Ruger LCP Max – Versatile Concealed Carry for Women

I own the Ruger LCP and the LCP II and like how small and easy they are to conceal. So I was very excited to try out the newer version, the Ruger LCP Max, and equally excited that it comes with the Viridian E Series Green Laser. 

I’ve never shot a gun with a laser on it. Like most people, I’ve heard good and bad opinions about lasers (sometimes given with no experience), so I’ve been curious about their usefulness as an option for concealed carry.

Ruger LCP Max 

Let’s start with the details of the Ruger LCP Max:

• It’s a 380 auto
• Holds 10+1 rounds (12 round magazines are available)
• Slide is Alloy Steel
• Slide finish is black oxide
• Slide width is .81 inches
• Barrel is an alloy steel, the finish is black oxide
• Barrel length is 2.80 inches
• Overall length is 5.17 inches
• Front sight is tritium with a white outline
• Rear sight is drift adjustable
• Weight is 10.6 ounces
• Height is 4.12 inches
• The magazine release is reversible

The LCP Max comes with a 10-round magazine with a flush floor plate on it but there also is a grip extension included. I decided to trade out the flush floorplate for the extension just for comfort because I’ve pinched my little finger more than once inserting a magazine in a small gun. The floorplate was very easy to exchange – simply use a punch or other similar tool, push in and release the installed floorplate and slide the extended one in its place. It only took seconds to do. 

Next, I just had to disassemble and clean the gun before taking it shooting. Included in the box is a paper manual, which I always appreciate, but if you prefer to watch a video, Ruger also offers a video on its website.

The Ruger LCP Max is extremely easy to take apart. While some guns need some weird contortions or extra-strong finger strength to disassemble because the take-down lever is so hard, no strength is needed to disassemble the LCP Max since you’re just removing the take-down pin with a small screwdriver and pulling the slide off. That’s all there is to it. Then it is just as easy and quick to reassemble.

The Laser Thingey

Since this was my first time using a gun with a laser, I wanted to make sure I knew all about it before I used it the first time. What do I need to know? I looked at the little “E Series Quick Start Guide” that is included in the box. It has information about how to mount the laser and insert the battery (this one came already mounted) as well as how to operate the laser. As I read the insert, I had to laugh at myself for overthinking it – all I had to do was push the green button on the side to turn it on and off. 

Note: This button is conveniently located where you can turn it on while getting to your grip or before bringing your finger to the trigger. 

One of the concerns about a laser that people mention is that it might not work when needed, whether the battery goes dead or some other malfunction. In these instances, you need to be ready to use the iron sights. Is that a problem since small guns typically have tiny iron sights? Not for the LCP Max, the sights are quite large and easily distinguishable. 

On the Range with the LCP Max

I took the gun to my local indoor range and set the target for five yards since the LCP Max is a small gun.

It didn’t take long to get the laser sighted in correctly because the quick-start guide also explains how to move elevation and windage with the included Allen wrench. Again, very easy.

The first thing I noticed was the short pull of the trigger. I was expecting the longer one that is typical of the original LCP but this is quite different, with a very nice shorter, more comfortable trigger. 

The website says, “Patented barrel cam geometry delays unlocking, slows the slide, and ultimately reduces felt recoil compared to other .380 auto pistols,” and I have to agree that I felt much less recoil than I did with the other LCPs.

The ammunition I shot, and groups included the following:

• Blazer 95 gr FMJ – Largest group – 3, smallest 2.5, average 2.75
• Herter’s 95gr FMJ – Largest group 3, smallest group 2.5, average – 2.83
• Hornady Critical Defense 90gr FTX – Largest group 3.25, smallest group – 2.5, average 2.92

So, what did I like about the Ruger LCP Max with Viridian E Series green laser? 

• I could shoot it comfortably without the sharp recoil you can get with a small gun. 
• It’s a great small size, not bulky or heavy. 
• The Viridian green laser is easy to see inside as well as outside in the bright sunlight. 
• The trigger pull is a great improvement. 
• The gun fed all the ammunition I gave it. 

What didn’t I like?

• The only thing I would like to see different is not concerning the gun, but in the accessories in the box – it only comes with one magazine and I would like to see one more included. 

Otherwise, everything about the Ruger LCP Max is a great option for women for concealed carry with our various clothing styles or off-body carry, and the Viridian E Series green laser is icing on the cake.

MSRP $469

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  About Nancy Keaton

  Nancy Keaton is the Facilitator for the Waco Chapter of A Girl and A Gun Women’s Shooting League. She formerly shot in IDPA, ASI and 3 Gun matches, was the president of Centralia Rifle Club in Centralia, WA, and is a retired college administrator. Her work has appeared in multiple publications and online. Check them out on her website and on Muckrack. View all posts by Nancy Keaton →