Striker-fired polymer handguns’ rise to preeminence began in 1982 when an Austrian manufacturer brought forth their version changing the market forever. You have probably heard of the Glock 17 if you are reading this. Ruger and Magpul have decided to put forth their latest contribution to the genre with the new Ruger RXM.
Ruger RXM 9mm Pistol at a Glance
- Ruger RXM 9mm is a Ruger–Magpul collaboration delivering a Glock 19–sized, striker-fired polymer handgun built for concealed carry, duty use, and personal defense.
- Optics-ready and modular, featuring a removable Fire Control Insert, Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip, co-witness iron sights, extended controls, and universal accessory rail.
- Proven reliability and accuracy, with over 20,000 rounds fired during testing, 3–3.5″ groups at 25 yards, and flawless function across mixed 9mm loads.
- Outstanding value, shipping with two 15-round Magpul PMAGs and an MSRP of $499—positioning the Ruger RXM as a top contender in today’s striker-fired 9mm handgun market.
Striker-fired polymer frame handguns have become the benchmark for personal defense, law enforcement and military handguns. The relatively quick adoption of striker-fired weapons for LE, civilian personal defense and military use worldwide bears out this truth.
These handguns are generally ultra-reliable, accurate, tough and simple to operate. Striker-fired polymer handguns are inherently lighter and simpler due to the reduced number of parts required.
Personal-defense handguns have certain necessary, basic features and characteristics that are simple to list, yet complex and somewhat nebulous to achieve in one ideal package. Such things as trigger pull, simple operating controls, sights, capacity and “carryability” all contribute to the overall feel of a handgun.
One thing that is not negotiable is reliability, no matter how harsh operating conditions are. Designs offering this will be rewarded with users willing to wholeheartedly embrace them.
Industry heavyweights Ruger and Magpul combined talents with the RXM. Ruger x Magpul—get it?
The Ruger and Magpul Partnership
Magpul’s record of working with polymers is acknowledged. Magpul designed a frame for the Ruger RXM that was rigid but with a certain amount of flex conducive to reliability. Magpul’s propensity to produce magazines is also well known.
The RXM arrives with two 15-round PMAG 15 GL9 magazines. These magazines were originally designed to work in the ubiquitous Glock 19.
With that said, let’s speak a little Austrian to describe the RXM in a language most will be familiar with.
The RXM can be compared to a G19 in terms of size. That’s no surprise, as this profile is recognized as most adaptable for concealed carry and duty roles. It’s not too big, not too small…just right.
The Ruger RXM design follows a GEN3 pattern. This is handy for tapping into the ever-increasing aftermarket parts arena.
Ruger and Magpul have been working on the RXM project for more than three years. The RXM is an amalgamation of insightful Ruger and Magpul design decisions. It truly offers more than merely the sum of its parts. The RXM benefits from Ruger's quality control and experienced workforce pulling it all together.
Ruger RXM Features
An important RXM feature is the removable fire control insert (FCI) “chassis.” The FCI fits inside the Magpul frame. The slide wears a tritium front sight and steel rear sight. The RXM arrives with an optics cut adaptable to multiple red-dot optic patterns.
The pistol’s iron sights are slightly elevated over the norm to be co-witness compatible with most red-dots. Forward and rear serrations help with purchase, as does Magpul’s Enhanced Handgun Grip (EGH) stippling pattern on the front, sides, rear and “memory” ledges on the frame.
An enhanced low-profile integral flared magazine well simplifies restocking onboard ammo supply.
Extended magazine release and slide stop levers assist in manipulating the RXM. An undercut triggerguard, material relieved where the trigger guard connects to the grip, allows for your primary hand to get closer to the bore’s axis. This assists in limiting muzzle flip during recoil.
This is further supported by an extended beavertail that also helps to prevent slide bite, especially during rapid strings of fire.
The RXM dust cover features a universal rail for mounting lights or lasers.
The Ruger RXM at Range Ready
I have been holding onto the RXM secret for months before it was officially launched. A June visit to Range Ready/Gun Talk Studios in New Orleans was my initial introduction. I got to spend two days on the range with the RXM going through a series of drills and training under Range Ready’s Chris Cerino’s watchful eye.
That was worth the trip by itself. Cerino is a firm believer that accuracy is the way to end the fight more effectively. Misses mean nothing—no matter how fast you miss. A periphery hit on the target is considered a miss during training. A review of handgun terminal ballistics is introduced to support his contention.
Live-fire drills begin with the basics of placing rounds accurately on target by concentrating on trigger control and sight alignment.
Cerino introduced unique drills to positively reinforce trigger control and sight alignment. For example, upon command, a shot was fired with instruction to keep the trigger to the rear until directed to slowly release the trigger until the trigger was reset allowing for another shot.
At no time during the training did the Range Ready instructors tell you to shoot faster; the emphasis is constantly on well-aimed shot placement in every drill.
Students were constantly encouraged to watch their front sight. Point shooting works for hitting center mass at close range, but even at 3 to 5 yards, the front sight must be consulted to produce precise shot placement.
Different styles of targets and drills were used to emphasize how important it was for a student to watch the front sight while correctly pressing the trigger to the rear.
New drills or concepts were concisely explained and demonstrated by Cerino or one of his handpicked instructors. He likens his teaching method to drinking out of a fire hose with so much material introduced so quickly.
It was really nice to handle the RXM in this manner versus fingering it at a table, then putting a few magazines through it and moving along. Ruger facilitated further time with the RXM at my home range by sending one to me a few months later.
Two waves of event participants helped proof 18 RXMs. Over 20,000 rounds were put downrange during the week. One RXM was nominated for torture testing with 8,400 rounds in 48 hours.
Each participant was assigned the duty to fire at least 100 rounds with it. Most volunteered for more. This RXM was frequently placed in a bucket of water when it got too hot to touch and then was back at it!!
During lunch and other breaks, Ruger’s Tabor Bright showed the simple procedure for removing the RXM’s FCI as well as how the optics mounting system works.
The optic mount system is a must for any handgun in today’s market. The FCI opens up the future modularity involving different combinations of frames and slides.
More Range Time with the Ruger RXM
Longer duration testing of the RXM took place at my home range, Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). Considering the RXM’s design intent as an everyday carry (EDC) handgun, it was decided to dedicate some time evaluating it working around vehicles, door entries and other CQB activities.
A DeSantis holster was utilized. EVTC’s onsite Hesco Shoot House and 360 Range were ideal test locations with numerous steel targets, plate racks and dueling trees.
The Ruger RXM proved a quick-handling, accurate handgun with multiple rounds fired in quick succession the norm to putting targets down.
A weapon like the Ruger RXM should be fired as it is designed to be used—standing and while moving to get off the “X.” This is the true measure of combat accuracy combining trigger pull, grip and sights.
After initial reliability and accuracy verification, I began manipulating the RXM from the DeSantis holster. More of a flash-sight picture was utilized.
I found this to be a more realistic way of analyzing what the RXM brings to the table for users considering using it in the role it was designed—a handgun for law enforcement, military or civilians concerned with personal defense.
Several magazines’ worth of ammunition were spent engaging plate racks and steel targets with the RXM. When the RXM ran dry, a fresh magazine was slammed home.
Drills quickly moved past “stand and deliver” to more dynamic scenarios involving movement, magazine reloads and firing from behind cover. Years of training with various entities provide a background of what is acceptable performance for a defensive handgun.
The RXM’s simplicity of operation and consistent trigger pull allowed for rapid engagement of targets. This is further accentuated with well laid out ergonomics ensuring that the hand is near optimum grip position as soon as the RXM clears the holster.
The grip you have on the pistol from the holster will be the one you are forced to fight with for the duration. More than likely you will not have time to reconfigure your grip if you mess it up coming out of the holster. The cliché smooth is fast comes to mind.
A variety of 9mm, loads were tested with the RXM including Federal Syntech and HST, Hornady XTP and Black Hills Ammunition FMJ and JHP. A .50-cal ammunition box filled with a smorgasbord of brands and types was also utilized.
Magazines were loaded with these random loads for much of the range time experience. Loads fired spanned 115-grain to 147-grain, with hollow-point and FMJ bullet types. One-handed firing of the RXM, including the use of the non-dominant hand, was performed to verify that the RXM was not sensitive in terms of reliability.
The gun showed it could digest anything fed to it. The RXM’s trigger was a positive keeping in mind it is a service handgun. No malfunctions were experienced while firing over 520 rounds during range visits.
The RXM regularly produced 3- to 3.5-inch groups at 25 yards when fired from standing, unsupported positions.
Decision Time
Choice is what makes our free-market economy so tantalizing. Sure, there are existing polymer frame striker-fired pistols on the market with large manufacturers cranking at thousands at a time to more specialized boutique shops catering to a more scrutinizing customer base looking for upgraded features.
All of this leads to competition, with the consumer benefiting. The Ruger RXM will be recognized as an amalgamation of positive features found on striker-fired predecessors as well as many innovative tweaks.
The RXM benefits from lessons learned combined with a manufacturer intimately familiar with quality weapon production and how to tastefully improve upon a platform.
Ruger RXM Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Action: Striker-fired semi-automatic
Barrel: 4 inches
OA Length: 7.15 inches
Weight: 23.2 ounces (empty)
Grips: Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip (EHG)
Sights: Tritium front, drift-adustable rear
Finish: Black Nitride Slide
Capacity: 15 rounds
MSRP: $499
H&B Bottom Line: Ruger RXM
The H&B BOTTOM LINE is a rating system combined with useful commentary on the following aspects of the test gun. Each of the seven criteria gets a 1 to 5 score. Max score is 35. >>>>32 final score for Ruger RXM
ERGOS and HANDLING: &&&&&
RXM’s size is an ideal blend of performance, “carryability” and concealability.
RECOIL: &&&&
As expected from 23-ounce 9mm. Ergonomics keeps the pistol on target.
ACTION & RELOADING: &&&&&
The nuanced flare on the bottom of the grip acts as a magazine well. The trigger is one of the better factory triggers I’ve experienced.
SIGHT MOUNTING EASE: &&&&
Ruger’s optic cut will accommodate most of the red-dot sights currently on the market.
INTENDED PURPOSE: &&&&
It’s feasible for both professional carry as well as civilian concealed carry.
OVERALL VERSATILITY: &&&&&
The RXM is a self-defense weapon that can also facilitate a training day at the range.
VALUE-PRICE POINT: &&&&&
A price tag of $499 is hard to beat considering the current market.
FINAL SCORE: 32/35
