Ruger Issues Safety Bulletin for LCP MAX Manual Safety Models

Ruger has released a safety bulletin for certain LCP MAX pistols equipped with a manual safety. According to the company, the bulletin stems from a potential defect involving the safety lever detent spring, which may become dislodged under recoil.

Ruger states that the issue is caused by a recess that may not have been machined properly during production. If present, the condition can allow the safety lever detent spring to become dislodged after approximately 50 to 100 rounds of firing. The company does not specify whether that round count refers to a single range session or the total number of rounds fired through the pistol.

Potentially affected firearms include only LCP MAX Manual Safety models with serial numbers below 383100000. For owners of an affected LCP MAX Manual Safety model, Ruger recommends performing a function check to verify proper operation of the safety lever. If the safety does not positively engage, lacks an audible click, or moves from the “Safe” position under its own weight, the pistol should be discontinued from use immediately.

Below is Ruger’s complete safety bulletin for affected LCP MAX Manual Safety pistols.

Safety Bulletin

Overview

We have discovered that in some LCP MAX Manual Safety models, the recess that retains the safety lever detent spring may not be machined properly. When this condition is present, the safety lever detent spring can become dislodged under the recoil of firing. If this happens, the manual safety lever will have no resistance and will not remain in the “safe” position. If present, the condition typically will emerge after firing 50-100 rounds through the pistol and the condition will be readily apparent when attempting normal operation. The video below shows the condition.

Note that if this condition occurs, the other safety mechanisms in your pistol, including the trigger safety, are not affected and will still function properly.

What Pistols Are Potentially Affected?

Potentially affected pistols include only LCP MAX Manual Safety models with a serial number below 383100000.

Only LCP MAX Manual Safety models with a serial number below 383100000 are potentially affected. Other models of the LCP MAX; LCP MAX pistols equipped from the factory with the Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip (“EHG”), regardless of serial number; and other models of the LCP are not affected.

How Can I Check To See if My Pistol Is Affected?

Ruger recommends that customers perform regular function checks on all firearms. This check should include verification of the operation of the manual safety. To verify the manual safety is working properly on your LCP MAX pistol, with the pistol pointed in a safe direction:

• Remove the magazine.
• Pull the slide fully to the rear.
• Visually and physically check the chamber to ensure the pistol is completely unloaded.
• Release the slide to cock the hammer.
• Push the manual safety lever upward to the “safe” position and release it.
• Inspect the safety lever to ensure it remains in the “safe” position.

If the manual safety lever moves to the “fire” position under its own weight or does not positively engage in the “safe” position (there is no audible “click”), it is not functioning properly.

If You Are Affected / Sign Up For Retrofit

Ruger is committed to safety and is warning consumers of the potential for this condition to occur. If you experience the condition described above, please stop using your pistol immediately and arrange for its retrofit by filling out the following short form.

For customers located in the US:

• We will create an RMA and send you a pre-paid shipping label to return your pistol to the factory.
• We will inspect your pistol and perform all required safety updates.
• We will do our best to return your pistol within one week of receiving it.

For customers outside the US, we will forward your information to your in-country distributor so they can make arrangements for your pistol.

If you have questions or are unsure whether you should return your pistol, see the FAQs below or call our Customer Service Department at 336-949-5200.