A lot of jaws dropped on the floor when Ruger and Magpul jointly introduced a Glock 19 clone named the RXM, but given Magpul’s and Ruger’s history of innovating on historical accessories and gun designs, we instead should ask why this took so long. After all, Magpul reinvented AR magazines, grips and forends, and many other accessories like bipods, into something truly unique. Ruger based the Model 77 on the Mauser, the 10/22 on the M1 Carbine, the Mark I on the Luger, the LCP on the Keltec P3AT, and the list does not stop there. Really, what Ruger has done is offer its version of a historically significant pistol that hit the market 20 years ago, and I think they have again delivered something very cool.

The RXM has now released its version of the Gen 3 Glock 19, which has been heralded as the “do-it-all” handgun. The compact size strikes the perfect balance between concealability and functionality, making it ideal for personal defense, recreational shooting and duty use. The Glock 19 Gen 3 upgrade parts compatibility is among the largest in the industry, second only to the AR-15. Ruger and Magpul are clearly taking advantage of this market with their own special innovation. In many ways, the RXM is better than a Glock in a wildly compatible format.

Ruger RXM Pistol: A Game-Changing Collaboration with Magpul 

Ruger President and CEO Chris Killoy described the RXM as “the result of a tremendous collaboration between two of the most respected brands in the industry. Loaded with upgraded features, superior ergonomics and an accessible price point, this American-made handgun is destined to become the best in its class.”

Magpul Executive Vice President Duane Liptak added, “Magpul and Ruger bring unique expertise to this project: Ruger’s strength in high-quality, value-driven firearms, and Magpul’s focus on performance-enhancing accessories. This collaboration has pushed both companies creatively, resulting in a pistol that offers unmatched features, function and value.”

Ruger RXM Features 

In addition to the Magpul EHG RG9 grip, the RXM beveled and quad serrated slide is finished with a black FNC nitride coating for durability and corrosion resistance. Designed for direct optic mounting, the slide supports popular red-dot footprints, including Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro (DPP), and RMSc-pattern optics.

For those preferring iron sights, the RXM features co-witness-height steel sights with a tritium front night sight, ensuring a clear sight picture in any lighting condition. The sights worked will with our tested suppressors and co-witnessed with the Primary Arms Classic red-dot used for testing. Front cocking serrations and a precision-rifled barrel complete the premium slide assembly.

In essence, Ruger and Magpul have delivered a tricked-out Glock 19 with all the extras Glock-o-philes have demanded, including improved slide release, suppressor and optics-friendly sights. A very unique low direct, no-adapter-plate required, optics-mounting-cut slide includes all the cool artistic cuts plus Magpul’s EHG custom grip — all for the target MSRP of $499, which is significantly less than a comparable Glock.

For 90% of shooters, the out-of-the-box RXM will be enough, but for customizers, the Ruger RXM opens the door to the near-unlimited Glock Gen 3 parts catalog. Add in that shooters now have the option to swap out grips and play around with laser engraving, Cerakote and grip customization for only $39.99, it’s a high quality, fun and affordable platform to own.

Parts Compatibility 

Customization is at the heart of the RXM. Designed for compatibility, the RXM allows users to swap off-the-shelf Glock Gen 3-compatible parts, holsters and accessories, maximizing personalization. Additionally, the RXM is compatible with 9mm double-stack Glock magazines, including Magpul GL9 magazines, providing shooters with a wide range of mag options.

One of the standout features of the RXM is its compatibility with Glock Gen 3 holsters and other upgrade parts. With the exception of a proprietary EHG grip and FCI (Fire Control Insert), the RXM appears to be 100% parts compatible with Gen 3 Glock parts. This includes barrels, slides, holsters and even trigger parts. Ruger’s serialized fire control insert allows users to swap out grip frames without involving an FFL. This modularity mirrors Sig Sauer’s P320 FCU system and opens the door to a range of aftermarket options. Owners can swap out all manner of recoil springs, upgrade parts, slides, barrels, magazines, and trigger parts with the RXM. In fact, in our testing, we swapped complete slide uppers between the Ruger RXM and a heavily upgraded Glock Gen 3, and both ran each of the uppers with perfection. 

We also extensively tested one of our favorite barrel upgrades from Fedderson. The upgraded threaded Feddersen FJF 416-R match Gen 1-4 barrel was tested with and without our Sig SRD9 suppressor. The setup performed perfectly, delivering a nice, quiet shooting experience while watching very small groups appear at the 50-yard line. Our RMSc footprint Primary Arms Classic mounted without issue. We also upgraded the RXM with Gen 3 parts, including a Ghost trigger connector and different triggers, including Apex and Timney, and everything worked just fine. A holsters test for compatibility included Fobus, Blackhawk, MFT, Clinger, Galco, Falco andLAG Tactical.

The Beauty of the FCI 

The concept of the serialized FCI frame offers many advantages, including simplified upgrades that do not require FFL transfer other than the initial purchase. In reality, the FCI holds the parts together and makes it easier to complete the trigger work and certainly grip swapping compared to a Glock.

Remove two pins, slide out the take-down lever and the FCI lifts out with the locking block and complete assembled trigger. Within two minutes, an owner can pull out the FCI and drop it into a different Magpul grip frame. Magpul provided a few extra frames for our testing, and there were simply zero issues with moving the FCI and complete upper slide between different Magpul frames. 

Magpul Precision Molding 

As with all Magpul products, the quality of the EHG (Enhanced Handgun Grip) RG9 is top notch and offers Glock shooters the ergonomics they have requested for years. Magpul is offering the $39.99 MSRP EHG in black, FDE, ODG and grey. I think we are all hoping they offer some special color runs — my requests are cobalt blue, deep purple and blood red. 

The EHG includes an already assembled magazine release and the user-installable take-down lever spring and front retainer pin spring that both drop in. The take-down lever spring did require a light press with a punch to fully seat; however, it was a simple process. A nice surprise was finding that Magpul already assembled the magazine release in their frames. This part install is typically somewhat tricky for new pistol builders. 

The EHG RG9 grip is a lightweight yet feature-packed upgrade, weighing in at less than 3 ounces. Designed for enhanced comfort and control, it incorporates a ¾-scale Magpul Trapezoidal Surface Projection (TSP) texture on the front strap, back strap, side panels, and forward index pads, ensuring superior grip and weapon handling where it matters most. 

For improved ergonomics, the undercut trigger guard allows for a more natural and comfortable grip. The flared magazine well facilitates faster and more efficient reloads, while the carry bob at the heel minimizes printing for optimal concealability. The magazine release scallop provides a recessed yet easily accessible space for the magazine release, which itself features a textured, ridged surface for smoother and more reliable magazine changes.

The RXM uses a true 1913 Picatinny rail, allowing for a broader range of attachments.  True to Magpul’s reputation, the EHG RG9 is constructed from a durable, high-strength polymer, ensuring longevity and reliability in various conditions. Notably, Magpul is not stopping with the RXM and has just released the Sig EHG as well.

Range Testing 

During testing, the Ruger RXM delivered reliable and consistent performance. Right out of the box, the RXM exhibited solid combat accuracy, reliably hitting 6-inch steel targets at 50 yards. Equipped with steel sights featuring a tritium front post, the RXM offers a mid-suppressor height setup. 

The RXM’s 5-pound trigger features a flat-style bow with a cleaner break than the traditional Glock trigger; however, the RXM’s takeup and trigger reset is slightly longer. Given the compatibility with Glock parts, aftermarket triggers like those from Apex Tactical are likely to be an easy upgrade for shooters.

Throughout several hundred rounds of testing with various ammunition types — ranging from factory match ammo to lower-quality reloads — the RXM performed flawlessly. Though it would be exciting to note that Ruger has somehow delivered magically improved accuracy, I could tell no difference in the accuracy of the RXM compared to any of the dozens of stock Glocks I have owned. During testing, the RXM was also tested directly with a brand new Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS, and the groups were indistinguishable. Notably, swapping in the Feddersen Gen 1-4 threaded match barrel with upgraded trigger shrunk the group sizes by half with similar match ammunition used for testing — upgraded accuracy potential is there with just a barrel and trigger upgrade.

Final Thoughts 

The Ruger RXM is more than just another Glock clone. It’s a thoughtful, feature-rich handgun that addresses many of the shortcomings of its competitors. What will appeal to Glock-o-philes is that Ruger has really listened to what users want, and they have delivered it for a price point that is substantially less than the original Glock platform. For those in search of a reliable, affordable and customizable handgun, the RXM is well worth considering. Whether you’re a Glock loyalist or a first-time buyer, the RXM delivers an exciting blend of performance and value that is sure to become another Ruger classic.

Specs:

Capacity-Compliant Model

• Model: 19401
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 10+1
• Grip Frame: Stealth Gray Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip (EHG™)
• Barrel Length: 4 inches
• Front Sight: Tritium, Co-Witness Height
• Optic Ready: Yes
• MSRP: $499
• Availability: Available

Standard Model

• Model: 19400
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 15+1
• Grip Frame: Stealth Gray Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip (EHG™)
• Barrel Length: 4 inches
• Front Sight: Tritium, Co-Witness Height
• Optic Ready: Yes
• MSRP: $499
• Availability: Limited