LCP Max Shoots Low?

[larry1096]

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]

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!

 

[larry1096]

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:

Larry

 

[Out West]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

I love my LCP ll If I may ask, what was the atraction to the MAX ( I don't own one)? What makes the MAX worth the trade?

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

Nothing? I mean, if I didn't have the LCP ll I would look at the MAX, but just don't see enough difference to trade. Am I missing something?

 

[larry1096]

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:

Larry

 

[Mauser9]

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]

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]

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

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

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:

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]

Thanks for posting ammo you used for the good grips. Not thought your groups were excelled. Marty

 

[Biggfoot44]

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 " .

 

[Mobuck]

If your fixed sight handgun's POI is low, use slower and/or heavier bullet ammo.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Other way , use lighter/ faster to raise POI .

 

[Cholo]

↑ I believe that lowers the POI.

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

Pretty sure slower and heavier physically HAS to drop faster. More weight and less momentum- try it with 2 weights by hand.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Not how it works with " typical handguns @ typical handgun distances "

The two main factors are bbl dwell time , and muzzle rise from recoil .

Slower & heavier spends longer in bbl , giving more milliseconds for muzzle angle to rise from recoil before bullet actually leaves muzzle .

Faster & lighter spends fewer milliseconds in the bbl , and muzzle hasn't moved as far upwards .

That's why when switching from 158gr to 110 gr duty ammo , front sights were filed DOWN .

Now if we were shooting at 100 plus yards . then ballistic coefficients and gravity , etc become important factors.

I know ,counter intuitive if you primarily deal with typical centerfire rifles , but for at least 25yds , up to 50yds , dwell time and muzzle rise are controlling .

 

[Shamus2022]

heavier and/or slower = longer time in bbl = HIGHER point of impact.

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

Not how it works with " typical handguns @ typical handgun distances "

The two main factors are bbl dwell time , and muzzle rise from recoil .

Slower & heavier spends longer in bbl , giving more milliseconds for muzzle angle to rise from recoil before bullet actually leaves muzzle .

Faster & lighter spends fewer milliseconds in the bbl , and muzzle hasn't moved as far upwards .

That's why when switching from 158gr to 110 gr duty ammo , front sights were filed DOWN .

Now if we were shooting at 100 plus yards . then ballistic coefficients and gravity , etc become important factors.

I know ,counter intuitive if you primarily deal with typical centerfire rifles , but for at least 25yds , up to 50yds , dwell time and muzzle rise are controlling .

My bad- I must have skimmed. I didn't catch that we were speaking of 21 foot shots. You are correct, and a big oops for me. ;-)

 

[Biggfoot44]

It's more than 21 foot . It's at least 25 yds , up to 50yds depending upon ctg .

 

[NDAR15MAN]

I bought my new Max 380 pistol 2 weeks.
I Shot it last weekend. I averaged 13 inches low with 4 brands and gr of ammo AT 7 YARDS OFF a excellent brand of pistol rest. I had 2 guys shoot pistol with same results at range. No way to file the front sight down because of the illuminated type of front sight so has to go back to factory To be honest with you I would prefer a regular ramp site so you can file it down if need be and just paint the front sight every year. Will know in 2 weeks they said if they can fix it. I will report back and hope I can then brag on pistol and their customer service warranty work. Marty

 

[Joe Chartreuse]

It's more than 21 foot . It's at least 25 yds , up to 50yds depending upon ctg .

I was referring to the original poster's statement: "The gun shoots VERY low; like 3" at 21'. "

 

[Mobuck]

"Pretty sure slower and heavier physically HAS to drop faster. More weight and less momentum- try it with 2 weights by hand."
Physics says that 'in a vacuum, weight does not change the rate of drop' ( in a vacuum, a feather falls at the same rate as a lead slug).
Anyhoo, it's not about the 'drop' of the bullet. It's about the movement of the gun while the bullet is still in the barrel(proven fact BTW). Slower/heavier bullet exits the barrel later in the recoil cycle(and resulting muzzle rise) resulting in a higher POI on target.

 

[Forty-Four Fan]

Same issues as the OP. Sent back to Ruger, returned with no improvement. Accuracy also generally pretty poor. The complaints about this model are extensive.

Ruger crapped out on this design. Sold it, went back to my old .380s.

 

[Jrken124]

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

I bought my Max in December 2020. Had same problem of shooting low. I’ve been shooting since a young boy and I’m far from that now at 68. I know when my shot’s been a good one and hitting constantly low at 15 feet did not set well with me. After 3 boxes of different ammo (perfect functionality) I did something I’ve never done before. Returned the gun to Ruger on their dime. Got it back 8 days later with a note stating the gun now shoots to Rugers specifications. No explanation as to what repair was done, other than barrel replacement. Range trip proved them right. Gun now shoots as it should. I wish I new what exactly was wrong with the original barrel but they left me somewhat in the dark there. All I can say is give Ruger a call and go from there. Below is the target of my first 10 rounds at 7 yards after gun was returned. Good luck.

 

[LCPMax]

Hello, just got my LCP Max in .380. So initially had the ramp feed issue every 10-15 shots, also had mag issues with the mag falling out. It was the 10 round mag. When full it would pop out at times but with 9 rounds no issues. Had my dealer send it back to Ruger. Great support! Got it back with a new slide and new barrel. I have put 100-150 rounds through it. Solved my mag and ramp issue. But now the gun shoots 5" low at 7 yards, I have to aim off target at 10 yards, and at 15 yards half of the mag doesn't even hit paper! It has gone back to the dealer to be sent to ruger.