Ruger RXM Review

A few years ago Ruger introduced the RXM polymer frame striker fired pistol. While maintaining commonality with some Glock Generation 3 parts such as the barrel and trigger parts, Ruger improved the type in some particulars. Simple direct mount optics mounting and modification of the type to a modular system are each a big plus. The Ruger grip frame is considerably superior to the Glock offering a more natural point. With thousands of Ruger RXM pistols now in service the type is seen as more than a budget alternative to the Glock but perhaps a pistol that may compete on an even playing field.   In most cases copies of the Glock made to sell at a lower price point are pistols in which corners have been cut on quality. The Ruger RXM exhibits no short falls in reliability. 

While the Ruger RXM may stand on its own merit there are logistical advantages of a Glock like pistol too large to be ignored. The pistol features a frame and slide with dimensions so close to the Glock 19 the same holsters will fit the Ruger RXM. The sights and barrel are the same as the Glock Generation 3 as far as fit goes, the Ruger is supplied with good high visibility sights from the factory.  The grip handle doesn’t feature grip inserts. Just the same as issued the Ruger RXM grip frame fits most hands well. Ruger wisely changed the handle’s geometry slightly. A two degree change in grip angle results in a pistol that seems to present a mounted optic in a superior manner than the Glock. The grip frame itself is a result of cooperation between Glock and MagPul. The pattern of the grip offers a good balance between adhesion and abrasion. The pistols feature a durable nitride finish on the slide. Like most modern defensive handguns the RXM features forward cocking serrations. The sights are high visibility and will offer co witness with most red dot sights. A big advantage is that the slide is cut for a direct mount of popular carry optics. By adding recoil lugs- supplied with the pistol-you may securely mount different types of carry optics. The slide lock is not ambidextrous. The magazine latch is easily manipulated. The magazine well is larger than standard for fast speed loads.  The trigger action is identical in operation to the Glock handgun. Rack the slide and the action is prepped but not completely cocked. Press the trigger to finish cocking and releasing the striker. The Ruger trigger action seems cleaner and lighter than the Glock breaking at 4.5 pounds on the trigger compression gauge. The pistol is supplied with two MagPul magazines in a locking hard case. Compatibility with Glock 19 magazines is proven. 

Firing Tests

This pistol is a long serving handgun proofed with a wide variety of ammunition. The Ruger RXM has fired FMJ, JHP, +P, all cooper and frangible loads without complaint. The pistol is a workhorse, affordable but useful. I recently broke the pistol out of the safe to keep my hand in with the Ruger. As expected reliability is flawless. The pistol handles well and provides good results for trained shooters. The balance of adhesion and abrasion in the MagPul frame is very nice. I used primarily Black Hills Ammunition 9mm in this test. I was interested in proofing the pistol with the company’s formidable +P loads. As expected results were good. Here is an accuracy table, five shot groups fired at 15 yards.

I like the smashing power of +P ammunition. For those wishing to deploy a load with lighter recoil Black Hills Ammunition offers the 115 grain EXP. This load is as fast as possible without going into +P territory hence the term Extra Power. The balance of expansion and penetration is good to excellent with these loads. 

Carrying the Ruger

I wished to confirm for certain the RXM is compatible with Glock Generation 3 Model 19 holsters. I began with inexpensive designs which serve a real purpose but which have accommodating fit, and work well with several types of handguns. The first  Falco Airflow is a simple holster of ballistic nylon. It is cut for optics. The fit of this inside the waistband holster is good and retention as good as possible with this type. A strong steel belt clips maintains a good fit to the belt. The second Airflow is a larger light bearing version. Again good fit and no problems drawing with a combat light mounted. 

I had on hand an affordable but  well made holster sold under the Craft line. This leather holster is a crossdraw type. Mine is not optics ready. Stitching is very good and a strong steel belt clip keeps the holstered handgun secure. It is difficult to design a crossdraw properly. When you add inside the waistband to the design this is a real challenge. Falco got it right. This is a great holster for use when hiking and your backpack strap is across the chest, or when you are driving and a behind the hip holster would get in the way. In either of these scenarios a crossdraw offers the best choice for speed and comfort.

My favorite is the Falco Paterson 633LT light bearing holster. A semi pancake design this superbly tanned and molded holster is both optics and light capable. With the Ritonoptics.com red dot fit  in the holster leaves nothing to be desired. Adding a red dot sight is a great option and the Ruger responded well. The Riton has served on a half dozen test guns as of this writing and never failed to provide good results. 

The final holster tested was the incomparable carbon fiber OWB holster. Molded for the Glock fit finish speed and retention are excellent.

The Ruger RXM is shaking up the polymer frame world. It may be the best buy in a striker fired 9mm. Pair it with a good Ruger RXM holster and you have a formidable combination.

Ruger RXM Specifications 

The pistol is readily available and selling for under its MSRP.