The world of handguns, much like the fashion industry, often sees a lot of fuss over incremental updates. Yet, every so often, a new model arrives with an intriguing blend of features. Last December, just ahead of the annual SHOT Show, Ruger unveiled its RXM series. This 9mm pistol, a striker-fired creation, was designed with a certain compatibility in mind, a nod to the ubiquity of Gen 3 Glock 19 parts. This made it a rather convenient option for those who enjoy a bit of tinkering.

What set the RXM apart from the get-go was its modularity, which seemed to be the primary talking point. The pistol’s serialized Fire Control Insert (FCI) was designed to be housed in a grip manufactured by Magpul. This approach allows for a certain degree of mix-and-match customization. Furthermore, it arrived on the scene as a ready-to-go optics platform, complete with a tritium front sight, all for a not-unreasonable MSRP of $499. One could say it presented a rather compelling value proposition right out of the box.

Now, for an additional seventy dollars, those considering a Ruger RXM have a new option that seems to anticipate a rather specific user preference. The core pistol remains unchanged, retaining the foundational features that garnered initial interest. However, for this small upcharge, the new model arrives with a threaded barrel already installed. This little addition, though seemingly minor, opens up a world of possibilities for those who appreciate the finer points of shooting accessories.

The inclusion of a pre-threaded barrel is a subtle but significant enhancement. It bypasses the need for a trip to the gunsmith or a frantic online search for a compatible aftermarket part. For a newcomer looking to experiment with a suppressor, this feature provides a relatively inexpensive entry point. It's an invitation to a quieter, and some might argue, more civilized shooting experience. The pistol is now ready to accept a variety of muzzle devices straight from its co-branded plastic carry case.

Further expanding on this theme of user-friendliness, the new RXM model also includes an additional, heavier 18-pound guide rod and recoil spring assembly. This thoughtful inclusion acknowledges the potential for varying ammunition and suppressor combinations. It’s a bit like getting a set of different suspension springs with your new car; it allows the user to fine-tune the pistol's operation for optimal performance. This tuning ability could be particularly useful in managing the backpressure created by a suppressor, ensuring reliable cycling with a wider range of loads.

Beyond the threaded barrel and recoil assembly, the pistol still maintains its core feature set. The Fire Control Insert, a serialized piece of stainless steel, sits within Magpul’s Enhanced Handgun Grip (EHG). This grip offers a variety of ergonomic touches, from a texture designed to be secure without being abrasive to textured indexing pads for consistent hand placement. It also includes a low-profile magazine well flare and a trigger guard undercut, features that are often found on more expensive, competition-oriented firearms.

Other details contribute to the pistol's overall appeal. The slide is cut for direct optic mounting, accommodating RMR, Delta Point Pro, and RMSc footprints, making it compatible with many popular red dot sights. The co-witness height steel sights, featuring that tritium front, ensure a usable sight picture even if the optic decides to take a day off. An extended magazine release and raised slide stop also aim to improve user interaction.

The RXM's flat-faced trigger is designed for a smooth pull and a tactile reset, characteristics that are often sought after by shooters. Its precision-rifled alloy steel barrel, finished with FNC nitride, is built to last. For those concerned with safety, the pistol includes a standard trigger safety, an internal striker blocker, and a loaded chamber inspection port—a trio of features that provide a measure of peace of mind.

To round out the package, the pistol ships with two 15-round Magpul PMAGs and that co-branded plastic case. The sum of these parts, especially with the new threaded barrel option, presents a firearm that seems to have been conceived with a clear understanding of its target audience. It is, by all accounts, a modular, optics-ready, and now suppressor-ready pistol that manages to offer a lot without demanding an arm and a leg.