[heydrich]

"The other area on the frame that bothered me was where the trigger guard meets the frame on the front strap. It has a pretty sharp angle there and it was irritating my finger, Glock knuckle type stuff but in a different spot on the same finger. This would be easy to fix with just a slight radius in this area".

That's the exact spot on the frame I was talking about needing the slight radius on the Magpul frame.

 

[PilatusTurbo]

Well was finally able to get to the range today and run some rounds through the RXM and my 19.5 MOS for comparison. Reliability was 100%, which I honestly expected.

I used Speer 124 RN range ammo, Speer GD 124 +p and some Fed Hydrashock Tactical 124+P, with both Pmags and Glock Gen 5 Mags. Zero issues or any kinda, it ran just like a Glock.

Accuracy was on par with my 19.5 so there was no surprise there either. The RXM didn't seem to prefer any round over another.

Sights were regulated at a combat hold, as other have posted about.

Trigger was perfectly fine, and I had no issues with it. It's better than a stock Gen 3 trigger, at least as good as stock Gen 5, but not as good as my GPT/VEX which I didn't expect it to be.

Now for the downsides, at least for me. Plain and simple the backstrap is just too short. In fact almost 40 thousandths shorter than a Gen5, by my calipers. The beavertail area is also slightly larger, where the frames sits in the web of the hand, than my Gen5. This is normal since it uses a connector housing much like a 3rd Gen. Glock didn't reduce this area until the Gen4 guns. The problem is, it doesn't let my hand get quite as high up when compared to my Gen5. This exacerbates the short backstrap for me. Where the backstrap stops, hits my palm in a strange place, and I don't feel like I have a solid grip on the back. It also affects how my hand sits when drawing under stress.

This may not be noticable to everyone, but it's a big deal with me. It's one of the biggest complaints I have about a factory G19 sized grip. I was able to resolve that on my Gen3 guns by adding material to the backstrap, and with my Gen5, I use the LTT Anchor. I was looking at doing to same modification to the RXM grips backstrap, but the design of the interior isn't going to lend itself well for this type of modification. It requires filling the backstrap area, and with the RXM grip this would require a lot of work since there are only three fins running almost the whole length of the backstrap in the magwell. Glocks have a wall between the magwell and the hollow area. It is easy to fill and doesn't change the dimensions on the magwell area. This would be difficult and labor intensive to do this mod to the RXM frame.

The other area on the frame that bothered me was where the trigger guard meets the frame on the front strap. It has a pretty sharp angle there and it was irritating my finger, Glock knuckle type stuff but in a different spot on the same finger. This would be easy to fix with just a slight radius in this area.

So what did I determine, my Gen5 19MOS fits my hand better, has a better trigger and just works for me better than the RXM in its current configuration. The RXM while having some nice features over a factory Glock, didn't reward me with any improvement in my personal performance. If Magpul and Ruger refine the frame a little, and possibly add a bit to the backstrap of it, It would be a solid choice for me. I know they have a G45 size frame in the works, but I much prefer the way overall the 19 size frames fit me specifically in the front strap areas.

There is a lot to like about the RXM and it is worth every penny of it's asking price. When and if some revised frames become available, I may revisit it as an alternative to my Glocks. As it stands right now, the few things that bother me personally are enough to keep it out of my holster.

I will say I am impressed with it as a platform overall, especially from Ruger, as they aren't known fo stepping outside the box. I think it is a great weapon and a ton of people will be happy with it. I'll see what the future holds for it.

I would love to spend a few days with Magpul's R&D guys to come up with some tweaks for the frames.

The RXM frame has a larger scallop and thus the frame is shorter in this area. The flat backstrap also makes this scallop more noticeable to my palm.

The slightly larger web area. Note the distance of the frame rails from the curved area where the web of the hand sits.

The abrupt edge on the trigger guard, compared to the Glock. It's very subtle, but it makes a difference.

TXPO

Excellent write up. Glad others are joining and sharing their detailed experiences! 🙂 The trigger being as good as a Gen 5 trigger is an apt comparison. I that or a P-10C with a good trigger, yes I've held and fired P-10Cs there were not made by the same people LOL

I can see the points you're making, and the photos definitely help. The backstrap is just barely long enough to get into the meaty part of the heel of my palm; my Gen 3 19 backstrap is a hair longer, but literally thousandths, like you said. I can only imagine they will be bringing out that 45 type frame, short slide, long grip, and many others. I can't wait to see where they take it.

With your level of expertise with working on frames, and the finger groove removal type stuff you do, I would contact Magpul and see if they really do want some seriously experienced collaboration. These are options they should absolutely consider. Just like having different size grip modules, in the grip. SIG did this with the P320 and, to a less extent, the P365.

I'd call them and offer your insights or email them, after speaking to them. They're gonna wanna know how to offer more options, and more options means more sales, anyway.

My PMAGs should be arriving soon, and I'm going to ... hand cycle that ammunition to see if it hangs up... As much as I hate hand cycle testing, as I said, in these circumstances I believe it will be indicative of improvement or not. If it doesn't hang up like the first 3 PMAGs did, I'll move to live fire testing. I'll probably try live fire out, either way, just as a data point for Magpul. They were very gracious in taking care of this for me, and I would like to run PMAGs in the gun.

 

[PilatusTurbo]

Interesting PMAG Development: Still waiting on FedEx to deliver, but I figured while I'm waiting, I do have PMAG 21 and 27 rounders for my Ruger PC Carbine.

This escaped my thought process, as I've never used sticks in any pistol or hand gun, and the sticks, tHeY'Re fOr mY Pc CaRbInE. The PMAG 21 and 27 rounders? Didn't exhibit the failure at all. Reliably fed the round right up the ramp. No stoppage. I was able to hand cycle duplicate the failure in the 15 rounders that came with the RXP, the final round in the mag up the ramp. Mags #1 and 2, every time, tried 5x each. Mag #3 did it 3 of 5 times.

This result is curious, and is starting to rebuild my confidence in the PMAGs. I would bet solid money that those sticks would feed reliably at the range, too. Magpul was very interested in seeing the mags, once their Rep talked to the engineers about it. They emailed me back saying they want those mags, and I'm seeing why. The GL9 15 round PMAGs are problematic, for whatever reason, but no other mags seem to be, with my RXP, including other PMAGs.

I should have the others in hand tonight, and I'll briefly replicate this test. It's a consistent failure, even hand cycling, so we should have a fairly good idea as to whether their new mags they sent will fix the issue.

 

[Jarhead Al]

I would like to run PMAGs

In this and every other gun that takes Glock mags

 

[PilatusTurbo]

Unfortunately, the new PMAGs arrived, but 3 out of the 4 did the same exact nose dive into the ramp, on the very first cycle. Continued to do so on 2 subsequent attempts with each. The 4th PMAG seems like it's not going to do it. I did also get the PMC 115 gr JHP out, with a slightly more round nose HP, and it still did it, same mags.

This is odd, but I'm still hesitant to blame the gun. It doesn't make sense that it's the gun; all other mags I have tried and can try, feed fine. I'm going to see if they want me to send all mags back, and let them look at the 2 that seem to sorta work. I closely looked at it, and it is jamming on the feed ramp, not the front lip of mag feed lips. This is just odd.

ETA:

In this and every other gun that takes Glock mags

No, I'm totally good running OEM Glock mags. I'll continue to do so in the RXP, as the PMAGs aren't working in this specific gun. Odd.

 

[Jarhead Al]

Unfortunately, the new PMAGs arrived, but 3 out of the 4 did the same exact nose dive into the ramp, on the very first cycle. Continued to do so on 2 subsequent attempts with each. The 4th PMAG seems like it's not going to do it. I did also get the PMC 115 gr JHP out, with a slightly more round nose HP, and it still did it, same mags.

This is odd, but I'm still hesitant to blame the gun. It doesn't make sense that it's the gun; all other mags I have tried and can try, feed fine. I'm going to see if they want me to send all mags back, and let them look at the 2 that seem to sorta work. I closely looked at it, and it is jamming on the feed ramp, not the front lip of mag feed lips. This is just odd.

ETA:

No, I'm totally good running OEM Glock mags. I'll continue to do so in the RXP, as the PMAGs aren't working in this specific gun. Odd.

The mag issue wouldn't stop me from buying the RXM, if I was looking for a G19 clone, as the OEM mags solve the issue. I want them to solve the mag issue so I would feel confident using PMags in Glock or clone.

 

[PilatusTurbo]

The mag issue wouldn't stop me from buying the RXM, if I was looking for a G19 clone, as the OEM mags solve the issue. I want them to solve the mag issue so I would feel confident using PMags in Glock or clone.

That's exactly how I feel about it. I'd still buy it knowing exactly what I know, and have 100% confidence in the OEM Glock mags. I'm certain that these PMAGs are an issue, in some way. I've talked to my local gun buddies who shoot a lot, and they say no issues with PMAGs, but they don't use them for carry. Range/ball ammo only. That's all they'll be for, with me, too. I did notify Magpul, and I'm sure they'll email back Monday.

 

[Scoutbob]

That's exactly how I feel about it. I'd still buy it knowing exactly what I know, and have 100% confidence in the OEM Glock mags. I'm certain that these PMAGs are an issue, in some way. I've talked to my local gun buddies who shoot a lot, and they say no issues with PMAGs, but they don't use them for carry. Range/ball ammo only. That's all they'll be for, with me, too. I did notify Magpul, and I'm sure they'll email back Monday.

Like you’ve stated too, I’ve never fired hollow points out of a pmag. Sounded like you only had issues with the hollow points… which is kind of a big deal 😂.

One of the reasons I like my 10 round g43x mags… a lot more affordable to function test 😂

 

[PilatusTurbo]

Like you’ve stated too, I’ve never fired hollow points out of a pmag. Sounded like you only had issues with the hollow points… which is kind of a big deal 😂.

One of the reasons I like my 10 round g43x mags… a lot more affordable to function test 😂

Precisely my mentality. Range mags, sure. Defensive loads must be able to run, period.

 

[Ebb27]

2nd Range Rep: Total success. 100% function. Same test, plus a little. No target pics, just a couple cool pics of the RXM next to the new Gen 5 mags, that have made this gun into what it can be and will be. They look good on it, too. To break the brand new mags in, I used my Uplula to press the follower down 5 times before loading the first round, and pressed it up and down 5 times in between every round loaded. This was just the first time loading them, I did not do this every time I reloaded the mags. This does help accelerate break in, simulating over 100 small cycles on the mag springs.

I ran those three Gen 5 G19 mags loaded with the Magtech 115 gr JHP, and for good measure, brought a Gen 4 mag, and loaded it up. First 4 mags for 61 rounds JHP, zero malfunctions, smooth as my 19 Gen 3. Beautiful. Ran 200 more rounds of the S&B 115 gr FMJ, and gave it some cool downs between each 100, again. This test was faster, so it was getting hot, and I ultimately ran the last cycle much sooner.

Finally, loaded up 4 more mags, the three Gen 5 mags, and the Gen 4 mag, for another 61 rounds of that JHP. Perfect, 100% function. Smooth as a Glock made sewing machine... That kicks like a 9mm.... Well, 9mm kicks/feels like a pellet gun according to @40/45 This whole test was conducted in under 40 minutes, too. So, again, I'll be cleaning it tonight and looking for anything abnormal, but my confidence has soared to Full, and the gun is performing as expected. I hate to say it, but I'm absolutely confident that the issue wasn't even break in, but just magazine issues. Sorry to the PMAG guys, but this issue has been eliminated.

I brought the 19 Gen 3, again, as I'm carrying it due to the Winter Carry thread. I decided I'd carry a big gun, again LOL I did run one mag through the 19.3, for one more comparison, but... The RXM is also just a pleasure to shoot. It has my vote.

The Ruger RXM. This thing is awesome.

This has been a lot of fun, and has inspired me to get out and really run a gun. Not that I'm bored with what I have, in fact, I'm very grateful. I just think this gun is something pretty cool, and from Ruger. It's got its doubters and haters, and I felt compelled to get on board and run the thing. I have a goal. I'm going to keep this thread alive, and update as we go. Would I recommend it? Yes, just buy some or use some Glock mags for good measure. Next range rep, probably in the near future, will include running a mag or two with JHP with a TLR-1HL hanging off the end of it. Additionally, a member here PM'd and offered to donate some hotter 147 +P for T&E once they're available this spring, so Thank you for that! They know who they are, and I'm looking forward to really putting this thing through its paces.

PS: Brought the SR22 out again, having cleaned the can and the gun. Not riding the slide lock, but the slide lock was just gummed up. I noticed it was very sluggish, which I had not noticed before. A drop or two of CLP into the slide stop at the range, safe downrange direction of course, and worked the slide stop up and down and worked it in. It loosened up, and the SR22 locked back, and ran just over 100 Minimags with only one FTF. I recovered that round, reloaded, and it sent.

Also, brought the monster out... I love that rifle.

And this is why I'm always leery of getting brand new models as soon as they hit the market.

I've noticed that a lot of them that have an issue, it tends to be mag related. I'm sure that Ruger and Magpul will probably correct the issue...eventually after enough complaints...save your receipts and make sure you activated the warranty.

Yeah it works great with Glock mags....but if you're not a gun nut with lots of Glock mags, then you're gonna have to go buy Glock mags. Let's say the average price at a good LGS is $25...me I like at least 3 mags so that's $75 dollars....for a few dollars more I coulda got a real Glock.

Still it is an interesting gun and that is good to know it works great with Glock mags as I have plenty, so not a deal breaker. Proprietary mags and yeah hard pass...but knowing there are good quality mags that will work and I already have some, keeps me interested.

 

[heydrich]

Just installed the Tango Down Vickers Tactical Slide Racker (GSR-03) to my RXM.
Fits like a glove and the older hands appreciate the added leverage.

 

[PilatusTurbo]

And this is why I'm always leery of getting brand new models as soon as they hit the market.

I've noticed that a lot of them that have an issue, it tends to be mag related. I'm sure that Ruger and Magpul will probably correct the issue...eventually after enough complaints...save your receipts and make sure you activated the warranty.

Yeah it works great with Glock mags....but if you're not a gun nut with lots of Glock mags, then you're gonna have to go buy Glock mags. Let's say the average price at a good LGS is $25...me I like at least 3 mags so that's $75 dollars....for a few dollars more I coulda got a real Glock.

Still it is an interesting gun and that is good to know it works great with Glock mags as I have plenty, so not a deal breaker. Proprietary mags and yeah hard pass...but knowing there are good quality mags that will work and I already have some, keeps me interested.

Agreed. As it's been said, this is a lower cost great MOS type option, if it all pans out. I did go and buy two more Gen 5 G19 mags, as I had one virtually unused laying around in the mag can. I figured, instead of using my Gen 3 G19 mags, I'd get a couple Gen 5 mags and have 3 just for the RXM. They look good on it, too. You're right, though, the initial cost can be higher.

I'm surprised by how few who own these Glock PMAGs actually run defensive ammo through them. It seems like the vast majority of people only run ball ammo through PMAGs at the range, and we've seen a few exceptions in this thread, those who say they've been excellent even with defensive ammo.

The other clientele of this gun is part of Ruger's target market: Those who want a cool looking gun with features, from a big brand like Ruger, that doesn't cost what an optics ready MOS Glock does. You're pushing north of $600 out the door for those. These customers I'm mentioning, many of them are gonna shoot it once and put it away forever, or maybe take it out once every 1-3 years. I'm not exaggerating, I know a couple guys who have SD9 VEs that literally haven't shot the thing in years. One of them carries it, but hasn't put rounds through it in over a year.

I went into it knowing pretty much all possible pitfalls, as we're gun people here. This is our stuff. I knew it could be a turd right outta the gate and need years of slow corporate fixes. However, I do know that Ruger's also a damn solid brand and they back that up, time and time again. Magpul, same. So, as you said, they're interested and involved, and hopefully some sort of revision to the magazines is made, because the gun runs just fine with good mags.

 

[The_Real_Maxmanta]

I looked at one today. It looks and feels pretty good (they got the grip angle right).

The replaceable FCM, makes it more of a Zev OZ9 copy than a Glock, though.

 

[Jarhead Al]

I looked at one today. It looks and feels pretty good (they got the grip angle right).

The replaceable FCM, makes it more of a Zev OZ9 copy than a Glock, though.

At a third of the price, maybe even a quarter of the price

 

[PilatusTurbo]

This is interesting: I decided to further science the crap outta this. I took the extended PMAG 21 round spring and follower out, and put it into the 15 round PMAG tube. Couldn't load past 14 rounds, but it cycled that last JHP round in release from slide stop and racking from mag into chamber. Faulty mags fail this test almost 100% of the time.

Then, took the follower off the PMAG 21 round spring, and put it onto the 15 round PMAG spring, and reassembled it. The 15 round PMAG was all original parts, except the follower. Fed and loaded just fine, both tests, several times. It's odd.

 

[JHB]

Sounds they need to increase spring pressure on the 15 round mags. Isn't this the problem Glock had on the 01 mags?

 

[Ebb27]

Agreed. As it's been said, this is a lower cost great MOS type option, if it all pans out. I did go and buy two more Gen 5 G19 mags, as I had one virtually unused laying around in the mag can. I figured, instead of using my Gen 3 G19 mags, I'd get a couple Gen 5 mags and have 3 just for the RXM. They look good on it, too. You're right, though, the initial cost can be higher.

I'm surprised by how few who own these Glock PMAGs actually run defensive ammo through them. It seems like the vast majority of people only run ball ammo through PMAGs at the range, and we've seen a few exceptions in this thread, those who say they've been excellent even with defensive ammo.

The other clientele of this gun is part of Ruger's target market: Those who want a cool looking gun with features, from a big brand like Ruger, that doesn't cost what an optics ready MOS Glock does. You're pushing north of $600 out the door for those. These customers I'm mentioning, many of them are gonna shoot it once and put it away forever, or maybe take it out once every 1-3 years. I'm not exaggerating, I know a couple guys who have SD9 VEs that literally haven't shot the thing in years. One of them carries it, but hasn't put rounds through it in over a year.

I went into it knowing pretty much all possible pitfalls, as we're gun people here. This is our stuff. I knew it could be a turd right outta the gate and need years of slow corporate fixes. However, I do know that Ruger's also a damn solid brand and they back that up, time and time again. Magpul, same. So, as you said, they're interested and involved, and hopefully some sort of revision to the magazines is made, because the gun runs just fine with good mags.

The gun definitely has some interesting features...that universal set-up for an optic is a big one....especially at the price point.

The modular grip is another...IF they support it with various sizes and colors....a metal one would be awesome...and that's something else I'm watching for.

Sometimes it is nice to get something new and interesting....been there done that with mixed results. Teething issues have become an almost expected thing anymore though. Ruger is a solid company and I'm sure they'll work it out in time and do whatever it takes to make it right with their customers.

 

[Stantheman86]

As a side note, G19 PMags that worked fine for 1000s of rounds gagged on Wolf ammo

Yes we know Wolf is range junk but lots of people use range junk ammo. The steel cases must have been too "sticky" and wouldn't let the follower come up

 

[PilatusTurbo]

As a side note, G19 PMags that worked fine for 1000s of rounds gagged on Wolf ammo

Yes we know Wolf is range junk but lots of people use range junk ammo. The steel cases must have been too "sticky" and wouldn't let the follower come up

That or the gunk that sometimes is covered in, thin wax or whatever, can do it, too. As I mentioned, a lot of people swear by their PMAGs, but few of those have run anything aside of ball ammo with them. I did note the few members here, whom I trust and absolutely take their word for it, that their PMAGs have run JHPs just fine.

 

[FrankenGunBuilder]

As a side note, G19 PMags that worked fine for 1000s of rounds gagged on Wolf ammo

Yes we know Wolf is range junk but lots of people use range junk ammo. The steel cases must have been too "sticky" and wouldn't let the follower come up

I've had that happen too many times with Wolf and Tula on semi auto pistols.