Ruger SR9C vs Security 9 compact - any functional difference?

[roscoe]

I am shopping for a less expensive compact with a 10-round magazine, because I occasionally have to travel to CA. The local gun store has these two for the same price, and they seem pretty much functionally identical - compact, 10-rounds (I think the SR9C also can take a bigger magazine), one is striker-fired and one is hammer fired, for whatever difference that amounts to. The SR9c is two-tone, which I dislike, but can overlook.

My questions - is there any true qualitative difference? It will not be a target pistol, but that doesn't mean I don't want something that won't last a long time on a semi-regular practice schedule. I know the SR series has been around longer, but I haven't heard any complaints about the full size Security 9, and it has been on the scene for a while. Has anyone made a real comparison? Anyone shot and disassembled both?

 

[Palolosj]

I'm not familiar with Security 9 but SR9C is one of the best pistols Ruger ever made. Just by looking at the slide one can see that Security 9 was designed to be made inexpensively. The stainless slide is preferred because it is more oxidation resistant.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

I am shopping for a less expensive compact with a 10-round magazine, because I occasionally have to travel to CA. The local gun store has these two for the same price, and they seem pretty much functionally identical - compact, 10-rounds (I think the SR9C also can take a bigger magazine), one is striker-fired and one is hammer fired, for whatever difference that amounts to. The SR9c is two-tone, which I dislike, but can overlook.

My questions - is there any true qualitative difference? It will not be a target pistol, but that doesn't mean I don't want something that won't last a long time on a semi-regular practice schedule. I know the SR series has been around longer, but I haven't heard any complaints about the full size Security 9, and it has been on the scene for a while. Has anyone made a real comparison? Anyone shot and disassembled both?

Two really different firearms as far as build quality. Here are some pics, you be the judge.

The SR9 will have the stainless steel build in the pics verse the aluminum sub chassis. You can see where the SR9 has steel on the high stress areas.



SR9

 

[roscoe]

Are they both the same size in terms of width?

 

[Jeb Stuart]

Are they both the same size in terms of width?

https://www.handgunhero.com/handguns

 

[Mike J]

I am not an SR fan for my own reasons but between those two I would pick the SR. I believe it would be the higher quality choice. The SR's do have a following & it is not without reason. If you do a search on the forum you will find a lot of information about them.

 

[needmorecowbell]

My experience is all semiauto Rugers rust the same

 

[bannockburn]

I have an SR9c and it's one of the better striker fired/polymer frame 9mm.s I have come across. Have also looked at the Security 9 and didn't think all that much of it. Seemed more like a gun built to a certain price point; not one of Ruger's better efforts.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

I have an SR9c and it's one of the better striker fired/polymer frame 9mm.s I have come across. Have also looked at the Security 9 and didn't think all that much of it. Seemed more like a gun built to a certain price point; not one of Ruger's better efforts.

View attachment 855593

The SR9C should be a Ruger Icon. A symble of the heart of Ruger as far as semi autos go. High quality, rugged, built tough. Ruger Rugged. A solid built gun at a Affordable price with great customer service.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I have an SR-9 and it is a good solid shooter if your right handed. I am left handed but shoot handguns right handed, it works well for me.
My son shoots left handed and can't shoot my SR-9 because it won't fire in his hands.
the only thing I can see for a reason why is the mag release is on the left side and when he holds the gun he is pushing it just a little.
It just will not fire in his hands.
So if your a lefty you may want to consider this because this is the only complaint I've had with the gun, and I've had it since the SR-9 came out.

 

[fortyniner]

The SR9C appears to be out of production now. Is there any parts availability if repairs are needed?

 

[5-SHOTS]

I have no experience with any of the two. Judging from the pics of the internals (not only the ones posted above), the SR9 seems a so much substantial pistol to me than the Security 9. Alot sturdier design to me.

 

[armedwalleye]

If it's any consolation, the SR9c can be had in an all blued/black version.

 

[5-SHOTS]

As far as I know the SR9c has ambi magazine release and ambi thumb safety, a magazine disconnect safety that someone removes from the slide, and a loaded chamber indicator flag. The SR9c has a slightly different takedown procedure.
I'd take the SR9c every day of the week.

 

[railroader]

I have two sr9c pistols, one blue, one stainless. I think Ruger makes runs of them once in a while for one distributer. I got both of mine around last christmas new for $199 each. As far as I know ruger has spare parts for them for now. Both of mine have run great. Now in the past I had a sr45 that would not run with my reloads. No matter what I did it was plagued with light strikes. Factory ammo seemed ok with that gun. Also isn't the sr9c striker fired and the security 9 compact hammer fired?

 

[gc70]

I bought both the SR9 and SR9C last year. I replaced a Glock 17 with the SR9, which was much more comfortable and easy for me to shoot. I was impressed enough by the SR9 that I replaced an M&P 9c with the SR9C as a carry gun. (The M&P 9c had replaced a Security 9) Again, the SR9C just fits my hand and is easy for me to shoot, although it was very nice that two leather holsters for the M&P also fit the Ruger perfectly.

The Ruger SR series gives up nothing to pricier brands in terms of design reliability and build quality.