Types of Trigger Upgrades
Trigger Shoes/Trigger Kits
Several options exist for enhancing your Ruger LCP trigger, each offering unique benefits and characteristics. Understanding these variations is essential to selecting the ideal upgrades. Trigger Shoes and Trigger Kits are among the most popular and widely available modifications. These upgrades typically involve replacing the factory trigger shoe with a custom-designed version or replacing the entire trigger mechanism. Various trigger shoe designs exist, including flat triggers and curved triggers. A flat trigger often provides a more consistent surface for finger placement, facilitating a straighter trigger pull and improving accuracy. Trigger kits frequently combine a new trigger shoe with upgraded springs and other internal components. These kits may include a lighter trigger return spring, a firing pin spring, or a combination of both. Trigger kits typically aim to reduce the overall pull weight, shorten the travel, and improve the trigger’s responsiveness. Some trigger kits also include other modifications to enhance the reliability and performance of the pistol. Trigger Shoes and Trigger Kits present several advantages. They can dramatically reduce the pull weight of the trigger, making it easier to control and shoot accurately. They can also shorten the trigger’s travel, allowing for faster follow-up shots and improved control. The installation process, while not always straightforward, is generally within the capabilities of most DIY enthusiasts with the proper tools and instructions. Examples of these kinds of upgrades include those offered by Galloway Precision and Apex Tactical. These aftermarket manufacturers offer high-quality trigger shoes, complete trigger kits, and other LCP-specific accessories to elevate your shooting experience.
Trigger Springs
Trigger Springs are a relatively inexpensive and easily installed upgrade that can have a noticeable impact on trigger performance. These upgrades typically involve replacing the factory trigger return spring with a lighter-weight alternative. This can help to reduce the overall pull weight of the trigger, making it feel lighter and smoother. The trigger return spring helps the trigger reset after each shot, so an optimized spring can lead to faster reset times. The primary benefit of lighter springs is reduced trigger pull weight. This leads to more accurate shooting. The trigger can feel more responsive, and the overall shooting experience can be improved. However, using lighter springs can sometimes pose a risk of light primer strikes, where the firing pin does not have enough force to ignite the primer. Always test your firearm with various ammunition types after installing lighter springs to ensure proper and reliable function. An example of this type of upgrade would be replacement springs from Wolff Gunsprings, which makes high-quality springs for a wide range of firearms.
Complete Trigger Systems
Complete Trigger Systems represent a more comprehensive approach to trigger upgrades. These systems include multiple components, such as a new trigger shoe, trigger bar, springs, and other internal parts. These kits are designed to provide a complete solution for enhancing the trigger’s performance. Complete systems offer a seamless integration of all upgraded parts, reducing the amount of guesswork and potential compatibility issues. Complete trigger systems provide several benefits. They often offer the most significant improvements in terms of pull weight, travel, and reset. Many complete trigger systems are designed with a focus on reliability, ensuring that the firearm functions flawlessly after the upgrade. However, complete systems typically require more involved installation procedures, and may increase the risk of malfunctions if not installed correctly. Installation often requires disassembling and reassembling your firearm’s trigger mechanism. If you’re uncomfortable working on your firearm, seeking professional assistance is highly recommended. These kits are often available from several manufacturers, who also offer support and instructional videos.
Trigger Pins
Trigger Pins are an often-overlooked upgrade that, though small, can make an impact. These replacement pins can be made of various materials and serve to increase the durability of the trigger system.
Choosing the Right Trigger Upgrade for Your LCP
Choosing the right trigger upgrade requires careful consideration of several factors. The optimal choice depends on your individual preferences, shooting style, and experience level.
Consider Your Shooting Style
Start by evaluating your shooting style. Are you primarily a target shooter, a concealed carrier, or a competition shooter? Your shooting style should inform your decision. Target shooters may prioritize a light, crisp trigger for maximum accuracy, while concealed carriers might prioritize a slightly heavier trigger for added safety.
Pull Weight, Reset, and Material
Consider the pull weight of the existing trigger. A gauge can measure the force required to actuate the trigger. If you find the pull weight to be excessively heavy, consider a trigger upgrade designed to lighten the pull. A lighter trigger can make shooting more enjoyable and improve your accuracy. The reset of the trigger is also an important factor. This is the distance the trigger must travel forward after firing a shot before it resets, allowing you to fire again. A shorter reset allows for faster follow-up shots. A long reset can slow down your shooting. Material also plays a role. Consider a trigger shoe made from durable materials, such as aluminum, to withstand the rigors of daily use. High-quality components are more resistant to wear and tear, ensuring longevity and reliable performance.
Research and Budget
Research and read reviews to inform your decisions. Look for recommendations from other LCP owners, and review the product information available on various websites. Review the experiences of others before investing your money. Budget is also an important consideration. Trigger upgrades range in price. Set a budget before you begin to look at options to eliminate options that do not fit within your budget. Don’t sacrifice quality in favor of saving money. You want a durable and dependable upgrade.
Installation and Safety
Gun safety is paramount when undertaking any firearm modification. Follow these steps: First and foremost, always ensure the firearm is unloaded. This can’t be stressed enough. Remove the magazine, open the slide, and visually and physically inspect the chamber to confirm that it is empty. When it comes to installing trigger upgrades, it is best to perform the upgrade in a clean, well-lit workspace. Follow the included instructions carefully. Consult the manufacturer’s website for instructions or watch video guides. If you’re unsure about any step, seek assistance from a qualified gunsmith. Reassemble the pistol and perform a function check. Once the upgrade is complete, perform a thorough function check to ensure the trigger and other components are functioning correctly.
Product Recommendations
For a recommended trigger shoe, consider the Galloway Precision Precision Trigger. This popular option provides a noticeable improvement in trigger feel. For springs, consider those from Wolff Gunsprings.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Ruger LCP trigger offers a transformative experience, improving accuracy, control, comfort, and overall enjoyment. By carefully considering the options available and prioritizing safety, you can significantly enhance your LCP’s performance. The decision to upgrade your LCP trigger is one that will pay off handsomely in your shooting practice and in any situation that requires you to use your firearm. The LCP remains a fantastic choice for concealed carry.
