Ruger RXM Review
Here we check out the RXM, Ruger and Magpul’s new striker-fired, poly-framed, high-capacity and customizable pistol.
Let’s take a closer look at the RXM—Ruger and Magpul’s exciting new collaboration—a striker-fired, polymer-framed pistol that offers high capacity and customization right out of the box. It’s designed for shooters who want versatility and modern performance in a single package.
When Glock revolutionized the handgun market in 1982, it set a new standard—one that still shapes pistol design today. From the striker-fired system to the lightweight polymer frame, Glock’s innovations have been widely adopted. Now, Ruger’s new RXM pays homage to that legacy while adding its own refinements. It feels familiar yet introduces fresh features that many shooters will appreciate. Whether you’re a Glock enthusiast or just exploring your options, the RXM brings something new to the table.
Ruger RMX 9mm Specifications
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Model | Ruger RMX |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger |
| Action Type | Striker-fired |
| Barrel Length | 4.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.25 inches |
| Height | 5.5 inches |
| Width | 1.34 inches |
| Weight (empty) | 28 oz |
| Magazine Capacity | 17+1 rounds |
| Sights | 3-dot combat sights (Optics-ready models available) |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Stainless steel with Nitride finish |
| Trigger | Flat-faced, 5-6 lb pull |
| Safety Features | Trigger safety, striker block, loaded chamber indicator |
| MSRP | $579 (varies by configuration) |
The RXM isn’t just another Ruger pistol. It’s the result of a collaboration between two well-respected brands in the firearms industry, and it’s made in America. Ruger partnered with Magpul to offer a Glock G-19 Gen 3– like, striker-fired, polymer-framed, high-capacity and customizable pistol that’s affordable and comes out of the box optics ready. As a comparison, an optics-ready Glock G19 is going to cost you upward of $600. The Ruger RXM has a suggested retail price of only $499.
For those not familiar with Magpul, they gained their fame and built their excellent reputation with their AR-15 magazines and stocks. Since then, they’ve added a wider variety of magazines to include Glock magazines, and more stocks and accessories, even for shotguns and lever-action rifles.
The grip frame on the Ruger RXM is manufactured by Magpul, and it’s called the Enhanced Grip Frame (EHG). The grip frame is stealth gray in color and features a generously beveled but low-profile magwell, a comfortable and grippy stippling that Magpul calls their ¾-scale TSP texture, a universal pattern accessory rail, an extended magazine release and a much more comfortable interface for the middle finger on the shooting hand.
Ruger has some exciting updates in store—more grip frame colors and sizes are coming soon!
The RXM’s slide is crafted from through-hardened alloy steel, giving it a durable, Glock-like squared-off profile. It’s treated with a tough black FNC nitride finish for long-lasting wear resistance. The 4-inch barrel shares the same finish and features six grooves with a 1:10 twist rate, ensuring smooth and consistent performance.
For quick and precise aiming, the pistol comes with a high-profile sight set—not quite suppressor-height, but tall enough to co-witness with a miniature reflex sight. The rear sight is a fully steel, all-black design with serrations, drift adjustability, and a wide notch for fast target acquisition. Meanwhile, the front sight features a square post with a Tritium insert, making low-light shooting easier.
One standout feature is the slide’s optic-ready cut, which supports RMR, DPP, and RMSc mounting patterns—no adapter plates or special tools needed! Ruger even includes movable studs to help secure your optic seamlessly.
So far, I’ve got about 500 rounds through the RXM. I’ve shot it with a variety of carry ammunition and a good selection of practice ammo, with bullet weights ranging between 115 and 147 grains. I have yet to experience a single stoppage; the pistol has digested everything I’ve fed it like a hungry hippo. I’ve also yet to embark on any serious accuracy testing, mostly because I haven’t seen the need to. The first day I had the RXM on the range—with the Trijicon RMR Type 2 installed—my son and I were routinely hitting an 8-inch steel plate at 50 yards, offhand.
I carried Glock pistols for almost the entire 13 years I worked in law enforcement. I trusted them and shot them well but was never in love with them … mostly because that damned indentation behind the trigger guard was murder on the first knuckle joint of my middle finger.
The Magpul EHG grip frame on the Ruger RXM has less of a notch and more of a taper—and it solves this problem. It fits my hand much better.In fact, compared to a Glock, the EHG grip is a better fit to my hand in every way. I expect I’ll be writing Ruger a check for this pistol, because it fits my wife’s hand pretty darn well, too.
