First Look: Ruger Max-9 Handgun

by
posted on March 16, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ruger-max-9.jpg
Ruger recently introduced a new handgun, the Max-9, which is a micro 9 mm with 12+1 or 10+1 capacity, depending on model, that's ideally suited to personal defense and concealed carry applications. 

The new Max-9 features a striker-fired design with a slim, lightweight profile that comes in at 18.4 ounces and .95 inches wide. Conveniently, it features an optics-cut slide and tritium/fiber-optic front sight with drift-adjustable rear sight that are meant to co-witness with Shield- or JPoint- pattern micro red-dot sights. The Max-9 is compatible with certain model optics from Crimson Trace, JPoint, Shield, SIG Sauer, Sightmark, Holosun, Swampfox and other micro red dots. 

Likewise, the Max-9 comes in three variants, including a 12+1 variant with external manual safety, a 10+1 model version with manual safety, and a 12+1 pistol without manual safety. Each carries an MSRP of $499. 

The Max-9 features rugged construction thanks to a through-hardened alloy steel slide, a one-piece, precision-machined fire control chassis, and high-performance, glass-filled nylon grip frame. Medium texturing on the grip aids in a secure, comfortable grip, while a 3.2-inch barrel and overall length of 6 inches makes the Max-9 highly concealable. 

Max-9 Features: 

  • Capacity: 12+1 or 10+1 rounds
  • Slide width: .95 inches 
  • Sights: Tritium fiber optic front, drift adjustable rear 
  • Barrel length: 3.2 inches 
  • Magazines included: 12+1 (1) and 10+1 (1), or 10+1 (2) 
  • Overall Length: 6 inches 
  • Weight: 18.4 ounces 
  • Height: 4.52 inches 
  • Twist: 1:10 inches 
  • MSRP: $499 

Latest

Kifaru QRF Fanny Pack
Kifaru QRF Fanny Pack

First Look: Kifaru QRF Fanny Pack

Carry your gear in a rugged, sturdy pack.

Steiner’s T1Xi Top Performer in Texas DPS Optic Evaluation

The company's robust red-dot optic came out on top in Texas testing.

First Look: Luth-AR 10-/22 Barrels

Luth-AR is now offering aftermarket barrels for the popular Ruger 10/22 platform.

Tech Wisdom: The Long and Short of It 

Regularly shooting shorter cases out of longer-cylinder revolvers (like .38 Spl. out of a .357 Mag.) is possible provided one meticulously keeps the chambers clean.

First Look: Benelli M4 EXT Shotgun

Benelli's M4 EXT offers seven-round capacity, a collapsible stock and multiple finishes.

Twelve NJ Towns Now Refunding Large Portion of Carry Permit Fee

New Jersey's exorbitant fees for carry permits are being rejected at the municipal level in some areas.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.