Looking for a reliable and affordable concealed carry pistol? The Ruger MAX-9 might be your perfect match. It’s one of many options when it comes to concealed carry guns, but there are a few reasons I think it stands out.
Let’s be honest, choosing a new everyday carry (EDC) gun can feel a lot like dating. You swipe through countless options online, they all start to look the same, and you’re terrified of commitment.The questions in the back of your mind start to become overwhelming: Will it be comfortable to have by your side all day? Can you depend on it when things get serious? And, most importantly, will it leave you with enough money for pizza night?
My wife will tell you that I’m not a good matchmaker. But when it comes to guns, this one could be a perfect companion for just about anybody.
I’ve been carrying the MAX-9 for a few years now, and I’ve put more than 1,000 rounds of ammo through it. My opinion of this gun has been shaped by my experience with it alone. So, here are my reasons why the Max-9 is the perfect affordable EDC gun.
Ruger MAX-9 Features: What Makes It a Great EDC Gun?
A lot of people probably get tired of hearing how many compact pistols are on the market, right? There are so many you can’t choose from, and no one in the gun industry seems to agree on anything. Between all the “experts,” influencers, competitors, and salesmen, every gun ever made is the perfect gun.
This is why I won’t try to compare this one to other guns or tell you why you should buy one. I’ll just tell you about my experience with it and let you decide for yourself.
Ruger released the MAX-9 in March 2021, and it appears to have done well for the company. When you hold it, you get the feeling you’re holding a larger version of the Ruger LCP Max.
For a compact framed pistol, the Max 9 has a great ammo capacity, which is important to me for a self-defense gun. It ships with two magazines: a 10-round flush-fit magazine and a 12-round extended magazine that gives you a fuller grip and two extra rounds. When talking about compact handguns, 10 or more is what I like to see.
The trigger has some slack, and just a little bit of creep once you take up the slack. But it’s still a great trigger pull for a compact gun. I have some compact pistols that almost make you cringe when trying to pull the trigger. Ruger used a Glock-style trigger safety on a curved trigger that I think is comfortable.
I could go on and on about the grip texture, slide serrations, and other ergonomic factors. But for a self-defense gun, there is one important box that must be checked if you’re going to carry it: reliability.
Reliability: A Key Deciding Factor
It doesn’t really matter how pretty a gun is, how cheap it was, or how much it costs if it’s not reliable. Reliability does not go hand in hand with price, either. There are some very expensive guns out there that I would never trust my life with.
The best way to tell if a gun is reliable is to shoot the heck out of it right? I mentioned above that I have fired more than 1,000 rounds through the Ruger MAX-9, thanks to AmmoToGo.com. They have provided multiple FMJ’s and JHP ammo and I haven’t had any trouble with it. One of my favorite rounds to use in this gun is 115-grain JHP Fiocchi Defense Dynamics ammo. I do clean it after every training session, but it goes bang when I pull the trigger.
When I buy a “budget” gun, I don’t really have any expectations for it. If a cheaper gun has problems, you make a mental note and move on to other guns. But when a cheaper gun just keeps running and running, you start to take notice. Why buy an expensive gun when an affordable one is pacing or outpacing its rivals?
Ruger MAX-9 Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 10+1 or 12+1
- Weight: 18.4 oz.
- Overall Length: 6 in.
- Barrel Length: 3.20 in.
- Height: 4.52 in.
- Width: 0.95 in.
- Sights: Tritium Fiber Optic Front, Drift Adjustable Rear
- Slide Finish: Black Oxide
- Frame: High-Performance, Glass-Filled Nylon
Ruger MAX-9 Optics: Compatibility and the ReadyDot Sight
More and more people are putting compact red dot sights on their carry guns, and there is a reason for this. An optic can significantly speed up target acquisition and improve accuracy, especially in high-stress situations. Instead of aligning front and rear sights, you simply put the dot on the target. What’s cool about the Max-9 is not that it’s optics-ready, but that Ruger made an optic just for this gun.
The slide is milled to accept any optic with a JPoint or Shield-pattern footprint, but Ruger made an optic called the “ReadyDot” that is affordable and reliable, just like their gun.
I picked up the ReadyDot for just under $100, which is cheap for any handgun optic today. Most of the time, I would say stay away from handgun optics this cheap. But Ruger sure did get something right with this optic.
First of all, it has no batteries. The ReadyDot uses a light-gathering fiber optic to power the dot, meaning it’s always on and never needs charging.
It also has no windage or elevation adjustments This is a point of debate for some, but for a someone who wants a simple, plug-and-play system, it’s brilliant. You mount it, and it’s ready to go. On my last range trip, the ReadyDot was hitting its target just a little to the left of center at about 10 yards out.
This isn’t something I would compete with, but when you talk about combat accuracy, it hits the target and would get the job done. I’m not saying I like not having adjustment dials, but this simplicity of this optic is kind of cool.
Best Holster for Ruger MAX-9: My Top Choice
Your EDC setup is incomplete without a quality holster. A good holster protects the trigger guard, secures the firearm, and keeps it comfortable and accessible. When you add an optic like the ReadyDot, you need a holster that is specifically designed to accommodate that as well.
My personal choice for carrying the MAX-9 is the Safariland Species IWB (Inside-the-Waistband) holster. This holster is made just for the Ruger Max 9 and is perfect for appendix carry. It’s made from a durable, thermal-molded material known as SafariLaminate, which maintains its shape for easy re-holstering.
The adjustable cant allows you to set the angle you want, and it features an integrated passive retention system. This helps to hold the gun in place while still allowing for a smooth and quick draw. The Species is designed to fit the MAX-9 with or without a red dot sight; you can buy the holster when you buy the gun and add the optic later if you want to.
Final Verdict: Is the Ruger MAX-9 the Perfect EDC Pistol for You?
In conclusion, the Ruger MAX-9 is a highly reliable and affordable choice for concealed carry. I have a lot of other guns I love and also carry on a regular basis. I’m a gun nut, so I like trying out new guns and finding the cool things about some of the overlooked ones.
After shooting the Ruger Max-9 for several years, it stands out. You can find the gun for about $350 which is extremely cheap for a gun that has not malfunctioned for more than 1,000 rounds. When you add the ReadyDot and a Species holster, you can get the whole setup for about $500. You could easily spend more than that on just a gun when looking at other models.
So my point is, carry any gun you like, buy any gun you like. But if you need to find an EDC setup for the best price possible, you should check out the Ruger Max-9. It’s slim, comfortable, reliable, and affordable.
Ruger MAX-9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the Ruger MAX-9 a good gun? The Ruger MAX-9 is widely considered a good gun, especially for its price point. It’s a reliable, feature-rich pistol that offers excellent value for a concealed carry firearm.
- How much does the Ruger MAX-9 cost? The Ruger MAX-9 is a budget-friendly option, typically available for around $350, making it one of the most affordable concealed carry pistols on the market.
- What is the capacity of the Ruger MAX-9? The pistol ships with two magazines: a 10-round flush-fit magazine and a 12-round extended magazine, giving it a capacity of either 10+1 or 12+1 rounds.
- Is the Ruger MAX-9 reliable? Based on my own long-term testing, the Ruger MAX-9 has proven to be highly reliable. It has successfully fired over 1,000 rounds of various ammunition types without any malfunctions.
- Is the Ruger MAX-9 optics-ready? Yes, the Ruger MAX-9 is optics-ready. The slide is milled to accept red dot sights with a JPoint or Shield-pattern footprint. Ruger also offers its own budget-friendly optic, the ReadyDot, which is a battery-free, fiber-optic sight designed specifically for this pistol.
- What kind of holsters are available for the Ruger MAX-9? Many holster manufacturers offer options for the Ruger MAX-9. For a reliable and comfortable setup, the Safariland Species IWB (Inside-the-Waistband) holster is a great choice, as it’s designed to fit the MAX-9 with or without a red dot sight.
