The Security-9 revives Ruger's Security line of handguns, but this time as an economical semi-automatic pistol.
What's under the Ruger Security-9's hood:
- The 9mm is a hammer-fired, single-action similar to the LCP II.
- This system gives it a reliable 5-pound trigger pull and short reset.
- It also makes the Ruger Security-9's slide light and easy to operate.
- It is a medium-sized pistol with a 4-inch barrel.
- A 1-inch width and 5-inch height makes it easy to conceal.
- The Security-9 has a glass-filled nylon frame.
If there is any mantra dominating Ruger so far in 2018 it’s: “Everything old is new again.” Alongside the New Hampshire gunmaker dusting off its Police Carbine under the guise of the PC Carbine for the New Year, it has also reached way back to revive its Security line of handguns.
However, and most likely to the chagrin of revolver fans, the highly popular Security-Six double-action wheelguns aren’t back from the dead. It’s quite the other end of the spectrum.
Ruger has re-imagined the line with the Security-9, a hammer-fired semi-automatic pistol. And while the polymer-framed pistol is sized to be a jack-of-all trades — certainly as comfortable in the nightstand as the waistband — it has one feature that could attract shooters like moths to a flame. With an MSRP of $379, the 9mm is among the most affordable guns in the company’s entire catalog and the gun world at large.
Certainly, much of Ruger’s ability to serve up such an economical handgun hangs on the company turning to existing designs. In essence, the Ruger Security-9 is a scaled up version of the .380 ACP LCP II, utilizing the same glass-filed nylon frame construction and single-action trigger and a hammer. But dipping into the same well isn’t a bad thing, given the micro pistol and now the 9mm are winning kudos for their shootability.
The trigger on what Ruger calls its Secure Action system has much to do with this, breaking at a reliable 5 pounds and boasting a short positive reset. This system also gives the Security-9 a leg up against other pistols in the same class in an often overlooked feature — slide operation.
Working the slide is considerably easier than a striker-fired design, given the internal hammer. This is a potential boon for those who lack the hand strength to manipulate a semi-auto’s slide, such as the elderly. There is an element of safety built into the system as well, given the pistol can be disassembled without first pulling the trigger.
In the size department, the Ruger Security-9 seems to embrace current trends of a compact pistol, but not one so demure it loses its manageability. While not by leaps and bounds, its 4-inch barrel mitigates muzzle flip found in the sub-compact class of pistols. On top of that, it also extends the sight radius of the gun; perhaps not as greatly as a full-sized pistol, but enough to improve accuracy.
At the same tick, the Security-9 seems to have the trim figure of a street fighter. It is just over 1 inch in width and 5 inches in height, which should keep it from printing, even in easy-going summer garb. And at 23 ounces, it should prove far from toting a lead weight.
The pistol appears to have well-considered ergonomics. Highly contoured and rounded in the right places, the grip has plenty of real estate, particularly up high. And, as is becoming more commonplace, the trigger guard is quite ample, giving gloved hands plenty of room to work.
The controls are straightforward and predictable as midnight — strong-side magazine release and blade trigger safety. Though the addition of a manual thumb safety is certain to elicit grumbles among some segments of the shooting worlds.
Finishing off the Security-9 are high-visibility sights, drift adjustable for windage, and an accessory rail for a light or laser sight. The pistol ships with two alloy magazines and, for shooters that live in less-enlightened states, 10-round reduced capacity magazines are available.
All in all, the Ruger Security-9 doesn’t break the mold. But incorporating proven old designs with a price that could even get misers to loosen their purse strings, Ruger has given shooters plenty of reason to consider its new 9mm.
Specifications:
Ruger Security-9
Capacity: 15+1; 10+1
Barrel Material: Alloy Steel
Barrel Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 4 in.
Overall Length: 7.24 in.
Sights: Drift Adjustable 3-Dot
Weight: 23.7 oz.
Grip Frame: High-Performance, Glass-Filled Nylon
Slide Material: Through-Hardened
Alloy: Steel
Slide Finish: Blued
Slide Width: 1.02 in.
Height: 5 in.
Grooves: 6
Twist: 1:10″ RH
Suggested Retail: $379.00
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