Tag Archives: glock

My Favorite 9mm Compact Pistols for Carry

July 26, 2026blog, pistolsCz, dagger, glock, glock 19, glock 43, M*P, P10, P365, psa, ruger, rxm, s&w, shieldcoldboremiracle

Purpose

Nine millimeter handguns have completely dominated much of the concealed carry market. That’s not to say there aren’t other great options, but 9mm seems to be what people are navigating towards. My blue-collar experience with firearms has taught me the value of a good CCW pistol that doesn’t leave you strapped for cash. Today I wanted to go over a handful of my favorite 9mm compact pistols for carry that I think are worth your consideration. Not everyone can afford to carry a CZ Shadow Compact or some wiz-bang H&K, so I tend to look at guns that I would buy or recommend to family and friends.

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Seeking CCW Balance

When purchasing anything including guns, there is always a fine line to walk between what you want and what you can afford. When looking at CCW pistols there is yet another fine line to walk; size and weight vs. capacity. You can always find a smaller gun that is easier and more comfortable to conceal, but usually with lower ammunition capacity or diminished ballistic performance.

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As we go over CCW pistol options, we will inevitably be going back and forth between these two extremes. Trying to find balance between what we can afford, what we can comfortably tuck into a belt, without loosing enough capacity. Capacity of course being paramount in a defensive shooting situation, and always on your mind when selecting a pistol.

The Gold Standard

If you ask the question about whats the best 9mm compact, your going to hear the word Glock quite a bit. And there are good reasons for it, Glock makes several good compact pistols with years of solid performance. Does that make it the best option? Maybe not, but they are certainly worth looking at.

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Probably the best compact option from the Austrian manufacturer would be either the Glock 19 of one flavor or another, or the slimmer Glock 43. Both are compact models, but the G19 is more like a service sized compact. Whereas the G43 is more about overall concealment. Tucking the G43 is easier because of its slim design, though this comes at the cost of capacity being limited to 6-8 rounds.

glock, glock 43, 9mm, ccw, compact, vortex, vortex defender, red dot, holding pistol down to the side, — the Glock 43 MOS with the **Vortex Defender red dot** makes a very small CCW

The G19 on the other hand can easily handle 15-rounds before adding +1 or 2 floor plates. And with its slightly larger frame the G19 is a great shooting platform. The popularity of these two pistols has created a massive aftermarket support, giving countless options for accessories like holsters, weapon lights, sights and more. I prefer the G19 myself of these two, mainly because of the capacity thing.

Alchemist Clones

Manufacturing the gold standard from something less is a bit like ancient alchemy. The Glock clone market has exploded in recent years, giving countless additional variations of the famous Glock design. Not only do many of them compete well with the original, but they do it for the same or lower price.

PSA Dagger

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Starting at the bottom of the heap, PSA’s Dagger pistol has exploded in popularity. Available as a compact or subcompact, the Dagger is similar enough to the G19 to use nearly its entire aftermarket support. I’ve used a Dagger extensively and find them to be very affordable without giving up capacity or shootability. Some would argue their reliability, but in my experience they are a great buy for often under $300. To see our in-depth review of the Dagger click here.

Ruger RXM

Ruger’s RXM is actually a joint project with Magpul, and with two names like that you should be able to expect a good product. The RXM is a very close clone of the G19 again, but it hides an ability to change its stripes. With its modular frame you can swap between different sized frames creating your own version of a G19, 17, or 47. Or anything in between. The RXM gives great reliability while enjoying the same aftermarket support as the Glock pistols it mimics. I have carried the RXM extensively, and quite like its performance and fit. To see our in-depth review of the RXM click here.

MR920

Shadow System’s MR920 is another copy of the G19. But instead of just copying the Glock pattern, Shadow Systems intended to improve upon it. Trying to improve both the performance and aesthetics, the MR920 looks as good as it shoots.

And adding to the value, the company also offers a variety of different barrel options and other features allowing you to customize your carry pistol. Allowing optical sights and threaded barrels gives you more dexterity.

The Not Glocks

Other manufacturers have also presented their own popular pistol designs for the CCW market. For the most part they are all very similar to Glocks striker fired polymer frame design. After all, if the design works, why not run with it.

CZ P10S

The CZ P10S is a compact pistol that offers 12+1 capacity in a small optics ready pistol. I was very impressed with the performance of this pistol, and especially for the price. It can occasionally be had on PSA for under $400, which is a great deal considering its performance and heritage. The P10’s widespread use by civilians, law enforcement and some militaries give confidence that its design is both robust and here to stay. My only gripe with it is the need to buy an optics adaptor plate to run a red dot. To see our in-depth review of the CZ P10S click here.

Canik Mete MC9

Canik’s MC9 on the other hand, comes with its own selection of optics mounting plates for a variety of options. As well as different grip options, and a 15+1 capacity, all this for under $400 at times depending on configuration.

The MC9 brings its own style and design, while keeping with the design that has made all these pistols successful. It fits well in the hand, keeping just enough grip available to not feel undersized and still being compact enough to tuck. It shoots great and looks good at the same time, giving an affordable great performance. To see our in-depth review of the Canik METE MC9 click here.

Smith & Wesson Shield

The family of Smith & Wesson Shield pistols has a great variety of compact and comfortable carry pistols. I’ve carried the M&P Shield Plus a bit, and was very impressed with how slim it is, and how well it shoots with its ported barrel. Of course with such a small pistol you are going to give up some capacity. But this might be one of those I would choose for maximum concealment even at the cost of capacity.

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There also seems to be a great variety in configurations and cost. Which gives you quite a few options to customize your carry. These pistols have great sights, and some direct mount red dot options. As well as manual safeties or not depending on what you want, all of these options can be used to enhance your daily carry. To see our in-depth review of the M&P Shield Plus click here.

Sig Sauer P365

We cant forget to include the P365 from Sig Sauer, a compact pistol built specifically for carrying. The P365 brings full-size capacity to a very small pistol, perhaps not quite as small as the G43 but almost.

sig sauer, sig p365, p365, xmacro, comp, compensator, compact, ccw, 9mm, holosun, 407k, streamlight TLr7, looking head on the shooter, — the Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp is a great pistol with both capacity and small footprint

The 17-round magazines fill almost the entirety of the grip, and yet they still managed to make an interchangeable backstrap to customize the fit. One of the great features of the P365 is that its not a P320… (pause for laughter). But seriously, it has an incredible spread of options including compensated barrels, and various other configurations. Too many to list here, but worth looking into. And even with so many options the P365 is not horribly expensive.

Much like the Hellcat coming next, the P365 really blurs the lines between compact pistols and big capacity. With reliable function, good trigger, and every option a CCW student could ask for.

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro

Springfield Armory’s Hellcat Pro came to as an incredible value. It is impressively small considering its capacity. Like the P365 it seems to best combat the size/capacity balance for compact pistols. With 15 and 17-round magazine options, the Hellcat Pro brings near full-size capacity to a very small pistol. The only way I approve of increasing weight of a CCW pistol is by adding more ammo to it.

The Hellcat Pro brings a lot of firepower to a small pistol with good sights and an optics ready pistol. Smaller pistols often are a touch spicier and snappy, so be sure to try them first. And if you are one who likes manual safeties, the Hellcat has that option as well. Rounded out with a decent trigger and accessory rail, you could really do well with a Hellcat. To see our in-depth review of the SA Hellcat Pro click here.

How to Select Your Own CCW Pistol

Having evaluated all the options out there, you need to decide on your budget. As that will dictate which of the options are available to you. Once you’ve created a list of pistol options within your budget, you can start looking. A good fit for a pistol, is one that lines up as close as possible with your natural point. I love a gun that is already pointed at my target when I present it without even focusing hard. Some are better than others depending on your grip, so I would try various options before buying.

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After doing that, you can also see which of the options best aligns with your choice of accessories. What holster and sight options are available for it, and how you would prefer that selection went. And by the time you have evaluated all of these things, there should be at least a couple good stand-out options for you to choose from.

Concluding Thoughts

Hopefully you have found a few pieces of valuable information here. And armed with a little more information you are better suited to pick the best option for your protection. Remember that if you intend on defending life with a CCW weapon, its probably worth spending as much as you can afford for reliability.

Nearly any of the pistols mentioned here today would fit into one of my carry needs. And I would be happy carrying any one of them on any given day. Feel free to make your own recommendations in the comments below.

-CBM

Check out more pistol reviews here

Gritr Gear Omni Holster

August 16, 2025Ancillary gear, Product reviewglock, gritr, gritr gear, holster, kydex, omni, omni holstercoldboremiracle

Preface

Holsters can be as subjective as the guns that go in them. You might try five different holsters for your preferred pistol before finding one that is just right. I’ve been playing with holsters a lot lately, and today I wanted to share another one with you. Todays subject is the Gritr Gear Omni Holster.

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Gritr makes a variety of different holster options in different configurations for various popular pistols. They also make additional support gear like range bags, weapon lights and even their own Red Dot Sights. Much of their lineup is available at affordable prices direct from Amazon.

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The Gritr Gear Omni Holster

The Gritr Gear Omni Holster is a simple Kydex design, optimized to be configured however best fits your needs. It can be used as an IWB holster, or an OWB holster. It can be configured right or left handed, and is available for most popular handguns with or without optics cut.

For my purposes I figured a Glock pattern would be optimal, as I have various Glock 17 and Glock 19 clones that would allow some evaluation. You can order the Omni holster to accept popular weapon light options like the SF X-300 or SL TLR-7. The Omni holster also came with a belt mount, allowing you to attach it directly to your belt and adjust the angle as well.

The Omni comes with a concealment strut on one side that rides under your belt to help keep your pistol tucked when concealing. It is both reversible and removeable for different carry styles, but I saw no reason to take it off.

Configuring the Gritr Omni Holster

I would end up using the Omni in various configurations because I can. Both inside the waist belt (IWB) and outside the waist belt (OWB). The single belt-clip can be adjusted for ride height, so you can customize where your pistol sits. It can also be swapped to the opposing side should you need a wrong-handed draw. The clip has a nice retaining lip to prevent you from pulling the holster out when drawing the gun.

gritr, gritr gear, omni, omni holster, kydex, holster, iwb, owb, ccw, glock 19, glock 17, Ruger RXM, vortex Defender, red dot — note belt-clip and concealment strut

There are also tension screws that allow you to adjust the squeeze of the holster to increase retention as needed. There is no secondary retention, just the friction of the holster’s squeeze. We found that this was adequate for keeping pistols secure in the holster. During testing we tried various G17 and G19 sized pistols with great results.

We also tested the Omni on a typical gun belt, using a Safariland QLS fork for attachment. This was a great option as it allowed quick removal and install from various belts.

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Shooting From the Omni Holster

Drawing a handgun from the Omni holster was slick, just as its designed to be. The holster give generous space for sights to avoid any occlusions, and the Kydex covers all the important parts. Drawing the pistols from the holster had very little resistance, making it quick to get on target. Especially from the OWB configuration, as I am used to retention holsters and having to grip a release. This was much faster, simply pulling the pistol out an presenting on target.

As typical, there is a touch more to consider when drawing from the IWB position. Lifting clothing and avoiding snags requires a little more diligence. I do like how the Omni covers up everything; trigger, ejection port and more are covered by the Kydex “ears” that come up the side of the slide. It also protects you skin from slide serrations and other parts of the pistol that might cause discomfort.

All the pistols I tested in the holster were G17 or G19 clones, and they had a similar feel. Only the differences in slide cuts seemed to change the resistance when drawing the pistol.

Final Thoughts

The ability to configure this holster makes it and easy choice. I could even see getting a couple of them for various purposes due to their low cost. Whether you want to mount them to your belt, or just tuck them under your shirt it is pretty straight forward. The various mounting holes also allow you easy alternative mounting solutions. Overall, the Gritr Gear Omni Holster offers an inexpensive option that can be applied easily to just about any carrying need. And getting one drop shipped to your door using your prime account makes it that much easier.

-CBM

Check out more holsters here

Glock 47 Gen 5 9mm pistol

March 5, 2025pistols, Product review9mm, g47, glock, glock 17, glock 45coldboremiracle

Introduction

We’ve brought you various different Glock pistol reviews over the years, as well as many of the new Glock clones. As a convert to the Glock cult, I often feel like a fresh set of eyes on most of their pistols. And today I bring you a fresh look at the Glock 47 Gen5 9mm pistol.

According to the manufacturer, the G47 was developed for US federal agent use by Customs and Border Protection. But don’t hold that against the gun, it also has great use for other people and patriots alike. The G47 is essentially a modified version of the prolific G17, perhaps one of the most used pistols in the world by law enforcement and other shooters.

The G47 has basic part interchangeability with the G17 and its siblings, the main difference is a shorter pic rail under the front of the slide. I wouldn’t consider this a downside since this is a full size pistol.

The Glock 47

Caliber	9mm Parabellum
Capacity	17 rounds
Barrel Length	4.5 Inches
Weight (unloaded)	25.93 Ounces
Weight (loaded)	34.29 Ounces approx
Trigger Pull Weight	5.8 Pounds
Length	7.95 Inches
Width	1.34 Inches
Height	5.47 Inches

I mentioned the G47 shares much of its features with the G17, to be honest I am not entirely sure why the separation between the two pistols even exists. According to those who know more than me, its to allow agencies to use both the G19 and G47 models without having to hold separate parts and service for both. The interchangeability is what they were after.

the Glock 47 boast front and rear slide serrations for easy manipulation

I really enjoy shooting full size pistols, one of them is a G17 clone, my Shadow Systems DR920. I’ve really enjoyed shooting this pistol over the years, and if the G47 is comparable I was sure to like it as well.

The full-size grip is very nice for shooting, it allows full purchase of the grip and helps manipulate the pistol better. It also allows for the seventeen-round capacity that gives this pistol such a commanding presence. The standard Glock grip texturing is ok in my opinion, and the other Gen 5 frame features are also welcome.

The rounded edges where it matters on the slide make it easier to pocket when you need to. And the optics cut on the rear of the slide is a must have these days, as red dots are taking over the pistol world. The addition of ambidextrous slide release is a breath of fresh air for left-handed shooters.

reloading was quick and smooth with the added **Strike Industries magwell flare**

Setting up the Glock 47

I mentioned I was a Glock convert, so I have a few things that will go with the G47. I would also incorporate one of my Surefire X300 weapon lights, in my humble opinion they are a perfect match for the pistol. In addition to lighting up your target area, they also bring some weight to the front of the pistol which reduces some muzzle rise.

Also while shooting the G47 I would be using one of my Safariland ALS holsters. In my limited experience these are excellent holsters which help you get the most out of your pistol shooting.

For ammunition, I would be using bulk packed 115 grain ammo from Mountain West Lethal Precision. As well as some 115 grain ammunition from PMC.

the Glock 47 uses the shorter recoil spring like the Glock 19

On the Range with the Glock 47

Shooting the Glock 47 was an outdoor adventure, my children and I went into the open country of the nearby mountains. I took several hundred rounds of ammunition of various types, as well as a few different magazine options to see how the G47 functioned.

The plan was to run through all the ammo, and get a good feel for how the gun draws, points, cycles, and reloads. Running through both 17 and 19 round magazines the G47 never skipped a beat. I regret that I was unable to get a red dot mounted during the review. It’s a shame the Glock doesn’t have the optics mounting built into the slide, like so many others have done.

But we still ran the G47 through quite a bit of shooting. I like shooting single rounds loaded in each mag over and over. It helps build muscle memory for reloads, and it also gives each magazine an opportunity to fail locking back the action. All three magazine types used worked great in that aspect.

Drawing and shooting the G47 from my Safariland holster felt natural and smooth. Reinforcing the excellent grip angle and point of aim of the G47, the whole experience was pleasant. This of course came as no surprise since I quite enjoy shooting my G17 clone.

my **Safariland ALS holsters** fit perfectly with the model 47

Shootability

The G47 has the Gen 5 features that many shooters enjoy, the removal of the finger grooves on the grip area make it a little more universal-fitting. The texture on the grip allows good purchase, though I feel like I prefer the more aggressive grip of other brands.

The sights are typical Glock sights, which in my experience are great for getting a quick sight picture. Again, I would have preferred a red dot though. That said, I had no issues hitting what I aimed at.

Adding a slightly flared magwell made it even easier to load magazines, not that it’s hard to hit them without it. The polymer frame makes it easy to drop and insert mags quickly while keeping eyes on the target. I found the grip to be more than adequate as is, but it’s nice to know that you can change the backstrap out to custom fit your hand.

The controls on the G47 are very Glock, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. They are exactly where and what you’d expect, making for smooth reloads and operation. The large grip area gives lots of room to hold on, keeping the gun secure through recoil impulses.

Ergonomics

Glock pistols have almost always seemed a little “no-frills” to me, the huge stippling aftermarket seems to support my theory. That said, the G47 is comfortable to hold on to. The large grip area and beavertail give very adequate hold of the pistol. The undercut trigger guard allows you to keep your fingers mostly together while gripping the gun.

The magazine release seems pretty low profile, staying out of the way while shooting and carrying. But it’s in just the right spot when the time comes to use it. And speaking of controls, the ambidextrous slide release must be great for the lefties out there.

The customizable backstrap is another great feature for those who need it. Adding both the ability to thicken the grip size, as well as add to the beavertail thickness should you desire.

Reliability

You’d expect a pistol from Glock to have legendary reliability. After all, that is what has made Glock the choice of countless law enforcement agencies and militaries. During the course of our shooting, the G47 performed flawlessly. No failures to fire, eject or any other flaws were experienced. The closest thing to a malfunction was when I found myself dropping the slide too early, but this is of course poor operation and not a malfunction.

All three different magazine types we used worked well with the G47. As did most of my G17 accessories. The G47 fit perfectly in my Safariland holsters bought for the G17. This is excellent news for G47 owners because the compatibility with its G17 sibling gives you many options.

Accuracy

With handguns I often feel a little out of place when it comes to accuracy. As a rifle junkie, shooting pistols accurately isn’t exactly my forte. And I’ll admit that using red dots has become something of a crutch for shooting more accurate shots for me. With all that said, I still found it easy to hit my targets with the G47. The sights’ vibrant contrast against the black pistol made them easy to pick up and center on the target. I’ll also mention that the G47’s trigger felt great, and its consistent break also helped shoot more consistently.

a typical pattern fired from the Glock 47 at 10 yards

Value

It seems that the street price for a new G47 hovers around the $630 mark at the point of writing this. That’s honestly a pretty fair price in my opinion. Looking at the plethora of Glock clones out there, the competition has gotten stiff. The G47 seems to function as well and shoot as reliably as my Shadow Systems DR920 which costs around $200 more, though I do prefer the vibe of the SS over the Glock.

And there are also much cheaper options, some better than others. You can get a BCA Grizzly 101 for under $300, which for some people is enough to make the difference. I guess I would say that bottom line, if you just want a gun that shoots those options will do. But if you want Glock perfection, the price of the G47 is fair.

Shop all Glock Pistols at Palmetto

Pros and Cons

Pros

It’s a Glock, it comes with distinguished service
Optics ready
Compatible with G17 accessories
Rounded edges for low snag
Ambidextrous controls

Cons

Requires optics adaptor plate

Final Thoughts

After my time shooting the G47 I can say I feel every bit as positive about the gun as the G17 and its clones. The G47 does much of the heavy lifting in the full-size service pistol market. And for many good reasons as we’ve outlined here. Reliable operation is what these pistols are known for, and this one surely does. Not only are they reliable but they are comfortable, familiar and compatible with most of the ancillary equipment you’ll want to use.

-CBM

Ruger RXM 9mm Pistol

February 15, 2025pistols, Product review9mm, glock, magpul, pistol, ruger, Ruger RXM review, rxmcoldboremiracle

Preface

I keep coming back to Glock clone pistols, which is quite the 180 turn for me. Today I am taking a look at another something new, this time from one of America’s best known manufacturers and in part by another. Today I bring a you a review of the Ruger RXM 9mm pistol. The RXM is a recoil operated 9mm pistol that is fed by Magpul magazines in the very popular Glock pattern. Like many other pistol on the market today, the RXM is a clone of the extremely successful Glock. But it also has a whole new trick up it’s sleeve, and it’s sleeve is also made by Magpul.

the classic underbite of the Surefire X300, for dark places and flashes

It is hard to deny the success of the popular design of these kind of pistols, and the incredible aftermarket support already available makes it even more appealing. Not only do you get the famous reliability, but you can use the same holsters, and others accessories that you probably already have.

What is the Ruger RXM

For those who’ve been hiding under a rock (or behind a 1911), Glock clones have become extremely popular. Following the pattern of the Gen 3 striker fired poly-framed pistols has been very successful for quite a few manufacturers now. Ruger has partnered with Magpul to make the polymer frame for the RXM, while Ruger made the rest. There is a secret within the frame though, in a similar idea to the incredibly popular Sig Sauer P320 the Ruger RXM has a removable Fire Control Insert (FCI). The FCI is the trigger and serialized portion of the firearm.

the removeable FCI, captured at the rear, and held in place by two pins at the front

This allows you as the user to swap from one grip frame to another. And with a partner like Magpul in this endeavor, I expect we will see an unprecedented flow of grip frame options come to market in the future.

Ruger RXM disassembly, streamlight TLR8, Apex Optics Atom red dot, — Visualization of the pistol broken down, note **Apex Atom red dot** and the **Streamlight TLR8**

So if you are wondering what makes the RXM so special, I can sum it up like this; it’s as though two of the most successful pistols of the past decades had a baby blessed by Magpul.

Ruger RXM Features

Caliber	9mm
Overall Length	7.15 inches
Height	5.31 inches
Barrel Length	4 inches
Slide Width	1 inch
Grooves	6
Twist	1:10 right hand
Weight	23.2 ounces
Optics Ready	yes
Front Sight	Tritium co-witness height
Rear Sight	Steel drift adjustable
Manual Safety	No
Barrel & Slide Material	Alloy steel
Capacity	15 + 1
Steel Finish	Black FNC Nitride
Grip Frame	Magpul enhanced grip
Magazines	Two 15 round PMAGs included
MSRP	$499.00

I was very pleased that the design team took the time to think this pistol through. It is apparent that they wanted to incorporate some of the better features in this pistol. Things like an optics cut slide and the tritium sights are definitely better than many standard features. Even my son noticed and mentioned the convenient load indicator slot so you can easily identify a hot chamber. And of course the Magpul frame that can be interchanged by swapping the FCI.

Note loaded chamber indicator

I was even more impressed when I pulled the optics plate off to see the semi-universal optics footprint. The RXM can take the RMR, Delta Point Pro, and RMSc optics, which covers a huge variety of optics. The footprint area of the RXM slide has various holes to accept screws but also comes with configurable pins to allow proper securing of your red dot.

mounting the red dot was easy using the provided alignment pins

The grip frame features Magpul’s TSP grip texture, and also has a pretty covert magwell flare. As well as an undercut trigger guard which is nice.

Unboxing the Ruger RXM

I’m always excited when I open a new gun, I’d already handled the RXM at SHOT Show 2025 but I was still excited to take it home. The hard plastic case carried the RXM and 2 fifteen round Magpul PMAGS, as well as the typical gun lock and other accessories. I will say that the case is bigger than it needs to be, allowing additional accessories and mags to be stored for transport. The box also has a cutout for an optic, whether for a user added optic or a later model including an optic is yet to be seen. You’ll also see room for a threaded barrel, giving away future options Ruger?

factory fresh

I lifted the RXM from its case, and felt that same familiar grip of the clones. It felt good and only got better as I played with the pistol further. All the controls felt just as you would expect, the trigger is crisp. The front and rear slide serrations make for easy gripping to pull against the stout spring. The sights line up nicely with my hold, and the front tritium pops against the dull winter overcast sky.

I ran the slide a few times against the empty magazine, and was pleased with how smooth and easy it was to actuate everything. The mag release is extended a bit, and at first I thought it might be too forward. But after all of my shooting it seemed it was perfect.

drawing the RXM from a holster helped illustrate its soft edges

I did a quick field strip to see the curious FCI and how it was secured into the frame by a couple push pins. The whole thing looked very nice, with a great finish and quality look.

Ruger RXM Setup

I was anxious to get this pistol shooting, so I wasted no time getting it ready for a range trip. I dug through my selection of red dots, and decided to grab the Vortex Defender CCW. It was a good fit for the RXM, and would be easy to mount as well using the supplied fasteners.

Including anchor pins to secure the red dot gives the RXM another leg up, by allowing you to configure the footprint to match the red dot. Instead of forcing you to change to a dot that fits the footprint.

Because I’d planned on carrying the pistol for a while, I decided to also install my Streamlight TLR8. It’s a handy light laser combo for CCW pistols and it fits perfectly on the Ruger RXM. And the whole conglomeration fit nicely into my Hidden Hybrid IWB holster.

The RXM fit in all my holsters

On the Range

All that was left was to head to the range and shoot this small wonder, I grabbed a few boxes of 115 grain ammo from MWLP for some initial testing. My first range trip would be a typical trip into the snowy Rocky Mountains, and both my son and I would enjoy the afternoon plinking away with the Ruger RXM.

I took the opportunity to try a bunch of different things like drawing from the holster, reloading after single shots and such. It didn’t take long to get comfortable with the RXM. The Defender red dot made it quick to bear and make clean shots on my targets.

I was very impressed with how easy reloads went with the gun. I am used to big guns with flared magwells, this little Ruger does have a flare but it’s hardly noticeable unless you look under the gun. It came very easy to me to stab the magazine even without looking, it felt much easier than other similar guns I’ve shot in the past.

Shootability

As you might imagine, a pistol modeled after one of the most successful pistols ever shoots very well. The RXM grip is very comfortable, and the angle lines up quite naturally with my aim. Recoil from the RXM is quite modest and keeping on target is akin to other similar pistols. Its also nice to be able to use a red dot, pushing your focus to the target.

the RXM seen here with it’s full-size grip frame, and outfitted with the **Vector Optics Frenzy red dot**

The controls of the RXM are great. The trigger is a little longer than I would have expected but it is very smooth and breaks nicely. This allowed for great shot placement particularly when coupled with the fine aimpoint of the Defender.

At first, I did find one thing that bothered me. During the first few mags my thumb would push slightly up on the slide release causing the RXM to lock open between rounds. This was easily corrected once I realized it was just my thumb crowding the area. Even my kids had a good time shooting the RXM.

ruger RXM, 9mm, vortex Defender, — the kids had a great time learning to shoot the RXM

Ergonomics

Again, as a clone its hard to beat the time tested successful design. The grip angle is just right and feels natural. Slide cuts provide just the right amount of grip without being abrasive. The mag release is a touch further forward than expected but certainly caused zero problems during my reloads. The trigger blade safety isn’t even noticeable during shooting, which is the way it should be.

My hands are neither small nor large, and the grip area was just right for them. If I had larger hands I could see it getting a bit crowded, but I also anticipate that there will be additional grips available from Magpul in the near future that will solve that issue.

Ruger, RXM, 9mm, streamlight TLR8, apex optics atom, — A little custom paint made the RXM even better looking

Accuracy

I’m a bit of an accuracy nerd when it comes to rifles. But when it comes to handguns I don’t consider myself anything but average, and I had no issues hitting what I aimed at. I don’t suspect this gun is currently going to be used for competition shooting (at least not yet), but more likely it will be used for typical semi-compact 9mm purposes. CCW use and general shooting are more likely in its future, and for that the accuracy was perfectly adequate.

Hitting paper plate sized targets from a quick draw was easy to do even at fifteen to twenty yards. I carried the pistol as my CCW for several days quite confident that should I need to use it I would be able to hit my target.

Reliability

I mentioned the occasional locking back caused by my imposing thumb, that was the only thing I could call a failure that we experienced while shooting the Ruger RXM. It has cycled through hundreds of rounds and many boxes of 115 and 124 grain ammunition now without any failures.

ruger RXM, 9mm, ccw, 1791 gunleather — The RXM fit perfectly into my **1791 Gunleather holster**

Value

The Glock clone market is getting steep with competition. Many companies have brought some very affordable models to market to compete with this Ruger RXM, and this has brought the prices down. The RXM is more affordable than most of the original Austrian polymer pistols, depending on which generation you are looking at. And even among its clone peers the RXM is still quite competitive with street prices just under $400.

Ruger RXM, Zro Delta FKS 9, PSA Dagger, comparison — these clones are stacking up

For comparison, my ZRO Delta FKS9 can be had for around $350 but it will cost more than the RXM if you want the optics ready slide. I also have a PSA Dagger that is very comparable to the RXM, but again if you want an optics ready slide it’s price goes up to within a carton of eggs price of the RXM. So there’s plenty of competition from other good products.

BUT, we haven’t addressed some of the RXM’s advantages. Not only is the RXM optics ready, its configurable footprint will take most optics. Additionally its removable FCI allows you to swap grip frame modules, none of the other clones do that at this price. I cannot fathom that Ruger and Magpul haven’t thought this through for years to come. I expect we will see a massive and steady release of RXM variants with various sizes, slides and barrels. Time will surely tell, but with all that in mind I think the Ruger RXM is a fantastic value, with a bright future.

ruger rxm, 9mm, safariland, — the Ruger RXM also fit perfectly in my **Safariland ALS holster** as well

Pros and Cons

I’ve kind of already gone over all the pros of this pistol. Its a comfortable shooter with clean lines and a nice fit. The customization and potential for future modification make it stand out against its competition. I was even impressed with how seamless and tight fitting the FCI fits into the grip module, at a glance you wouldn’t even think it was removeable. The edges of the RXM aren’t as hard as they could be, making it less likely to snag while drawing.

Since publishing this originally, I have acquired the **full-size frame for the RXM** as well. Broadening the application of this pistol

I’ve also thought quite a bit about what I would change on the Ruger RXM. And to be completely candid I could hardly come up with something to pick at, I’d almost have to put myself in the shoes of another to find something. For example, the RXM isn’t built for lefties. That doesn’t bother me, but it might turn off some left-handed shooters. Though I’d imagine they are used to it by now. Also, perhaps you’re a Gen 3 critic, and would prefer clones copied a different version of Gaston Glock’s family. But you’re diggin’ really deep if you want to call these liabilities to the Ruger RXM.

the Streamlight TLR8 and Vortex Defender CCW were great accessories

Again, if I was reaching real hard I could say I wish the magazine was a touch more snug in the frame. But who am I to question Magpul’s design, perhaps it works best that way.

Preferred Ammunition

Besides the MWLP ammo, I also shot a few boxes of AAC 124 grain ammo. Both of which functioned flawlessly through the Ruger. For carry ammo I would use something predictable like Hornady Critical Duty 124 grain defense ammo.

Accessory Options

The Vortex Defender red dot worked out great for the RXM, I had no reason to dislike it. But I also like the US Optics RISE red dot as it is a bit larger window and more refined dot on the glass. The beauty of the RXM is that just about any popular sight will drop on to the Ruger RXM.

The Streamlight TLR8 was also a great choice for a weapon light, particularly for CCW use. An obvious choice would have also been the Surefire X300, though it is a bit bigger and more cumbersome for a carry gun.

My hidden Hybrid Holster fit the Ruger RXM well, but as objective as holsters can be you might want to pick your own. I also carried the RXM in a 1791 Gunleather holster that was also pretty comfortable.

Ruger RXM, streamlight tlr8, apex optics atom, 9mm — Coming from two big names like Ruger and Magpul it’s no surprise this went well

Last Thoughts

My initial thoughts on the Ruger RXM turned out to be pretty dead on. I have always liked Ruger’s firearms, they seem to be optimized for the average American gun owner. And providing them with a pleasant and affordable experience.

I was quite surprised just how much I liked the RXM and how well thought out it was. It is a step above your average Glock clone, with some great added value and features. I expect this gun has a vibrant future ahead, much like the P320 is currently living. And not unlike the Dagger’s explosive popularity. Perhaps someday in the future there will be a compensated competition long-slide version and micro compact CCW versions as well, all with interchangeability. Great job and a tip of the hat to the collaborative teams at Ruger and Magpul.

-CBM

2025 Update:

After nearly a year of shooting the RXM, I have yet to come up with a down side. I have swapped half a dozen red dots across the slide cut, and used every kind of magazine I can get hands on. Magpul released additional frames for it, I recently acquired the full-size frame. It’s fit is excellent, and converts my RXM to the full size frame while still using the compact slide.

rxm, ruger, full-size, 9mm, pistol, vector optics, frenzy, — here you can see the **RXM with the full-size frame**

I have carried the RXM many different ways almost every week since I got it. I still feel it is an excellent value, and worth your consideration.

Glock 29 10mm Compact Pistol

December 30, 2023pistols, Product review10mm, ccw, glock, glock 29coldboremiracle

Introduction

Few pistols have seen the proliferation of Glock’s venerable design. The polymer framed striker pistols are everywhere. Today we will take a first look at a new-to-me Glock design, we are reviewing the Glock 29 10mm Compact pistol.

Background

I must admit; to be completely honest I have never been a big fan of the Glock design. But in my defense it has been based mostly on aesthetics and looks. As the design’s service record and popularity are undeniable.

But as my tastes have matured, I have become more and more open to Glocks and the band of clones that copy them. So I suppose it should come as no surprise that my curiosity built when I opened up the case of the brand new model 29 Compact.

9mm pistols are for sure my favorite pistol round, but there is something a little magical about the 10mm. For only one more millimeter you gain impressive power and performance. Obviously there is more to the design than just a bigger bullet, there is additional powder capacity which increases velocity.

All the 10mm bros can’t be wrong, so I decided it was my turn to descend into the 10mm rabbit hole. And the Glock 29 was the vehicle of choice. The model 29 is an abbreviated version of the model 20 10mm pistol. Trimmed up and reduced to fit in a CCW holster of your choice, but still bring the 10 millimeter heat.

Specifications

Type Striker Fired

Size Sub-Compact

Caliber 10MM

Barrel Length 3.78″

Color Black

Capacity 10 Rounds

Accessories 2 Mags

Sights Fixed Sights

Frame Material Polymer

Finish Matte

Glock 29 Features

Safe action trigger system- prevents accidental discharge of the pistol

10 round magazines- holds ten round of 10mm Auto

Low Profile Sights- the compact sights pop in your sight picture

Picatinny accessory rail- to add your preferred weapon-light

Grip texturing- to help you hold onto the pistol under recoil

Other models and Generations

The Glock 29 is available in both a 4th gen and 5th generation. The Gen 5 version incorporates some of Glock’s latest changes. Such as interchangeable grip backstraps, removed finger grooves, and ambidextrous slide release. These are some nice features for those who are looking for them.

As mentioned above, the model 29 is a compact version of the larger Glock model 20. The larger model 20 allows additional grip area as well as additional weight to better allow the shooter to control the pistol.

If you find yourself trying to decide which model would better fit your needs, I would for sure get your hands on them. For my hand size, I find the 29 to be almost too small. I think adding a +2 magazine base plate would easily solve that concern for me.

Glock 29 Review

To review the Glock 29, a friend and I took the pistol and a few boxes of ammunition into the hills. The model 29 was literally new in the box unfired by me, so it was with great anticipation that we prepped for shooting.

Loading the chubby 10mm cartridges into the magazine wasn’t a challenge. Using the provided magazine loader that comes with the gun seemed to only add time to the process. It didn’t take long before we were stacking shots on targets.

It is not uncommon for shooters to create an idea in their mind of how a new gun experience will go. Having no experience with the Glock 29, I had imagined it would be a fairly spicy kick. With perhaps a little bit of a challenge to control.

Shooting the Glock 29

Shooting the pistol actually turned out to be much more pleasant than I had expected. The recoil wasn’t bad at all when shooting 180 grain ball ammo, and controlling the gun only took a little bit of time to get used to. The short grip was a slight hindrance, though one I could deal with considering this pistol is optimized for concealing.

The controls worked great and allowed quick manipulation of the pistol. The sights, though simple, were very useful and effective.

I was surprised at how easy it seemed to shoot the model 29 accurately. Keeping shots on milk jug sized targets at around 15 yards at a swift cadence was impressive. As someone who does a lot of fishing in bear country, my shooting companion mentioned how the 29 might serve as an ideal fishing companion.

After shooting the 29 for afternoon I’d say I have to agree. Ten or more rounds of 10mm Auto would make a great deterrent to any menacing assailant two-legged or more.

One of the more common praises of Glock pistols is their reliability. The simplistic design has simply worked for decades.

During our shooting we experienced only a single malfunction, where a round failed to fully seat into battery. A slight tap was all it took to correct the situation. While I am not positive what caused the malfunction, I find myself quick to dismiss it as potentially an unbroken in pistol. The ammunition and pistol functioned flawlessly together outside of this single issue. Time will tell if it was a singular event.

With a comfortable and pleasant experience shooting the Glock 29, its sub six-hundred dollar street price seems to be pretty fair. There are a few other comparable pistols in the same price range. Though many of them lack some of the 29’s advantages. For example; the Springfield Armory XD compact shares its size. But lacks the Glock reputation and service history. The Smith & Wesson M&P shares the service experience but lacks a compact model. These features tend to make the Glock 29 stand out.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Nice consistent trigger pull
Simple yet useful sights
Compact size can go anywhere
Did I mention it’s 10mm?
Glock

Cons

10-round capacity
Can be a bit of recoil for some

Report Card

Shootability (B+) shooting the Glock 29 was easier and more fun than I expected.

Ergonomics (B) Everything was very comparable to other Glocks, but for the slightly short grip.

Reliability (B+) Aside from the single malfunction, it seemed to run fantastic.

Accuracy (A) The accuracy of the pistol was better than expected

Value (B+) There are few other options out there for a compact 10mm, especially with this reputation.

Preferred Ammunition

I shot both Blazer 180 grain ball ammunition and American Eagle 180 grain ball ammunition through the Glock 29. Both of them seemed to work and shoot great. For more serious work I like shooting Speer Gold Dot 200 grain hollow points.

Shop all Glock pistols at Palmetto State Armory

Upgrades and Accessories

Holster

The Glock 29 for sure needs a good holster. Whether you want to use it as a concealed carry pistol, or as bear-mace, you will need a way to keep it close. A whole harness system like those offered by Crossbreed Holsters is a good way to keep it close. And if maximum concealment is your goal, the concealing options from Galco will help keep your Glock high and tight.

Weapon Light

A good light source is important for a CCW pistol. A compact pistol like the Glock 29 would benefit from one of the many compact weapon lights like the Streamlight TLR8.

Magazine Baseplates

Additional length can be added to the grip with extended floor plates. And the addition of more capacity is also welcome. These ones from Pearce will give an additional rounds, as well as helping you control the pistol better.

Sportsmans Warehouse has the full Glock pistol lineup, shop here.

Final Thoughts on the Glock 29

I said in the beginning that I was never a big Glock fan, but that view is changing. The Glock 29 is surely on my list of Glocks I don’t mind having. It fills a pretty small niche of 10mm compact pistols, and it does so with Glocks service reputation and style. For a reasonable price it has good features paired with a great shooting experience. If you are looking for a really powerful compact pistol, make sure you don’t look past the Glock 29 before spending your hard earned money.

-CBM