I’m interested in picking up an LCP MAX.

For those of you who have owned or shot them, what has your experience been like? How have they held up in terms or reliability and durability?

I've owned one for years and never had an issue. Just took it to the range a couple weeks back to see how it would fair after spending a couple months of intermittent pocket carry (with the lube all but a memory). Did fine.

However, the LCP Max I purchased for my father did have an issue which necessitated being returned to Ruger. Ruger promptly sent a label and repaired the issue, and the pistol performed fine at the range as well.

My father's issue stemmed from his almost comic inability to not drop the pistol when transitioning from his person to his depositing location. The lateral pin which holds the hammer spring in the frame eventually deformed to the frame to the point it could not stay in position and would fall out. 100% on my father for poor handling, but Ruger took care of it nonetheless. (He carries the Max w/o one in the chamber, and in his case, it's probably for the best).

Shooting it is not a pleasant experience, but it is controllable. (I have heard good comments on the S&W Bodyguard for ergonomics, but it is also slightly larger.) If possible, try to rent one and see how you like it before buying.

When I first got mine, it would not go into battery about 1 in 3 or 4 shots. I called Ruger and they sounded like this was a known problem. They sent me a new slide and all has been well with that one.

It is listed as single action, but still has a very long trigger pull.

It is slightly thicker than a Kel-Tec P3AT, but still works for pocket carry. I like the plain rear sight and tritium front sight combination.

It's a good gun, and these days you can find them at very affordable prices. It only ships w/ one magazine, so factor in the cost of at least 1-2 additional mags.

For me, the Bodyguard 2.0 outperforms the LCP Max in nearly every meaningful criterion, so it has replaced the Ruger, but the BG 2.0 does cost about 50% more.

If you shoot them side by side almost no one prefers the Ruger. The BG2.0 is a fantastic gun. Way better than the Ruger. The Ruger is cheaper and slightly shorter in length. Unless those are deal breakers, skip the Ruger and go straight to the Smith.

On the other hand the Ruger will work great and carry small and can be found dirt cheap if you look around.

If you actually shoot it much is where the difference will show. Carry a lot but rarely shoot is Ruger strength here.

I started with the LCP II, which I shot well and carried for years. I picked up a LCP Max, but never carried it because , aside from capacity, it didn't offer any benefit over my LCP II.
I wound up shooting a Bodyguard 2.0 a couple months after buying the Max, and decided the S&W was a significant upgrade worthy of ditching the LCP II; so, I bought a BG 2.0 and that took over the role my LCP II once filled. It's just easy to shoot and extremely comfortable in hand compared to the LCP's (both II & Max). Plus, with the 10 round magazine, it carries/conceals just as good as my LCP II did with the 7 round magazine.


Correction...I had the original LCP before the II, and that truly sucked in comparison.

Thank you all for the prompt responses!

I actually prefer a longer trigger, and would prefer the original LCP action from way back when. I’m a dao and DA/SA fan, and I even put NY1 triggers in my Glocks. I’m an odd guy it seems.

A new version of the LCP Max has been released, and it has a manual thumb safety. While the new Bodyguard has one, it’s too small in my opinion.

The Bodyguard is an excellent choice, and people are buying them like crazy, but it’s just not for me.

Again, thank you all for the insights.

I owned the original Bodyguard from S&W. If you like a long hard trigger then that’s your gun. lol. You can’t go wrong with any of the Rugers.

quote:

Originally posted by pedropcola:
I owned the original Bodyguard from S&W. If you like a long hard trigger then that’s your gun. lol. You can’t go wrong with any of the Rugers.

I agree with pedro here. I have a Gen 1 Bodyguard that I had installed an Apex trigger and is way smoother but almost as long. I have a Gen 1 stock too and both are rock solid for function just long trigger pull but I'm okay with that if I have to pocket carry or deploy.

I've got the LCP Max. I've put exactly 200 rounds of Critical Defense thru it. It functioned 100 percent, and was accurate at 7 yards. I carry it occasionally, sometimes as a backup. It works well for its intended purpose. I am looking at the new Bodyguard, but still waiting a bit.

I like the handling of the LCP Max but since my usual pants' pockets will accommodate a LC9s or a G43, I don't have much reason to settle for a .380. I WOULD get a .380 as a replacement for my P32 skimpy pants gun, though; if I could sell or trade the .32.

I’ve carried a max every day for several years. Never had a malfunction in several hundred rounds. The most recent bodyguard is more pleasant to shoot, but it’s just a little larger. If I had to pick between them though, I'd go with the bodyguard.

Great gun. I have several. Just got one with the safety. Only thing I don't like is the takedown procedure.

quote:

Originally posted by anothercuervo:
Shooting it is not a pleasant experience, but it is controllable. (I have heard good comments on the S&W Bodyguard for ergonomics, but it is also slightly larger.) If possible, try to rent one and see how you like it before buying.

When I first got mine, it would not go into battery about 1 in 3 or 4 shots. I called Ruger and they sounded like this was a known problem. They sent me a new slide and all has been well with that one.

It is listed as single action, but still has a very long trigger pull.

It is slightly thicker than a Kel-Tec P3AT, but still works for pocket carry. I like the plain rear sight and tritium front sight combination.

I had a bodyguard 380, I gave it to a mechanic buddy of mine in trade for some work he did. The ergonomics were great, the trigger must've been 15 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!! I bought an LCP max to replace it which I like.

Get one while they can be had for around $230. That’s a deal, S&W…

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
I had a bodyguard 380, I gave it to a mechanic buddy of mine in trade for some work he did. The ergonomics were great, the trigger must've been 15 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!! I bought an LCP max to replace it which I like.

Was your Bodyguard the original model or the 2.0?

Must have been the original, b/c the BG 2.0 has a light trigger.

The LCP Max has been my choice for summer shorts/pocket carry for over a year now. I trust Ruger to handle the Underwood Extreme Defender +p ammo I have it loaded with - and smile doing so.

LCP max is my everyday carry gun here in the hot State of Texas. Very reliable, good trigger and good sights! Very happy with it and great price. Mine does not have the frame safety. I use this holster which has been excellent too!

https://www.vedderholsters.com...Wld7x9xoCUQkQAvD_BwE

Started the misses with LCP II, then transitioned to LCP MAX, then transitioned to BG 2.0. The LCP Max is now a spare/back up back up, BG 2.0 blows it out of the water.