The Ruger Security 9 is a pleasantly-priced compact-ish 9mm pistol offering astounding value for money, as we will discuss in this Ruger Security 9 review. When it comes to value for money, it's almost unbeatable because it's a fantastic carry gun.
But nevermind the pricing; this is just a good pistol, full-stop. Is it perfection personified? Maybe not, but it makes some very popular pistols of comparable size and class seem downright overpriced by comparison.
Let's get into the Ruger Security 9 review.
Ruger Security 9 Based On LCP Operating System, References Classic Gun
The Ruger Security 9 is something of a paradox. It's a value gun, but it has features normally found on much more expensive pistols. It doesn't feel cheap at all, it just feels solidly built. It's a rather simple gun, but you couldn't say it's completely unrefined.
The firing system is a slightly scaled-up version of the LCP, Ruger's uber-popular pocket pistol. Obviously, the Security 9 is made for the 9mm cartridge whereas the LCP is a .380. The LCP, for those unaware, is double-action-only with a shrouded internal hammer. You can't cock it; every trigger pull cocks and drops the hammer.
The Security 9 likewise has a shrouded hammer and is a DAO pistol, but the trigger spring system has been tuned for a light trigger pull.
The Security 9 is named as a reference to the Security-Six pistol, part a family of mid-size revolvers built for the law enforcement/private security market. The Security-Six was a double-action revolver platform built for the cartridge, and was replaced in the Ruger catalog by the GP100. The original gun was a no-nonsense tank of a pistol, considered by many LEOs and revolver aficionados to be vastly more durable than the Colt Python and Smith and Wesson revolvers such as Models 19, 66 and 586.
The Security 9 seems to be made along the same lines, but is obviously a polymer-framed semi-auto. The only frills on the original were wood grips and target sights, but you get a few more perks with Security 9.
Ruger Security 9 Review: Tale Of The Tape
Read the features list in any Ruger Security 9 review, and you'll scratch your head as to how the MSRP is only $379.
The barrel is 4 inches long. Overall dimensions are 7.24 inches long, 5 inches tall and 1.02 inches wide at the slide. The controls are very low-profile, so overall width is about 1.2 inches. Unloaded, it weighs 23.7 ounces. The magazine holds 15+1 rounds. In other words, a fairly standard compact pistol though a bit on the svelte side.
The frame, made of glass-filled nylon, has decent texturing, with a slight bevel at the upper area of the grip for the index finger and thumb. The beavertail is moderate, but doesn't inhibit a good shooting grip. Stippling is adequate for good purchase, but isn't too rough.
The dust cover features an accessory rail, so you can use a laser and/or light, though there is a factory model that includes a Viridian laser. The sights - which are drift adjustable, so they can be upgraded - are a hi-viz white U-notch rear and white dot front sight. Night sights and fiber optics are available from Ruger if so desired, and aftermarket sets will surely be available soon if not already from third party suppliers. They are a bit low-profile, which is good for a carry pistol.
The trigger is a tabbed trigger design, not unlike other and Springfield XD pistols. A passive safety system is obviously part of the trigger mechanism, but a low-profile manual safety is located on the left side of the gun, along with the slide stop and magazine release. Controls are not ambidextrous, so lefties be aware.
Slide serrations are wide and are part scalloped, at the front and rear of the gun. This lets the user get good purchase on the slide for charging the pistol and press checks.
The gun features a magazine lock, so the slide release has to be used to return the pistol to battery. No slingshot here.
The DAO system actually makes for a better trigger than you'd think. The striker system on most comparable pistols doesn't engage the sear until the last part of the trigger pull. This has the effect of a trigger that is often mushy until it stacks at the very end and then breaks.
Since the Security 9 is DAO, take up is minimal; the trigger stacks almost immediately and is consistent from front to back. However, the pull - about 6 pounds - is light for a DAO gun, with a tactile and audible reset.
It's actually one of the best triggers on a gun of this type besides that of a Walther or H&K VP9. It's consistent, tactile and rather smooth for a plastic fantastic.
Ruger Security 9 Review: Best Value For Money...Probably Ever
The theme of this Security 9 review is basically that this is one of the best values for money with any pistol.
How you'll feel it shoot is totally down to you. While a reviewer can give you their impressions, your reaction to it will be your reaction to it. Therefore, it's best that you handle and shoot this pistol - if at all possible - to get your reaction to it.
Shooting the Ruger Security 9 is pleasant, as it's well-sorted all around. Felt recoil is more than manageable and it's quite accurate. For those used to a striker pistol trigger, it's going to take a little getting used to as this is a DAO pistol but with a light pull weight. The front-stacking nature of double action triggers is not something most shooters are used to anymore, but it's hardly a , so no one should have issues with that.
Some people don't prefer the stock sights, but this goes for any gun. Some reviewers and owners have wished for a bit more traction on the grips, but that's easily fixed.
What's great about the Security 9 is that it's slim, light and compact enough for daily carry for most people. While plenty of folks prefer a subcompact single-stack 9mm and refuse to carry anything larger (for good reason) the Security 9 is still a very easy pistol to carry. It is definitely a little sleeker, a little more svelte, than other big brand counterparts such as the Glock 19 or S&W M&P9 Compact, so that is something.
If there were any complaints to be made, they would be rather minor for the most part. The magazine lock may put some people off as some folks don't like to use the slide stop. Additionally, the manual safety - at first, anyway; it could smoothe out with use - is difficult to engage though it is easily swept off.
Another drawback is the lack of ambidextrous controls. While this isn't a problem for most people (the vast bulk of the human population is right-handed) it is a barrier for lefties and also people who train with both hands, which is a good idea.
With that said, this pistol is a serious value for money. You'd almost have to come up with a good reason for spending more.
Ruger Security 9 Holster Compatibility and Carry Options
One of the most practical strengths of the Ruger Security 9 is its adaptability to multiple carry setups. With a standard 15+1 capacity and compact frame geometry, it fits comfortably into a wide range of holster configurations — from minimalist IWB setups to OWB range rigs and even off-body tactical mounts.
IWB and AIWB Carry: Thanks to its 1.02” slide width and tapered frame, the Security 9 conceals well under a light cover garment using an inside-the-waistband holster. Look for adjustable cant and ride height features to fine-tune draw angle and reduce printing. The DAO trigger, with its inherent safety features, makes appendix carry more viable for experienced users.
OWB and Range Use: The 4" barrel and smooth frame contours allow the Security 9 to ride comfortably in outside-the-waistband holsters for open carry or training. Pairing it with a high-ride OWB rig ensures quick access without excessive bulk.
Chest and Off-Body Mounting: For users involved in backcountry travel, ranch work, or vehicular environments, chest rigs or hook & loop panel-mounted holsters provide secure, accessible alternatives to waistband carry. The relatively light weight of the Security 9 means it won’t shift excessively during high-movement activities.
Holster Fitment Notes: The Security 9 is not identical in profile to Glock 19 or other compact 9mms, so generic Kydex molds may produce loose retention or exposed trigger guards. For optimal safety and performance, invest in a holster custom-molded specifically for the Ruger Security 9 frame.
FAQs
1. Is the Ruger Security 9 a good choice for concealed carry?
Yes — the Security 9 offers a slim profile (1.02” width), manageable weight (23.7 oz), and compact footprint, making it highly suitable for IWB and AIWB concealed carry with proper holster selection.
2. What makes the Ruger Security 9 different from a striker-fired pistol?
The Security 9 uses a shrouded hammer-fired, DAO (double-action-only) system with a light, front-stacking trigger — unlike striker-fired systems, which often have mushier, rear-weighted pulls.
3. Can I mount a light or laser on the Ruger Security 9?
Yes — it features an accessory rail on the dust cover. Ruger also offers models bundled with a factory-installed Viridian laser.
4. Does the Ruger Security 9 support night sights or optics?
While it doesn’t support optics out of the box, the sights are drift-adjustable and can be upgraded with Ruger’s night sights or aftermarket fiber optic options.
5. Is the Ruger Security 9 suitable for home defense?
Absolutely — with 15+1 capacity, accessory rail for lights, and a full 4” barrel, it performs well as a bedside or home defense handgun.
6. What are the pros and cons of the Security 9 trigger?
Pros: Light DAO pull (~6 lbs), short take-up, crisp tactile reset.
Cons: Some users may need to adapt if used to striker-fired feel.
7. How does the Security 9 compare to the Glock 19 or S&W M&P9 Compact?
The Ruger Security 9 is slimmer, lighter, and significantly more affordable — while offering similar capacity and performance, albeit with less aftermarket support.
8. Does the Security 9 come with ambidextrous controls?
No — it has right-handed controls only. This may be a limitation for left-handed users or ambi-dominant training.
9. Is the Ruger Security 9 reliable for EDC and training?
Yes — it has earned a reputation for reliability across thousands of rounds, and the robust construction makes it suitable for both carry and high-volume training.
10. What kind of holster should I use with the Ruger Security 9?
Look for a custom-molded holster that provides full trigger guard coverage, solid retention, and support for your carry method (IWB, OWB, chest rig, or off-body).