The Max 9 is Ruger’s entry into the double stack subcompact 9mm market that has exploded since Sig Sauer released the P365. Always eager to try out new guns, we got our hands on the Ruger product and ran it through its paces. My son and I have carried and run the Ruger Max 9 for about two months now, and we feel like we have a good handle on it. In the interest of full disclosure, Ruger provided the pistol for our tests. That fact has not influenced our process or opinions.
Ruger Max 9 Specifications
We requested the standard Max 9 with an external thumb safety, so that’s the gun we’re reviewing. Here are that model’s specs:
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 12+1 or 10+1
- Operating System: Striker Fired
- Barrel Length: 3.2 inches
- Overall Length: 6 inches
- Slide Width: 0.95 inches
- Height: 4.52 inches
- Weight: 18.4 ounces
- Optic Ready
- MSRP: $439.00
Lots to Like
We have to admit that we were a bit skeptical about the Max 9. I, in particular, have never been a huge fan of American-made semi-auto pistols outside the 1911. American-made revolvers and rifles, I love, but I’m a straight-up Europhile when it comes to pistols. I know I should like the Smith & Wesson M&P, but I’ve never even handled one to this point, so that’s neither here nor there. So, anyway, the Max 9 started out a little behind the 8-ball, though I like to think I’m fair-minded.
It didn’t take the Ruger long to erase my doubts. My first impressions were good. The gun is lightweight, handy, and it feels good in the hand. I also noticed the nice sight system, including optic capability, which I’ll discuss later. And to be honest, the Max 9 is a visually attractive gun. I know it makes no functional difference, but most people like their guns to look good.
The Max 9 ships with two magazines, a pinky extension, tools for the optic plate, trigger lock, and the appropriate literature. There’s no dedicated hard case but that’s a minor thing for me. This is a carry gun. It won’t be in the case anyway. The Max 9 also features the modular fire control chassis system that’s becoming so popular. Ruger doesn’t offer any longer slides or such yet, but they may well in the future.
Controls
The Max 9’s controls are basic, but they work just fine. As I said, I asked for the model with the thumb safety. I know some people don’t like external safeties, especially on carry guns. But I’ve found that I prefer them for these very small pistols. I don’t have to use it, but it’s there if I want it. This one is low profile and easy to reach. I like that it’s fairly stiff. I don’t foresee any problems with accidentally engaging it when I don’t want to.
The reversible mag release is small, and I have to adjust my grip a bit more than I like to hit it. Of the pistols in this class that I’ve handled and shot, I like the mag release on the IWI Masada Slim the best, closely followed by the Sig P365XL. The Max 9’s mag release is a distant 3rd to those two, in terms of size, ease of reach, and positivity. The Max 9 doesn’t eject the mag as hard as the other two. Not a huge deal, but there it is.
The slide release is low profile, but I wish it had more texture. It’s stiff, which I like, but my thumb slides off more than I’d prefer. I found myself manually racking the slide more than using the slide release for that reason.
Finally, the trigger is unexpectedly good. You never know with these small pistols, but Ruger has done a good job here. It has the blade trigger safety that we usually expect, which I’m neutral on. There’s a little more take-up than I generally like, but you hit a firm wall followed by a surprisingly clean break. There is little, if any, grit, and I only expect it to smooth out with use. The reset is, again, a bit long for my taste, but it’s very positive. We were both pleasantly surprised and consider the trigger to be one of the gun’s strong suits.
Ergonomics
The Max 9 feels good in the hand, but I wish the grip had just a little more palm swell. Not really a big deal, though, and I quickly got used to it. I really like the medium grip texture since I hate a sandpapery feel. Some folks will want something more aggressive, but it’s right where I like it out of the box. Ruger does offer a model with a Hogue grip sleeve for a more palm-filling experience with a different texture.
Ruger did a good job giving the shooter a choice of a two or three-fingered grip. The 12-round mag extends the grip and has the same grip texture on the front and sides. Very nice. The 10-round mag sits flush if you want a two-fingered grip or just a shorter height, but Ruger includes a pinky extension, also textured, that’s easily swapped out for the original base plate. I prefer a three-fingered grip, so I made that change right away.
The undercut trigger guard aids in a higher grip, helping with muzzle flip. We didn’t have too much trouble with that shooting two-handed. Speaking of the trigger guard, there’s plenty of space if you have big fingers or wear gloves, as I often do.
Shooting the Ruger Max 9
Despite liking the gun’s looks and feel, I was still skeptical when we headed to the range. But those feelings were soon put to bed. The Max 9 shot very well indeed. Being a small 9mm pistol, there is a bit of snappiness, but nothing major. Frankly, it was probably a bit less than I expected. I will say that the muzzle flip shooting one-handed is not as controllable as with two hands. Duh. I probably didn’t need to include that, but we try to be thorough.
The Ruger comes on target very easily thanks to the excellent sight system. The Max 9 comes standard with green tritium fiber optic sights that draw the shooter’s eye to the front sight. I love that. I’ve added similar aftermarket sights to several of my guns, but this is the first gun I’ve handled that came with those sights right out of the box. Very well done, Ruger, especially with the Max 9 being a low-cost firearm.
The sights and ergonomics helped us shoot the Max 9 quite well. We shot it deliberately, and we shot drills from the draw and from retention. We’re happy to report that, so long as we did our part, we had no trouble holding 1 to 2-inch groups at 7-8 yards. We also had lots of fun ringing the steel in friendly competitions with one another.
We’re also happy to report that we experienced 100% reliability through approximately 400 rounds of 115 and 124-grain FMJ and a couple of mags of hollow points. We made no effort to spare the mags, dropping them in the dirt during drills and running dirty ammo. No problems at all.
We did not run an optic on the Max 9 because, frankly, I don’t like optics on my handguns. I much prefer the tritium front sights, but I like the fact that I can add one if I ever change my mind. But running an optic is more about the optic than the gun, so it doesn’t take anything away. I should note that the Max 9 features direct mounting capability for JPoint and Shield-pattern red dots.
A Couple of Minor Complaints
I wish the Max 9 had a front accessory rail. I know that many people don’t put lights or lasers on their carry guns, but some do. Even a two-slot rail would have been nice. Nor do I like the disassembly system. A pin holds the slide onto the chassis and frame. That pin requires a thin punch to push it out. I used the included optic plate tool. It’s not difficult, but I don’t like the thought of needing a tool for an emergency field strip and maybe not having one available.
Conclusion and Verdict
I must admit to being pleasantly surprised by the Ruger Max 9. I own several Ruger firearms and like the company, but I had to overcome my semi-auto bias. I’ve done that, for this gun anyway. The Max 9 handles and shoots well and it’s very comfortable to carry, which is its primary role.
I had initially planned to send the Max 9 back to Ruger when I was done, but after putting it through its paces, I’ve decided to go ahead and buy it. It will help fill the summertime carry role for me. I like to wear gym shorts when it’s hot, making it difficult to carry a regular holster. But I recently got a nice bellyband from Mission First Tactical, and the Max 9 feels like it’s barely even there. So, the Max 9 is now part of my system. I never dreamed I’d do that.
Overall, the Max 9 is a nice little gun that I expect to use for some time to come. And did I mention the price? The MSRP is $439, but I easily found it in the $345 to $379 range. It’s inexpensive, but don’t think of it as a budget gun. The Max 9 has some nice features and it performed very well for us in the holster and on the range. As I’ve noted, I’ve had no reservations about adding it to my system.
