How do the Ruger pistols compare to each other?

I have the Ruger American 9mm, I bought it from Palmetto State Armory for $250 shipped, couldn’t pass that up.

It’s different from the SR series in that it has modular internals that are serialized, so the slide, barrel, and frame can be changed separate from the internals. It has an ambi mag and slide release as well. I’ve put about 350 rounds through it and like it, not a problem one so far.

I believe but don’t quote me that the Security 9 has the same serialized internals, maybe someone can verify that.

<*(((>< said:

I believe but don’t quote me that the Security 9 has the same serialized internals, maybe someone can verify that

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I believe that's right. I know the SR9e is a less refined SR9, the slide is blocky with less machining, heavier. And the finish is a black oxide (cheaper) finish, and the loaded chamber indicator is omitted...which is an upgrade, right?

The Security 9 is short hammer fired like the lcp2. The others are striker.

Price is the biggest difference. The Security 9 and E models are cheaper than guns like the SR lines. There are feature differences and corners cut to justify the changes in price. For example the SR weapons have loaded chamber indicators and built in reversible backstraps. The budget firearms don't and will have less machining work to save costs.

<<<< Dinosaur but not yet extinct... I still like and (sometimes) carry a P95 Ruger and don't particularly like the Glock-inspired strikers. Sometimes wish I had hung on to my P89 service pistol..... One of these days I may have to take a long look at the small(ish) 9s by Ruger.

Yes the 9E is essentially a SR 9 with less features & a less expensive finish. Personally I never liked the SR series. I shot an early SR 9 at a rental range once. I didn't care for the ergonomics & the magazine disconnect was a deal breaker for me. I don't like the mag disconnect because if you dry fire without a mag in it can damage the pistol. Some people remove them but for me I would rather just buy something without that feature at least the way Ruger does it. I have no experience with the Security 9 but looking at the way it takes down it reminds me an awful lot of a Kel-Tec I used to have. Most of the reports I have read on it have been positive. It has a partially cocked hammer. The trigger finishes cocking & releases it. I got my wife one of the American pistols. I believe it is the better option. It is a modular striker fired pistol though I don't know that it is set up for the internals to be swapped into another pistol or not. It has a decent single action trigger pull & 3 interchangeable backstraps to help fit it to the shooters hand. Some people have said the experience discomfort when shooting the Americans. One was a reviewer on the military arms channel IIRC. I have seen at least one person here post that shooting it stung their hand. I have not experienced this.

I don't know the difference in all of them.I do own a Ruger 9E.

Personally I think the best of the field is the SR series. (exception, the American). The build quality is much better. Break one down and you can see a big difference. The heavy duty steel inserts in the chassis etc. I have the SR9C and it has been a great pistol. Very mild shooting pistol. I have had the LC9 series since both the LC9 and the LC9s since they came out and both have been reliable pistols. However, I have recently moved to another single stack I like much more. I personally do not feel the New models that Ruger has introduced to be very impressive. At least not my cup of tea.
The Ruger American which I do not own seems to be built very tough. Modular frame, stainless steel etc.

Here is a pic of the SR9 and you can see the robust build and the points of strength at the areas that receive a lot of stress.

http://www.gunsumerreports.com/review_ruger_sr9_p5.php

I’ve just handled them in the store as I’m considering getting an sr9. I do not like the American. I hated the trigger and do not like the grip. I like the trigger on the sr9 and the grip feels decent to me with the arched rear grip piece. Of them I would get an sr9e. I like the sights and the slide serations better than the sr9. It’s not exactly primo feeling in the hand but not to bad. Haven’t looked at the security 9 yet. I have an lc9s which is just sublime.

The SR9 was Ruger's response to the polymer frame striker craze. The 9E is the budget version, and discontinued.

The Ruger American pistol is Ruger's response to the current modular subframe "single action style trigger" craze.

The Security 9 is a budget pistol, possibly as a response to Taurus or EAA/Turkish cheapies.

Have had an SR9c for a number of years now and still love the ergonomics, the design details, and the overall fit and finish of the gun. Found that it fit my hand better than the SR9 and that the more compact size made it easier to carry concealed. Haven't had a chance to check out the Security 9 or the American 9 but plan to do so when I get the time.

The SR9C as pictured above was my first venture into a carry weapon. It is now home duty, and I still shoot it a couple times a month. A very nice weapon for the money. I'd like to get a chance to shoot an American, but I have no need for another pistol in this category. I'm into 1911's for a minute now......


-Jeff

the only 9mm that i hsve ever owned, the SR9c. It is quickly earning my respect.
I am a 1911 guy, but this is easiest shooting pistol that i own, except for the .22s.

I am not a Ruger person, more of a S&W and Glock user. The RAP9, I was able to obtain at a reasonable price thus I acquired it, my first Ruger center fire semiautomatic pistol. At this point 7000 plus rounds fired thru it with no failures to feed - chamber - fire & eject with accuracy on par with my examples of the Glock G17 Gen3 and S&W MP9 Gen1. I believe there was unwarranted criticism by individuals early on the internet videos. Negative criticism generates viewers thus cash flow.

I have seen internet video bashing to the degree that I just do not waste my time anymore. View some of these and you realize the guy really does not really know firearms. So many experts out there. Every watch a newbie discuss how great his light trigger is and the short reset? As if these guys are out to save a minuscule of a second. Some really ridiculous complaints about failures etc. I watched some jerk, pick up a pocket gun, limp wrist it, and it obvious that he never shot one before and then go on to tell how awful the gun was. And on and on.
The American took a lot of heat, and you can see many jealousies took place.
Once a match starts a fire on the internet, every newbie in town joins in.

I think when Ruger introduced the American the plan was to phase out the SR9 models. Despite being beefier and more rugged, the American hasn't been as popular as Ruger hoped. It seems that people who are interested in more professional grade just aren't Ruger's customer base. Ruger has now reversed course and introduced the budget Security 9 and EC9s.

I really like the RAP9 that I bought. I shoot it best out of the 3 full size strikers I have. I haven't had the problems that the vids portrayed.
I like the LCs I have for pocket carry.

bannockburn said:

Have had an SR9c for a number of years now and still love the ergonomics, the design details, and the overall fit and finish of the gun. Found that it fit my hand better than the SR9 and that the more compact size made it easier to carry concealed. Haven't had a chance to check out the Security 9 or the American 9 but plan to do so when I get the time.

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Still my favorite.

MAKster said:

I think when Ruger introduced the American the plan was to phase out the SR9 models. Despite being beefier and more rugged, the American hasn't been as popular as Ruger hoped. It seems that people who are interested in more professional grade just aren't Ruger's customer base. Ruger has now reversed course and introduced the budget Security 9 and EC9s.

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I personally feel Ruger has made a move into a new direction. I don't think there focus is tank built guns in semi autos. A whole new world of gun owner's have emerged, and I believe they are looking for a gun as a peace of mind, rather than a gun to shoot often at the range. These people might go to the range a few times a year at best. They are looking for a inexpensive gun with good customer service. Ruger probably mass produces more guns than anyone in the world.
People bash Taurus all the time, yet go to the Ruger forum and you see all kinds of problems. But Ruger is good at taking then back and providing good service. But how much does that good service really cost. Shipping of gun to them and back to the owner, repairs, parts, time. All that cost is put into the gun before it rolls out for sale. I have eight Rugers, and have had to send 5 back for defects. But they did take care of me. I shoot often, but I bet many that do not shoot, never even send them in.

The EC9s, SR9E, and Security 9 are aimed directly at the low end consumer. Nothing wrong with that provided they work. I know from looking at my LC9s compared side by side to a new EC9s, that EC9s is one hell of a bargain.

I had a Ruger SR9c once and nothing but trouble with it. It went back to the factory and same problem of not ejecting properly continued after it came back. I purchased parts from Galloway
Precision hoping that the problem would resolve but it didn't. I was getting ready to take it to my gunsmith when I thought about emailing the Ruger CEO. Shortly after sending the e-mail I received a call from Ruger asking that I send the pistol back to them with the caveat that I could have them repair it or they would send me a new Ruger American 9mm Compact. I immediately took the Compact and the day I got it I sold it to my next door neighbor and bought a Springfield XD-E which functions flawlessly. I will never again own another Ruger striker fired pistol. Just to be fair I own 5 Ruger revolvers that I love.

I have a Ruger LC9S that is my EDC and has been wonderful. I've also shot a LCP that while ran well just did not work for me and my big mitt's. Only other "newer" Ruger I've shot was a SR40 and it was quite nice.

Can't speak on any other newer Rugers.

Jeb Stuart said:

I personally feel Ruger has made a move into a new direction. I don't think there focus is tank built guns in semi autos. A whole new world of gun owner's have emerged, and I believe they are looking for a gun as a peace of mind, rather than a gun to shoot often at the range. These people might go to the range a few times a year at best. They are looking for a inexpensive gun with good customer service. Ruger probably mass produces more guns than anyone in the world.
People bash Taurus all the time, yet go to the Ruger forum and you see all kinds of problems. But Ruger is good at taking then back and providing good service. But how much does that good service really cost. Shipping of gun to them and back to the owner, repairs, parts, time. All that cost is put into the gun before it rolls out for sale. I have eight Rugers, and have had to send 5 back for defects. But they did take care of me. I shoot often, but I bet many that do not shoot, never even send them in.

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I think you may have hit the nail on the head and I tend to agree with your statement!