Ruger MAX-9: First Look at their new High Capacity, Optics-Ready EDC

The Age of the Sub-Compact is upon us. And Ruger has chosen to enter the fray. Challenging the magazine capacity of the Springfield Hellcat, the new Ruger Max-9 includes the suite of features expected if not demanded by contemporary firearms of its catagory. Optics Ready out of the box, the Ruger Max-9 will host Shield SMS2, RMS, RMS2, RMSw, SMS, SMSc, and RMSc, Holosun 507k and 407k, Swampfox Sentinel, Crimson Trace 1500 Series, Sightmark Mini-Shot A-Spec M3, Hex Wasp, Sig Romeo-0, and Jpoint MRD micro red dot sights. 

Taking the opportunity to get some rounds down range with the Ruger Max-9, for all but those with the largest hands, the 12-round mag allows for a full grip, while the 10 round option leaves most with the free-floating pinky. The combination of a fiber front sight and steel rear, plus the long list of Micro Red Dot Sights that it hosts places Ruger's new CCW pistol as the benefactor of watching both long-standing preferences, and burgeoning trends. Stock-to-stock, we prefer the Ruger Max-9's trigger over the Springfield Hellcat. 

There are three models available, differentiated by whether or not they have a manual safety. and the magazine capacity out of the box. The 3500 and 3503 both come with 12 round mags, whereas the 3501 ships with two 10-round mags. The Ruger Max-9 3503 has an internal safety, which Ruger calls the Pro-Saftey, and the 3500 and 3501 have manual safety. 

Top: Sig P365, Center: Ruger Max-9, Bottom, Springfield Hellcat

Read the Press Release Below:

• Striker-fired with a short, smooth trigger pull, clean break and positive reset.
  
• Slim, lightweight and compact for personal protection while still providing a capacity of up to 13 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition.
• Rugged construction with through-hardened alloy steel slide; one-piece, precision-machined fire control chassis; and high-performance, glass-filled nylon grip frame.
• Medium-textured grip frame provides a secure and comfortable grip.
• Tritium fiber optic day/night front sight for high visibility and drift adjustable rear sight.
• Optic ready for direct mounting of co-witnessed JPoint and Shield pattern micro red dot sights.
• Cold hammer-forged barrel results in ultra-precise rifling that provides exceptional accuracy and longevity.
• Safety features include integrated trigger safety, internal striker blocker and inspection port that allows for visual confrmation of a loaded or empty chamber.
• Reversible magazine release.
• Also includes: two nickel-Teflon coated magazines and finger grip extension floorplate that can be added to the magazine for comfort and improved grip.

Three chief players competing to be the top of a burgeoning category of CCW handguns.

Ruger Max-9 Features: 

Capacity: 12+1 (Model 3500) 10+1 (Model 3501) 12+1 (Model 3503)
Slide Material: Through-Hardened Alloy Steel
Slide Finish: Black Oxide
Slide Width: 0.95 Inches
Front Sight: Tritium Fiber Optics
Rear Sight: Drift Adjustable
Feature: Optics Ready
Barrel Material: Allow Steel
Barrel Finish: Black Oxide
Barrel Length: 3.2 Inches
Twist Rate: 1:10 Inches, Right Hand
Safety Option: Manual Safety (Model 3500) Manual Safety (Model 3501) Pro Safety (Model 3503)
Grip Frame: High-Performance Glass-Filled Nylon
Overall Length: 6 Inches
Weight: 18.4 Ounces
Height: 4.52 Inches
MSRP: $499.00

URL: www.ruger.com

---

More from Ruger

• Ruger P89 Review: Like a 9mm Mullet.
• Enter the Ruger 57. 
• Ruger's PC Charger makes for an excellent Brace-Ready Pistol. 
• Ruger's Wrangler Revolver: Old Ideas, Modern Spin.