Glock. The name has become a common word in military, law enforcement and private security circles. Even people who are unfamiliar with firearms have heard the name and know what it is. The Glock line of handguns has become so commonplace that there is an entire industry offering accessories, replacement parts, and customizations. This market is now growing beyond parts to include complete pistols.

The latest company to take the “if you can’t beat them” approach is Sturm, Ruger and Company. Ruger has become a name in its own right and has been manufacturing firearms for three quarters of a century. Ruger makes everything from .22 LR firearms for hunting to large magnum handguns and rifles for hunting dangerous game. Not one to shy away from putting their own spin on existing designs, Ruger has now introduced this RXM.

Ruger RXM: A Glock-inspired design

The RXM is a Glock 19 in every way. The RXM is almost identical in size and shape and runs Glock magazines. Speaking of Glock magazines, Ruger worked with him Magpul to provide the plastic parts for this new pistol.

Magpul? Yes, another familiar name. Magpul is a stalwart in the polymer firearm accessories industry and has been producing M16 magazines and furniture for years. Magpul started making Glock magazines a few years ago and is now working with Ruger, supplying magazines and the polymer grip section for the RXM.

Although the RXM’s design is heavily influenced by the Glock 19, Ruger did not completely copy the Glock’s homework. The sliding serrations are located both front and rear and are widely spaced and tilted slightly forward. The sights are metal, not plastic, and the gun features a tritium front and black back. The RXM is optics ready when delivered from Ruger and is suitable for RMR, Deltapoint Pro and Holosun K optic footprints. The slide is drilled and tapped for optic screws and features small locating pins that act as recoil bosses, similar to the mounting system Springfield Armory uses on the Echelon series. An adapter plate is required for closed emitter optics such as Holosun HE509T, Aimpoint ACRO and Holosun EPS Carry.

Modular Innovation: The Ruger and Magpul Collaboration

While much of the RXM design is standard for Glock-inspired handguns, Ruger and Magpul took a unique step by making the RXM modular. The polymer frame section can be removed from the steel frame and replaced with handles of different colors, shapes or sizes. A black G19 option is now available from Magpul, but size options have not yet been announced. It’s easy to speculate about possible full-size grips for Glock 17 magazines or subcompact grips for Glock 26 magazines. Ruger will likely introduce barrel and slide lengths to complement Magpul’s future grip designs.

Magpul’s grip structure is a standout feature. It’s reminiscent of Glock’s RTF texture, but has a finer grain and feels like sandpaper. The rear strap of the handle is flat and the slightly flared bottom makes reloading easier. Unlike the Glock Gen 3, the front strap is smooth and has no finger grooves, which is undesirable for many shooters. The trigger guard is slightly rounded and the grip tang is extended to prevent a “slip bite”. Additionally, there are textured index points for fingers and thumbs above the trigger guard, and the frame end is notched in the Glock pattern for mounting flashlights or lasers.

Performance and Compatibility

Ruger claims that the RXM’s parts are interchangeable with OEM Glock Gen 3 components. Glock magazines, firing pin assemblies and extractor parts have been tested with no issues. Third-party Glock parts may not fit perfectly, but many components – such as Timney triggers – work smoothly. The RXM fits most Glock holsters, although tight-fitting Kydex models may require adjustments.

As expected, the controls are modeled after those of the Glock Gen 3, with all components located on the left side of the weapon. The magazine release is irreversible, leaving left-handed shooters in the lurch. A future update with Gen 4 style magazine publishing could address this limitation.

Product range impressions

The test sample arrived a few days before its release, limiting its reach, but early results were promising. Shooting the RXM felt similar to a stock Glock 19. The trigger pull is decent, with 5 pounds of stopping power and a crisp reset. Accuracy was as expected for a medium-sized handgun.

An isolated problem occurred with a Magpul magazine: a Speer Gold Dot G2 135-grain jacketed hollow point failed to feed and became stuck on the bottom edge of the feed ramp. A “Tap, Rack” solved the problem and it no longer occurred, even with Glock factory magazines. For carry purposes, factory Glock magazines may be a safer choice until long-term reliability is assured.

Ruger has incorporated a “belt and suspenders” approach to status indicators. A notched barrel hood provides a viewing window for the chamber, and the extractor doubles as a loaded chamber indicator by 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 price of the original weapon, unlike higher-priced competitors. Ruger’s initial marketing is aimed at home defense and concealed carry, although the RXM’s potential appeal to law enforcement remains to be seen.

Ruger and Magpul have created a compelling entry into the Glock-inspired handgun market. Whether there is still room for another candidate in the field of service weapons is a question that only time will answer.

Ruger RXM specifications:

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 15 + 1
• Barrel: 4.00 inch 1×10 RH Twist
• Sights: Optic-ready; Tritium front and serrated black back
• Length: 7.15 inches
• Width: 1.23 inches
• Height: 5.31 inches
• Weight: 23.2 ounces unloaded
• Finish: Shaft and slide, black nitride; Internal parts made of stainless steel/nickel Teflon
• MSRP: $499.00