PMCI - September 2021

LCP MAX SPECS
Overall Length: 5.17”
Barrel Length: 2.80”
Weight: 10.6 oz
Height: 4.12”
Capacity: 10 +1, optional 12 round magazines
Retail price: US$449.00
RANGE TIME
Candace hit the range with her fellow TWAW members
affectionately known as “Twisters” for their monthly Jacksonville
chapter meeting at Bullseye Guns. Armed with the LCP Max and
a small fortune in .380 ACP ammunition, the ladies lined up to
shoot. After a very active range session with close to twenty
shooters, a brief exit interview was conducted. Here are the
top comments:
The ladies really enjoyed the fact Ruger included real sights
onto their small pistol. Just as Candace mentioned during her
initial impressions, being able to quickly acquire the sights and
track the front sight was very important to quick follow up
shots.
The recoil was considered very tame compared to other
small pistols popular among female shooters. The original LCP,
the LCP 9, KelTec .32 and .380 and S&W EZ were all mentioned
in comparison.
The flat trigger and short length of pull were both popular
among most shooters interviewed as well. Most commented
how the trigger was easy to reach and firm enough to feel safe
carrying but controllable enough to score solid center hits.
The slide was easy to rack and did not require a lot of
hand strength to do so. Many older shooters have a hard time
gripping the thinner profile slides of most small guns due
to injury, lack of grip strength or arthritis. The LCP’s beefer
dimensions allowed for a better purchase on the slide for most.
Finally, the ladies all commented on how the thicker grip
made them feel more in control of the pistol during recoil. Even
those with smaller hands felt the LCP Max was molded to fit
their hands comfortably. This is a key factor amongst many
shooters to develop confidence in their shooting abilities.
For the duration of the T&E period, the diminutive Ruger
was discreetly carried throughout the complex world that is our
daily life. The LCP Max continued week after week to survive
range work and professional life. With the sad fact that REAL
pockets are almost nonexistent in women’s pants, I found this
to be the perfect way to offer my assistance by taking turns
evaluating the gun via pocket carry. The combined impression
of both Candance and myself thus far is an “A” in carry comfort.
Coming in under an inch wide and less than 11 oz, the LCP Max
helped reduce printing common with other pocket pistols.
Even when on the range training in full kit, I found the
Ruger LCP Max tucked nicely in the pouch of my chest rig as
a “just in case” option. If I were still running Task Force Ops
today, I would definitely keep one of these pistols in my kit as
a second or even third “unofficial” option. With the small size
and increased firepower over the original LCP, it would be a
great hideaway gun for deep cover Narcotics Officers as well.
For the off-duty operator or responsibly armed citizen, this
makes an accurate and highly concealable option for jogging,
hot weather outfits or the perfect cold weather jacket pocket.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, Candace and I enjoyed working with the Ruger LCP Max.
While the .380 platform isn’t our first choice in self defense
calibers, it does hold its own when combined with proper shot
placement at common defensive shooting distances. This pistol
offers solid reliability from a company with a great reputation
for producing solid performing firearms and a respectable
magazine compacity.
Retailing for US$449.00, the Ruger LCP Max comes with a
modest price tag that meets most beginner budgets. The small
pistol offers a good amount of close quarter firepower in a
concealable package that can maximize the element of surprise
as one of its most valuable assets. At “get the F@#K OFF ME
distances, the LCP Max can certainly handle the same job as
many popular handguns on the market today. These factors
all check the boxes required in purchasing a self-defense
carry firearm and, in my opinion, make the LCP Max a firm
consideration for primary deep concealment or a secondary
pistol option. I firmly believe Ruger has found a great niche
market for their new LCP variant.
To find out more about the Ruger LCP Max
and other products proudly made in the USA, visit
www.Ruger.com and choose the Ruger firearm
that fits your needs. Until next issue, Train Hard
and Continue the Fight!
FIREARMS - RUGER LCP MAX