Ruger RXM Review: Best Glock Clone [HANDS-ON TESTED]

Ruger’s latest pistol, the Ruger RXM, sees two major forces in the gun industry combine to create a Glock-like clone with some interesting features.

While we can agree that there are plenty of Glock wannabes looking to dethrone the Austrian giant, many tend to fall short. But with Ruger’s pistol know-how and Magpul’s polymer dominance, the RXM looks like a promising striker-fire contender.

We got our hands on the new Ruger RXM to see how this 9mm handgun handles and if it truly stands out against the Glock clone competition. In this review, we’ll walk you through the RXM’s specs, features, pros/cons, and let you know how it performed on the range.

Will this combo be a winning recipe, or do too many cooks spoil the soup? Keep reading to find out!

Ruger RXM Specs & Features

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-auto (striker-fired)
• Capacity: 15+1 (or by magazine)
• Length: 7.15”
• Barrel Length: 4”
• Width: 1”
• Height: 5.31”
• Weight: 23.2 oz.
• Comes with: Plastic case, two 15-round PMAG magazines, owner’s manual, gun lock

Features

• Direct mount optics
• Fire Control Insert
• Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip

How We Tested the Ruger RXM

For this review, we tested the Ruger RXM with iron sights and a C&H Precision EDC Enclosed pistol optic. At the range, we set up at 7 yards and conducted our accuracy testing using 3-round groups. All in, we went through 500 rounds of ammunition, both practice and defensive including:

• AAC 115gr FMJ
• Nosler ASP 115gr JHP
• Nolser ASP 124gr JHP
• Hornady Critical Duty 124gr Flexlock

We also tested the trigger on the Ruger RXM with a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to accurately assess the actual trigger pull weight.

A Little History on the Ruger RXM

Since the Gen III Glock patents expired, there’s been a proliferation of clones on the market. This trend started with Polymer80, giving shooters the ability to “roll their own.”

Since then, many companies have created their own version of Gaston’s Plastic Fantastic with varying degrees of success. However, the RXM has a number of noteworthy differences.

To begin with, this is a collaborative effort, a joining of forces in which Ruger applied their striker-fired knowhow to the passions of Magpul, the princely purveyors of polymer.

Strikingly different, the RXM also has a Fire Control Insert (FCI) similar to Sig Sauer’s FCU. This means you can swap out the serialized frame to other grips.

Who Is the Ruger RXM For?

The Ruger RXM is sized similarly to the G19, so it’s in the sweet spot that allows it to serve as a workhorse and fill different roles. It’s small enough to carry concealed, but it could also be tasked for home defense if needed.

If you’re looking for a pistol that can easily slide into a defensive role — be it at home or on the go — and you want something Glock-like without the Gaston name, the RXM is worth a look.

Ergonomics: Fit & Feel

The RXM has a great fit and finish. The slide is coated in a deep black FNC Nitride, and the frame’s Stealth Gray is a nice color we’ve seen previously on other Magpul products.

One of the more notable features of the frame is the texturing along the grip. It’s a wonderful blend of enough grip to stay in your hand without being so aggressive it tears up your skin or clothing when carrying concealed.

The magwell is nicely flared, though as large as a competition add-on. There is also enough gap at the bottom to dig out a magazine that might be locked in due to a double-feed.

Toward the rear, there are no adjustable backstrap pieces to add. Instead, the grip size seems to hit that “best for most” size.

Thankfully, the beavertail is extended to the point that it does protect even my 2X hands. No slide bite was experienced as a result of testing this handgun.

Forward of the grip, there is a nice undercut of the trigger guard, allowing for a slightly higher grip. There are also a couple of textured areas forward of the slide lock/takedown for indexing either side.

Underneath the muzzle, there’s a standard accessory rail on the frame. I was able to mount a Surefire weapon light with no problems.

Moving up to the slide, there are angled serrations fore and aft that provide ample grip for manipulations. In addition, the sights are a cut above what you would find on a standard Glock.

Both bodies are made of steel and are taller than normal, though not quite suppressor height. The rear has a serrated squared notch, and the front has a tritium tube with a white collar around it.

Despite their height, I was not able to co-witness the sights with the C&H Precision EDC Enclosed. The body was just a bit too tall, though other optics may allow it.

However, I was pretty excited to be able to directly mount the optic to the frame with no issues. Removing the cover plate, I saw an array of holes that allowed RMR, Delta Point Pro, and RMSc footprints to bolt up.

The overall ergonomics feel like Cinderella blessed them with the just-right, median approach that should be good for most people. In the hand, the RXM feels pretty good, though its blocky origins still shine through.

Magazines are (of course) Magpul PMAG 15s which have proven pretty reliable over the many years I’ve been testing them. They come with an orange follower, a single 15-count window, and beveling on the floor plate to allow purchase.

Controls

The controls are located where you would expect on a Glock clone, though they are well done. For example, the mag release is a good height, but it benefits from an undercut that makes it easier to hit.

The slide release is slightly raised and protected by an elevated bumper in the frame. I didn’t accidentally hit it with my thumbs despite using a high grip.

However, I found it well placed during reloads when I wanted to close the slide. It was also big enough to hit without struggling.

One of the more important judging points on any Glock clone is the trigger. I appreciated the flat shoe and the way the safety device meshed flat. It was very comfortable.

I still found the trigger slightly problematic in the same sense I find most Glock triggers. Pulling back, there was a good deal of stacking and what I interpreted to be a wall.

Adding more pressure, the trigger would still travel further back before breaking. Reset was tactile, audible, and happened almost at the full return.

Testing the trigger with a Lyman digital gauge, the break averaged 3 pounds, 5 ounces.

How Does the Ruger RXM Shoot?

Testing began with the RXM struggling to seat a round. Multiple times, I tried to get the first round into the chamber, but it wouldn’t make it all the way in, getting stuck in the throat.

I tried different types of ammo and eventually got a Nosler ASP to seat with a good barrel lock up. After I fired this round, we were off to the races.

Everything that followed for the next 350 rounds ran perfectly, feeding, firing, and ejecting normally. I simply chalked the initial issues up to break-in.

By the time I got to the 350 count, I realized I had run the RXM pretty hard, and it was hot enough for the slide to burn my thumb. I set it down to cool, then eventually applied some lubricant.

Strangely, I experienced two double-feeds in a row after this treatment. However, after these were cleared, the RXM ran flawlessly to the completion of 500 rounds.

Despite the aforementioned exceptions, the reliability was sound and consistent.

Anyone who has spent time with a Glock will be quite comfortable with the RXM, as the controls and handling characteristics are very similar. Performance is also comparable, though there were things I felt were improvements over the namesake.

The flat trigger shoe felt great, and the merging of the trigger safety device was wonderful. Pressing back, the finger flattens the device against the shoe, and you only feel a flat surface.

While this is certainly a personal preference, I don’t care for the safety device feeling so prevalent in Glock triggers. You can work past it or get used to it eventually.

That being said, the trigger is still quite close to Gaston’s original. As described above, the distance from the start to the actual break felt long.

Despite trying to game this, I found myself trying to get to the wall, then snap through when my dot was settled. Invariably, this caused some rounds to drop a bit lower than I had intended and was reflected in my accuracy testing.

Standing at 7 yards, I fired two groups of 10 using AAC FMJ and Nosler JHP. My first group of AAC was spread out over roughly 1.75 inches.

The second group with Nosler was more condensed, at approximately 1.5 inches, though the vertical spread definitely revealed my discomfort with the trigger. Regardless, accuracy was good and after enough time on the trigger, I was able to work up to controlled pairs.

Shooting impulse was manageable, and I appreciated the grip texture on Magpul’s frame. It was enough to allow me to lock in for decent recoil control.

Why is the Ruger RXM Unique?

There are a number of distinctions that make the Ruger RXM unique in a market nearly flooded with Glock clones. First and foremost, you’re getting upgraded features, sights, triggers, magwell, direct optics mounting, and a great fit and finish.

Next, you have the new FCI, a serialized insert that can be moved from frame to frame based upon the user’s preferences. You can bet Magpul’s elves are currently whittling all kinds of polymer options that will increase the value of your initial purchase.

There are bound to be different sizes, colors, and applications down the road. Let your imagination run wild on this one.

By the Numbers

Reliability: 4/5

I don’t hold the initial feeding issues against a new gun, though there were a couple of double-feeds.

Ergonomics: 3/5

The ergonomics are solid and should work for a wide array of shooters.

Accuracy: 3/5

Accuracy was only slightly hampered by the trigger.

Customization: 5/5

Ruger and Magpul made sure the RXM is compatible with most Gen 3 Glock accessories, so the world is your oyster.

Value: 3/5

The RXM has a suggested retail of $499.00 keeping it competitive in a crowded field.

Overall: 3.5/5

Upgrades for Ruger RXM

The C&H Enclosed is a rugged, enclosed optic with a ring, dot, and dot/ring combo for reticle choices.

Always use protection when shooting, and Shell Shock is some of the best!

We rely heavily on AAC ammo for the bulk of our testing. It’s accurate and reliable.

Why You Should Trust Pew Pew Tactical

At the helm of this review was Pew Pew Tactical Content Producer Sean Curtis. Sean has been shooting since childhood but really began to delve into guns more during his law enforcement career. He spent over two decades in law enforcement, where he became a POST-certified handgun instructor and NLEFIA Red Dot Instructor and received CLEFIA Advanced Firearms Instructor Training and AR-15 armorer training. He has since attended a variety of training, including Tactical Performance Center Handgun Mastery & Carbine Mastery, and earned USCCA rifle instructor certification. Aside from training and prior to joining the Pew Pew Tactical team full-time, Sean wrote for several gun publications evaluating and testing guns and gear and has written hundreds of articles.

This review was edited by Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings, who runs Pew Pew Tactical’s experienced team of reviewers. Jacki is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association and has her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. She has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years, and has worked as an editor for five years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards.

Final Verdict

The Ruger RXM represents a new level for what would otherwise be yet another entry into an already crowded Glock clone market. Not only are you getting upgraded features, but the potential for this firearm (FCI) has long-reaching implications.

It’s pretty cool that Ruger and Magpul teamed up on the RXM and applied their particular set of skills to the final product. Keep an eye on this one.

Will you be picking up a Ruger RXM? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to check out the Best Glock Clones of 2024: Custom Glock 19 Alternatives for even more options!