Ruger Max 9 Review. Is it worth it?
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- čas přidán 15. 10. 2023
- Conceal-Carry review #3 in our series. Where does the Ruger Max 9 fit? Is it worth the budget-friendly price? Can you trust your life to it?
#Ruger #concealcarry #RugerMax9
#firearmstraining #selfdefense
www.midtnfirearmstraining.com
Trigger safety is interesting. I have shot a 1000 rounds through mine and never had a problem. Strange.
Unfortunately all manufactures are prone to lemons from time to time, some more than others. Like Taurus who's been having recall issues from 1997-2024.
Just added an M*Carbo trigger and spring kit and it takes pistol to the next level, vastly improved. More room to access trigger and have gone from a 5.5 lb break to 2.1.
4 words:
Maxxis Short Stroke Trigger
Installed it myself following the instructional video, is 100 times better than the max-9's stock trigger, makes the gun the perfect budget CCW.
Mcarbo, and Galloway both have aftermarket triggers and misc trigger parts that vastly improves the performance of the trigger and the overall feel of the shootability of the gun.
The issue is if the trigger gets pushed side to side at all. I sent my gun to Ruger a few weeks ago and got it back in 8-9 days. Trigger is greatly improved. I'm still putting a Galloway Precision trigger in it to prevent future issues.
Your comment about the trigger locking up is right on. Happened to me while I was qualifying for my permit. Twice! That alone makes me wish I hadn't bought it. I guess I will look into an aftermarket trigger but I shouldn't have to.
100% you shouldn’t have to…. Never have I encountered something like this on any other firearm.
I put a MCarbo trigger on my LCP Max. Much better then the Galloway trigger. The trigger shoe is smoother on the MCarbo and it's adjustable. The Galloway trigger pinches my finger. Kinda like a Glock trigger. They have one for the Max 9 too. Highly recommend it.
I will check this out. Thanks for posting the info
Good review, thanks. I had the same trigger problem while initially dry firing with the iTarget Pro laser round before actually shooting it at the range, which did cause some concern. As weird as this may sound, not a single issue in live fire and now over 500 rounds through it. It doesn't do it with the laser round at all now either. I just chalked it up to break in. That being said I'm still not a fan of the trigger. IMO too much creep and too long of reset. Probably switch to the MCarbo, heard lots of good thing about it. I am curious to hear what Ruger tells you. I've always had a good experience with their customer service.
I also experienced the trigger safety problem once when I had a bad grip when drawing from my holster. I do have to be conscious of my trigger finger position. I currently have about 500 rounds through the pistol - no other issues.
I wish I could say it only happened on bad grip for me… it happened far too often on simple ready up drills from compressed, and low ready.
I had the same trigger issue with a CZ P10S. The top of the trigger dingus was making contact with some extra polymer material in the trigger cutout on the frame. All it took was a few strokes of a file which took care of it.
MCarbo makes aftermarket Ruger triggers. Hopefully it’s a beneficial upgrade
I too have definitely experienced the same problem with the trigger locking up and have since installed the Galloway Precision short stroke for that exact reason. I'd hate to have my life on the line and trust that factory trigger. Other wise I truly like the Max 9. PLEASE do a follow up to this video, thank you.
I installed the MCARBO trigger on my CA addition and it works great. I also purchased the Galloway trigger but it didn’t fit, it was too tight. Stayed with the MCARBO trigger and it fixed the issue.
The Galloway trigger has to remove the magazine disconnect to fit. Way better imo
@@jacobroberts2238 did that first thing. It’s the same for the MCARBO trigger.
I went on mcarbo site it says the trigger is not compatible with CA edition. Did you install the trigger spring?
Show what stipling aftermarket is the best for this???/ comments....
I had the same problem with the trigger put on a apex trigger problem solved now a great gun
I recently purchase one and i guess so far im lucky its running flawless 🤞🏼100rds so far no issues 🙏🏼
Hey brother, just want top add my 2 cents. For starters Ive had Rugers like this in the past. It something to do with the dingus safety and play in the trigger assembly. Basically cheap fit n finish. Oddly enough I did not feel so much in my Ruger max 9 as much as my EC9S. You really had to intentionally get the pad of your index in just the right location or sometimes that trigger wasnt going anywhere. Max 9 rally havent had the issue. EC9S upgraded to an Mcarbo trigger even then it was finicky. Also upgraded the max 9 to galloway trigger and as others have said it does feel way better , although I really didnt have too much issue with the stock one other than slop, long pre travel, long reset. Also Ruger CS is top notch . Somehow someway miring fin pin broke on the Max 9 and theyre sending me a new one no charge. Great review btw. Good stuff.
I put the Ruger ready dot on mine …..Ruger designed them to work well together
When do the compact 57 come out
Enjoyed your video. I've had my Ruger Max 9 for more than a year now & ran a few box's through it with NO problems whatsoever. Very happy with mine. Usually carry front pocket (with pocket holster of course) but every so often might carry in a belly band if situation doesn't allow for pocket carry. Thanks again, God bless.
I have this gun and have probably run 300 rounds through it and never had a trigger issue. Purchased it in October 2023
Brand New , I shot 300 rounds so far. There is no issue with trigger on my end. I picked mine up for $419 in florida with Optic on it from rugger.
Dang you got a crazy deal on that gun. I picked mine up for $350. The price is awesome tho
It's pretty darn good I would keep it.
It has a rattle when you shake it a bit but the rest is Good
I think it's An excellent package
Bought this mainly because of price...$360 for the California complaint version. Had no mechanical issues with the factory trigger after going through a hundred rounds of reloaded ammo. I just couldn't stand the take up on the trigger and additional travel after hitting the wall before it breaks for the shot. It felt like a double action trigger pull. I replaced it with the Galloway trigger, which removes almost all of the slack, and now it runs perfectly. Have gone through 200 rounds without any issues. Will continue to test it for reliability prior to adding it to my list of carry guns.
The price definitely played a role into us wanting to run this gun.
Commefornia compliant what is that it's a squertgun only takes water
@@brendangriffin1791😂
@@MTFT_Freedom
What's the best trigger between Galloway, M Carbo, and Maxxis short stroke?
I own the gun and I've put about 100 rounds through it so far which I know isn't a lot, but I have not had the trigger issue.
Nice range. Good review
Had the same trigger safety issue with the Shield Plus.
I installed a maxxis short stroke trigger
Standard break-in and a couple of IDPA matches and a bunch of dry firing and I have never, ever experienced the trigger issue that you described.
I was looking for a concealed carry with the possibility of having to use in low light condition, nice front sight but very disappointed in rear black rear sight where even at the inside range was difficult to aquire target
I had the same one but mine had safety I didn’t have any issues wit the trigger couple stove pipes but after breaking it n no problem
Outside of the trigger issue…. It’s been solid. The stove pipes stopped happening after 200-300sh rounds.
We’re still running it, and playing with the trigger.
I have the same gun & never had any trigger issues. Mine is the one with the manual safety. (Non pro) Shoot 200 rounds+ every week.
The Ruber!
Which one is better RUGER max 9mm/ or Smith wesson shield. Thanks
This question is a land mine of opinions. In my opinion, it’s not about which one is better…. It’s about which one you prefer. I prefer the shield and shield plus over the Ruger Max 9.
Haven't had or heard of that trigger issue. About 1k rounds through mine
If you’ve not experienced it… that’s a good thing. Unfortunately we have experienced on more than one. And we have now noticed it more in running drills that require getting on the trigger quickly.
Just got this gun a month ago and took it to gun range, same issue with the trigger you are having. Was going to see if Ruger would upgrade trigger. If not I’ll probably return it to Scheels.
I would recommend either upgrade the trigger, or replace with a different carry.
@@MTFT_Freedom what’s your thoughts on a good replacement gun? Also I have small hands, so need something where I can get to magazine release button easily. Thanks for any advice you or anyone here can provide.
@@robertomorales5465 p365 or the hellcat are excellent alternatives.
Just so happens, I’ve got videos on both of those guns as well, on the channel.
The problem is that the trigger safety sits too far back than compared to the mcarbo or Galloway trigger. If you are handy and slightly bend it back, you can solve the issue
You’re not wrong… the point I would make in these situations, if you’ve got to do stuff like that to your “my life depends on this” gun, I just would recommend getting something good to go out of the box.
Did Ruger ever get back to you on the feedback on the trigger?
We are currently working on a follow-up to this video.
I tried to recreate the trigger issue on mine - just can't ... trigger works every time for me ....
Crazy thing for us, we found another one in local shop and the first dry fire attempt when we asked to see it, it locked up the same way. Handed it back to the guy, and he got it to lock up the second time he tried it….
My Taurus g3x vs glock 43x/ I have both/ it's a hard choice.
Galloway makes a trigger too
I have the gun and it seems like it works ok,,,,
this gun will not run hornady extreme defence ammo...
it will feed winchester hollow point ammo but it is wise to run a
few boxes of what you plan on carrying every day in the gun...
i would like the gun better if it had a real safety on it....
Interesting you channel just popped up today. Last week I took my wife down to the gun store for her first conceal carry. I got the Glock 30s. She got this max 9. I paid 432$!!! Now I have to buy a new 54$ trigger wth
The trigger also sits so far forward. I bought a 45 dollar trigger from mcarbo, its like a new gun
Judging by the majority of the comments here….. there is clearly a trigger problem since so many are suggesting after market trigger upgrades… 😂
any recent news on the trigger problem?
The more we dig into that, the more we find that it is a finicky trigger that must be manipulated just the right way. I have smaller hands, this may be contributing since I have to grip the gun a certain way. I can basically pick up the gun now and make it lock up with no effort. However, I have to think harder about it to avoid trigger lock up.
Somebody hit the nail on the head in other comments. Any pressure on the trigger safety from the side before engaging squared up, causes this problem.
I’m currently working on a part 2 for this video strictly talking trigger.
Have not had that issue.
What did Ruger say about the trigger issue? This is the first review that I have seen about that issue. Ruger customer has been excellent to me.
Ruger has always been solid in their customer service. This isn’t a “fixable” problem without replacing the trigger with something else. We will see what Ruger says. But I can predict how this will shake out with them… it’s nothing against Ruger’s customer service, but this is a design flaw. This is a bad design.
I understand and that is what I mean. Keep us informed on this issue.@@MTFT_Freedom
@MTFT_Freedom I put in aftermarket trigger, does the same, trigger manufacturer said " learn to pull properly " I shaved some off the safety blade on the tip of engagement, much better.
I shoot mine often never had that problem maybe it's a finger size thing /love mine it never jams not once so far had it over 2 yrs now
Throw a red dot on there and it’s a damn good gun. Stock sights are great to i just prefer to be more high tech
The trigger safety is designed to stop the trigger from travelling from side pressure which what I can see you doing with your finger.
You’re not wrong on that the goal of the trigger safety is designed to do…. What I would debate and be critical of is getting on that trigger “perfectly” so that it doesn’t freeze. That’s a problem. Everyone has different size/shaped fingers/hands, and if the slightest “side” pressure is what causes this issue (and I believe that is the issue), then again, I wouldn’t trust life to such a “sensitive” trigger safety as designed by Ruger. Glock trigger safety doesn’t have this issue. Various others don’t experience this issue either.
It came with the crimson trace
Sooo the trigger safety works perfectly????
If the goal is to have the trigger not function when you need it to, then yes.
Just bought the Max 9. Trigger is very problematic. Also, I practically need a hammer to engage the slide release when the slide is locked back.
We did notice the slide release became easier to work once through about 400-500 rounds.
Read your Manuel it's not a slide release it's a slide lock Ruger hater
You get what you pay for…..
What does it become when the slide is locked to the rear? Does it release the slide? Ahhh, so it serves two purposes… locking and releasing the slide.
I noticed that as well. I just bought this gun, it came with red dot optics for 400.00.. I haven't shot it yet, just playing around dry firing and getting used to the feel. Slide lock release sucks. If I was in a situation where I had to reload quickly I wouldn't be confident in being fast. My glock 19 gen 5 release is very easy to engage. I couldn't engage Ruger max-9 slide release at first and now I can but it's still very hard to push. Wonder if there's an adjustment I can do to make it easier?
Have the pro model so far no trouble but on have 50 rounds fired
50 rounds is like not even having rounds though it… 500-1000 rounds is broken In, regardless of what others think. This gun requires a break in period. 300sh rounds, at least.
funny this shows up in my recommended. Have had my max-9 for 2 months. maybe 2-300 rounds at most. Last week went to practice with it only to find the end of the striker snapped off sometime between the range time 2 weeks prior and last week.
Even though its under warranty and I'm sending it in tomorrow. It's lost my trust (was my edc) which is disappointing. And am back to carrying my G26
I am the same way when a gun has a failure like that. I hate to hear it.
But once trust is gone…. It’s time to move on to another gun. Try a Sig P365 XL. I’ve got a video up on that one as well.
@@MTFT_Freedom appreciate it. Have actually been sifting through options and come down to the Hellcat micro, Sig P365, or simple and reliable G43. Gonna see if the local range has them for rent this weekend to get a feel for them.
Definitely a good idea to rent and try before you buy, if possible. Hellcat or P365. I wouldn't dive into the Glock 43. Just me though. I've got a review in the works on the Hellcat. Probably coming in a couple weeks.@@DangaRanga
What I don't like is how you take it apart to clean. It's easy to lose the takedown pin and it's good idea to order extra ones on hand. Unfortunately all manufactures produce lemons from time to time. Sturm Ruger Customer Service are among the best, if not the best. Hopefully your issue got resolved?
Let us know what ruger says/ 2000 rounds thru mine/ no problems.
no problem here
Mine does it shooting left handed, I am right handed and it doesn't do it shooting right..
It’s all about how that trigger finger gets to the trigger…
Never had a Problem with my Trigger and shot at least 1k of rounds over a 2yr span
1k rounds in a 2 year span is not a good thing… you need to run that thing.
Why not zip tie the safety down, maybe break or remove it. My fingers 1 safety the others on the skid slide, no need for a trigger safety too
This seems like the best idea yet
The trigger is not much different than the LC9S trigger for those that are familiar, in looks and function.
Pretty sure thats the pro model because I've had no problems with the trigger on the non pro version of Max 9 I purchased for $425
I have a Hellcat and a GX4 to compare this gun to. I had been looking at this gun for quite some time, Held it a couple of times in various stores and was hesitant due to the slide rattle and the price was 450 - 500+. Finally saw the gun for $329 out the door. Well...... it's a meh..... Recoil is bad compared to the Hellcat and the GX4. Even with Talon Grips this gun is hard for me to hold (yes I have small hands) 3 shots and I have to regrip. Sights are nice and the trigger is OK. The slide lock does Loosen up once you put a few hundred rounds through it. At the 300 $ range I prefer the Taurus GX4, with upgraded sights the Taurus is to me a better gun. When it was in the 500$ price range it doesn't come near the Hellcat or 365. I usually like Ruger guns, Still have my LC9 and the LCP Max is great. The Max 9 to me should have just been better.
Both the gx4 & max 9 suck
Several guns out there are much better than this one and shoot mucho better: Sig P365X, Canik MC9 mete, Kimber R7 Mako, M&P SHield plus, Springfield XD 9 subcompact and HK VP9 subcompact and Walther PDP compact. The Ruger Max 9 is snappy and the trigger pinches. I have had no problems with the way it functions, however. It is reliable. You get what you pay for.
The key phrase…. “You get what you pay for”…
I am in California, there are only two available for California peasants, the Max-9 and Sig 357, the Sig-357 OTD in CA is around $800+, the Max-9 OTD is $400+. What choice do I have,huh!
That is strange, because I have shot hundreds of rounds though my Max 9 and never once ran into the trigger having issues or not engaging. Maybe you got a defective pistol.
Not defective. I’ve actually now handled multiple, and they do the same thing. It’s an interesting “issue”….. and one that has caused many to rethink their carry-gun, and others to replace the trigger with something else. It’s alarming when I put it in another instructor’s hands, and before I ask what he thinks about the trigger, it freezes up and he starts looking for an external thump safety because he thinks it’s engaged.
@@MTFT_Freedom The LCP max does it too. If you push the trigger safety slightly to the side it gets hung up on the grip. I swapped it out for MCarbo and it runs flawless
@@MTFT_Freedom
For the price of the gun, and it's positive features, installing an M Carbo trigger is definitely an inexpensive solution & upgrade.
I wonder if it is a manufacturing feature and it makes you wonder if it is by design.
For half the price of P365, I rather train myself with Max-9 trigger.
I also have this gun and stop carrying my Glock19 for ease of concealment!
Grey bus!
For the win!!!
The helcat & 365 blow the max 9 away
Maybe if you put the pad of your finger on the triger like your soposto just thought i would put that out there
“Where you’re supposed to”…..
I understand why they did that to the trigger. It is to chill the user, as many people in the situation get crazy, and if you see the statistics the majority of burglars kill the defender with their own gun, because they are either too scared to use it, or they use it improperly. So, it is a good psychological stop sign that makes you think twice before firing, you only have a 10+1 bullet, and if it causes you trouble you are less experienced in real life-threatening situations. If you train for self-defense or home defense, I read somewhere in a blog that you should imagine yourself as being your target when practicing, so that it gets into your brain that in a situation, you`ll be a target for someone and that person will be yours, and you will learn how to think with his head.
The trigger should NOT freeze… or lock up. Why would that be “good thing” if my trigger might not work properly in a defensive crisis moment?
I think it is made that way to make the user think twice and to keep him calm, kinda overthrowing him/her the worst case scenario.@@MTFT_Freedom
Because you are aware of it that you are live, so you can`t claim accidents in the event of death. You memorize the trigger set point and if you let the trigger back beyond its safety it is on you. I think it is a good concept if you know what you are doing. @@MTFT_Freedom
@@YouWillBe322 I think you misunderstand…. A trigger that freezes in the case that I’m mentioning in the video is a HORRIBLE liability on the carrier of this pistol.
Only if the person is not ready or responsible. I think the manufacturer went beyond their responsibility to implement such a safety mechanism based on psychological meaning. I would be happy to have something, knowing when I was a child and came across something like this, I wouldn`t bother much to figure it out instead thinking it was probably faulty or something. Although, if it was legal to purchase a gun in Hungary I would choose the Ruger LPC series over this, to me it is appealing (max9) because of this trigger safety design.@@MTFT_Freedom
Well friend, all the best shooters train themselves to release that trigger every time as fast as they can by default, so if you're riding the trigger and calling it a flaw with the pistol, you have developed a bad habit that you need to break. Not to mention that it will ultimately give you faster splits. Moreover, under stress, in real life situations, being very deliberate with your trigger will keep you from shooting accidentally and keep your ass out of jail. 10,000 hits aren't worth one accidental discharge. Food for thought.
Never had the trigger freeze while “riding the trigger, as you call it”. It only locked up on first shots… so your evaluation of what you think I’m doing with the trigger is way off, for starters. Perhaps in our follow up video we’ll deeper dive into why that no other conceal carry firearm we’ve tested and reviewed has ever had this trigger issue that the Ruger max 9 has…. Along with the several people here that have complained of similar issues.
@@MTFT_Freedom The advice is sound whether it applies to the situation with this pistol or not.
Triggers are supposed to be pulled to the rear, not side to side.
Trigger problems like that could cost you your life
💯
When the Max 9 was recently added to the Commiefornia Roster, I watched a bunch of YT Reviews and ordered one since they come optics ready. I also ordered the Short Stroke trigger from M-Carbo. When I went to my FFL to do the background check. It was not optics ready! WTF!! Well the price was $340, so I bought it anyway. After picking up the pistol I discovered that the M-Carbo trigger Does Not Work with CA Compliant guns! WTF? M-Carbo graciously let me return their trigger for a full refund. They're an Awesome Company! Actually my Max 9 shoots Great! I did notice if there is Any side pressure applied to the trigger it can bind. But, with my finger positioning on the trigger, it doesn't bind up when I shoot it. It is soft shooting and is very accurate. I'm happy with my Max 9 and recommend it. 14:00
I was a HUUGEEE fan of this gun from what i had seen. Noooooowwwww, im not. That trigger.
You should try it for yourself… not everyone has experienced what we have. Read through the comments though, a lot of people recommend an aftermarket trigger….
I couldn't make mine not shoot. Definitely a faulty trigger.
Trigger has been checked by more than one gunsmith, and we’ve checked multiple Max-9’s… and I’ve been able to replicate the issue in multiple. If you haven’t encountered it… that’s great. Hope you never do.
no. ruger sucks.
Excellent contribution.
I like Ruger especially Ruger 327 magnum
No prob