Estimated studying time: 0 minutes
The Ruger and Magpul collaboration that resulted within the start of the RXM was not on my bingo card for 2024/2025. The Ruger RXM made waves. Ruger makes purposeful and inexpensive semi-auto handguns. I might have by no means anticipated Ruger to make a Glock clone, however possibly the writing was on the wall after they launched the PC Carbine with a Glock magwell. The RXM takes benefit of the Glock Gen 3’s patents expiring.
Particularly, Ruger and Magpul’s first RXM cloned the Gen 3 Glock 19. Glock’s most well-known handgun has all the time been the Glock 19, so it is sensible the RXM can be the compact mannequin. Since I’ve each available, I couldn’t assist however be curious sufficient to match the 2 weapons. Higher but, did Ruger beat Glock at doing Glock issues?
The RXM And Glock 19 – The Massive Distinction
Many firms have made copies of the Gen 3 Glock sequence, however that is the primary time a legacy producer has copied the Glock. The RXM is a Glock Gen 3 clone at its core, however there’s a vital distinction between the Glock and the RXM. The RXM has a detachable, serialized chassis system. This lets you swap the chassis between grip modules and body sizes.
Magpul has already launched a sequence of multicolored grip modules, and if the RXM field is any indication, we’re certain to see new slides as nicely. I wouldn’t be stunned to see 19X-sized, full-sized, and my favourite, a full-sized slide with a compact grip. The detachable chassis opens up a broad aftermarket of assist. I think about firms like Sharp Bros. and Icarus Precision will quickly produce their grip modules.
Wanting additional into the long run, we’ll doubtless see PDW-style grip modules which can be brace or stock-ready and have the correct paperwork. The RXM departed from the Gen 3 Glock. It’s not simply one other Glock clone. I’ll give Ruger credit score for doing one thing completely different and fascinating.
Obtainable on GunsAmerica Now
With that out of the way in which, let’s talk about the opposite means Ruger departed from Glock with the RXM.
Sights and Optics
Glock didn’t get into the optics-ready market till the Gen 4 sequence. Earlier than that, the one Gen 3s that had been optics-ready got here from customized outlets and optics cuts. You want a very good motive to not launch an optics-ready pistol within the present market. Ruger didn’t have a very good excuse, so the RXM is optics-ready.
The RXM outdoes the optic-free Gen 3 and arguably outdoes the Glock MOS sequence. Each firms provide an optics system that matches a number of optics.
The RXM makes use of a slide with varied strategically positioned threaded holes and a sequence of pins to accommodate many various optics.
You may mount an RMR, DPP, RMSc, and different optics with out a downside. Optics just like the ACRO or the Steiner MPS would require some type of plate to accommodate them. The MOS sequence makes use of plates, however plates have confirmed to be problematic, and tolerance stacking isn’t nice.
The RXM comes with steel sights, which beats the Glock iron sight recreation. The entrance sight is an evening sight, and the rear is blacked out. The iron sights sit excessive sufficient that you would be able to cowitness by means of most optics. Glock has the identical plastic sights they’ve all the time had. The RXM can use any Glock sample sights and vice versa.
RXM Ergonomics
Gen 3 was an amazing sequence however lacked any type of left-hand friendliness. The RXM continues that custom. It’s not lefty-friendly in any respect. The journal launch isn’t reversible, and the slide launch stays on one facet. There are nonetheless some large variations.
The finger grooves aren’t current on the RXM, which is subjective, however I don’t like grooves, and I don’t suppose most individuals do. The RXM grip isn’t as blocky or thick because the Glock 19 Gen 3. The benefit of a thinner grip will also be subjective, however I favor it.
What’s not subjective is the journal launch design. Magpul did an amazing job of designing the grip and scalloping close to the journal launch to make participating it a lot simpler. My reloads with the RXM are faster than my reloads with the Glock Gen 3 19. With the Glock, I’m reaching out to search out the journal launch.
The RXM grip additionally incorporates a bigger rear overhang, which prevents slide chunk. I get a good bit of slide chunk with the Gen 3 Glocks. The set off guard on the RXM options an undercut for a pleasant excessive grip.
Apparently, each weapons have a definite really feel that makes them really feel like a model of their very own. In case you’ve used Magpul AR-15 grips, you’ll be accustomed to the texture of the RXM. It’s very K2, and the Magpul polymer really feel and texture are evident. The Glock grip can also be distinct, and if I had been blind, I might choose it out of a lineup.
Capturing Straight and Quick
When it comes to uncooked mechanical accuracy, I don’t suppose many shooters might inform the distinction between the 2. Nevertheless, from a sensible perspective, the presence of a crimson dot makes it simpler to shoot precisely. Out of fifty yards, I used to be nailing targets with ease.
The iron sights of the Glock 19 Gen 3 make that powerful. Each weapons are simple to regulate and shoot quick. I seen no vital distinction in cut up instances…so long as I turned the optic off. Purple dots additionally make it simpler to shoot quicker.
Nevertheless, since crimson dots on handguns weren’t as frequent when the Gen 3 was launched, I turned the dot off and used the irons. Recoil and muzzle rise between the weapons differed little or no, if in any respect. The one fundamental distinction I discovered was the fats grip of the unique Glock tends to unfold recoil a bit of extra all through the entire hand.
Reliability
Glock set a brand new commonplace for reliability in firearms. There’s a motive they dominate the market, and there’s a motive Ruger copied Glock. The weapons work. They’re quite simple, and you’ll strip one down with a single punch. I wish to suppose the gun’s simplicity tends to assist its reliability.
The RXM has confirmed to be fairly dependable—not less than mine has been. With that in thoughts, it’s solely been out for just a few months. The Glock Gen 3 has been round since 1998. Glock will get the nod as a result of it has a way more confirmed observe document. It’s been used world wide and abused, but it surely nonetheless retains that popularity for high quality.
The RXM has one bizarre subject. With Glock OEM magazines and probably different metal-lined choices, the slide will sometimes lock open with rounds within the journal.
Interchangeability
A giant query many of us had was concerning the interchangeability between the RXM and Glock 19 Gen 3. We already talked about that sights are interchangeable, however so are slides. If Ruger offered the RXM slides, Glock Gen 3 homeowners may need an superior improve to think about. The optics mounting system makes it definitely worth the improve.
You can additionally throw your favourite Gen 3 slide on the RXM. You may swap barrels if you need a threaded possibility. When it comes to triggers, most Gen 3 triggers will work. The RXM makes use of {a partially} cocked striker system, identical to the Glock. Some triggers convert the partially cocked striker to a completely cocked striker. These triggers reportedly don’t work with the RXM sequence.
I haven’t discovered a holster that matches the Glock 19 that doesn’t match the RXM, together with Safariland holsters with retention gadgets. The holster ecosystem round Glock is huge, and it’ll be simple to search out the suitable rig for you.
READ MORE: Ruger’s Copycat Glock: The RXM — SHOT Present 2025
RXM: A Worthy Successor
The RXM breathed new life into an outdated(ish) design. It’s simple to see why the gun is getting a lot optimistic traction. It refined the ergonomics and launched a modular and revolutionary optics mounting possibility whereas preserving the gun’s simplistic format. Ruger had the advantage of nearly 30 years.
Greatest but, the gun is inexpensive. In case you store round, you’ll find it for lower than $400. The RXM is a stable little gun and higher than the Gen 3 Glock. I’m excited to see what comes subsequent for the Glock sequence of semi-auto handguns.
*** Purchase and Promote on GunsAmerica! ***
