Ruger Max 9

Handgun
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Thinking about picking up a Ruger Max 9. I have a Ruger LC9s that I’ve been carrying for probably 8 years and I really like it, it has always functioned flawlessly. My only complaint would be the 7 round magazines. I would like to pick up something with a larger capacity. Does anyone have a Max 9 that could provide some feedback?

I’ve looked at the Sig 365 and Springfield Hellcat and wasn’t impressed with either. The only other pistol I would possibly be interested in would the Glock 43x.

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I don’t have/have never handled a Ruger Max 9 so can’t be of any assistance there.

Care to share your “criteria” for a compact 9mm handgun that might help with possible recommendations?

I do have a Gen 3 Glock 26 with milled slide/optic that I like, but totally get that the thick-ish grip, while a good fit for my chunky ham hooks, ain’t for everyone.

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I’m want something small, thin, and lightweigh which is why I went with the LC9s.

From what I’ve read the Max 9 is essentially the same size and only slightly heavier. I did come across some negative reviews, particularly broken firing pins in the first models. Most of the more recent reviews don’t mention anything about it.

I had a Gen 3 Glock 26 years ago but it was a little chunky for my liking.

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But still 9mm? Dipping into the .380 arena an option?

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I know you mentioned you looked at the p365 and wasn’t impressed but it’s the same width or a hair thinner than the 43x. Have you shot either? If you consider .380 I picked up the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 and it’s been great so far.

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I haven’t shot any of them yet but I know that I definitely don’t want the Sig 365. I know you guys are probably going to beat me up for this one but after the recent issues with the 320 and Sigs attempts to hide them, I do not consider Sig to be a reputable company.

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I want to stay with 9mm. I’m not looking to get into a new caliber right now

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I have a LC9, and it’s been perfect.

When you mention the 7 round mags, is that on the LC9, or on the Max 9? I have 9 round mags for my LC9, and the Max 9 comes in a 10 round version.

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I have the 9 round magazines for my LC9 but I’m not a very big guy and because it’s a single stack mag it extends the grip to where it makes it hard to conceal without major printing.

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The Max 9 comes with 10 round mags in NJ and 12 round in the free world

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Out of curiosity, what about the Hellcat were you not impressed with? *Missed earlier post about the 365 being a no go due to the 320 issues.

For me, personally, the 365 never felt right in my hand. Whereas the Hellcat felt great and the u notch worked with my cross dominance. Once I actually shot the cat, I was getting the “Glock knuckle”. Ended up putting a houge grip on it. Haven’t shot is since, but just dry firing it I can feel the difference.

That said, I have a Ruger Sec 9 Compact that is really enjoyable and fun. I know that’s a totally different animal from the Max 9, but it would certainly inspire confidence in the Max 9. Not sure about the Max 9 aftermarket support, but I feel it’s non-existent for the sec 9, so that is something to consider for holsters and what not.

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The Hellcat didn’t feel good in my hand and seemed to be a little bigger than the Sig and Ruger. I did like the factory sights on the Hellcat.

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I’ve shot the Max 9 - it’s not bad. I have friends in PA that carry it primarily.
I have a G48 (G43x but longer slide/barrel), as well as a P365 XMacro. I rotate between those and a M&P Shield for carry. P365 is good - you can swap the FCG between frames to go smaller if needed. The G48 was almost too slim and the grip was slippery until I put a Talon grip on it. Shield to me feels better. Maybe look at a Shield Plus?

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Do you have any likes or dislikes that stand out in your mind from when you shot the Max 9?

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I have a Max9 and Security9 I got with my Cabela’s points. My wife has the Hellcat. I carry the Max9 daily as she carrys the Hellcat daily. I find the Max9 a comfortable fit with the finger extender on the factory mag. I find the Hellcat’s sites great. Accurate out of the box. The max9 has a tritium site from the factory. I like it because you can see it on the night stand in the dark (dumb but true).

My opinion is the Hell cat is a smoother shoot. But the Max9 is a better feel in my hand. But I find both accurate from the box.

P.S. The Hellcat is lighter and prints less.

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