The Nomad is an accessory chassis body designed for the Ruger RXM Fire Control Insert (FCI). Read this guide and the Ruger RXM instruction manual completely before beginning. Ruger's official RXM FCI removal and installation videos are also available for reference.
The Ruger RXM FCI is the serialized firearm component. Handle, store, and transfer it in accordance with all applicable laws.
Before you begin
- Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction and keep your finger outside the trigger guard.
- Remove the magazine, unload the firearm, and visually and physically verify that the chamber, breech face, and magazine well are empty.
- Move all ammunition out of the work area.
- Wear safety glasses and work on a stable, padded surface.
- Have a 3/32-inch punch available, as specified by Ruger.
- Do not grind, file, drill, heat, bend, or otherwise modify the Nomad or FCI to force a fit.
If you are not fully comfortable completing these steps, stop and have a qualified gunsmith perform the installation.
Installation
1. Remove the slide
With the pistol completely unloaded, remove the slide by following the RXM disassembly instructions in the Ruger manual. Set the complete slide assembly aside. Do not continue unless the firearm and work area are free of ammunition.
2. Remove the FCI from the factory grip frame
- Use a 3/32-inch punch to remove the locking block pin from either side.
- Depress the slide lock spring and push the slide lock out from either side.
- Use the punch to remove the takedown pin from the right side. The slide lock spring and takedown spring may become loose when this pin is removed.
- Tilt the front of the FCI upward and lift the FCI out of the factory grip frame.
- Remove and retain the takedown pin spring and slide lock spring for installation in the Nomad.
Keep the FCI, both springs, the slide lock, and both pins together. Inspect each part for damage or unusual wear before continuing.
3. Inspect the Nomad chassis body
Confirm that the Nomad is clean, undamaged, and free of debris. Check that the FCI pocket, trigger opening, spring pockets, and pin holes are unobstructed. Do not install the FCI if the chassis is cracked, distorted, or damaged.
4. Install the springs and seat the FCI
- Install the takedown pin spring and slide lock spring in the Nomad in the same positions and orientations shown in Figure 28 of the Ruger manual.
- Insert the rear of the FCI into the Nomad first and push it fully rearward.
- Hold the trigger in its rearmost position. If needed, depress the bladed trigger safety while guiding the trigger through the opening.
- Lower the front of the FCI into the chassis body.
- Confirm that the FCI sits fully and evenly in the Nomad. Do not strike or force it into place.
5. Reinstall the pins and slide lock
- Install the takedown pin from the left side with its U-shaped notch facing up.
- Depress the slide lock spring with the punch and install the slide lock from either side with its notched face toward the rear. Confirm the spring retains it at the center.
- Install the locking block pin from the left side. Keep the pin above the slide stop spring, as shown in Figure 32 of the Ruger manual.
- Confirm that both pins are fully seated and that the slide lock moves correctly.
6. Reinstall the slide
Reinstall the slide by following the RXM reassembly instructions in the Ruger manual. The slide should move freely and return fully to battery. Stop if it binds, drags, or does not close completely.
7. Complete an unloaded function check
Keep all ammunition out of the work area and keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
- With the magazine removed, cycle the slide fully several times. It should move freely and close completely under recoil spring force.
- Insert an empty magazine and retract the slide. The slide should lock open.
- Remove the empty magazine. The slide should remain open.
- Retract and release the slide. It should move freely to the closed position.
- Visually verify the chamber is empty. With the magazine removed, cycle the slide, press and hold the trigger, cycle the slide again, and then slowly release the trigger. The trigger should return forward and provide an audible or tactile reset.
Do not load or fire the pistol if any check fails. Contact a qualified gunsmith, Ruger Customer Service, or Iron Saddle Armory support before use.
8. Final inspection
Before each use, confirm that the FCI remains fully seated, the pins remain correctly installed, the controls operate normally, and the Nomad shows no cracks, deformation, or other damage. Stop using the product immediately if anything changes or loosens.
Nomad package note
The Nomad is an accessory chassis body. It does not include the serialized Ruger RXM Fire Control Insert, another serialized firearm component, a slide, barrel, magazine, ammunition, or a completed firearm.
Need help?
For installation or fit questions, contact support@ironsaddlearmory.com. Include clear photos of the fit or alignment issue, but do not email sensitive personal information or firearm serial numbers.
Ruger and RXM are trademarks of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. Iron Saddle Armory is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.