LCP Max Shoots Low?

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larry1096

Bearcat
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May 5, 2022
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Howdy,

I just picked up an LCP Max, after buying an LCP II .22 that, after a trip back to the mothership, is quite a little shooter.

The Max has been completely reliable with two 12 round and the original 10 round magazine, though I've only put 120 or so rounds through it so far (.380 is still a bit tough to find.) There are a couple things that make it a bit tough to shoot, though:
1. The trigger, unlike the LCP II, is stiff and 'sproingy' (technical term!), weighing it at 8# or so. It's also got a BIG trigger slap, making 50 rounds at a stint pretty uncomfortable.
2. The gun shoots VERY low; like 3" at 21'. And while I'm not Rob Leatham, I've got some experience, including being a military and NRA pistol instructor; this gun is an outlier.

Anybody else notice this? Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Larry
 

hittman

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1. It's also got a BIG trigger slap
2. The gun shoots VERY low

Anybody else notice this? Any suggestions?
Yes, I had both problems as you describe.
Never could get them fixed.
I moved on.

Oh, and welcome to the forum! (y)
 

larry1096

Bearcat
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May 5, 2022
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After trying a variety of ammo, and reading on other sites that Ruger CAN fix this issue when guns are returned for repair, I've decided to send this one home to the mothership to see if they can get POA=POI, or at least reasonably close.

The closest I've gotten is with Speer Lawman, and it's not close at all; nearly 4" low at 21 feet:
HkpHy0n.jpg


Larry
 

Out West

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Feb 6, 2008
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Fort Worth, TX
Same issue with my recently purchased Max. Shoots low. My trigger finger was starting to blister after about 50 rounds. Also, mine failed to lock back on several empty mags.

Let us know if Ruger fixes yours. If they will, I'll be sending mine back as well.
 

Pompatus

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May 11, 2022
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Treasure Valley, ID
I had the same experience; 6" low at 21' and a sore trigger finger after 50 rds. I've been shooting handguns for almost 50 years and never had either issue before.
 

Out West

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👍 for Ruger customer service. I sent mine back (pre paid) on Thursday and got it back the following Tuesday. Ruger replaced the barrel and slide stop. They also provided a target showing a two inch group at seven yards, a new extra magazine and a logo silicon cloth. Best customer service in the gun business!
 

pyth0n

Buckeye
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Sep 11, 2007
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1,362
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I'd let Ruger have a look at it.
Mine shoots fine @ 10yds at a half size silhouette (21"hx12"w). Good headshots with 102gr Golden Saber.
I installed a Galloway trigger that removed approx two thirds of the free play, but didn't lighten the pull weight. Flat trigger makes it feel lighter. The only issue I have is with the magazine release. Because of the fatter grip, it's easier to inadvertently pop the mag out. Talked with Ruger about it and seems they are aware but don't have a fix.
 

larry1096

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May 5, 2022
Messages
35
Location
USA
The main (actually for me, only) attraction of the Max is the rounds/footprint equation; it's more .380 in that size than anything else available. Add 'real' sights and it gets pretty compelling.

I did get the pistol back last week, and Ruger noted they replaced the barrel. I also got a target with a 2" group at 21', as Out West did.

I finally got a chance to shoot it today, and it shoots pretty close to point-of-aim now, assuming you use a 'combat hold' with the front dot over the intended point of impact. I also added a Galloway trigger, more to reduce the pain of shooting it than anything else, and that *really* seems to help the trigger control on this tiny, lightweight gun.

Groups today were much improved, though I still have work to do before I shoot this as well as even a sub-compact 9MM:

PRyu6Zt.jpg



Larry
 

Mauser9

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Glad I caught the thread! Considering an LCP for a second handgun. Right now only own a S&W CS-9. Pretty decent since I bought in 99 but like to have another in .380 or 9MM. Always favored the smaller compact autos myself.
 

NDAR15MAN

Bearcat
Joined
Jan 8, 2022
Messages
70
Larry1096…. Could you share with us what ammo you used to get these great grips with your pistol ? I just bought the same gun yesterday afternoon. Will be a week or 2 before I get out and shoot it. I hope it is half way accurate. Marty
 

larry1096

Bearcat
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Larry1096…. Could you share with us what ammo you used to get these great grips with your pistol ? I just bought the same gun yesterday afternoon. Will be a week or 2 before I get out and shoot it. I hope it is half way accurate. Marty
I wouldn't call them great by any stretch, but it was Speer Lawman jacketed ball.

Larry
 
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The main (actually for me, only) attraction of the Max is the rounds/footprint equation; it's more .380 in that size than anything else available. Add 'real' sights and it gets pretty compelling.

I did get the pistol back last week, and Ruger noted they replaced the barrel. I also got a target with a 2" group at 21', as Out West did.

I finally got a chance to shoot it today, and it shoots pretty close to point-of-aim now, assuming you use a 'combat hold' with the front dot over the intended point of impact. I also added a Galloway trigger, more to reduce the pain of shooting it than anything else, and that *really* seems to help the trigger control on this tiny, lightweight gun.

Groups today were much improved, though I still have work to do before I shoot this as well as even a sub-compact 9MM:

PRyu6Zt.jpg



Larry
Thanks for the reply. So far, I think my LCP will be the one right now, but the sight problem did have to be solved. Call me old school, but I found that a bit of da-glo orange nail polish on the front sight fixed it up beautifully.
 

NDAR15MAN

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Jan 8, 2022
Messages
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Thanks for posting ammo you used for the good grips. Not thought your groups were excelled. Marty
 

Biggfoot44

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Sep 6, 2009
Messages
829
I'm not Larry , but 2" groups @ 7 yds , reasonably close to POA , would generally be described as " Reasonably adaquate for the purposes that many people foresee for these Pistols " .
 
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