At The Range: Ruger LCP MAX

by
posted on July 25, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

New for 2021 is Ruger’s LCP MAX, a semi-automatic pistol chambered for .380 ACP based off the company’s popular LCP pistol. The new LCP MAX brings a number of improvements, including increased capacity, to the lightweight LCP design. Watch the video above with American Rifleman staff to see the LCP MAX in action.

At all corners of Ruger’s LCP MAX are improvements that better service the trending market of concealed carry handguns by creating a compact and lightweight pistol with serviceable sights, improved ergonomics, functionality and increased ammunition capacity. At just under 11 ounces empty, the LCP MAX comes with a 10-round capacity magazine, with 12-round units available at ShopRuger.com.

The LCP MAX features a textured grip frame that provides a secure and comfortable grip that, when combined with the company’s 12-round magazine, a full, three-finger grip is allowed, making for a subcompact pistol that is easier to handle and shoot accurately. Previous LCP designs offered integral, non-adjustable sighting, but the new LCP MAX comes with a sighting arrangement dovetailed to the steel slide using the S&W BodyGuard pattern. The rear sight features a tactical ledge for cocking. Tritium comes standard.

Ruger’s LCP improvement of its LCP MAX enhances the popular pocket-pistol design with an improved frame that contains panels of grip texturing that are wisely placed on all sides for added purchase. Ruger supplies raised cocking ears and functional serrations at the front and rear for easier manipulation.

Overall length of the LCP MAX comes to just over 5” long with a alloy steel slide that houses a 2.8” steel barrel. Ruger employs patented features, such as its improved barrel cam for reliable function and recoil reduction. In addition, the LCP MAX features an improved magazine feed lips and a barrel feed ramp that has been modified from previous designs. Though modified for larger magazines and only measuring 0.81” wide, the LCP MAX fits most existing LCP II holsters.

Watch the video above to see the LCP MAX at the range. For more information, go to ruger.com.

Latest

Mossberg 990 Aftershock Gotw F
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Gotw F

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1895 Lee Navy Rifle

In the 1890s, U.S. military small arms were evolving rapidly. The recent discovery of smokeless powder, along with the development of new operating systems and cartridge designs, led the U.S. Navy to adopt a radically new platform: the Model 1895 Lee Navy rifle.

Carry Comped: Smith & Wesson Performance Center’s Compensated Bodyguard 2.0 & Shield X

Smith & Wesson introduced compensated models of two popular concealed-carry handguns in its lineup, the Bodyguard 2.0 and Shield X, both designed to help handgunners improve recoil control.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.