Thanks for posting. Definitely hear you. I have been considering getting one and am still researching.

I read these two threads below ... all the way through ... and have decided I should be able to get a slightly used LCP Max for a good price!

Have not found one yet, though. They are going for about $330 new, and I'd like to pay around $250.

Several friends really like theirs and while they're definitely not range style pistols, from the targets I have seen at 7 yards, their accuracy seems reasonable.

https://www.rugerforum.net/threads/what-have-you-done-to-raise-poi-with-lcp-max.403085/

https://www.rugerforum.com/threads/for-anyone-experiencing-the-lcp-max-shooting-low-or-way-off-read-this-before-sending-it-back-to-ruger.308539/

 

I'd gladly sell you mine for $250 plus shipping, lol.

Seriously, though I think you could do a lot better.

 

"Meets factory specs" is the response I see most often. As long as the gun in question can hit a cone of fire with your toes touching the target, the LCP, Max and LCP II are doing their job. Design-wise.
Not a target gun. Not a 25-yard gun. Not a pc of jewelry.
Mr. Obvious out.

I'd deburr the innards, brighten the front, and carry for the jury, as it would be. A great <$250 ccw. But I recommend the LC380 indoors and out.

 

Well my original LCP does just fine, and it's a smaller gun with a more challenging trigger. After reading all the negative reviews of people having the same problem. I would have to say it's the gun. Sorry but if the sights are off at 7 yards the gun has a design problem. Too many people having problems to try to explain away.

 

I had very similar problems with the LCP Max ..after several trips back to the mothership Ruger agreed to trade me out of it for a LC380. Best decision I ever made. The LC380, albeit a little larger is twice the gun quality wise..I even picked up a LC9 Conversion barrel and slide for it.

 

Did the Ruger factory do the trade or did you have to go through an FFL?

 

I have had the same problem with the trigger bite. I sent it back to Ruger and they put in a new trigger but it didn't help. Otherwise the gun is fine. Mine is plenty accurate at 7 yards which is about the maximum range where you would expect a self defense gun to be used. It is definitely not a range toy. I would like to love this gun because I like everything else about it other than the trigger bite. Some people have no issue with the trigger which I can't understand. Why some and not others? Finger placement has nothing to do with it. I can use finger tip, middle of pad, first joint, middle finger pad,etc. no difference.

 

I had the same problem and Ruger had me send it back. They tested it and said it was fine. Took it back to the range and had two friends shoot it with four different types of ammo, all shot about five inches low at 7 yards. Called Ruger again and they sent a new barrel and slide which fixed the problem and it now groups to point of aim.

 

At least nobody will ask if they can shoot your gun.

 

I contacted Ruger again today and they sent me a return label and RMA # so I'm going to send mine back to them for another look. If it comes back with the "no issue found" remarks I'll probably look into trading or selling it.

 

Got a call from Ruger today. They are telling me that they have a new trigger design for the LCP Max and are installing it on mine. I should have it back in a few days so I will take it to the range as soon as I get it and see if the trigger bite is gone. I will probably start a new thread to report on the new trigger. Especially if it's fixed!

 

I got a blood blister the last time out at the range while shooting a 50 round box. Lesson learned, and I’ll probably bandage the finger before trying it again.
Love the little Max. It’s hard to beat the size, weight, and capacity.

 

Purchased mine about 3 weeks ago. (Needed a real ‘pocket pistol’ and it absolutely fills that need!)
The first issue was that the included 10rd magazine will only hold 9! A sledgehammer couldn’t force in 10rds!! I contacted Ruger about it and they promised to send a replacement…that has yet to arrive.
My first trip to the range revealed the second problem……..the little bugger BITES!! 😱 Trigger Bite galore!!! It’s so bad that I’ve ordered the M-Carbo replacement trigger and spring kit!
Accuracy seems ok. It’s not a range gun but within 10yds, looks like it’ll be ok. That terrible trigger however…..is EVIL!! 🥴

 

If the trigger "bite" or "pinch" occurs on the top of your finger, then the M-Carbo trigger might help. If it is happening on the bottom of your finger then what you might actually be feeling is the trigger guard slapping your finger under recoil. A new trigger may not fix that, although the M-Carbo does have a little hook on the bottom of the trigger.

Ultimately the LCP isn't intended to be shot a ton, it's meant to be small and easily concealable. If you ever shot the original LCP it was hard to even get through 20 rounds without wanting to quit. The fact that people are putting 50-100 rounds through the MAX in one setting just speaks to how much easier it is to shoot than the older generations.

 

LCP Max with the new trigger is due back here on Monday. Hopefully I can get to the range on Tuesday to see if there is any improvement. At least Ruger is acknowledging that the trigger bite is a real thing for some people and it doesn't have anything to do with finger placement on the trigger. I agree that the LCP isn't a range toy. Even without the trigger bite it is not especially fun to shoot. I doubt if I would ever put 50-100 rounds through it at one time. I would like to be able to shoot it enough to stay proficient with it if I'm going to carry.

 

I agree that the LCP isn't a range toy.

That is how I fixed mine!......I usually take it with me every range every time I go. But now I put only a couple mags through it. It is not a range gun in any sense. When I want to blast away- I shoot a bigger gun....no problems.

 

Mine has a different problem. When I first got it took it to the range and after a few rounds through it it wasn't going into battery after a shot not a lot and you could smack it and it would finish going in. Sent back to Ruger and they replaced the barrel and extractor spring. Came back and less than 20 rounds through it started doing the same thing and then just quit altogether. Pull the trigger and it would click but no bang. Sent it back and after several weeks came back. No explanation but it worked. Took to the range a few times and no problem. Took it to the range last Tuesday and after about 50 rounds it started not going into battery completely again. I've contacted Ruger and waiting to hear from them.

 

I experienced something similar. I replaced the guide rod with a steel guide rod that I found on eBay and never had an issue again.

 

I got the LCP Max back this morning with the new trigger. I took it over to the range to see if there was any improvement. It is definitely better. Not 100% but better. I only ran a dozen shots through it so not conclusive test results. I'll try and go again later this week for more testing.

 

I am novice here ,, I had issue with the lcp max wiht trigger irritation ( I initially thought it was shooter error as I was truly a nubie) but after reading here and learning from you guys I was happy to see I wasn't alone, since the pistol is not a high priced firearm I decided to try my gunsmithing and enhance the gun. I ordered all the macabre goodies and took it slow and watched the videos over and over and stopped at each step.. trigger, spring kit, mag release spring , recoil springs, and stainless steel guide rod, take down pin, and added a 18400 house grip that needed zero mods ( have phot if requested ) and the Pearce pinky extension ,, well now I have as much accuracy at 25 feet as I do with my Wilson combat tuned from wilson p365, the gun is night and day diff and cost me about 100$ in total and 2 hour of my time taking it slowly, only casualty was first step ironically when you pop out the base plate of the handle I pushed too hard and broke the plastic tab , ordered two from tiger as they were 4$ and 6$ to ship so I ordered to for the same 6$ shipping as back up. so if the new trigger design Fromm ruger doesn't work then by all means try the mcarbo stuff, it will make difference and you will have a great pocket gun to carry

 

You got a Wilson tuned P365. Your no nubie.

 

Yeah nothing wrong with making modifications. I've done so on other firearms. I'm just trying to get to the bottom of the trigger bite issue and figured it's Ruger's responsibility to make it right.

 

shoots 2-3 inches low at 7 yards.

On shooting low- this may help some of you.
On tiny guns like the LCP Max- it just may not fit your hand. That is- your hand may be too big for that gun.

Test: if you shoot low with the Max- try to take a couple shots with your pinky finger poking straight out. It will be awkward- but try it. If you POI goes up- then bingo. That will mean that the grip is too short for your hand. There is no support for the back side of the grip, and it rotates up into the hollow of the palm as your pinky puts pressure on the front of the grip (or the trigger).
My Max came with a pinky extender. I tried that- shooting low gets worse.

Some of us just need guns with longer grips.......

 

Good food for thought Higgy

 

Finally got back to the range today and I'm sorry to report that the new trigger Ruger put in this gun is not much better than the original one that came with it. I had a friend shoot it and he said the same thing about the trigger bite. He handed it back after five shots. I'm not sure if I want to keep this gun. It's main purpose is a carry gun, not a range toy, so I won't be shooting it that much other than for a couple of mags once in a while to keep familiar with it.

 

I think if I remember if it is the mcarbo you can adjust the take up which may lead to less movement of your finger as you pull trigger ..yes I agree that there should be zero issues with a firearm bc you usually don’t get any reason time of need . May want to look at p365 380 if that’s the caliber you want and I pocket my standard 365 9mm in vedder pocket with minimal issues ( prob other limit of pocket carry) just an option.

 

The whole appeal of the LCP Max is the size and weight. It has other nice features such as capacity, sights, and a decent trigger for those not affected by the "bite", but the main thing is size and weight. I wish Ruger wold trade me out of it but I asked and they declined. I guess I'm stuck with it.

 

If it's the trigger bite that's got you down..Galloway and Mcarbo offer the wider trigger for it.

 

Little snappy pistols like this have their downside. The upside out weights the issues. For a range session use some tape on that finger and there is a way to eliminate some of the rub and pinch. A band aide and the little guy won't hurt you.

I shot mine poorly the first magazine. Low and left. I go oh know, its off. I remember my fundamentals and the next mag on target. Two to three inches low at 7 yards. Its a 3 to 7 yard pistol. You shooting long range. 3/16" high to hit on target. Your hitting the ceiling at 25 yards. This is a pocket pistol. Its working fine.

 

I completely agree!! It’s a ‘pocket pistol’ and really good within a 10 yard range. I solved the trigger pinch problem by purchasing and installing the M Carbo trigger. (It’s a bit tricky). Also purchased/installed the ss guide rod and take down pin. Purchased an ‘Alabama’ pocket holster and the little bugger is with me always. 12+1 in the gun w a 12rd backup mag in my weak side pocket. Perfect pocket carry pistol!! 🤗 (I also practice around the house with a laser cartridge for accuracy.)

 

Interesting thread. If shooting a couple inches low on paper bothers ya, I'd suggest aiming a couple inches higher. In any event, the bad guy won't know the difference. It's a small pocket gun. Temper expectations accordingly.

Half-blind old man. Milled sights on LCP so small can barely see 'em. This exceeds my off hand expectations at 7yds.

 

Interesting thread. If shooting a couple inches low on paper bothers ya I'd suggest aiming a couple inches higher. In any event, the bad guy won't know the difference. It's a small pocket gun. Temper expectations accordingly.

Half-blind old man. Milled sights on LCP so small can barely 'em. This exceeds my off hand expectations at 7yds.

View attachment 235327

Is that a Max? Looks like previous version of the LCP. Anyway, you're correct in that it is a pocket pistol and the sights probably wouldn't be used in a fast breaking defensive close up situation which is what the intended purpose of this firearm was designed for.

 

Although my EDC is my LCP Max, I‘ve kept this NIB “Gen 2” LCP from 2016 in the safe just in case the desire to go smaller hits me.
(I did carry my 1st Gen LCP from 2008 until early last year)

 

Although my EDC is my LCP Max, I‘ve kept this NIB “Gen 2” LCP from 2016 in the safe just in case the desire to go smaller hits me.
(I did carry my 1st Gen LCP from 2008 until early last year)

View attachment 235335

Gen2 is a keeper. Carried mine for close to a decade. Outlasted three iPhones. Ha!

 

Wow! Just got my new 75th Anniversary Ruger LCP Max with the stainless slide. Upon first function, I found the magazine will not drop without great manipulation and repositioning. Tried numerous times- same. Then I tried to dry fire it. My normal index finger position, which is to place the meat of the finger where it breaks just below the joint line, resulted in the trigger not being depressed- the safety portion of the trigger apparently did not depress adequately, which prohibited the trigger from operating- only after continuing to pull my index finger back to almost the tip was I able to fully depress the trigger. I did this numerous times with the same result.
As a 34 year police officer and 16 year firearm instructor I can tell you this is a terrible situation, because in a stressful combat situation, it is not reasonable to expect those fine motor skills to shop around for the perfect place on the trigger to fully depress it.
I immediately called Ruger and they are promptly sending me the paperwork I need to return it but needless to say I am terribly disappointed. Just curious whether anyone else has had these problems with a brand new, unifired Max.

Bruce, Michigan

 

Fired mine today. 50 rounds after clean and lube. 1st few were low with 6 o’clock hold. Covered the target and got in the 9 ring consistently. Just need more time with trigger and grip to reach proficiency because it is a good shooter for a pocket gun. Good enough for a personal protection gun . Usually carry sig p365 and wanted a gun for pocket carry in shorts

 

I questioned the accuracy of my Max and was told this by Ruger:

For accuracy, we recommend 7 yards for 2 inch groups. When a firearm comes in for accuracy, our technicians only shoot at 7 yards. The LCP Max is designed for Combat or Dead On Hold.
Thank you for your interest in Ruger.
Ruger Customer Service

im also practicing at 7-10 yards Just keeping my shots on the paper.