Ruger LCP MAX Review

45 Comments

1. In your article you mention an advantage of the Ruger LCP Max is the possibility of swapping out the sights. Maybe so, but since my gun shoots low I was hoping to swap out the front sight for one having a lesser height, to bring the point of aim up. However, nobody makes and sells any LCP front sights that have any height difference than the factory sights.

   • I contacted Ruger about my LCPMax shooting too low and left. I shoot a lot, so after many different techniques and attempts, the “low and left” were consistent. Ruger picked up the gun on their dime, replaced the barrel and slide and returned in less than 2 weeks. It now shoots to point of aim.

     • Help me my friend, my max is shooting low and dealer is giving me a word salad….can Ruger rectify this problem….? and if so who can I contact to follow through….Thanks!

2. “Much larger “? What are you talking about? I held LCP next to an LCP Max yesterday. You can’t tell the difference.

   According to Ruger’s dimensions, they are within hundredth to tenths of an inch. Heck, they fun in the same holsters.

   Functionally the LCP and the LCP Max are the same size.

   This review is complete nonsense.

   • Everyone else would disagree with you.

     • Actually, everyone else disagrees with you. You obviously didn’t look at the dimensions or do side by side comparisons. Just because you wrote a review doesn’t mean “everyone else” would side with you; especially when all the other reviews online say it’s barely any larger.

     • I wouldn’t disagree with him, i have both and the max is just a little bit thicker, and not enough to count for anything. Also you may have gotten one with sight adjustment problems, the one i have shoots accurately at 15 yards. Just takes a bit of practice to get used to the pistol. I would choose this one all day long compared to the more expensive and larger glock 42 which only holds half the amount of rounds. (With the optional 12rd. Mag). Highly recommend the lcp max for high capacity concealed carry!

     • Absolutely

   • Exactly! The LCP Max is no larger than the LCP 2 and weighs the same 10.8oz. Not sure what reviewer is smoking or drinking but he missed this review by a country mile. Also, both of mine regularly group less than 6-in at 25yds.

     • The reviewer probably has never even held one. I pocket carry this daily in a pocket holster. As on owner, i was shocked when i read this “review”. Perhaps he got it confused with a 1911 🙂

   • Exactly what I thought reading it. One moment he says” much larger” than the LCPII then says the holsters are ” reverse-compatible ” with them. He spent more time typing this review than thinking about it.

     • The most important measurements on a gun when it comes to concealment come from the grip. Both the width and length. The width on the LCP Max is larger. Both those dimensions have nothing to do with the holster fit.

   • I agree with you Isaac. Obviously the guy doing the review is a “Glock snob”. If it’s not a Glock he will find anything he can to dislike it even if it means making stuff up. Case in point; Lcp Max length = 5.17, Lcp II = 5.20 Lcp = 5.16. Height; Max = 4.12, Lcp II = 4.00, Lcp = 3.6. Slide width Max = 0.81, Lcp II = 0.81, Lcp = 0.82. Weight; Max = 10.6 oz, Lcp II = 11.2 oz, Lcp = 9.6 oz. Except for being about .5” taller than the original Lcp, there is no way the Lcp Max is MUCH larger as he states.

3. I doubt that everyone else would disagree. Have had a great experience with this. There are excellent unbiased reviews that support my experience with this handgun.. Google is a great tool. Hickock 45 is one review worth viewing. Good advice about going holding one prior to buying. And then shooting if possible. Then buy it. Does what it is supposed to do!

4. This reviewer doesn’t like this gun and he has a right to his opinion. My own impression has been quite different. The size difference is a longer, fuller contour grip, not really any wider because of the flared rear that was added to the LCR2 grip, and almost identical in length with the extended magazine in the smaller gun, which, ironically, almost every LCP2 I have seen in use has had. The trigger is what I would consider ideal for the intended purpose of this gun, repeatable, without excessive weight or grit, in a trigger guard that doesn’t beat up my fairly large trigger finger, and I don’t want a 2 pound match grade 1911 trigger on a pocket gun with no safety. The sights, which he acknowledges , are excellent for a gun of this type, easy to find and line up for short range accuracy. Speaking of accuracy, I find it no harder to shoot accurately than a Glock 42, which I replaced with the LCP MAX due it being a difficult pocket carry gun in normal mild weather clothes. If you compare shoot ability to guns in a different size and use class it kind of negates any comparison, A Glock 42 is a good gun but it’s trigger and accuracy are not in the same league as my Dan Wesson full size 1911, quite true, but what’s the point ?

5. Love the pistol small and light shoots great at seven yards hits right where aimed.havent shot at any greatr distance I love it and it’s a great everyday carry gun and easy to conceal.lcpvmax is great

6. I am finding my LCP max difficult to shoot and do not disagree with the accuracy comments related to the review.

   • You’re not alone. Everyone has different standards of accuracy. I can shoot a 4-inch group at 25 with my Glocks, Sigs, CZs etc… but find it difficult to get 4inch with this gun at 7 yards. Many commenting likely haven’t shot their gun or exaggerated their result.

     • Once again we’re comparing range/ duty guns to a pocket pistol. I find the gun very easy to shoot accurately FOR IT’S INTENDED USE. While I consider a Glock to be a marginally accurate gun in general, I have my Glock 40 because for a northern Rocky Mountain back country sidearm it is hard to beat FOR IT’S INTENDED USE, that being a reasonably powerful defense weapon of high reliability in a point and squeeze type of action. I have a long slide 1911 that is literally twice as accurate that I have harvested deer with but it’s just over half the capacity and weighs half a pound more than the Glock. I feel the same thing applies to the little Ruger, it’s an excellent design for the application. Sure, I could shoot a more powerful round more accurately, with less recoil in my M9, but it would be mighty uncomfortable and not too well concealed in my pocket.

     • You have to shoot the pistol enough times to be able to accurately shoot it. I’m guessing you didn’t shoot it enough to get used to it, or you got one with the sights sightly off. Even then you can make target adjustments to hit the mark. It’s not along range pistol anyway

     • Can you hit an attacker center mass from 3 yards away with the Lcp Max? I think you can which is what this gun is designed to do. Who cares about sub 4” groups at 7 yards!

     • Can you hit an attacker center mass from 3 yards away with this gun? I think you can which is what this gun is designed to do. Who cares about sub 4” groups at 7 yards!

7. The review was ok, but,….. I have experience with the LCP MAX. It is a self defense gun. It is designed for 3-7-10 yards. The Tueller Rule is designed around 21 FT. With weapon, 30 FT, as a general rule. The front sight dot is the POI on mine. I can do head shots up to 10 yds. At this time, I haven’t had any problems with the slide stop. I can use the LCP pocket holster with it in my cargo shorts. Personally, I can’t use a IWB holster. On a draw my pants would fall down, the perp would die laughing, and I’m charged with manslaughter. In AZ we can open carry. I prefer a large T shirt. The trigger does have a little distance to it, but it’s easy to get used to. Most SD guns I’ve played with have that extra play. I think it’s there to give one a nano second to decide if you’re serious or not. You can also get a 12 round mag for the MAX and there’s magnetic holsters for an extra mag. I think its a good gun, it does what it’s suppose to do. Its your job to practice, train, and practice some more in all kinds of scenarios, right hand, left hand, both hands, proper draw, running, You name it. It’s known as Bushido. As a Yondon I can tell you, when the moment arises, you will respond with your training. If you practice screaming, that is what you’ll do. Train well, then after that moment, you can cry and throw up after, but not before. Sayonara.
   Kurt-san.

8. I don’t agree with this review.im not a Glock fan but I love the Ruger LCP Max 380.perfect carry gun shootabllity it’s great up to about 15yds but that’s what it’s made for.had no problems feeding shells shoots great I don’t shot targets slot I shot gongs 12inch as long as I can hit them at 15yds I’m good a person at 15yds is a whole lot bigger and should be a lot easier to hit if need be.I change my sights and got a new trigger from Galloway Precision great trigger a must.added houge sleeve and changed guide pin and recoil spring Galloway Precision also.Great firearm

9. I have a few different carry weapons and the LCP max is by far the hardest to hit a target with. Sometimes I can’t even get anything on the target. I feel like this gun is laughing at me. Truly bad. I like everything else about it, but something seems very wrong. Sticking with S&W which has no issues like this does.

   • Every experienced shooter that I personally know who has shot one says the same thing.

     • What’s a Troll?

   • Send it back to Ruger, your sights are out of alignment. Read the other reviews, i can consistently get 3 inch groupings at 15 yards.

10. The Ruger LCP II is a fantastic option for people looking for an easily concealed . 380 ACP pistol. It is surprisingly accurate, considering its size, and plenty reliable for self-defense.

    • Very good

11. Who is this guy? hahaha I have the p365 and the LCP Max, and there’s a pretty big difference between carrying one and the other – because, you know, weight really does matter when anchoring down your belt all day. I usually really like Harry’s reviews but this guy is a joke. Glock 42 comparison?? Really?? Of course it’s going to shoot better. Duh. It’s substantially larger. With HALF the capacity. Plus this guy gets butt hurt from the “trolls,” who though are contrary, aren’t nearly as bad as pretty much any youtube page. I get it, he’s sensitive, but come on, where’s the professionalism? It’s not just ME shooting bad, I have this “professional” friend….(what are we 8 years old?) Learn how to shoot with what you got, not say it sucks because you don’t know how and state how different class of pistols shoot better. There’s a lot of guns that shoot better than a glock 42 as well. A LOT. This guy needs to find another job. Biased, uneducated, and lacking review. Don’t listen to him.

    • He apparently cannot hit the broadside of a barn with his pistol or reviews.

12. I’ve been carrying/shooting the second generation LCP for years & never had a malfunction w/any kind of ammo, it just eats everything. I’m interested in the MAX and these reviews are a big help.

    • Get it! It’s a great pistol 👍

    • I recommend that you Get it! It’s a great pistol 👍

13. Reviews are based on personal opinions and experiences, and I get that. I have to say the content of this review is counter to my experience with the LCP Max. I have no trouble getting a tight grouping at 25 yards, none at all. Also, the size comparison in this review leads one to believe the LCP Max is significantly larger than the LCP and LCP II. This, my friends, is not at all the case. The LCP Max is Ruger’s latest offering in the lineup, and it is one of may favorite CC pistols I have ever owned. My most frequent “daily carries” are the LCP Max and my Sig Sauer P365 (9mm). The LCP Max is a great little pistol that I have recommended to several friends. For me, when deep concealment and ease of use are required, this is my go to.

    • I have exactly the same experience as you with my 365 and Max. I like both pistols and can shoot both very well for their intended purpose. I carry them alternately depending on my mood and attire. I have an original LCP and there’s no complaints with it other than tiny sights and 6 rounds, but it does have its time and place. Guess it’s each to his own but that dudes review was not objective.

    • Someone said
      “It is better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it!”

14. One look at the sites on the max rules it out for me because I want slash have the LCP for a pocket gun as well as iwb. I will stick with my original LCP with ball or hollow point rounds that almost match the profile of ball ammo. Only problem I have with my original LCP is that it did not like some of the current personal defense rounds just don’t bounce around like a ball around and chamber despite themselves. For something I don’t have to conceal or worry about pocket use, I actually prefer my old Bursa 380 Thunder, but it would require some judicious dremel/stone work and rebluing to get rid of all the sharp edges on the sites and even edges of the hammer.

15. You’re correct about one thing, the trigger. It’s a pain to get used to, since it’s a 7 to 8 lb. pull. I can shoot accurately at 15 yards, but it’s slow & deliberate. I wouldn’t recommend the pistol for long range shooting.

16. Needhelp putting my Ruger LCP 380 10 round mag back together

17. I don’t know why the reviewer can’t get groups. I get maybe 4 inches at 15 yards, and I don’t blame the gun for strays. Yet, he can’t even shoot straight at 10 feet? Is he kidding me? Let’s be real here.

    I also recommend the 12 round mags, not just for the +2 capacity but also for a place to put your pinky. For mods, I put on a tritium rear sight using a sight pusher. I tapped it a few times for sighting. I also put on a Laser Max (green) with the grip sense. It’s perfect for target acquisition. Fair warning, the green is really bright. The grip sense, however, isn’t exactly practical IMHO. It’s more something to show your friends. Also, over a period of months, the laser may wander a little bit, so at the range always make sure to run a magazine through to make sure it’s zeroed.

18. Did I read this correctly 3 yards 9 feet and you can’t hit a target at 9 feet you could lean in and be point blank at that range and you can’t hit consistently at 9 feet smh???? People can hit targets at 50+ yards with this gun is it ideal no probably not but you saying 3 to 5 yards is laughable!!!!

19. I have both the LCP and the LCP Max. I had no problems qualifying for my LEOSA permit with the LCP. When I first received my LCP Max I was surprised I could not get it to group consistently. All shots were low and left. I contacted Ruger and they had me return the entire slide assembly. Once I received the replacement slide assembly, the groups were pretty much point of aim.
    If you have an issue, Ruger will take care of it. This gun is now my primary EDC.

20. Your commentary on the difficulty of shooting this gun accurately really got my attention. So much so that I decided to rent it before I bought it. Thank you for the heads up! I shot it worse at 12 feet than any gun I’ve ever fired in my life. My groups were 10” in size and they were also 10”s too low and to the right. Some of my shots completely missed a human sized target. The Sig P365 380 I was also trying out held consistently at 1.5”s for the same distance. (Not a fair comparison I know). My S&W 640 Pro and Taurus 6O5 fired DA only had great groups. This LCR Max was equipped with the 12 round magazine and the recoil was not that bad. I gave it back to the range master for an evaluation and he took it apart and cleaned it with no improvement. The Ruger also did not like being loaded 12+1. I got better reliability loading it 11+1. I really really wanted to take a new LCP Max home but I am not willing to train myself into whatever the technique is that I need to adopt to make the gun shoot reliably for me. The ammo involved was new PMC Brass. Also when shooting off hand with an intentionally weaker grip the gun would not go completely back into battery 8 out of 10 times. Not a fair test but I wanted to know the limits of its reliability in less than ideal circumstances. Holding the Sig as loosely as possible I was only able to induce one malfunction. Pretty impressive. I know this is only a sample size of one and a rental at that but I was pretty concerned about using the Ruger as a back up carry gun. I left with a new Glock 42 instead. (I will try another LCP Max soon to see if it was an issue with that particular gun). Thank you for sharing your actual experience with the LCP. Your candidness and absence of deception is genuinely appreciated.

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