The Ruger MAX-9 Model 3518 is a California-approved 9mm Luger micro-compact semi-automatic pistol designed around a slim, lightweight platform. This California-compliant configuration features a 3.20-inch barrel, 10+1 capacity, loaded chamber indicator, manual safety, tritium fiber-optic front sight, drift-adjustable rear sight, and two included 10-round magazines. Ruger currently lists Model 3518 as available.
One of the most important distinctions for this specific MAX-9 SKU is its California-approved configuration. Ruger lists Model 3518 as approved for California and equips it with a loaded chamber indicator. Unlike other MAX-9 variants that are cut for micro red-dot optics, Ruger lists the optic pattern for Model 3518 as “None – Loaded Chamber Indicator.”
Chambered in 9mm Luger, the pistol has a factory capacity of 10+1 rounds and ships with two 10-round magazines. The compact grip frame is constructed from high-performance glass-filled nylon, helping keep the pistol's unloaded weight to just 18.4 ounces.
The MAX-9 uses a 3.20-inch alloy-steel barrel with a durable Black Oxide finish. Rifling consists of six grooves with a 1:10" right-hand twist. The slide is manufactured from through-hardened alloy steel and also receives a Black Oxide finish.
For sights, Ruger equips Model 3518 with a tritium fiber-optic front sight and drift-adjustable rear sight. The combination provides a highly visible front aiming point while retaining a durable, low-profile sight arrangement suitable for a compact handgun.
Model 3518 also incorporates an external manual safety. Ruger’s MAX-9 platform uses a striker-fired action built around a precision-machined aluminum fire-control chassis, while the compact grip and narrow slide help maintain the pistol’s micro-compact dimensions.
At only 6 inches overall, Model 3518 has a 0.95-inch slide width, 4.52-inch height, and unloaded weight of 18.4 ounces. These dimensions make it a particularly compact 9mm configuration while maintaining a 10+1 capacity.
Key Features
- Chambered in 9mm Luger
- California Approved
- 10+1 capacity
- Includes two 10-round magazines
- 3.20" alloy-steel barrel
- Black Oxide barrel finish
- 1:10" RH twist
- 6 grooves
- Through-hardened alloy-steel slide
- Black Oxide slide finish
- Loaded chamber indicator
- Manual safety
- Tritium fiber-optic front sight
- Drift-adjustable rear sight
- High-performance glass-filled nylon grip frame
- 0.95" slide width
- 6" overall length
- 4.52" height
- 18.4 oz
