Firearm: Ruger RXM (MSRP: $499)
Late last year, Ruger released a new pistol that, while certainly not new, was new for Ruger: The RXM. Built in conjunction with the polymer wizards of Magpul, the RXM features a removable fire-control insert that’s the actual “firearm” here, similar to the SIG Sauer P320. Magpul offers multiple grip modules already, so the RXM can be had with different grip-frame colors. While the architecture of the RXM is well established, the execution is unlike anything we’ve seen so far.
The RXM itself is pretty standard striker-fired, polymer-frame pistol: 4-inch barrel, 7.2-inch overall length, 5.3-inch height and a weight of 23.2 ounces. The grip accommodates a 15-round magazine and allows all three fingers of the shooting hand to find purchase. There are cocking serrations fore and aft, an accessory rail at the end of the dustcover for lights, laser and other accessories and the RXM is compatible with most third-generation Glock accessories.
Up top, there’s a direct-optics cut for three different footprints: RMR, DeltaPoint Pro and RMSc. The RXM has taller sights to co-witness through a red-dot, and the front sight offers a tritium vial for night-sight capabilities. Magpul’s ¾-scale TSP texture on the grip and frame helps the RXM stay anchored in the hand while shooting, and with replacement grip modules available for under $40, it’s a great way to try your hand at stippling or texturing without worrying about causing permanent damage to the firearm part of the pistol.
You might be wondering what, exactly, sets the RXM apart from other striker-fired, polymer-frame 9 mm pistols, and that’s an excellent question. It builds on a platform that’s been available for nearly 40 years at this point; while that’s hardly groundbreaking, there’s a counterpoint to be made with the 1911 pistol that’s been around for well more than a century at this point. When something works, why change it? Ruger’s RXM may be one of the best all-around takes on the modern, striker-fired polymer-frame handguns, with all the features you need at an eminently affordable price.
Holster: Mission First Tactical Pro (MSRP: $89.99)
Highlighting the wide aftermarket available to the RXM, we’ve chosen the Mission First Tactical Pro holster for the Glock G19. Interesting note, here – we originally received the Pro before the launch of the RXM, intending it to be used with a Glock G19; by the time we put this kit together, Mission First Tactical had revamped the Pro’s specs to include a fit for the Ruger RXM.
The Pro offers custom molding to better fit the holster to the user’s body, in addition to a belt claw designed to help tuck the pistol in close to the waistline to minimize printing. The Pro is cut for mounted optics and has two tuckable, polymer belt clips for deep concealment if needed. A single-piece polymer clip also comes with the Pro for those who prefer a single attachment point. The Pro is adjustable for cant, has a mid-height sweat guard, a deep optics channel for taller sights and offers adjustable ride height.
Accessory: Streamlight Wedge XT flashlight (MSRP: $83.99)
The last piece in today’s kit is the Streamlight Wedge XT flashlight. Having a handheld light in your kit is a smart move, for both tactical and practical reasons. The Wedge is sized right, at 4.25 inches long and weighing only 2.6 ounces, and is designed with a flat profile to stay unobtrusive in a pants pocket. Activated by a tailcap switch, it has high and low modes, with 500 lumens in high for a run time of 2 hours and 50 lumens on low setting for a run time of 11 hours.
Best of all, the Wedge XT is USB-C rechargeable, with an LED that changes from red to green when the flashlight is fully charged. The Wedge can be programmed to select which setting comes on first (high or low) as well as locking out the tailcap switch to prevent it from being turned on accidentally and draining the battery when carried in a pack or bag, It comes with a pocket clip and a lanyard for multiple carry options.
