NRA Gun of the Week: Ruger LCP MAX

by
posted on November 19, 2021

There is no doubt that Ruger has earned its reputability in the concealed-carry and personal-defense pistol market since the 2008 release of its LCP semi-automatic chambered for .380 ACP. Now in its third design phase, Ruger is well-poised to earn more kudos with its latest LCP iteration.

left side black gun pistol handgun plastic steel text on image noting "RUGER LCP MAX"

 

Meet the LCP MAX: Ruger has effectively doubled the capacity of its previous two micro-compact pistol designs with the release of its LCP pistol while also supplying thoughtful improvements throughout. Just like the older LCP and LCP II micro-compacts that came before it, Ruger’s LCP MAX comes to market as a locked-breech, polymer-frame semi-automatic.

column three stack row handgun pistol magazines ammunition

 

The LCP MAX comes from the box measuring just barely over 5”-long by 4”-tall, and though the little hand-held pistol boasts a fully loaded capacity for up to 13 rounds, it is important to note the gun weighs under 11 ozs. empty, too. For those looking for an easy-to-carry pistol with capacity to boot, the LCP MAX just might be the best choice in Ruger’s impressive lineup of centerfire and rimfire protection tools.

black gun parts metal plastic pistol handgun

 

Changes incorporated into the LCP MAX design made a noticeable improvement over past iterations by offering a widened grip with panels of enhanced texturing—needless to say, Ruger’s LCP MAX more controllable than the original. Further enhancing the shootability of diminutive LCP MAX is the supplied a single-action trigger. Additionally, racking the slide is noticeably easier on the LCP MAX, thanks to the extended slide wings.

man black shirt ballcap earmuffs shooting black handgun pistol range guns

 

Learn more by watching our NRA Gun of the Week video, where American Rifleman staff shoot and talk about Ruger’s LCP MAX.

Ruger LCP MAX Specifications
Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: .380 ACP
Barrel: 2.8"
Frame: glass-filled nylon
Slide: alloy steel
Finish: black oxide
Sights: adjustable U-notch, serrated rear; tritium post front
Magazine: 10- or 12-round detachable box
Height: 4.12"
Length: 5/17
Width: 0.81" (slide)
Weight: 10.6 ozs.
MSRP: $449

Latest

Model 1903A3 Springfield Ihtog 1
Model 1903A3 Springfield Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1903A3 Springfield

While the U.S. Army's Model 1903 Springfield rifle is one of the most well-recognized small arms of the 20th century, a lesser-known variant, the Model 1903A3, served as an important stopgap rifle in the early years of World War II.

New For 2025: Stoeger M3000 & M3020 Turkey Edition Shotguns

New for 2025, Stoeger Industries is offering a dedicated turkey hunting version of its 12-ga. M3000 and 20-ga. M3020.

New Record Set In Youth Shooting Sports Funding

MidwayUSA Foundation has set a new record, paying more than $6.8 million to nearly 1,000 youth shooting sports programs in its lastest grant cycle.

Springfield Adds AOS & 9 mm Models To TRP 1911 Line

Springfield Armory introduced its first optic-ready TRP 1911s, equipped with the Agency Optic System, along with the company's first 9 mm Luger-chambered TRP pistols.

Rifleman Q&A: Commercially Made M1 Garands

A number of M1 Garands on the market have higher serial numbers than many military-issue Garands? Why? Here's the story of the commercially made M1s from Springfield Armory.

Book Review: The U.S. Model 1917 Rifle | “America’s Enfield”

As with all of his previous works, Bruce Canfield's latest, by Mowbray Publishing, is another “must-have” for the shelf of any avid collector of U.S. military arms.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.