Gun Of The Week: Ruger LCP MAX Manual Safety

Ruger introduced its LCP MAX design in 2021, taking the stagger-stack magazine concept made popular by many 9 mm micro-compacts and incorporating it into the company’s popular LCP pocket pistol chambered for the .380 ACP cartridge. The resulting MAX version increased magazine capacity from six rounds to 10 rounds in a flush-fit configuration, and there’s even an extended 12-round magazine for the gun. Ruger has since filled out the MAX line with all sorts of options, ranging from different finishes to different features. This particular LCP MAX is one of the newest versions out there, and you can see it in use in our "Gun Of The Week" video above.

Immediately, you’ll notice the two-tone look to this LCP MAX, which makes it stand out from the crowd of the usual all-black guns we’re used to seeing from Ruger and other manufacturers. But this finish option does more than just make this pistol stand out from the crowd. Stainless steel offers some different properties than traditionally finished carbon-steel slides, making it resistant to the sweat and moisture exposure often subjected to concealed-carry guns. Traditionally finished carbon-steel slides have protective coatings that can wear off through years of use, exposing the bare metal underneath to rust and corrosion. That said, though, regular maintenance will generally avoid issues on either front, so a lot of this comes down to whichever look you prefer.

One of the other standout features on this LCP MAX is the manual safety lever located on the left side of the grip frame, which is the traditional strong-side location for right-handed shooters. The low-profile, ledge-style safety is well-contoured and blends in with the smooth, carry-friendly profile of the pistol, all while being fairly easy to disengage with the strong-hand thumb. And the LCP MAX still retains Ruger’s Secure Action fire-control system, so there’s a protected internal hammer, along with a blade safety located within the trigger shoe. The manual safety just adds another layer of security to an already-safe system. That said, its single-side design means that lefties are left out.

Other controls on the LCP MAX include a low-profile slide-stop lever located just forward of the manual safety on the left side of the frame, and there’s also a serrated push-button magazine release in its traditional location to the rear of the trigger guard. The pistol also includes a prominent set of dovetailed sights atop its stainless-steel slide, which are a big upgrade from those found on the original LCP. The dovetails are cut to fit all Smith & Wesson Bodyguard aftermarket sights, so you can find the sight picture you like best.

Shooting the Ruger LCP MAX was an enjoyable experience, which might seem surprising, given its small size. Ruger makes use of a patented barrel cam to delay unlocking, so this is a bit different than your traditional blowback .380. The design slows slide velocity, which makes this pistol a bit more shootable than you might expect, which makes this a defensive firearm you can easily get out and practice with. The safety “snicked” on and off with ease, despite its low profile, and the MAX magazines still loaded without much trouble, despite their additional capacity. We also appreciated that Ruger includes a basic pocket holster with its LCP MAX, meaning that you’re carry-ready, straight from the box.

Ruger LCP MAX Manual Safety Specifications
Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co. (ruger.com)
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: .380 ACP
Slide: stainless steel
Frame: glass-filled nylon
Barrel Length: 2.75 inches
Rifling: six-groove; 1:16-inch RH twist
Magazine: 10-round detachable box
Sights: drift-adjustable; tritium front, U-notch rear
Trigger: single-action, 4-lb., 12-oz. pull
Length: 5.2 inches
Height: 4.05 inches
Width: 0.925 inches
Weight: 10.8 ozs.
Accessories: owner's manual, pocket holster, extended baseplate, magazine loader, lock
MSRP: $379