max-9. Ruger does it again! msrp: $499

Ruger is the always at the tip of the spear. They embody what it means to be on the cutting edge. They don't hesitate for a second to follow the fickle desires of American gun buyers and deliver exactly what consumers are looking for - at an economy price - in their next purchase. And all this equates to market relevancy and optimization: by being inherently responsive they have generated enough revenue over the years to be able to rollout exactly what's needed at a moment's notice (or, realistically I suppose, over a few months) by bringing in-house the latest manufacturing technologies to keep abreast of market trends. It's impressive, and great for consumers if not always for the competition. Right on the heals of SA's Hellcat RDP, Ruger slides out the MAX-9 for $100 less. Plus Ruger's recommended mini reflex sight (the Sightmark Mini Shot A-Spec) is a whole $130 cheaper than SA's Hex Wasp: therefore a Max-9/Sightmark combo MSRP's for $568 v's SA's Hellcat RDP at $899. Big difference. Okay so you don't get the self-indexing compensator offered with the Hellcat, and Ruger offers one less round in their mags, but the $330 saved would buy you a lot of ammo (if there was any to buy, that is). All that nonsense aside, the proof is in the shootin' so let's keep an eye on the plethora of Yootoob videos already available for your watching pleasure. This from the Ruger WEBSITE:

The MAX-9™ is your next handgun. Whether you're new to firearms ownership, or you've been an enthusiast for years, the versatile MAX-9™ is sure to meet your personal protection needs. Comfortable enough to conceal in an inside the waistband holster or pocket holster, this micro-sized pistol has it all - without compromising on capacity or features. Rugged, reliable, affordable - the Ruger® MAX-9™.

Here's a cheat sheet comparing the Max-9 and the Hellcat:

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