LCP ejector - has anyone reshaped his?
- Thread starter Carmady
- Start date
After looking into this LCP ejector business I've learned a couple of things.
1) The ejector is part of the "manual slide hold open." When you push the manual slide hold open up, the ejector goes up right along with it because they're both part of the same part.
2) There's a 0.014" gap between the back of the ejector and the frame.
3) You can push the ejector back until it's tight against the frame.
It seems likely that a fired casing would do the same, but with variations, which could explain why the brass lands all over the place since there's some slop/bounce when the cases hit the ejector.
I'm going to try to wedge the ejector back against the frame, and see if that reduces the ground area covered by ejected brass.
1) The ejector is part of the "manual slide hold open." When you push the manual slide hold open up, the ejector goes up right along with it because they're both part of the same part.
2) There's a 0.014" gap between the back of the ejector and the frame.
3) You can push the ejector back until it's tight against the frame.
It seems likely that a fired casing would do the same, but with variations, which could explain why the brass lands all over the place since there's some slop/bounce when the cases hit the ejector.
I'm going to try to wedge the ejector back against the frame, and see if that reduces the ground area covered by ejected brass.
Cheapshooter
New member
why?
Although I do run several hundred rounds per year through my Eslie Pea, I don't consider it a rang gun. I haven't even gotten 380acp dies until recently, but always pick up what brass I can find.
I would much rather lose a few pieces of brass than risk losing my life in a SD situation because I played around with the ejector in my CCW gun resulting in it becoming unreliable.
Although I do run several hundred rounds per year through my Eslie Pea, I don't consider it a rang gun. I haven't even gotten 380acp dies until recently, but always pick up what brass I can find.
I would much rather lose a few pieces of brass than risk losing my life in a SD situation because I played around with the ejector in my CCW gun resulting in it becoming unreliable.
As a longtime 1911 owner/shooter, and a LE armorer who has attended a couple dozen armorer classes/recertifications for a variety of firearms, including attending the Colt Model O Pistol armorer class (1911) ... it wouldn't occur to me to try and fool with the stubby "ejector" nubbin that Ruger engineers determined to use in the LCP. Nope. Not me. 
I have observed, however, that sometimes the "generous" ejection "pattern" of my pair of LCP's might be affected by any momentary fluctuation of grip stability, or any unintended thumb/finger pressure which might end up against the side of the slide, or a change of ammunition.
The grip stability and keeping thumbs/fingers away from slides is a training & practice issue, and easy to remedy. (I had to do it for another instructor who had a grip technique, he used with larger pistols, which initially kept putting his thumb against the slide of his LCP, causing him repeated feeding issues ... until I watched him and pointed it out to him, at which time the "problem" went away.
The ammo influence? That can be often be addressed by changing ammo, or at least changing boxes, cases or production lots ... presuming we're talking about good quality ammo, made by one of the major reputable ammo makers.
I've observed that in my LCP's (I own a pair of them), the use of Remington's 102gr HPJ/BJHP (Golden Sabre) might infrequently sometimes result in an errant empty case being thrown toward my face or chest (depending where I'm holding the gun when firing it). It's not enough of a potential issue to make me avoid the Rem GS loads, though. I like the round, as a matter of fact.
FWIW, I've noticed that this upward/rearward ejection seems less likely to happen when shooting Speer GDHP, W-W STHP or W-W Ranger T-Series, at least in my LCP's when I'm the one shooting them. The low powered ball/fmj loads, often available for budget practice ammo? I don't pretend to be able to predict where their empties may decide to fly on any given day.
I have observed, however, that sometimes the "generous" ejection "pattern" of my pair of LCP's might be affected by any momentary fluctuation of grip stability, or any unintended thumb/finger pressure which might end up against the side of the slide, or a change of ammunition.
The grip stability and keeping thumbs/fingers away from slides is a training & practice issue, and easy to remedy. (I had to do it for another instructor who had a grip technique, he used with larger pistols, which initially kept putting his thumb against the slide of his LCP, causing him repeated feeding issues ... until I watched him and pointed it out to him, at which time the "problem" went away.
The ammo influence? That can be often be addressed by changing ammo, or at least changing boxes, cases or production lots ... presuming we're talking about good quality ammo, made by one of the major reputable ammo makers.
I've observed that in my LCP's (I own a pair of them), the use of Remington's 102gr HPJ/BJHP (Golden Sabre) might infrequently sometimes result in an errant empty case being thrown toward my face or chest (depending where I'm holding the gun when firing it). It's not enough of a potential issue to make me avoid the Rem GS loads, though. I like the round, as a matter of fact.
FWIW, I've noticed that this upward/rearward ejection seems less likely to happen when shooting Speer GDHP, W-W STHP or W-W Ranger T-Series, at least in my LCP's when I'm the one shooting them. The low powered ball/fmj loads, often available for budget practice ammo? I don't pretend to be able to predict where their empties may decide to fly on any given day.
Thanks, you talked me out of trying to reshape it.
I was unaware of the gap between the ejector and frame when I started this thread, and I expect that stabilizing the ejector somewhat will reduce the "generous ejection pattern." That's something that can be tried with no permanent alterations. Something like a little piece of plastic card stuck in the crack in the red circle will push the ejector back against the frame and hopefully tighten up the ejection pattern.
I was unaware of the gap between the ejector and frame when I started this thread, and I expect that stabilizing the ejector somewhat will reduce the "generous ejection pattern." That's something that can be tried with no permanent alterations. Something like a little piece of plastic card stuck in the crack in the red circle will push the ejector back against the frame and hopefully tighten up the ejection pattern.
Attachments
You might also bear in mind that we're talking about a really diminutive pistol, with a really light slide (mass) that has a short slide run (travel), and an extractor that's a "drop in" part.
Also, the pressure of another round in the top of the magazine, or the lack thereof (empty magazine), when the fired case is in the process of being ejected is probably exerting more influence than you might suspect when it comes to how the stubby little ejector nub engages with the empty case to kick it clear.
Then, factor in the difference in "power" (slide velocity) and shooter grip stability (does the narrow little grip shift in your 2-fingered grip, at all?).
I might casually wonder why Ruger engineers changed their ejector design compared to how it appears in the Kel-Tec P3AT, but considering the reports of owners of both brands of the itty bitty .380's over time, it seems Ruger did a good job in their assessment of the ejector's design and size requirements.
In other words, it's probably going to remain more of a shooter and/or ammunition influence on how the little gun ejects empties.
If you actually suspect a real problem with your LCP, why not simply call Ruger and ask for it to be examined? Might cost you some money for shipping, though.
If they end up telling you that it operates and functions within normal tolerances, in the expected manner, according to their specifications, then maybe you might consider that perhaps you might have some unrealistic expectations for the little gun? It's NOT a 1911.
Granted, Glock decided to revise their ejectors for their 9, .40 & .357 guns after the Gen4's had been in-service for a little while. (I had to get some of the 9 & .40 ejectors, as an armorer, to resolve a few extraction/ejection issues), but this whole "tuning of ejectors" is something that was apparently created by some 1911's aficionados (I'm one, remember), but even then it's something probably best left to folks who have knowledge, experience and skill in making such subtle modifications.
In other words, if it's not actually broken, don't try to "fix it" until it's really broken.
FWIW, I occasionally keep an eye out for a factory LCP armorer class being offered close enough to me to make it attractive (seems to be offered combined with the LCR or LC9S, in their list of field schools), but nothing's come up, yet. Then again, I realize that not ALL field schools which end up being hosted may be listed in the normal factory listings. Things get added for various reasons. Probably a short class. The S&W M&P Bodyguard .380 and M&P Shield armorer classes are only 4hr classes, last I asked (haven't had a chance to attend it, either), if you're a currently certified M&P Pistol armorer.
Might be interesting to see what Ruger teaches in the LCP armorer class.
Also, the pressure of another round in the top of the magazine, or the lack thereof (empty magazine), when the fired case is in the process of being ejected is probably exerting more influence than you might suspect when it comes to how the stubby little ejector nub engages with the empty case to kick it clear.
Then, factor in the difference in "power" (slide velocity) and shooter grip stability (does the narrow little grip shift in your 2-fingered grip, at all?).
I might casually wonder why Ruger engineers changed their ejector design compared to how it appears in the Kel-Tec P3AT, but considering the reports of owners of both brands of the itty bitty .380's over time, it seems Ruger did a good job in their assessment of the ejector's design and size requirements.
In other words, it's probably going to remain more of a shooter and/or ammunition influence on how the little gun ejects empties.
If you actually suspect a real problem with your LCP, why not simply call Ruger and ask for it to be examined? Might cost you some money for shipping, though.
If they end up telling you that it operates and functions within normal tolerances, in the expected manner, according to their specifications, then maybe you might consider that perhaps you might have some unrealistic expectations for the little gun? It's NOT a 1911.
Granted, Glock decided to revise their ejectors for their 9, .40 & .357 guns after the Gen4's had been in-service for a little while. (I had to get some of the 9 & .40 ejectors, as an armorer, to resolve a few extraction/ejection issues), but this whole "tuning of ejectors" is something that was apparently created by some 1911's aficionados (I'm one, remember), but even then it's something probably best left to folks who have knowledge, experience and skill in making such subtle modifications.
In other words, if it's not actually broken, don't try to "fix it" until it's really broken.
FWIW, I occasionally keep an eye out for a factory LCP armorer class being offered close enough to me to make it attractive (seems to be offered combined with the LCR or LC9S, in their list of field schools), but nothing's come up, yet. Then again, I realize that not ALL field schools which end up being hosted may be listed in the normal factory listings. Things get added for various reasons. Probably a short class. The S&W M&P Bodyguard .380 and M&P Shield armorer classes are only 4hr classes, last I asked (haven't had a chance to attend it, either), if you're a currently certified M&P Pistol armorer.
Might be interesting to see what Ruger teaches in the LCP armorer class.
Kreyzhorse
New member
That is a sound decision. The LCP is a hard gun to shoot. Big hands, small gun, I think my grip changes with every shot. Yours might too.
They are small in every dimension for normal sized male hands. A former co-worker, big lad with bigger hands, looked like he was holding a tiny water pistol with an LCP in his mitts. But it worked every time and was not finicky about what you fed it. I have an early model that is the same way and I am disinclined to tamper with it.
FrankenMauser
New member
fastbolt's conclusion (not to touch it) was what I decided upon, as well.
There just isn't enough meat there, and it's a bit of a hokey design, anyway.
It's best to let it run as-is, as long as it's working at all.
There just isn't enough meat there, and it's a bit of a hokey design, anyway.
It's best to let it run as-is, as long as it's working at all.
lee n. field
New member
Mine ejects all over the place. Brass recovery, even in a nice tame range, is not good. But I don't care. I've tried handloads in my LCP, and they split a non-trivial percentage of the time. I suspect Ruger made the chamber "generous".
The LCP. "It is what it is."
Today the LCP was 180 degrees different from the other times. No FTAnything, 100% issue free.
It did have the the little shim in the hold open lever to minimize ejector movement. I'm not claiming it helped because it was in place for every shot fired today, so I can't compare w/ shim vs w/o shim. I also shot everything using two hands.
73 rounds total, 38 WWB, 10 Fed Am Eagle, 25 LRN reloads at five different charge amounts with the same powder.
I think the biggest contributor to the generous ejection pattern was the WWB, today as well as previous days. Today it stayed in the 3-6 o'clock area, but distance varied from a foot or two to 12'-15'. I had a 9' x 12' tarp in that area, and the WWB brass went all around it.
The others, Federal and the reloads, kept the brass in a much smaller and consistent area.
It did have the the little shim in the hold open lever to minimize ejector movement. I'm not claiming it helped because it was in place for every shot fired today, so I can't compare w/ shim vs w/o shim. I also shot everything using two hands.
73 rounds total, 38 WWB, 10 Fed Am Eagle, 25 LRN reloads at five different charge amounts with the same powder.
I think the biggest contributor to the generous ejection pattern was the WWB, today as well as previous days. Today it stayed in the 3-6 o'clock area, but distance varied from a foot or two to 12'-15'. I had a 9' x 12' tarp in that area, and the WWB brass went all around it.
The others, Federal and the reloads, kept the brass in a much smaller and consistent area.
This kind'a cracks me up a little bit. Not the gun or the thread but situations I have been in. Yeah I've taken my LCP to public ranges before. I always warn the person to the right of me and wait until they are done firing. They usually don't believe me until the casings start flying over their heads like baseballs. 