Ruger just dropped a new version of its subcompact MAX-9 9mm pistol at the beginning of July. The Max-9 has been out since early 2021 so it’s time for an update, and Ruger did just that.
The Model 3514 MAX-9
The MAX-9 was Ruger’s answer to guns like the Springfield Armory Hellcat, SIG P365, and Glock 43. It’s a double-column, compact 9mm with a magazine capacity of 12+1 rounds. It has a 3.2-inch barrel and is just 6 inches in overall length. Height is 4.42 inches, and width is under an inch at 0.95 inches. Weight is 18.4 ounces unloaded.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
The MAX-9 uses a glass-filled nylon frame with a one-piece steel fire control chassis. The slide and barrel are made from hardened steel with a black nitride finish. The pistol is striker-fired with a short, smooth trigger pull and a positive reset. It has both a manual thumb safety as well as an integrated trigger safety and an internal striker blocker. The MAX-9 has a fixed front sight and a drift-adjustable polymer rear sight. It even has a reversible magazine release for you lefties out there.
What’s New About the MAX-9
What’s new on the 3514 MAX-9 is that it comes with an optics-ready slide. It will accept a J Point sight or a Shield pattern micro red dot. The MAX-9 is designed to co-witness with those format sights. Additionally, it has updated slide serrations, as well as a slightly reduced height for better concealability.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Maybe the best thing is that even though it has updated features, it comes in at a new, lower price. MSRP is just $299.00. It ships with one E-Nickel Teflon-coated magazine. One mag is kind of lame these days, honestly, but I guess that helps bring the price just under that $300 barrier. Still, it’s got a lot of great features, and it is hard to argue with that price for an American-made handgun with Ruger’s commitment to customer service.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Ruger 3514 MAX-9 Specs
| Capacity | 12+1 |
| Slide Material | Through-Hardened Alloy Steel |
| Slide Finish | Black Nitride |
| Slide Width | 0.95 inch |
| Manual Safety | Yes |
| Grip Frame | High-Performance, Glass-Filled Nylon |
| Feature | Optic Ready |
| Barrel Material | Alloy Steel |
| Barrel Finish | Black Nitride |
| Barrel Length3 | .20 inch |
| Front Sight | Fixed |
| Rear Sight | Drift-Adjustable Polymer |
| Magazines Included | One, 12-Round |
| Overall Length | 6 inches |
| Weight | 18.4 ounces |
| Height | 4.42 inches |
| Grooves | 6 |
| Twist | 1:10″ RH |
| MSRP | $299.00 |
