Ruger did something totally unexpected last December when they introduced a Glock pistol! Well, not really a Glock, but kind of, sort of. Called the RXM, the pistol follows the basic Glock 19 Gen 3 platform. Of course, it is not a direct copy as Ruger incorporated some tricks and treats all their own. But the Gen 3 configuration assures compatibility with parts, holsters and other accessories.

In a collaborative effort with Magpul, Ruger designed their gun to be more versatile and economical than the Glock 19 without sacrificing performance. After a month of shooting the Ruger RXM, I am happy to report that it possesses typical Ruger and Glock reliability as well as exceptional accuracy. 

Collaboration with Magpul

Collaborating with another firearms industry giant allowed Ruger for some fresh input from Magpul’s creative team. The newest Ruger uses a chassis system, so the Fire Control Insert (FCI), which is the serialized part, can be switched to smaller- or larger-capacity polymer frames. Users will have choices, not only between frame sizes, but also colors. Magpul’s Enhanced Handgun Grip (EHG) features Trapezoidal Surface Projections (TSP) which provides shooters with a secure firing grip that is not coarse enough to damage skin or clothing. Magpul also textures bilateral indexing points for a consistent grip.

Ergonomics was a priority of the RXM’s design, and it possesses a very 1911-ish grip angle and is undercut at the trigger guard for a high hold to help attenuate recoil. The EHG’s beavertail prevents “slide bite” and the frame is scalloped around the magazine release for access. Both the magazine release and slide stop are slightly extended so shooters can engage them without shifting their grip. For speedy and certain reloads, the magazine well is flared and the dust cover possesses an accessory rail for lights and lasers.

Ruger Innovation

Ruger puts their own mark on the Glock 19 Gen 3 clone with an easily removeable Fire Control Insert. Those who wish to upgrade their RXM will be happy to learn that aftermarket trigger kits designed for Glock Gen 3 19s will work with their Ruger! Trigger pull on my sample RXM required about 3 ¾ pounds of pressure. Like most striker-fired guns, the pull is long and spongy. 

The RXM’s slide features fore and aft cocking serrations and is treated with a tough FNC Nitride finish. Ruger equips this pistol with a Tritium front sight and a drift adjustable rear sight. But what sets the RXM apart from the competitors is the optics platform. Removing the polymer cover plate reveals a series of holes that can accommodate a Trijicon RMR, Delta Point Pro, Holosun K and Shield RMSc as well as other red dots that share their footprints without the need for plates.

US Optics RISE Red Dot

For my testing I used a US Optics RISE red dot. The Red Dot Integrated Sight Enhancer, engineered for precision, speed and accuracy, features a 3-MOA dot size. It incorporates 10 brightness settings, inlcuding two for night vision and a battery-saving sleep mode. The rugged red dot utilizes a housing machined from tough 6061 T6 aluminum, anodized and water-resistant. It uses the common CR2023 battery. The red dot’s design enables loading from the top, not affecting zero. US Optics claims over 75,000 hours of battery life at its lowest setting, and that works out to over eight years of use!

Weighing in at just 1.32 ounces, the RISE red dot is so lightweight that it will not adversely affect slide velocity even on micro-compact pistols. It uses the Delta Point Pro footprint, and it took just a couple minutes to arrange the included small pins on the RXM’s optics platform and screw the RISE into place.

Shots Fired

To test the RXM’s accuracy I set my targets out at 15 yards and fired five-shot groups from a seated rest. I used a DOA Tactical bench for support and rested the RXM’s dust cover on a Ransom Rest Multi Cal Steady Rest. I fired three groups with each of the listed loads, with the best group being reflected in the accuracy chart.

Ruger RXM Accuracy

Doubletap’s 124-grain FMJ RN Match rounds scored the best group and measured just .72-inch. This is a range round that I often use for target shooting or match use. The smallest group with defense ammo came from Federal’s 124-grain HST JHP. It measured slightly bigger than the Doubletap group. Black Hills 124-grain JHP+P is a stout defense round and generates almost 400-foot pounds of energy! Overall, I’d have to say the RXM’s accuracy is exceptional. I can’t remember the last time all of my groups measured under an inch at 15 yards with a compact 9mm pistol. 

Galco’s Triton 3.0 Holster

For a carry holster I reached out to my old friend Mike Barham at Galco Holsters for a Triton 3.0 kydex holster. The AIWB holster features a raised sweat guard that prevents sweat and skin dander from getting on the optic lens, and there is a removable claw to push the gun butt into the wearer for maximum concealability. It also has a sight tunnel tall enough to handle suppressor height sights. But what I like most about the Triton 3.0 is its sleek low profile that allows me to get a full firing grip on the gun.

Unlike many other CCW holsters, it does not have any excess material at the bottom of the trigger guard area that prevents the third finger from wrapping around the frontstrap while the gun is holstered. Galco designed the Triton™ with an open muzzle, so if you equip your RXM with a barrel that’s threaded for suppressor use, it won’t interfere with the holster.  Galco ships the Triton 3.0 with a variety of clips, and I prefer the polymer, tuckable clip and wear the holster with a neutral cant. 

Ping, Pow, Boom

The holster is not only comfortable and secure but also very fast. I used the Triton 3.0 for draw and fire exercises on steel targets at 15 yards and found the only limiting factor is my hand speed. I used a variety of range ammo and hotter defense rounds mixed without any order in my Magpul magazines. The RXM never stuttered and the only misses I had was when I tried to push too fast. Certainly, it was not the fault of the gun. My US Optics RISE red dot also worked well, and I was able to find my dot without any issues, even on a bright, sunny Arizona day. 

So, what do you get when Ruger and Magpul combine to improve upon a proven and established Glock pistol? You get the Ruger RXM, an utterly reliable and accurate gun that offers users a degree of versatility that Glock does not offer at a price that seems unbeatable!

Ruger RXM Specs

• Operation: Semi-Auto, Locked Breech
• Caliber: 9mm
• Overall Capacity: 15+1
• Overall Length: 7.15 inches
• Height: 5.31 inches
• Overall Width: 1 inch
• Overall Weight: 23.2 ounces
• Barrel: 4-inch, 6-Groove, 1:10″ RH
• Grip Frame: Stealth Gray Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip (EHG)
• Optics Plate: RMR, Delta Point Pro, RMSc
• Sights: Tritium Dot Front, Steel Rear, Drift Adjustable for Windage
• Slide & Barrel Finish: FNC Nitride
• Accessories: Two 15-round Magpul Magazines (PMAG 15 GL9), Cable Lock, Polymer Hard Case
• MSRP: $499