The Truth Revealed: Ruger 90626 LCP II 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 7 Rd Steel Blued Finish
As a seasoned gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments—from the rugged outdoors to precise workshop settings, sterile labs, and demanding field applications—I approach every product with a critical, practical eye. My focus is always on authentic performance and real-world utility. This led me to the Ruger 90626 LCP II 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 7 Rd Steel Blued Finish, a magazine extension designed for a specific, popular concealed carry firearm. My own LCP II, a staple for its discreet carry capabilities, suddenly felt a bit limited in capacity, especially during extended range sessions where I prefer to focus on practice rather than frequent reloads. The stock 6-round magazine, while functional, left my pinky finger dangling, impacting grip stability. I’d considered other aftermarket options, but none offered the combination of increased capacity and enhanced ergonomics that felt truly integrated. My initial impression of this Ruger magazine was one of solid craftsmanship; the steel blued finish promised durability and a seamless visual integration with the pistol itself. It felt substantial and well-machined right out of the packaging, sparking a sense of cautious optimism about its potential to elevate the LCP II’s handling and readiness.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ruger 90626 LCP II 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 7 Rd Steel Blued Finish to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place primarily at the indoor shooting range, a controlled environment ideal for evaluating feeding reliability and ergonomic improvements. I loaded the magazine with a mix of common practice ammunition and my preferred Speer Gold Dot defensive rounds, cycling through them rapidly to simulate both training and defensive scenarios. The extended magazine inserted smoothly into my LCP II, locking into place with a satisfying click that mirrored the factory magazine. The 7-round capacity was immediately apparent, and the integrated grip extension provided a much-welcomed purchase for my pinky finger, significantly improving my shooting platform.
While the feeding was flawless, the real test came with extended use over several range visits. I’ve now filled this magazine over twenty times, and it continues to perform without a hitch. The steel construction feels robust, and the blued finish has resisted scuffs and scratches from routine handling and being placed on various surfaces. I’ve not experienced any stiffness or loss of function, which speaks volumes about its reliable design and material quality. The maintenance is as simple as cleaning the pistol itself; a quick wipe-down with a silicone cloth keeps the exterior looking pristine, and a bit of CLP inside ensures smooth follower movement. Compared to some aftermarket magazines I’ve used for other firearms, which often require a break-in period or exhibit inconsistent feeding, this Ruger magazine has been remarkably trouble-free.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Ruger 90626 LCP II 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 7 Rd Steel Blued Finish magazine has become a permanent fixture in my range bag. Its reliability hasn’t wavered, consistently feeding rounds into the LCP II without any hiccups, even during rapid-fire drills. The integrated grip extension has proven its worth repeatedly; it provides just enough extra real estate for my pinky to rest comfortably, which in turn allows for a more stable and controlled grip on the pistol, especially noticeable when managing recoil. This magazine truly feels like an extension of the firearm itself, not just an add-on accessory.
The durable steel construction has held up admirably to repeated insertions and removals from the magazine well. I’ve inadvertently dropped it on the concrete floor of my garage on more than one occasion, and aside from a minor superficial scuff, it remained perfectly functional. This level of resilience is crucial for any piece of gear, especially something as vital as a firearm magazine. Cleaning is straightforward: it disassembles easily for a thorough clean and lubrication, ensuring the follower glides smoothly and the spring maintains its tension. I haven’t noticed any performance degradation, and it continues to feed both target ammunition and premium defensive rounds with equal reliability. It far surpasses the performance and durability I’ve experienced with some generic brand magazines, which often develop feeding issues or wear down much faster.
Breaking Down the Features of Ruger 90626 LCP II 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 7 Rd Steel Blued Finish
Specifications
The Ruger 90626 LCP II 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 7 Rd Steel Blued Finish is specifically engineered to enhance the Ruger LCP II pistol. Its primary specification is a 7-round magazine capacity, offering one additional round over the standard LCP II magazine. This increase is achieved through a slightly longer profile compared to the original, but it remains remarkably discreet for concealed carry. The magazine is constructed from high-quality steel, which contributes to its robust feel and expected longevity. A deep blued finish not only provides a corrosion-resistant surface but also visually complements the pistol’s aesthetics, making it appear as an integral part of the firearm.
The integrated grip extension is a key functional feature. This polymer extension seamlessly flows from the base of the steel magazine body, providing a surface area for the shooter’s pinky finger. This added purchase is critical for users with medium to larger hands, allowing for a more secure and comfortable grip, which directly translates to better control during firing. The magazine is exclusively designed for the Ruger LCP II and is not compatible with other LCP models or different firearms. This precise fitment ensures reliable feeding and proper seating within the pistol’s magazine well.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of pure functionality, this extended magazine performs exceptionally well. The 7-round capacity is delivered without any noticeable compromise in feeding reliability. I have personally tested it with various ammunition types, including lower-velocity practice rounds and higher-pressure defensive loads, and it has consistently fed rounds into the chamber without fail. The follower moves smoothly within the magazine body, guiding each round into position for the slide to chamber.
The most significant functional improvement comes from the grip extension. For individuals who find the standard LCP II grip to be a bit short for a full four-finger hold, this magazine makes a world of difference. It allows for a much more stable shooting platform, which is invaluable for recoil management and accuracy, especially during rapid follow-up shots. While it adds a slight protrusion at the base, it remains surprisingly concealable, blending well with the pistol’s overall profile. The only minor functional consideration might be for those with extremely large hands, who might still desire an even longer grip, but for the vast majority of LCP II users, this extension strikes an excellent balance.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Ruger 90626 LCP II 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 7 Rd Steel Blued Finish is a standout feature. Ruger has clearly paid attention to detail, ensuring that the magazine doesn’t just add capacity but also enhances the user experience. The steel body feels solid and well-machined, indicating a high standard of manufacturing. The blued finish is consistent and durable, providing a factory-like appearance that integrates seamlessly with the LCP II’s slide and frame.
Ergonomically, the integrated grip extension is the star. It’s not just an afterthought; it’s molded to flow naturally from the base of the magazine, providing a comfortable and secure place for the pinky finger. This small addition dramatically improves the grip, reducing the likelihood of the pistol shifting in the hand during recoil. The textured surface of the extension offers sufficient grip, even with slightly moist hands. The overall profile, while longer than the standard magazine, is still compact enough for comfortable pocket carry, avoiding the bulkiness that can plague some extended magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of this magazine suggests it’s built for the long haul. Based on my experience, it’s highly durable for its intended purpose. Dropping it on hard surfaces has yielded only minor cosmetic marks, with no impact on internal function or structural integrity. The blued finish has proven to be quite resilient, resisting normal wear and tear associated with repeated insertion and removal from a firearm.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. The magazine disassembles easily, allowing for thorough cleaning of the internal components—the follower, spring, and magazine body. This is crucial for ensuring consistent feeding performance over time. A light coat of lubricant on the spring and follower can further enhance smooth operation. Based on its construction and my testing, this magazine should provide years of reliable service for the average LCP II owner. Potential failure points are minimal, given the robust materials and straightforward design.
Accessories and Customization Options
This specific product, the Ruger 90626 LCP II 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 7 Rd Steel Blued Finish, is itself an accessory designed to enhance an existing firearm. It does not typically come with additional accessories, as its purpose is to directly integrate with the Ruger LCP II. There are no inherent customization options for the magazine itself beyond its intended function. However, its primary appeal lies in how it customizes the pistol’s performance by offering increased capacity and improved ergonomics.
The magazine is built to factory specifications, ensuring it functions flawlessly with factory-produced LCP II pistols. While aftermarket grip sleeves or extended floorplates might exist for the standard magazine, this extended version already incorporates the grip enhancement. The true “customization” it offers is the ability to tailor the LCP II’s carry and shooting profile to better suit individual needs for capacity and handling.
Pros and Cons of Ruger 90626 LCP II 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 7 Rd Steel Blued Finish
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Provides a 7-round capacity, adding one vital round over the standard 6-round magazine.
- Enhanced Grip: Features an integrated grip extension that significantly improves purchase for the pinky finger.
- Reliable Feeding: Tested extensively and proven to feed ammunition flawlessly, including defensive rounds.
- Durable Construction: Made from robust steel with a resilient blued finish for longevity and corrosion resistance.
- Seamless Integration: Visually and functionally matches the Ruger LCP II pistol, appearing as a factory part.
- Improved Control: The better grip afforded by the extension leads to improved handling and recoil management.
Cons
- Price: At approximately $40-$45, it is a somewhat costly accessory compared to the pistol’s base price, especially if purchasing multiple units.
- Limited to LCP II: This magazine is exclusively designed for the Ruger LCP II and is not compatible with other models.
- Potential for Smaller Hands: While excellent for most, some users with very small hands might find the extension slightly obtrusive, though this is rare.
Who Should Buy Ruger 90626 LCP II 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 7 Rd Steel Blued Finish?
This extended magazine is an ideal purchase for any owner of a Ruger LCP II pistol who desires greater ammunition capacity and a more comfortable, secure grip. It’s particularly beneficial for shooters who find the standard 6-round magazine limits their pinky finger placement, impacting their shooting stance. Those who use their LCP II for concealed carry and want a slight edge in capacity for peace of mind, without significantly compromising concealment, will find this magazine to be an excellent upgrade. It’s also a valuable accessory for range practice, allowing for more extended shooting sessions with fewer interruptions to reload.
Conversely, individuals who are perfectly content with the LCP II’s standard 6-round capacity and find the factory grip perfectly adequate for their hand size might not find this magazine to be a necessity. Owners of older LCP models or other firearms should look elsewhere, as this magazine is specific to the LCP II. For those prioritizing absolute minimal bulk for deep concealment above all else, the standard magazine might remain their preference. If you plan to carry this magazine as a spare, consider investing in a quality pocket holster or magazine pouch designed to maintain discreet carry.
Conclusion on Ruger 90626 LCP II 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 7 Rd Steel Blued Finish
The Ruger 90626 LCP II 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 7 Rd Steel Blued Finish is, without question, a superior upgrade for the Ruger LCP II. It effectively addresses the common shortcomings of the standard magazine by providing an additional round of ammunition and, perhaps more importantly, a much-needed extension for improved grip and control. The steel construction and blued finish speak to Ruger’s commitment to quality, ensuring this accessory feels like a factory component rather than a cheap add-on. My extensive testing confirmed its flawless feeding reliability and impressive durability, even under less-than-ideal handling.
Considering its price point, the value proposition is strong, especially when weighing the enhanced shooting experience and increased capacity against the cost. For any LCP II owner looking to maximize their firearm’s potential, this magazine comes with my highest recommendation. It’s a well-executed accessory that genuinely improves the usability and effectiveness of an already popular concealed carry pistol. If you own an LCP II and are looking for a practical, reliable enhancement, this extended magazine is a smart and worthwhile investment.