The original Ruger LCP .380, introduced in 2008, ushered in a very successful series of hammer-fired deep-concealment semi-automatic pistols. This series has served self-defense roles ranging from primary civilian carry pistols to backup pistols for uniformed law enforcement officers. The pistol weighs 9.6 ounces and has a 6+1 magazine capacity. It can be easily hidden in nearly any type of holster configuration. The LCP is one of a number of handguns I wish I had available in my undercover law enforcement days.
Upgrades to the LCP MAX
In 2016, Ruger upgraded the LCP to the LCP II. Though the original LCP is still a popular part of the Ruger lineup. The LCP II kept the same 6+1-round .380 magazine capacity but in a slightly larger package that was more comfortable to shoot. It also features a Glock-like trigger safety system instead of the heavier double-action-only trigger of the original LCP. A 10-shot .22 LR version of the LCP II is also available.
And while the LCP II is another excellent deep-concealment handgun, Ruger continued to improve on the LCP line. With the LCP MAX, Ruger upgraded the sighting system as well as increased magazine capacity. It’s ready for defensive shooting.
The fixed, plain black front and rear sights of the LCP and LCP II are part of the slide. The LCP MAX has been upgraded with a more prominent — but still low profile — white outline tritium dot front sight and a plain black U-notch rear sight. Both front and rear sights are dovetailed into place. When aligned properly, a U-Notch rear sight cups the front sight dot making acquisition fast and natural, as well as easing alignment. The back of the rear sight is grooved to reduce glare and slanted forward toward the muzzle to prevent snagging.
Even the smallest pistols need increased magazine capacities today. Ruger’s new LCP MAX has a standard 10-round magazine. The overall length of this new magazine is longer than the 6-round magazine of the original LCP, increasing the overall height by .52 inches. This turns the two-finger grip of the original LCP into a more comfortable three-finger grip. That’s especially so for the MAX with the included “pinkie extension” installed on the magazine base.
The Original LCP vs. the LCP MAX
| LCP | LCP MAX | |
| Weight | 9.6 ounces | 10.6 ounces |
| Frame | High-performance glass-filled nylon | High-performance glass-filled nylon |
| Barrel length | 2.75 inches | 2.80 inches |
| Overall length | 5.16 inches | 5.17 inches |
| Height | 3.60 inches | 4.12 inches |
| Magazine capacity | 6+1 | 10+1 (one included) |
| Sights | Fixed-integral with slide | Tritium front with white outline
U-notch fixed rear |
| MSRP | $319 | $469 |
Shooting the MAX
My sample LCP MAX has a trigger pull of 4 pounds, 10 ounces, with 1/2 inch of slack before the actual pull starts. This extra half-inch of trigger slack serves as prevention against an accidental discharge.
I used SIG Sauer Elite 100-grain FMJ Ball Practice Ammo and 90-grain V-Crown Elite Defense Load. The published ballistics are below.
| Ammunition | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy |
| SIG 100-grain FMJ Flat Point FMJ | 910 feet per second | 184 foot-pounds of energy |
| SIG 90-grain V-Crown Elite Defense | 980 feet per second | 192 foot-pounds of energy |
I began testing the LCP MAX straight from the box. With the B-27E target at 21 feet, I loaded up the first magazine with 10 rounds of the 100-grain FMJ and centered the sights on the orange X-ring. I experienced a failure of the LCP MAX to go into battery on the second shot, but the remaining eight ran smoothly. This first group measured 3 ¼ inches, with four rounds clustered in one hole. Five of the 10 shots in this group were centered on the lower portion of the X-ring, with five rounds below it in the 10-ring.
The second group was fired using the 90-grain V-Crown. On the third shot, I had another failure to go into battery. The remaining seven shots ran perfectly. This time my point of aim was on the lower number “8” of the 8-ring. Again, the shots grouped below, centering on the lower number “7.” This group also measured 3 ¼ inches in diameter.
The last group of 10 shots was fired again using the 100-grain FMJ. All 10 rounds cycled flawlessly, indicating the LCP MAX needed just a few break-in shots. These final shots landed in a 3-inch group below the number “7” aiming point on the right side of the target.
Recoil was controllable thanks to the excellent grip shape and stippling. Most shooters will find the LCP MAX preferable to the original LCP in terms of comfort and accuracy potential.
Should You Buy the LCP MAX From Ruger?
All-in-all, the Ruger LCP MAX had an excellent performance. Its reliability increased after a couple of magazines. And its accuracy was very good at 21 feet, especially for a gun that will most likely be used at 10 feet or closer in self-defense situations!
Sources:
Ruger: Ruger.com
SIG Sauer: SIGSauer.com
