Ruger’s pleased to announce the new MAX-9, a micro-compact with impressive capacity. The MAX-9, chambered for 9mm Luger, holds 10+1 with flush magazines and 12+1 with slightly extended mags.
Available in three different models at launch, the MAX-9 looks a lot like a beefed-up LC9s, which carries 7+1. Like the LC9s, the MAX-9 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol but with other upgrades that will make it compete with the likes of Glock, SIG Sauer, and Springfield Armory in the micro-compact market.
All three models are optics-ready, with slides cut to accept a wide range of micro red dot sights. It also comes with a factory hybrid tritium fiber optic front day and night sight with a wide black combat-style rear sight.
The slide is contoured to raise the front sight up over the bore. Combined with the standard tall rear sight the MAX-9 can co-witness compatible red dot sights with the included iron sights, and there’s no need for suppressor-height replacements.
Ruger’s offering the MAX-9 with two base models and one Pro model. The base versions come with a manual thumb safety and either two 10-round or two 12-round magazines, while the Pro comes with two 12-round mags and no thumb safety.
All have passive trigger safeties as well, in addition to an internal striker block and a loaded chamber inspection port. The slides and barrels are hardened steel with a black oxide finish.
And otherwise, the specifications are the same. Regardless of the model, every MAX-9 has a 3.2-inch barrel, measures in at 6 inches long, a bit over .9 inches wide at the slide, and 4.5 inches tall with flush magazines. They weigh just over 18 ounces unloaded.
See Also: Ruger Releasing Jeff Quinn Memorial GP100 Revolver
But what might set the MAX-9 apart from most of its competition is it’s price: all three models have a suggested retail price of just $499. With real-world and online pricing expected to be even less, these will fly off shelves.
Additional mags are already available from Ruger for $39 or in two-packs for $63 and come with a slick nickel Teflon coating. Ruger also offers finger extensions for 10-round magazines for $4, which make handling shorter guns easier for many shooters without increasing the pistol’s overall profile.
Ruger will certainly shake up the market with the new MAX-9. For more info about these and the rest of the Ruger catalog, check out their website.
Just what the world needs, another plastic striker fired pistol. Cheap to make but IMHO they, referring to all brands of plastic sriker fired pistols have zero beauty and no soul. Give me quality metal and wood any day. Sadly there is very little quality in the firearms industry any more. Maybe that is why the older Colt, Smith and Wesson, Winchester, Remington, Marlin and Ruger guns bring such high values on the secondary market.
You no like, you no buy.
Others like, others buy.
Simple as that.
Gun shaming is childish.
I have carried a Bersa mini 9 for a decade now that takes 13 or 17 so not exactly anything new here and it shoots quite excellent as well for a short barrel. Nothing new under the sun Hey ?
As I recall it was around $350 and has been flawless . All steal frame as well which I far prefer the feel as well an excellent soft rubber grip. It shoots every but as good as my Berreta with a 5″.
Lots of gun guys do stupid things all the time because the herd says so and they need that new widget but they could not run a 50 yard wind sprint without a heart attack ?
Ruger always seems to make a very good, reliable product. I have the P365 and Hellcat and like them both. I shoot the P365 a bit better than the Hellcat but like the Hellcat’s rear sight better. I look forward to comparing them to this new Ruger. I always say…the best one is the one you have on you when you need it.
Look for Glock to come out with 10 round G43 in the near future…Then we will see another video entitled “late to the party or best for last”…. The shortage of ammunition surely must impact the sales of the Ruger Max 9 and the recently introduced S&W Shield Plus.
Actually Sig 365 led the way as far as 10 rd capacity micro 9mm with flush mag. and was first before Springfield Hellcat. I think my 365 is 15 ounces and it has better trigger than Hellcat to me.
All i can say is : SA Hellcat led the way & it is smaller in width , height & length . Probably weight too.