Ruger LC9s slide on Ruger Max 9 frame

[someguy2800]

I am a bit of an LC9s fanboy so I was excited when the Max 9 was announced. I was curious how similar they were internally but decided to wait to pick one up till the prices dropped a bit.

Well today I finally got one, and yes they are very, very similar.



I’m fact you can put the LC9s slide on the max 9 frame.



There is a slight overhang in the back



and a gap in the front



I took it out and shot a couple rounds and the slide even locked open despite it being very difficult to engage the slide stop on the bench because the slide notch is a little further rearward on the LC9s slide.



The reverse does not work because the front shroud on the slide does not fit in the LC9 frame



I’m contemplating getting another LC9s slide to put on the max frame and then profiling the frame to match the LC9s slide profiles because I think the max 9 slide is fugly. I'm not sure I am going to keep it however. In the time between ordering this and actually receiving it, I have started to grow fond of my S&W CSX that this was meant to replace. I'll have to shoot it some and decide which route to take. Only room for 1 double stack micro 9 in the rotation.

Anyway, do what you like with this info.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Big Fan of the LC9! carry it everyday in my pocket!

I’m looking at the Max and LCP Max too. Waiting for a manual safety on the LCP Max

 

[someguy2800]

I shot one mag with it with the proper slide on it and I like it. The trigger pull after takeup is slightly shorter than an LC9s which I think is a good thing. I shot 1 mag through my CSX and one through the Max9 and I actually shot faster with the max 9 so I will have to do some more comparisons between them.

Larger trigger opening makes it easier to shoot with gloves on than the LC9s. I do not like the factory sights but if I keep it I will put night sights on it anyway. For some reason I thought it was substantial larger than an LC9 but it isn’t, the slide is just a lot more blocky. It does fit in the same pocket holster as my LC9. Like I mentioned I intended to try this out at as a replacement for my CSX but no realizing how small it actually is I’m realizing it could replace my LC9s and the CSX by just switching between the 10 and 12 round mags and a pocket or OWB holster.

Only problem is I really like my CSX. I normally go for maximum simplicity with a defensive pistol, so the max 9 is the logical choice, but the CSX is just a beautiful pistol. Logic and emotion doing battle in my head right now.

 

[someguy2800]

A couple other pluses for the Max 9 are that is share the same manual of arms and very similar trigger to my Kahr P40 which I have been carrying a lot recently. I actually modified the kahr’s trigger mechanism internally to make it as similar to the ruger as possible. It’s would be a seamless transition to shoot any of the three of these while the CSX is obviously the odd man out.

Another thing is that ruger 9mm’s all seam to have peculiar chamber dimensions. My 2 LC9’s, my ec9, my SR9, and this max 9 all have an extremely long throat compared to most other 9mm’s so I actually load ammo with the ogive seated way out. For example I actually load .357 158 gr XTP’s for my 9mm ruger’s. They shoot fantastic in the ruger’s and my Star’s long throats, but won’t chamber in any other 9mm I own. That’s actually an advantage for me because I already load this long throat ammo by the bucket.

If you made it this far, thanks for coming to my Ted Talk and remember, Epstein didn’t kill himself.

 

[DDDWho]

Of the several handguns I have that qualify for CCW I tend to favor the LC9s Pro because of its outstanding trigger.

 

[Tallball]

These were discontinued and selling for really cheap.

I like the trigger and overall pistol better than my G43.

Ruger LC9s Pro

• Tallball
• Sep 5, 2019

 

[someguy2800]

I’ve been shooting and pocket carrying the max 9 to see if it’s a feasible replacement for my LC9s for pocket carry and for my CSX for OWB carry.

Here is the Max 9 in my pocket





And the LC9s





It’s a subtle difference in the pictures but the max 9 prints more and feels much larger in my pocket. The lc9 has kind of a waist where it’s thinner just below the slide, which kind of cradles my thigh and helps it feel more comfortable in the pocket snd reduces the print profile just a tiny bit.



Also the magazine endplate is much smaller than the max 9 and the slide has a more curved profile which helps reduce their print profile.



I think I’ve decided to keep pocket carrying the LC9S, and after shooting and carrying the CSX and Max 9 outside waistband, I think I’ve decided I’m going to move them both along and try something a hair larger like a Shield 4” or a Hellcat Pro.

 

[Jim Watson]

I like the trigger and overall pistol better than my G43.

I could not make up my mind in the store, so I bought both. They were slightly used in a case of what the dealer described as:
"I got that for my wife. She didn't like it so I got her this one. She didn't like it either." He didn't say what she ended up with.
Both have better sights installed.

I like the long smooth sweep of the LC9s DAO trigger and the slope to the rear of the slide which lets it come out of a pocket easier than the blocky Glock. The Glock is mostly relegated to the occasional GSSF Pocket or IDPA BUG match.