The firearm accessory industry is always in a state of near-constant evolution. But even as time continues to change the landscape, brands like Magpul have consistently stayed at the top of their game, offering something for everyone.
Since 1999, Magpul has been producing some of the industry’s top firearm accessories and upgraded components. Though they’re most well known for their magazines, stock assemblies, and AR pistol grips, they offer so much more. And in recent years, they’ve become quite well-known for their handgun accessories.
Now, Magpul isn’t necessarily new to the scene when it comes to handgun components. For a while, they’ve been producing 1911 grip scales and even grip modules for select SIG Sauer pistols. Recently though, they’ve been making some serious waves with their collaboration with Ruger, and the development of their Enhanced Handgun Grips for the new RXM (Ruger X Magpul) pistol.
The Ruger RXM (Ruger X Magpul)
One of the latest handguns to hit the market in recent months has been the Ruger RXM, a modular 9mm handgun they made in collaboration with Magpul. Off the rip, most handguns have some degree of modularity thanks to the ever-expanding parts aftermarket. But, where the RXM differs from other pistols lies in its internal design. Much like the SIG Sauer P365 and Springfield Armory Echelon, the Ruger RXM makes use of an internal chassis called a “Fire Control Insert”, or FCI. Instead of the frame being serialized like most other handguns, the FCI is the serialized part. With it, you can easily swap the grips to different sizes without having to have multiple registered handgun frames, letting you freely modify your pistol to best suit your preferences.
While the interchangeable FCI does a lot to bolster this pistol’s modularity, the RXM has another key advantage—it’s compatible with Gen 3 GLOCK-compatible components. Though it isn’t a one-to-one clone by any means, many of the RXM’s core components are based on the Gen 3 GLOCK design. For starters, the RXM uses GLOCK-pattern magazines, Gen 3 GLOCK-pattern slides and slide components, and it even uses GLOCK-style sights. And considering the Gen 3 GLOCK design has one of the vastest parts aftermarkets around, the RXM is easily one of the most customizable pistols on the market today.
But, even in its stock configuration, the RXM already has some solid variety. From the factory, these pistols are available with either a compact or full-size frame, with a 15- and 17-round capacity, respectively. Depending on the model you look at, they can come with either a 4- or 4.5-inch barrel, tritium sights, and at times, threaded barrels for compensators or suppressors. Plus, these pistols usually cost around $400 to upwards of $550. As such, you can get a highly adaptable pistol without breaking the bank.
Magpul’s Support
A lot of what makes the RXM what it is stems from the collaborative support from Magpul. As you already know, Magpul has long been one of the firearm industry’s foremost accessory manufacturers. They specialize in crafting such parts out of durable polymers and make everything ranging from magazines and M-LOK accessories to rifle stocks. And as mentioned earlier, they aren’t strangers when it comes to handgun accessories. But unlike they’re other grips, Magpul worked alongside Ruger directly to design the RXM’s grip.
As such, their new EHG™ RG9™ grip is the standard grip for the RXM. And because of how modular these pistols are, you can easily take advantage of the multiple offerings Magpul offers to alter the characteristics of your RXM pistol however you deem fit. Plus, these grips are equipped with several premium features too.
Magpul EHG™ RG9™ Ruger RXM Grip
Being the one of the driving forces behind the RXM’s development, it’s no surprise that Magpul is the primary grip manufacturer for the platform. But just because they’re the factory option doesn’t mean they lack premium features. As noted above, EHG RG9 grips are packed with features that make them great for enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Ergonomics
The EHG RG9 RXM grip has some excellent ergonomics. For starters, it features a 20.5-degree grip angle. With it, it sits nicely between the grip angles of the 1911 and GLOCK pistols, which have an 18- and a roughly 22-degree grip angle, respectively. And despite this change, they’re still compatible with Magpul’s GL9® GLOCK-pattern magazines. Though this is subjective, many enthusiasts prefer a steeper grip angle, as it allows them to get more purchase on the grip for better overall control. Just remember that this is a matter of personal preference.
In addition to the steeper grip angle, the EHG also features a modified, ¾-scale version of Magpul’s TSP grip texture. This grip texture was previously used on Magpul’s 1911 grip scales, and now, it’s present on the sies of the RXM’s grip, as well as on the front and back straps of it. There’s even texturing on the forward indexing points, mimicking a similar feel to aftermarket “gas pedals”.
Lastly, for some extra comfort and utility, these grips have many enhancements. The trigger guard has an undercut to give you a higher grip. The bottom of the grip near the magwell has a bob cut to maximize comfort when carrying. And the magazine release has a scalloped cutout for quick reloads.
Grip Sizes and Finishes
Currently, Magpul’s EHG RG9 grips are available in three sizes: Sub-Compact, Compact, and Full-size.
The sub-compact grip is ideal for concealed carry. Measuring only 3 inches tall from the bottom of the frame to the top, without the slide attached, it’s currently the most compact grip choice offered by Magpul. By design, it’s compatible with Magpul’s 12-round GL9 PMAGs, giving the RXM a similar form-factor to other double stack sub-compact pistols. While the reduced grip and capacity sound like a disadvantage, they have much less risk of accidentally printing when concealed carrying. And it still comes with all the premium features listed above.
Magpul’s compact size grip comes standard on most RXM pistols. It’s great for everything from concealed carry use and just about anything else. Measuring 3.7 inches tall without the slide, it’s designed to be compatible with Magpul’s 15-round GL9 PMAGs, as well as many OEM GLOCK magazines. It offers more grip than the sub-compact size, but it’s still small enough to be good for concealed carry. And, if you wanted, it could serve as the basis for a duty or competitive pistol build too.
Last is the full-size grip, the largest one offered by Magpul. Coming in at 4.1 inches tall without the slide, these grips are designed around Magpul’s 17-round PMAGs. Size-wise, they’re comparable to most other double stack, full-size pistol models. Because of its larger size, these frames are best for competitive and duty pistol builds. You can conceal them, but your ability to do so effectively depends on your physical stature, as well as how well you dress around the pistol. Also, you can use this frame to create both a full-size and a carry-size pistol, depending on whether you opt for the compact or full-length slide.
Price
In addition to all their other great features, these grips are incredibly affordable too. Depending on the size and finish, they can range anywhere from around $40 to upwards of $50. Considering that the RXM is already an affordable pistol, upgrading the grips won’t set you back by much, allowing you to kit out the rest of the pistol with other quality accessories. And, you won’t have to buy another pistol if you want to run multiple frame sizes.
Conclusion
The Ruger RXM has quickly become one of the industry’s most popular handguns. By having a serialized FCI, you can easily tailor your pistol to suit multiple needs. And, once you consider this pistol’s use of Gen 3 GLOCK-compatible components, you can easily tap into one of the most widely used and supported parts aftermarkets.
Since these pistols were made in collaboration with Magpul, it’s no surprise that Magpul’s grips are some of the most popular options available. They come in at an affordable price point, and they’re made from incredibly durable polymer that’s backed by decades of testing of performance. Plus, they’re equipped with a lot of top tier features too.
At the end of the day, Magpul’s EHG RG9 grips for the RXM are some of the highest quality options on the market. And if you opt for the RXM, you’ll have access to a seriously customizable pistol that can be modified for nearly every purpose.
