Glock. The name has become a common word in military, law enforcement and private security circles. Even people who aren’t familiar with firearms have heard the name and know what it is. Glock’s series of handguns has become so commonplace that an entire industry exists providing accessories, aftermarket parts and customization. This market is now growing beyond parts to include complete pistols.
The latest company to take the “if you can’t beat ‘em” approach is Sturm, Ruger and Company. Ruger has become a household name in its own right and has been making firearms for three-quarters of a century. Ruger makes everything from .22 LR firearms for plinking up to large magnum handguns and rifles for hunting dangerous game. Never a company to shy away from imparting its own spin on existing designs, Ruger has now introduced the RXM.
Ruger RXM: A Glock-inspired design
The RXM is, for all intents and purposes, a Glock 19. The RXM shares a nearly identical size and shape and runs on Glock magazines. Speaking of Glock magazines, Ruger has partnered with Magpul to provide the plastic bits for this new pistol.
Magpul? Yes, another household name. Magpul is a stalwart in the polymer firearms accessories industry and has been making M16 magazines and furniture for years. Magpul started making Glock magazines a few years back and is now working with Ruger by providing magazines and the polymer grip section for the RXM.
Even though the RXM’s design is heavily influenced by the Glock 19, Ruger did not outright copy Glock’s homework. Slide serrations are located both front and rear and are widely spaced with a slightly forward angle. The sights are metal, not plastic, and the gun comes with a tritium front and black rear. The RXM is optic-ready as shipped from Ruger, accommodating RMR, Deltapoint Pro and Holosun K optic footprints. The slide is drilled and tapped for optic screws and uses small locating pins that serve as recoil bosses, similar to the mounting system used by Springfield Armory on the Echelon series. Closed emitter optics like the Holosun HE509T, Aimpoint ACRO and Holosun EPS Carry will require an adapter plate.
Modular innovation: Ruger and Magpul’s collaboration
While much of the RXM’s design is standard fare for Glock-inspired handguns, Ruger and Magpul have taken a unique step by making the RXM modular. The polymer frame section can be removed from the steel frame and replaced with grips of different colors, shapes, or sizes. A black G19 option is available now from Magpul but size options haven’t been announced yet. It’s easy to speculate about potential full-size grips for Glock 17 magazines or subcompact grips for Glock 26 mags. Ruger will likely introduce barrel and slide lengths to complement Magpul’s future grip designs.
Magpul’s grip texture is a standout feature. It’s reminiscent of Glock’s RTF texture but with a finer grain, offering a sandpaper-like feel. The grip’s back strap is flat, and the slightly flared bottom aids in reloads. Unlike the Glock Gen 3, the front strap is smooth, free of finger grooves, which many shooters find undesirable. The trigger guard is slightly rounded, and the grip tang is extended to prevent “slide bite.” Additionally, textured index points for fingers and thumbs are positioned above the trigger guard, and the frame’s end is notched in the Glock pattern for mounting flashlights or lasers.
Performance and compatibility
Ruger claims the RXM’s parts are interchangeable with OEM Glock Gen 3 components. Glock magazines, striker assemblies and extractor parts tested without issue. Third-party Glock parts may not fit perfectly, but many components — such as Timney triggers — work seamlessly. The RXM fits most Glock holsters, though tight-fitting Kydex models may require adjustments.
As expected, the controls mimic Glock Gen 3, with all components located on the left side of the gun. The magazine release is not reversible, leaving left-handed shooters in the lurch. A future update with a Gen 4-style magazine release could address this limitation.
Range impressions
The test sample arrived days before its public release, limiting range time, but initial results were promising. Shooting the RXM felt similar to using a stock Glock 19. The trigger is decent, with a 5-pound break and a crisp reset. Accuracy matched expectations for a mid-sized handgun.
An isolated issue occurred with one Magpul magazine: a Speer Gold Dot G2 135-grain jacketed hollow point failed to feed, catching on the feed ramp’s bottom edge. A “tap, rack” resolved the issue, and it didn’t recur, even with Glock factory magazines. For carry purposes, factory Glock magazines may be a safer bet until long-term reliability is established.
Ruger incorporated a “belt and suspenders” approach for status indicators. A notched barrel hood provides a chamber viewing window, and the extractor doubles as a loaded chamber indicator, protruding slightly when the chamber is loaded.
Affordability meets innovation
Other companies have entered the modular Glock market, but Ruger’s RXM stands out for its thoughtful design and competitive pricing. With an MSRP of $499, it offers modularity at a price closer to the original firearm, unlike competitors with higher price tags. Ruger’s initial marketing targets home defense and concealed carry, though the RXM’s potential appeal to law enforcement remains to be seen.
Ruger and Magpul have crafted a compelling entry into the Glock-inspired handgun market. Whether there’s room for another contender in the duty gun space is a question only time will answer.
Ruger RXM specs:
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 15 + 1
- Barrel: 4.00” 1x10 RH twist
- Sights: Optic-ready; tritium front and serrated black rear
- Length: 7.15”
- Width: 1.23”
- Height: 5.31”
- Weight: 23.2 ounces unloaded
- Finish: Barrel and slide black nitride; internal parts stainless/nickel Teflon
- MSRP: $499.00
