Ruger Introduces Lite Rack LCP II Chambered in .22 LR

Ruger recently introduced one of the newest iterations of their LCP II pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle featuring a proprietary Lite Rack system. This is a pistol that nobody saw coming because while there is an urgent rush in the concealed carry pistol market to make smaller 9mm pistols with conversely more capacity, the Ruger LCP II with Lite Rack technology goes an entirely different direction.

As alluded earlier, many CCW advocates are in hot pursuit of 9mm pistols that are tiny with huge capacity. What many of us overlook though (except Ruger) is that not all people trying to carry a handgun can manipulate a semi-auto slide assembly or tolerate the recoil of larger centerfire cartridges. So while many people might be asking the question of “Why” a better question is actually “Why not?” Ruger goes on to provide us with the laundry list of specifications for the Lite Rack LCP II in .22 Long Rifle:

Lite Rack™ system includes refined slide serrations, pronounced cocking ears and a lighter recoil spring, allowing for easy slide manipulation.
Low recoil for comfortable training. Optimized to function with high-velocity ammunition.
With a patent-pending floorplate assembly, the magazine offers a very compact 10+1 capacity, extends the grip for improved control and retains the LCP® IIs popular last-round hold open function.
Manual safety is oriented in a push-forward-to-fire configuration that is instinctive and unobtrusive.

Compact and lightweight, the LCP® II is designed to fit a variety of holsters.
Textured grip frame provides a secure and comfortable grip. Larger grip frame surface provides better distribution of recoil forces.
Fixed front and rear sights are integral to the slide, while the hammer is recessed within the slide.
Rugged construction with through-hardened steel slide and one-piece, high-performance, glass-filled nylon grip frame.

Secure Action™ fire control that combines the smooth pull of the LCP® with the short crisp feel and positive reset of a single-action.
Additional safety features include a magazine disconnect; neutrally balanced sear with significant engagement and strong spring tension; and hammer catch to help prevent the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled.
Satin, stainless steel barrel.
Accepts all existing LCP®II accessories with the exception of magazines chambered in .380 Auto.
Also includes: one magazine and magazine loader.

At the moment, the Ruger Lite Rack LCP II .22 Long Rifle is offered in just a simple black coloration at an MSRP price-point of $349. Knowing Ruger though, this pistol will likely be offered in a multitude of colors in the future with potentially other accessories as well like lasers and/or flashlights. The complete Press Release for this pistol can be read below from Ruger:

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) proudly introduces the LCP® II chambered in .22 LR. This new, low-recoiling Lite Rack™ pistol features an easy-to-manipulate slide that shoots comfortably regardless of hand size or strength.
Since its introduction in 2008, the LCP has set the industry standard for a lightweight, compact and reliable carry pistol. In 2016, the product line evolved with the release of the LCP II, boasting enhanced features like taller sights, a larger grip surface, crisp new trigger and last-round hold open. The all new LCP II chambered in .22 LR represents the latest innovation in compact carry pistols from Ruger.
The .22 LR LCP II incorporates Ruger’s new Lite Rack system, which allows for easy slide manipulation. The Lite Rack system includes refined slide serrations, pronounced cocking ears and a lighter recoil spring. Combined, these features ease the burden of cycling a pistol slide by hand. Pistols equipped with the Lite Rack system are ideally suited for new shooters, those who struggle with racking traditional slides and anyone looking to enjoy a day at the range. Whether used as a training tool for an existing LCP or LCP II, or as a concealed carry option, the low-recoiling Lite Rack LCP II in .22 LR allows shooters to train with and operate their pistol with confidence.
Optimized to function with high-velocity ammunition, this new pistol features a tilt-barrel, blowback semi-automatic action, which aids in feeding for reliable function. With a patent-pending floorplate assembly, the magazine offers a very compact 10+1 capacity, extends the grip for improved control and retains the LCP II’s popular last-round hold open function.
The LCP II in .22 LR features a first-ever manual safety, making this a great training option for new shooters or those who prefer a manual safety option. Positioned on the left side of the frame, the safety is oriented in a push-forward-to-fire configuration that is instinctive and unobtrusive. A magazine disconnect ensures that the gun cannot fire with the magazine removed, yet still allows the magazine to drop free.
Like the rest of the LCP II family, this American-made pistol features a short, crisp, Secure Action™ trigger with inner trigger safety; improved sights for superior accuracy; and highly-textured grip surfaces. In addition to one, 10-round magazine, this pistol also ships with a magazine loader.

At this time, Ruger does not have a video for us to watch on their YouTube channel, but our friends over at our sister-blog of TheFirearmBlog have already received a copy of the Ruger Lite Rack LCP II .22 Long Rifle to test and review. Check out the experience and thoughts from Hop of TFBTV to see if this is a pistol you may want to add to your collection.

Once again, the Ruger Lite Rack LCP II .22 Long Rifle is punching in at a price-point of $349 and is currently shipping to firearm retailers at the time of this writing. The biggest question that is yet to be answered is what does the general public think? Is this something that you would be willing to spend $350 on either for concealed carry or for use at the range? Do you think this pistol will find its niche in the firearm industry? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

Adam Scepaniak