They call it heavy metal. Well, maybe not heavy, but heavier than the polymer module included with the RXM. The Sharps Bros RXM grip module, officially the SBGM25, is an all-metal grip module that takes the RXM to a different level—a heavier level.
This isn’t the first time Sharps Bros. has produced metal grip modules for polymer frame pistols. They made a SIG P365 grip module, which caught my eye. What reeled me in was an alternative for the Ruger RXM.
The Ruger RXM is kind of a clone of the Gen 3 Glock 19. I say kind of because the Glock Gen 3, or any Gen for that matter, lacked a removable fire control insert. The FCI (Fire Control Insert) is the serialized portion of the firearm, and legally, it is the firearm.
It’s removable, so users can swap grip modules. Magpul recently released their full-sized grip module to take advantage of that. Sharps Bros. released the SBGM25 to offer a premier, high-quality option.
Design and Features
The grip module is made of 7075 aluminum, which adds about 3 oz to the gun’s overall weight. That’s not all. The grip module is slightly thicker at 1.3 inches and was designed to promote a more ergonomic feel.
They tightened the grip angle up to 15 degrees with a stated goal of improving wrist alignment, sight picture, and recoil control. The SBGM25 features removable grip panels, and as you can see, mine are a beautiful red wood. It’s Brazilian Cherry wood, and it looks as good as it feels.
If you don’t like the Brazilian Cherry wood and black look (and you should!), you can pick from numerous options and finishes.
The Sharps Bros. grip module features extremely aggressive grip texturing on the side panels and the front and back straps. Up front, we have a Picatinny rail with three slots. The trigger guard features a dual trigger guard undercut.
Overall, it looked fantastic. I reached out to Sharps Bros., and they sent me one to give a spin.
A Word On Installation
Removing and installing the FCI from an RXM is easy. You have to remove three components to free the FCI from the grip module, then remove the FCI, followed by a couple of springs. Installing the FCI into the SBGM25 was a little harder.
The tolerances are extremely tight. It took a little more effort to get the FCI to drop in and for the pins to reinsert. The two pins are held very tightly with no play. It takes a little more time, but a tight lockup is tough to complain about.
Holster Compatibility
I don’t have many Glock 19-compatible rigs, but I decided to try the Ballast and the Solis. The Ruger RXM with the Sharps Bros. grip module drops perfectly into the Solis and the Gravity. In the Ballast, it was a little tight, but it did engage the ALS and SLS without concern.
I used the RXM with the Sharps Bros. grip module, mostly with the Solis. It’s a perfect fit and accommodates a light and optic with ease. The Gravity worked well too, especially when I loosened the retention just a hair.
At the Range
Can three ounces and a redesigned grip angle make a significant difference? I was able to draw and engage three rounds into an IPSC-sized A-zone with .20 splits cold. That’s fast, with the rounds separated by only a couple of inches.
I noticed the dot go up and drop right back down to where I wanted. It was super easy to track and comfortable to shoot. The difference between the standard grip module and this one isn’t massive, but it’s undeniably noticeable. The gun seemed to shoot flatter, and my rapid-fire shots grouped nice and tight.
Going Fast
Sight recovery improved, and the aggressive texture does a good job of keeping the gun from sliding around in the hand. It’s aggressive enough that if you might usually want grip tape on your RXM, you won’t want it with the Sharps Bros. grip module.
With a crush-style, tight grip, there seemed to be less dot movement. I usually don’t use a crush grip due to dot movement, but the lack of a flexing polymer frame seemed to make a difference.
The extra width is also likely at play. The dual undercut allows for my support hand to dig up deep and high without feeling uncomfortable. That gentle curve greets your hand quite well.
What I didn’t notice until I started shooting was the texture forward of the trigger guard. On the RXM, it’s an index point. On the Sharps Bros. grip module, it’s a more pronounced, slightly wider feature, and my thumb can press it down to get the gas pedal effect. This fights recoil, makes the return to target faster, and I’ve noticed on the draw with a little thumb pressure, I seem to be able to get the gun where I want it a millisecond faster.
Going Metal
The Sharps Bros. grip module isn’t a cheap upgrade. It’s about ten times the cost of the Magpul designs. However, producing anything from machined metal won’t be cheap. The slight changes that the grip module makes do make a difference, enough to drive down my splits and give me faster, more accurate follow-up shots.
I don’t think this is the upgrade for the average concealed carrier, but for competition, those small differences become large differences.
I’d love to see Sharps Bros. do a full-sized, Glock 17-length grip module. The added length would give you even more control. It’s surprisingly nice, and I’ll always have a spot in my heart for metal-frame, striker-fired guns.
With the Sharps Bros. grip module, that’s now a reality with the RXM.
