With the flush-fit basepad installed, you get 10 rounds - or in the case of some restrictive states, “legal.” Either magazine configuration keeps the Max-9 easily concealable with natural-fitting clothing, minimizing the risk of printing. The “Max-9” name is fitting considering that Ruger has taken the LC9s’ slim, seven-plus-one capacity to a maximum of 12 rounds of 9mm without the need for long adapters or sleeved extensions. Since the company already had a reliable and popular 9mm subcompact in the LC9s, development for a the larger-capacity micro pistol began with what Ruger lacked: a double-stack magazine. Ruger also maximized their efficiencies to keep costs low and production high. The Max-9 comes with a 10- and 12-round 9mm magazine. (The keyword is “inspiration,” as the new Max-9 does not accept the Makarov’s magazine which was built around a different cartridge, the 9x18mm.) The trend in defensive pistols says “less is more” for size, but “more is more” with regard to capacity. However, Ruger was patient, stepped back and took inspiration from the Makarov pistol’s double-stack magazine, which wasn’t subject to patent restrictions. SIG Sauer secured several patents when developing the P365’s nicknamed “stack-and-a-half” magazine, which limited the initial response for this high-demand category. One of the toughest challenges for manufacturers when designing new, large-capacity subcompacts is with the magazine. The Glock 43X, SIG Sauer P365 and Springfield Armory Hellcat can also be purchased with factory optic cuts, which is standard fare on the new Ruger Max-9. Other subcompacts in this scene include the Glock 43X MOS (10-round magazine, $582) HK VP9SK (10- or 13-round magazine, $789) SIG Sauer P365 (10-, 12- or 15-round magazine, $599) Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Subcompact (10- or 12-round magazine, $569) and the Springfield Armory Hellcat (11- or 13-round magazine, $569). The Ruger Max-9 has a retail price of $499 and a magazine capacity of either 10 or 12 rounds of 9mm. These days, any new subcompact developed in response to evolving demands requires a fresh design to stand a chance at success in this competitive category. Simply being able to chop off the bottom third of a pistol’s grip, shorten the magazine and call it a “new subcompact model” are over. MaBy Jeremy Stafford The Days of Companies

Sub compact 9mm handguns