Ruger recently launched the MAX-9, their first micro-compact pistol for everyday carry. Now they’re following it up with a revamped LCP, the LCP MAX, which offers nearly double the capacity of the original LCP in a similar size package, 10+1 rounds of .380 ACP.
And that’s with a flush magazine. By using the same kind of staggered-stack magazine as other micro-compacts, the LCP MAX can carry as much as 12+1 with extended magazines, a far cry from the LCP’s 6+1. The LCP MAX still measures in at under 11 ounces unloaded, and less than an inch wide.
That makes the LCP MAX the smallest production micro-compact on the market, and it’s going to be a must-have for a lot of current LCP owners. Like previous LCP pistols, it has a light, glass-filled Nylon frame with an alloy steel slide and barrel with a black oxide finish.
“The LCP MAX design incorporates over a decade of learning and experience,” said Ruger President and CEO, Chris Killoy, in the announcement. “What you loved about your LCP and LCP II, we know you will love even more with the NEW LCP MAX.”
The LCP MAX also brings new features to the table, including improvements over the original and the LCP II. One very noticeable addition is interchangeable Bodyguard-pattern sights, instead of the fixed sights on the previous models. The MAX comes standard with a white outline tritium front night sight and a wide, serrated U-notch rear sight.
It features the improved trigger of the LCP II, with a passive trigger safety. The updated trigger is smoother, shorter, and has a more positive reset. Another improvement is the reversible magazine release, and like the LCP II, the MAX has both front and rear slide serrations, but also very slight rear slide extensions to make it even easier to rack.
The frame has Ruger’s current-gen grip texture all around, which offers a better purchase than the original LCP’s molded checkering, and with the 12-round magazine, a longer grip as well. Combined with the tall rear sight, which can help with slide manipulation, the LCP MAX gains a lot in terms of handling without adding a lot in terms of size or weight.
See Also: Ruger’s New MAX-9 Micro-Compact Carries 12+1
The LCP MAX does lock open on an empty magazine, and has a recontoured slide release lever that remains easy to operate and less likely to snag on clothes or a holster. Each pistol ships with a pocket holster, 10-round magazines, extended floorplate and a magazine loading tool. Additional magazines, including 12-round mags, are sold separately.
All these improvements aren’t free, but the price remains very competitive. The LCP MAX has a $449 MSRP, just $40 more than the LCP II. Magazines list for $39, and as always with Ruger, you can expect real-world and online pricing to be less.
That being said, this is guaranteed to be a hot seller for Ruger, so anyone interested should be ready with their wallets. For more information about the new LCP MAX and the rest of the Ruger lineup, check them out online.
The Ruger LCP MAX .380 (https://gunsnprices.com/ammo/rifle-ammo/308-win) looks like a solid choice for anyone in the market for a micro-compact pistol. With its increased capacity, lightweight design, and improved features like interchangeable sights and a better grip, it seems to check a lot of boxes for both new and experienced shooters.
Yep, going to stick to my LCP, price is way too much for was changed. If I didn’t have LCP already, might’ve considered.
Fatter, heavier, costlier…..
I applaud Ruger’s continual drive to innovate and revise since the death of the emperor but, these are three factors which stand right in the face of the things I like about my original LCP.
I’ll pass and continue to toss an extra magazine in a pocket from time to time.
Todd,
What I like about my P380 is what I love about my two 2nd Gen LCP’s. Thin,light,dbl action. The LCP II and this Max are everthing I dont like: wider,fatter,heavier and bladed triggers which I detest. Each to thire own.
I hope those new sights are eventually put on the .22 version. You could get 15-20 rounds of .22 in a magazine this size too. Would be quite the little unit.
I own an your AR=15. I will like to hear on your Max. .380 12 rds. $$$$$
My thoughts, exactly.