USA – The cowboys were onto something.
Back in the day, it made logistical sense to carry a handgun and rifle chambered in the same caliber. With only one type of ammo to carry, the “horse unions” couldn’t complain too much about excess weight, and their riders could get by by using just one bullet mold over the campfire.
Even when using a “handgun” cartridge in a rifle or carbine, there are some essential benefits. The longer sight radius of the rifle makes aiming at distant targets easier. Much easier. The additional weight of the rifle over the handgun helps mitigate recoil, and that also helps improve shooting performance, especially when firing more than once. Last and certainly not least, those extra inches of barrel length enhance the performance of the handgun cartridge, at least in terms of velocity. Until friction becomes the dominant force, you’ll get an extra 20 to 50 feet per second of additional speed for each extra inch of barrel length.
Ruger Security 9 Pistol
Ruger has recently done something similar with their Security 9 pistol and PC Carbine. Technically, the same marriage applies between the Ruger American Pistol and the PC Carbine if you use the right magazine well adapter. Still, since we’re talking Security 9 here, we’ll stick to that configuration.
The Security 9 pistols are best described as Ruger’s affordable reliability offering. It’s a basic pistol that doesn’t include some of the fancier features you’ll find in the Ruger American Pistol. The Security 9 carries an MSRP of $379, while the Ruger American lists for $579 so the feature difference is to be expected and even welcomed if you need to save a few bucks. As just one example of the differences, the Security 9 uses an aluminum internal chassis while the American uses steel. More machining time means more dollars on the price tag.
Live Inventory Price Checker
Ruger Security 9 9mm 4 Barrel 15-Rounds Viridian Red Laser | GrabAGun | $ 329.99 |
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Ruger Security-9, 9mm, 4 Barrel, 2- 15rd Magazines, Manual Safety, Pistol | BattleHawk Armory | $ 389.00 $ 312.00 |
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Ruger Security-9 9mm 4 Barrel 15-Rounds Adjustable Sights | GrabAGun | $ 259.99 |
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Ruger Security-9 9mm Colbalt Frame 4 Barrel 15-Rounds | GrabAGun | $ 307.99 |
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As the name implies, the Security 9 is a 9mm pistol and is currently available in full-size and compact forms. The Ruger standard models are all black with a polymer frame combined with steel where it needs to be, but if you shop around, you’ll find distributor-exclusive models in various frame and slide color combinations. You can also order a version with a factory-mounted Viridian E-Series laser mounted forward of the trigger guard.
The full-size Ruger Security 9 Pistol comes with two standard 15-round magazines unless you live in an oppressed state. Those living under iron-fisted rule can get a 10-round configuration. The Compact model offers a standard 10+1 capacity and also includes two magazines.
The frame is all polymer, with the aforementioned aluminum chassis inside to provide structure. You’ll notice that the frame is fixed in size and shape – there are no replaceable backstraps to adjust grip size. That’s one of the cost-saving measures of the Security 9 family. I would describe the texture as “mellow skateboard tape.” It’s got some tackiness, but the surface isn’t sharp or abrasive. I had no trouble controlling the pistol with this texture, and it would be great for inside-the-waistband carry since it won’t rub your body raw. There is a rail segment up front for lights or lasers. The frame is slim for a full-sized pistol. I measured the grip at just 1.15 inches thick.
The internal action, called Secure Action by Ruger, comes from the LCP II and is a hammer-fired design. The hammer is internal, but there’s a notch in the back of the slide where you can see its status. One benefit described by Ruger is the lower slide-racking force, and you can notice that. While hard to quantify, it seems much more comfortable to rack this slide than those of similar striker-fired pistols.
The Security 9 has a manual safety on the left side. It’s frame mounted and locks into the base of the slide. When engaged in the safe position, it prevents the slide from moving and blocks the trigger from full motion. The lever is small and subtle but easy enough to push down into the firing position with your thumb. It won’t engage at all unless the internal hammer is cocked. Like most other modern pistols, there are “internal” safeties too. The trigger has a safety leaf that prevents full motion unless it is depressed. There’s also a hammer block inside that won’t allow the hammer to fall unless the trigger is pressed.
The sights are basic but effective enough. The front with white bead is semi-permanently mounted in a dovetail slot. The rear sight housing is adjustable for windage. The rear notch is surrounded by a white “U” much like Glock sights.
Shooting the Security 9
The trigger in the Security 9 is not bad at all. I measured the pull weight at 4 ¾ pounds using a Timney spring scale. It’s got maybe 1/16th of an inch of light take-up followed by consistent pressure until it breaks after about 3/8ths of an inch of total movement. The movement is not gritty and didn’t have a detectable overtravel. It also has a detectable reset after 3/8ths of an inch of forward travel. Considering the price point, it’s a good, solid trigger.
The Security 9 is easy enough to shoot. Its 23.8-ounce empty weight and hand-filling size make recoil light and follow-up shots easy. I didn’t shoot this pistol off a bench for 25-yard accuracy, mainly because the pistol and my frame-mounted handgun scope refused to play nicely together. So, I shot it freehand at targets from 7 to 15 yards. I tested a wide variety of ammo, both FMJ, and premium defensive types ranging in weight from 115 grains to 147 grains. All functioned flawlessly. As for accuracy, you can expect something in the “service grade” arena. If you want to hit paper plates at 15 yards, you can do that with relative ease. If you want to print one to two-inch groups, take a step up to the Ruger American pistol. This one will get the job done at defensive distances.
I did chronograph all the ammo I tested to see how it compared to results from the longer-barreled Ruger PC Carbine. On the whole, the Security 9 will generate a couple hundred feet per second less velocity with 12 inches less of barrel length.
Ammunition | Ruger PC Carbine Velocity (fps) | Ruger Security 9 Velocity (fps) |
Speer Gold Dot 9mm 124 grain | 1,277.7 | 1,091.7 |
Federal HST 9mm 124 grain | 1,264.3 | 1,096.5 |
Sig Sauer V-Crown 9mm 124 grain | 1,323.0 | 1,132.0 |
Sig Sauer FMJ 9mm 115 grain | 1,309.7 | 1,106.0 |
Inceptor ARX 9mm 74 grain | 1,660.7 | NA |
Sig Sauer M17 V-Crown +P 9mm 124 grain | 1,257.3 | 1,142.0 |
Sig Sauer M17 FMJ +P 9mm 124 grain | 1,438.7 | 1,225.7 |
Federal Syntech Training Match 9mm 147 grain | 1,144.3 | 969.8 |
Federal Syntech Defense 9mm 138 grain | 1,240.7 | 1,044.0 |
Blazer Brass 9mm 147 grain | 1,201.3 | 969.3 |
All in all, the Security 9 Handgun is a solid pistol for the budget conscious. I had no problems of any kind with reliability with any ammo type tested and that’s the primary job requirement for an affordable handgun. It’s comfortable to shoot and, paired with a PC Carbine, makes a great home-defense setup or gear for a fun day at the range.
Ruger Security 9 Pistol Specifications
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Material: Alloy Steel
- Barrel Finish: Blued
- Barrel Length: 4″
- Overall Length: 7.24″
- Sights: Drift Adjustable
- Weight: 23.8 oz.
- Grip Frame: High-Performance, Glass-Filled Nylon
- Slide Material: Through-Hardened Alloy Steel
- Slide Finish: Blued
- Slide Width: 1.02″
- Height: 5″
- Grooves: 6
- Twist: 1:10″ RH
- Available in CA: No
- Available in MA: No
- Suggested Retail: $379.00
About Tom McHale
Tom McHale is the author of the Practical Guides book series that guides new and experienced shooters alike in a fun, approachable, and practical way. His books are available in print and eBook format on Amazon. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
My wife bought me a Security 9 for Fathers Day went to the gun range ran 150 rounds with ease. It did jam once while using the Hornady Critical Defense.. But other than that it was smooth. Used Remington (115gr FMJ) Also used (Barnes 115gr HP). IMO great gun for the price..
I own a Ruger Security 9 with the factory Viridian laser. Terrific gun for ccw. Used it to requalify earlier this year and the folks in class all wanted to try it out. I probably sold a few for Ruger that day. As a woman of a certain age, I find this pistol fits my hand well, racks easily, and doesn’t feel like it is going to break my wrist with each shot. The sights are fine for me, and the laser is a nice training aid. It seems like it might be handy for use at night in a… Read more »
The PC Carbine comes with a mag well that accepts all SR series and Security 9 magazines. This means a wide variety of 10, 15 and 17 round mags for the PC Carbine. Works 100% with all mags mentioned. I even use the 15 round Security 9 mags in my SR9C, which also can use SR9 17 round mags. Really versatile system.
Did the Ruger American line ever really take off? Anecdotally, I see more of these cheaper Security 9s in the wild than Americans of any size/config.
Tom, I bought a Security 9 several years ago (pre covid) and although don’t remember exactly how much I paid for it felt that I was getting a great deal. The pistol is everything you say in the article & have had only one problem. About a year ago I picked up some Wolf 9mm ammo (steel case) and was shooting it thru all of my pistols with no problem and then on one visit to the range the Security 9 had a misfeed, I cleared it and same thing on the next round. Once at home I found the… Read more »
How many of you know Bill Ruger went to Congress and PUSHED a ban on magazines over 10 rounds?
Bill Ruger, also, pushed for high fines and jail time for violators.
How many of you know Bill Ruger took folding stocks and some firearms off sale to civilians saying the guns were only for law enforcement?
I DO NOT support the enemies of the Constitution and the American People.
Pretty sure that Bill Ruger hasn’t been in charge for quite some time now, considering he’s dead and all…
Your price are too high compare Naira, Nigeria currency.
Not only is the Security 9 the most comfortable gun I’ve ever shot, it has been 100% reliable over the last year or so, running all types of FMJ and Defensive loads through it. I bought it as the big brother to my nifty little EC9, which is in my book an excellent choice for EDC. As those familiar ads say: two great, versatile guns for the price of once fancy Glock/etc. I haven’t shot the Security 9 Compact yet, but I can hardly wait. They come with a 10 rd mag, but I believe they can also accommodate the… Read more »
It can use the 15 round perfectly. The Security 9 mag also fits/functions with no issues in the SR9C.
I bought one as a backup/truck gun. Something that can be kicked around without worry because it cost so little. But the fact is, they could have priced it at $500 easily and it would have received rave reviews. People seem to dismiss it because of the price point. My CZ 75 has gathered dust since I got the Security 9. I swear Sturm Ruger designed this gun specifically to fit my hand. Something they didn’t mention is that there is an adapter available so you can use the full size mags with the compact version. Which gives you a… Read more »
Adapter is only cosmetic, with work fine without it if you do not mind bare metal sticking out the bottom of the grip. Same way with using SR9 17 round mags in a SR9C.
Owned a Security 9 for well over a year now and it’s all you say it is. Added Talon grips for a bit more size and texture. Great addition. Not really happy with the sights and surprisingly few aftermarket ones available. But, it’s dedicated to bedside duty so 3” circle at 7 yards is good enough!