When talking of micro-compact pocket pistols, the Ruger LCP and LCP Max cannot go unnoticed. The original LCP, which stands for Lightweight Compact Pistol, was introduced by Ruger in 2008 to meet the rising demand for compact self-defense pistols with good stopping power. More than a decade later, it refined the handgun and called it LCP Max. These pistols are smaller than the popular Glock 43X and Sig Sauer P365 but are equally reliable and effective. If you're confused between the two, read this Ruger LCP vs LCP Max comparison to make a confident decision.
Ruger LCP Vs. LCP Max - Size
The LCP Max is slightly larger due to the increased magazine capacity and modified features. Despite this, both pistols can be carried comfortably in a pocket holster. There is no significant difference in size, as the aim is to keep the size smaller.
| Specifications | Ruger LCP | Ruger LCP Max |
| Length (In Inches) | 5.16 | 5.22 |
| Barrel Length (In Inches) | 2.75 | 2.8 |
| Width (In Inches) | 0.82 | 0.97 |
| Height (In Inches) | 3.6 | 4.12 |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 12 OZ (340 g) | 10.6 OZ (300 g) |
| Capacity | 6+1 or 7+1 | 10+1 |
| Trigger Pull (In LBS) | 7 to 8 | 5.5 |
| Sights | Fixed Front and Rear Sights | U-Notch Rear Sights |
| Safety | None | Secure Action Internal Safety |
| Price | $259 | $369 |
Ruger LCP Vs. LCP Max - Ergonomics
The Ruger LCP Max is thicker than the original LCP as it is double-stack. It also means that the grip is more suitable for people with larger hands. The grip of the LCP is designed according to the small footprint of the pistol. Shooters with larger hands will find the grip narrow.
The LCP has a slide lock and a left-side magazine release. You can release the magazine without breaking your grip if you have medium to short hands, but others need to break it to release the magazine. Besides the magazine release and a slide lock, the original Ruger LCP is virtually free of controls. It makes disassembling the gun a breeze.
Although the LCP Max is wider and bigger than the LCP, you can extend its grip with a 12-round magazine or use the finger grip extension floorplate that comes with the pistol. The pistol's grip is very ergonomic with its aggressive texturing. This gun has a reversible magazine release that is easy to reach.
Differences in Trigger Mechanism
The only safety in the original Ruger LCP is the long trigger pull. The DA trigger pull is heavier than the crisper pull of the LCP Max. When you pull the trigger on the original LCP, it draws the hammer to the back. The hammer drops when the trigger's travel ends.
To reset the trigger after a shot, you must let it off completely. The new variants of LCP, like the Ruger LCP Custom, have improved triggers. They are flat, wider, and have rounded tips.
The LCP Max features a Ruger Secure Action fire-control system. It consists of a protected internal hammer and a bladed safety trigger. This trigger is way better than that in the original LCP. It is smooth, with a crisp break and short reset. The trigger is cocked every time you pull the hammer.
However, some may notice a significant amount of 'slop' or play before the trigger begins to engage and pull back the hammer. You can remedy this issue with an aftermarket trigger.
Variations in Sights
The original Ruger LCP and LCP 2 have small milled iron sights at the front and rear that are integral to the slide. Their small footprint leads to snag-free drawing. Ruger refined sights in its LCP Custom model. They are noticeably enlarged, with a wide notch, and are made of steel. The sights are dovetailed into the slide and are drift-adjustable for windage.
Dovetailed sights are a part of the Ruger LCP Max as well. With this pistol, you get the ability to change the sights and use your favorite ones, like tritium night sights (for low-light environments) or laser sights (to enhance your aiming).
The actual front sight is a tritium sight surrounded by a thin white ring. It has a ledge that helps to pull the gun back from a belt or a rigid surface. The sight at the back has a broad U-notch and serrations on the rear of the sight blade.
Comparison of Capacity
Capacity is evidently high in the LCP Max version. The original LCP and LCP II hold six .380 rounds in the magazine. The Ruger LCP Max holds four additional rounds due to its bottleneck double-stack magazine design. With flush-fit magazines, the pistol holds ten rounds. You can also use the 12-round magazine in this gun. This bump in capacity with the powerful .380 ACP caliber and small size is quite impressive.
Differences in Accuracy and Recoil
Both the original Ruger LCP and LCP Max are microcompact pistols that are highly accurate within a range of 3-7 yards. Thus, they satisfy the expected accuracy level. Note that neither of them is meant to be a target pistol. So, you cannot hope for them to have solid accuracy at 20 or 25 yards at the range. They are meant to protect you at bad-breath distances only. The improved factory sights in both pistols further improve accuracy.
With regards to recoil, you will perceive it more when using LCPs and LCP IIs due to their thin grip frame. Moreover, since both have polymer frames, the pistol's ability to absorb the recoil is low. Still, compared to the traditional blowback guns, these guns have a softer recoil due to the strong locked breech action. The impact is less in the LCP Max due to its heavier body and lower bore axis.
Which One Should You Choose Between Ruger LCP and LCP Max?
Ruger LCP Max is a huge improvement over the original LCP and LCP 2. It is evident in the wider and more substantial grip, shorter trigger pull, sights, and, of course, capacity. This version of LCP is the most heavily packed compact handgun for self-defense. This does not mean that LCP is way behind. With a couple of tweaks, such as adding a finger grip extension plate to the magazine, using an aftermarket trigger, and using extended mags, you can easily upgrade the pistol's performance.
The compactness of these pistols makes them ideal for concealed carry and self-defense. You can check out our leather holsters for them and make your carry experience more comfortable and discreet.
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