Ruger Announces the New LCP MAX — LCP II’s Bigger Brother

Ruger’s newest micro-compact pistol is a bigger brother to the LCP II, the LCP MAX. It’s chambered in .380,  with a moderate capacity of 10+1 rounds, and an extended 12+1 magazine option is also available. There is only a minor difference ins size, as the grip is just .04″ wider than its predecessor, so that means it will still fit in holsters that work with the LCP II.

This new model has several design improvements including more substantial sights (compared to the integral sights of the LCP II), a Secure Action trigger, improved ergonomic grip, and a reversible magazine release.

Ruger LCP MAX

It’s the latest upgrade to the LCP line of pocket pistols.

So what are the advantages of this new LCP model?

sootch00 sums it up concisely, “One of the big advantages of the LCP MAX is it is a very small pistol. The recoil is fairly mild. It’s great to be able to carry for light carry, or for those who really are recoil sensitive—and yet you have ten or twelve rounds, plus one.”  

If you want to see it in action and hear a more thorough review, watch this review by sootch00:

Here’s how Ruger describes it:

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is thrilled to introduce the latest upgrade to America’s favorite ultra-compact pistol: the LCP MAX. Chambered in .380 Auto, the Ruger LCP MAX fits 10+1 rounds into the same footprint as the LCP II. A 12-round accessory magazine slightly extends the grip length while doubling the capacity of the legacy LCP. Measuring less than 1” wide and weighing under 11 ounces, the LCP MAX is smaller than every micro-compact 9mm pistol available today, expanding the options for comfortable and convenient concealed carry.

Ruger LCP MAX and LCP II grip thickness comparison.

Here, you can see how the Ruger LCP MAX has a slightly thicker grip compared to the LCP II, but Ruger says the new pistol will still fit LCP II holsters. (Image source, sootch00)

Offering more than just capacity, the LCP MAX pistol’s double stack magazine feed lips are optimized to reliably feed the wide variety of modern .380 Auto ammunition available. As compact as ever, the flush-fit, 10-round magazine feels identical to the LCP II magazine (with its extended floorplate installed) while accommodating an additional 4 rounds of ammunition. The included finger grip extension floorplate and accessory 12-round magazine allow most shooters to obtain a full firing grip.

Addressing a main complaint with most pocket pistols, the LCP MAX is fitted with a tritium front sight with white outline that is quick to acquire and aligns easily with the generous u-notch rear sight. A square face on the rear sight aids in one-handed cocking and the steel, drift-adjustable sights make accurate fire easier than ever.

“The LCP MAX design incorporates over a decade of learning and experience,” said Ruger President and CEO, Chris Killoy. “What you loved about your LCP and LCP II, we know you will love even more with the NEW LCP MAX.”

The medium-textured grip frame provides easy reach to the Secure Action™ trigger that is well known for its short, crisp trigger pull and inner trigger safety. Pronounced cocking ears and deep functional slide serrations ensure easy manipulation of the pistol. Every corner and edge on the LCP MAX slide and frame have been softened for comfortable carry and the magazine release is reversible to fit all shooters. The Ruger LCP MAX ships with one, 10-round magazine; a finger grip extension floorplate; pocket holster; and magazine loader.

Ruger LCP MAX right profile

Ruger LCP MAX right profile.

Features

•Compact and lightweight, the LCP® MAX continues to be the definitive pocket-sized personal protection pistol.

•Standard 10+1 capacity magazine ships with flush floorplate installed. 12-round magazines available at ShopRuger.com.

•Textured grip frame provides a secure and comfortable grip. Utilizing the 12-round magazine, or included finger grip extension floorplate with the 10-round magazine, allows most shooters a full-firing grip.

•Slide features raised cocking ears and functional serrations for easy manipulation.

•Slide and frame surfaces and edges are soft and smooth for comfortable carry and handling.

•Tritium front sight with white outline makes for fast acquisition in all light conditions.

•Rear sight features a generous u-notch for easy alignment and a square front face for one-handed cocking. Sight dovetails are sized to accept all aftermarket BodyGuard-pattern sights.

•Improved magazine feed lips, feed ramp, extractor, and barrel cam geometries.

•Patented barrel cam geometry delays unlocking, slows the slide, and ultimately reduces felt recoil compared to other .380 Auto pistols.

•Fits most existing LCP II holsters.

•Reversible magazine release.

•Also includes: one, 10-round magazine; soft pocket holster; magazine loader.

Read more about it at Ruger.

Stephanie Kimmell is the firstborn daughter of Missouri’s Pecan King, worthy scion of a Vietnam veteran sailor turned mad engineer-orchardist-inventor-genius. With a BA in technical writing, she freelances as a writer and editor. A Zymurgist greatly interested in the decoction of fermented barley and hops, she is in many ways a modern amalgam of Esther Hobart Morris, Rebecca Boone, and Nellie Bly. She hunts, fishes, butchers, and cooks most anything. When not editing or writing, she makes soaps and salves, spins wool, and occasionally makes cheese from cows she milked herself. Kimmell is a driven epistemophilic who loves live music and all sorts of beer.