Are you having a good time shooting your Max 9? I don’t want to ruin the party, but there are a few Ruger Max-9 problems that you should be aware of.
It includes issues regarding trigger, slide, feeding, and rust.
In this article, I have tried telling the possible reasons and solutions to those problems. So, hold your negative thoughts about this pistol and read till the end for a better understanding.
Features & Specifications of Ruger Max-9:
| Barrel Length | 3.20″ |
| Magazine Capacity | 12 rounds |
| Overall Length | 6″ |
| Twist Rate | 1:10″ RH |
| Rear Sight | Drift Adjustable |
| Front Sight | Tritium Fiber Optic |
| Safety | External Manual Safety Lever |
| Dimensions | 4.52″ H; 0.95″ W |
| Weight | 18.4 oz. |
| Trigger Pull | 5.5 lbs. |
Common Ruger Max-9 Problems and Solutions
| Problems | Solutions |
| Trigger | Calibrate trigger pull weight, clean the gun, replace hammer spring, and change trigger if necessary. |
| Slide | Fix the takedown gate, remove any broken pieces, polish rough edges, and replace the slide stop spring. |
| Feeding | Change the ammo brand, replace the magazine, fix the extractor, polish the feed ramp, and lube the gun. |
| Rust | Clean and lubricate the gun properly, or contact Ruger for help. |
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1. Trigger Problem
Some Max 9 units have a very stiff or hard trigger.
Possible Reasons:
The normal trigger pull weight can be way too much than usual to some users.
In this Ruger Max-9 trigger problem, I think that a faulty hammer spring may be the culprit.
However, there can be other reasons too such as dirt build-up, and rough edges in some trigger parts.
For beginners, sometimes the grip and shooting technique can be improper. It makes the user feel the trigger stiffness.
The Fix
First of all, let a gunsmith or an expert check your Max-9 and see whether the trigger pull weight is alright.
Also, ensure that your technique of shooting is proper.
After that, disassemble the gun, and polish the components if necessary. At the same time, clean the internal parts thoroughly.
Lastly, inspect the strength of the hammer spring, and replace it with a new one upon detecting it is causing the issue.
Those who think that a short stroke trigger would have been nice can check out this piece from Galloway.
It only shortens the stroke. If your gun’s trigger has an internal quality issue, Ruger will be able to help you.
2. Slide Problems
Experiencing a stuck slide in the back position is the most common complaint about Max-9 pistols.
Possible Reasons:
When it comes to the Ruger Max-9 slide release problem, improper installation or faulty takedown gate is the one to blame in most cases.
Slide stop spring can be faulty too causing this problem.
Lastly, don’t rule out the possibility of a broken internal part obstructing the slide from getting into the battery.
The Fix
First of all, you must not try to solve this issue by yourself. It requires an expert to identify the takedown gate’s actual position, and correct it accordingly.
Then, disassemble the gun, and remove any broken piece or an unwanted object that is obstructing the slide from operating properly.
Sometimes, the rail has burrs and roughness that make the slide slightly stiff.
Finally, check out the condition of the slide stop spring. In case it has become faulty, replace it.
3. Failure to Feed
All of a sudden, your Max-9 pistol may fail to chamber a round.
Possible Reasons:
I have seen a few complaints regarding the Ruger Max-9 feeding issue. Guns that don’t get cleaned and lubed properly may fail to feed the ammo.
There are several possibilities to talk about here. Either the magazine, the extractor, the feed ramp, or the cartridge can get faulty.
The Fix
I have given some possible causes. Now, let’s talk about them one by one.
Assuming you have cleaned and lubed your gun properly before making the first shot, let me warn you that an improperly seated magazine can fail to feed.
When the magazine sits low, the follower can’t push the ammo. So, use a bit of force while inserting the mag.
Next, check out how the extractor is functioning. A too tight or too loose extractor can fail to eject the fired shell preventing a new bullet from chambering.
After that, visually inspect the feed ramp. Polish any rough area or edge.
Lastly, try changing the ammo brand. Sometimes, larger dimensions than the recommendation can cause this issue.
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4. Rust Problem
It is unfortunate that some Max-9 units have rust even though they haven’t been used for long.
Possible Reasons:
Let me show you the proof of the Ruger Max-9 rust problem first.
I have seen several complaints regarding the rust problem.
Usually, it should not happen because the material quality and rust-proof coatings prevent the firearm from rusting.
However, faults in the manufacturing process or quality control checks can let some units leave the facility and be rust magnets.
The Fix
Disassemble the gun after certain intervals to make sure that all parts are smooth and shiny.
Here, noticing rust on a solid metal piece, you have to clean it. And, if it is beyond cleaning, simply replace it.
Contacting Ruger is also a very good option.
User Feedback on Ruger Max-9
Slim design along with 12-round capacity made Maz-9 an instant hit in the micro compact 9mm category when it was released.
For concealed carry, it is a great gun. One of the best things about this gun is that it is optics-ready.
But all those good things can’t hide the problems I have stated above. The overall feedback from the users is mostly positive.
As the design focuses mostly on the concealed-carry, it lacks some practicality. So, it won’t be as reliable as larger pistols on the market.
Considering everything, it gets a rating of 4.2 out of 5 from the reviewers.
Top 3 Alternative Guns of Ruger Max-9
Are you looking for some alternatives to the Ruger Max-9? Here, three very popular firearms are in the same micro 9mm compact category.
Sig Sauer P365XL
The best thing about this gun is its longer grip size. The whole package improves the accuracy of shooting.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus
A huge 14-round capacity without making it large makes the Shield Plus a favorite to many.
Springfield Armory Hellcat
The sights of this gun are good, and it has similar characteristics to the M&P Shield Plus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between the Ruger Max 9 and Max 9 Pro?
The Pro model doesn’t come with an external manual safety lever.
How much is a Ruger Max-9 worth?
Below $600; check this link for the latest price.
How many rounds does a Ruger Max-9 hold?
Considering one in the chamber, it can hold up to 13 rounds.
Can the Ruger Max-9 shoot +P ammo?
Yes, but you should not use it as Ruger doesn’t recommend it.
Is the max-9 accurate?
Fairly accurate; 2.5” group from a distance of 25 yards
Conclusion
What are your thoughts on the Ruger Max-9 problems? As you can understand that all those issues are easily solvable, don’t think of them as deal-breakers.
If you have got a pair of large hands, I will recommend you to try the gun before buying it as the grip is very small.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experience with the Max-9.
I wouldn’t be going to a lighter hammer/ striker spring unless horrible overstrength to avoid soft striking the primers. A carry gun needs to be reliable. It’s not an unlimited class competition gun
I have a number of handgun with no problem other then the first CCP removing the slide for cleaning . I have my friend get Ruger to teach her to shoot properly . i had her shoot most of my hand guns to find one . the max-9 problems turned her away form her .that problem. I was under impression Ruger had a repair workshop.
I shot it a few times and it was ok, although just taking this pistol apart you can see it isn’t made well, too many close bs fittings that will pop off or out with just a slight impact while working on this pistol. I like ruger rifles and I have a great 22lr pistol made from them but this Max 9 is a POS. I changed out the trigger and that trigger makes it nicer but I will probably stay away from ruger pistols in the future. Every time I work on this Max 9 it pisses me off at how lousy its made. I carry a Sig 365XL or my S&W 45 cal Shield most of the time as well as a Hellcat sometimes. All three of those pistols are made well and perform flawlessly.