# Ruger Max 9 **URL:** \ **Category:** Handgun\ **Created:** [December 3, 2025, 5:35pm UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444 "2025-12-03T17:35:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/gfl216/32/410_2.png) [@GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/u/GFL216)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 5:35pm UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/1 "2025-12-03T17:35:17Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![DirtyDigz](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/dirtydigz/32/2609_2.png) [@DirtyDigz](https://njgunforums.net/u/DirtyDigz)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 6:17pm UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/2 "2025-12-03T18:17:46Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/gfl216/32/410_2.png) [@GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/u/GFL216)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 9:01pm UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/3 "2025-12-03T21:01:50Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![DirtyDigz](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/dirtydigz/32/2609_2.png) [@DirtyDigz](https://njgunforums.net/u/DirtyDigz)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 9:08pm UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/4 "2025-12-03T21:08:58Z")
But still 9mm? Dipping into the .380 arena an option? ---
**Author:** ![NJGF-Admin](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/njgf-admin/32/139_2.png) [@NJGF-Admin](https://njgunforums.net/u/NJGF-Admin)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 9:10pm UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/5 "2025-12-03T21:10:22Z")
> [@GFL216](#): > > I’m want something small, thin, and lightweigh 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. ---
**Author:** ![GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/gfl216/32/410_2.png) [@GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/u/GFL216)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 10:06pm UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/6 "2025-12-03T22:06:27Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/gfl216/32/410_2.png) [@GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/u/GFL216)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 10:17pm UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/7 "2025-12-03T22:17:30Z")
I want to stay with 9mm. I’m not looking to get into a new caliber right now ---
**Author:** ![Sniper](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/sniper/32/187_2.png) [@Sniper](https://njgunforums.net/u/Sniper)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 10:32pm UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/8 "2025-12-03T22:32:32Z")
> [@GFL216](#): > > 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 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. ---
**Author:** ![GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/gfl216/32/410_2.png) [@GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/u/GFL216)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 10:40pm UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/9 "2025-12-03T22:40:45Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/gfl216/32/410_2.png) [@GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/u/GFL216)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2025, 10:42pm UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/10 "2025-12-03T22:42:29Z")
The Max 9 comes with 10 round mags in NJ and 12 round in the free world ---
**Author:** ![MillerMolson](https://njgunforums.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/8baadc/32.png) [@MillerMolson](https://njgunforums.net/u/MillerMolson)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 2:35am UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/11 "2025-12-04T02:35:41Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/gfl216/32/410_2.png) [@GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/u/GFL216)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 3:05am UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/12 "2025-12-04T03:05:05Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Krdshrk](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/krdshrk/32/2936_2.png) [@Krdshrk](https://njgunforums.net/u/Krdshrk)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 3:24am UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/13 "2025-12-04T03:24:14Z")
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? ---
**Author:** ![GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/user_avatar/njgunforums.net/gfl216/32/410_2.png) [@GFL216](https://njgunforums.net/u/GFL216)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2025, 3:52am UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/14 "2025-12-04T03:52:20Z")
Do you have any likes or dislikes that stand out in your mind from when you shot the Max 9? ---
**Author:** ![Boba](https://njgunforums.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/b/c77e96/32.png) [@Boba](https://njgunforums.net/u/Boba)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2025, 2:45pm UTC](https://njgunforums.net/t/ruger-max-9/3444/15 "2025-12-05T14:45:37Z")
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.