In today’s age of single stack, pocket carry EDC guns, Guns.com set out to discover if the SR9c from Ruger still holds weight in the world of concealed carry. Ruger released the original SR9 design well over a decade ago in October 2007. In January of 2010, they released its smaller brethren the SR9c.
At Guns.com, the SR9c is one of our top selling pistols as is its magazines, yet there seems to be little attention or fanfare directed at this handgun. To unearth why it remains a top seller despite its lack of buzz, we took two models – a stainless steel version and an all-black version – to the range to get to know the SR9c a little better.
Good Size and Trusted Reliability
The Ruger SR9c finds itself, in terms of size, related to the likes of the Glock G26, classifying it as a compact gun. When comparing the SR9c with the G26 you’ll see that they each share a barrel length close to 3.4-inches. The SR9c is a bit longer and taller than the G26 but adds additional rounds when using the 17-round mag that comes standard with most new purchases.
The Ruger SR9c proved to be both reliable and fun to shoot at the range (Photo: Seth Rodgers/Guns.com)
It should be noted that the SR9c also features a flat bottom 10-round magazine. This is where the height measurement of the gun is a bit deceiving. Yes, the height of the SR9c is 4.61-inches but where the pistol gets the most bang for its buck is in that 17-round magazine. When using that extended mag, the height is closer to its big brother, the SR9, measuring in at 5.52-inches.
Height is a factor when selecting a concealed carry firearm as it relates to the gun’s concealability as taller guns may print more easily. This may be a reason for Glock’s perceived dominance in this compact carry comparison.
Additional Features
The Ruger SR9 lineup boasts some features that set it apart from other budget-minded concealed carry guns. One feature that is sure to please the masses is the ambidextrous mag release, making this an ideal gun for lefties. Both models also boast an ambidextrous manual safety as well. In addition to the ambi controls, the gun also touts adjustable sights. The rear sights are ramped and adjustable for windage while the front sight is raked-forward for an easy draw from concealment.
You’ll also get a reversible rubberized backstrap that switches from curved to flat within seconds. This backstrap might not make a huge difference but it’s nice to know it can be adjusted without the use of special tools.
The SR9c boasts several features including an ambidextrous mag release and manual safety (Photo: Seth Rodgers/Guns.com)
Up top, the slide comes with serrations on both the front and back – a big plus. While the serrations aren’t super aggressive, they are enough to get the job done. The patented loaded chamber indicator is also something that makes the SR9c stand apart from the crowd. I’m not a huge fan of loaded chamber indicators, because in most cases it would seem faster to do a simple press check, however, this loaded chamber indicator is not typical. Its unique “pop-up” design makes it easy to tell if you got one hot in the pipe or not, a welcome feature for those new to concealed carry. Additionally, if you would like to make the SR9c your home-defense pistol an integral rail upfront allows you to attach a light or laser.
Range Performance
Stretching the legs of the SR9c at the range proved to be a very enjoyable experience. The pistol functioned flawlessly as it chewed through a mix of Fiocchi Range Dynamics, Blazer Brass, and Wolf ammunition. The trigger was especially enjoyable and a bit surprising. For a gun that you can find brand new for under $300, you would expect some stiffness in the trigger. Instead, what you get is a very nice smooth pull with minimal mush to get through. Reset is a bit long but comes with an audible click and tactile feel.
The fliers are certainly to blame on the author and not the gun (Photo: Seth Rodgers/Guns.com)
The Ruger SR9c made me feel confident as my groups turned out great. Follow up shots were easy, something attributed to both the trigger and the short recoil of the firearm. The SP9c fit great in the hand and was a pleasure to shoot.
Conclusion
Ruger has a long history of making firearms that are reliable, practical and budget-friendly and the SR9 lineup doesn’t deviate. This is a quality handgun that should be considered alongside its Glock and Sig Sauer counterparts.
If you’re looking for a home-defense pistol with an MSRP of under $300 then look no further. Click the button below to add the SR9c to your lineup today.
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