Economic Evolution: Ruger's 9E Budget-Friendly Carry Gun

by
posted on April 23, 2022
Ruger 9E gun pistol handgun quartering view black plastic metal tool

Ruger introduced its SR9 (Sturm, Ruger 9) pistol in October 2007. The polymer-framed 9 mm Luger recoil-operated semi-automatic proved to be such a big success that the company introduced a compact—ideally suited for carry—three years later.

Depending on model, MSRPs ran slightly more than $500 and approached $600 throughout the handgun’s run. Ruger has a tradition of products that provide long-lasting quality without a budget strain, though, so a new variant appeared in 2014. The 9E, still part of the SR series, cost roughly $100 less, but that price drop required a few changes. Milling time was reduced by decreasing the number of gripping serrations on the slide and eliminating a few subtle curves on the metal. Its finish, too, was matte-blue, instead of the rest of the line’s stainless or nitride look. The loaded-chamber indicator was also eliminated, and it shipped with only one magazine instead of two.

Internally, though, it still packed all the same Ruger SR performance and handling. An accessory rail allowed mounting of lights/lasers, the backstrap was reversible and both the magazine release and thumb safety were ambidextrous.

The striker-fired pistol came with a 4.14" barrel with 6-groove, 1:10" RH rifling. Sights were a single white dot up front, with a pair of dots at the rear. Double-stack magazine capacity was 17 cartridges and the glass-filled nylon frame ensured the kind of strength and longevity enthusiasts have come to expect from the company.

It tipped the scales at 27.2 ounces and had an overall length of 7.5". Height measured 5.53" and width came in at 1.27".

Despite the fact it was a popular option, Ruger doesn’t rest on its laurels. In 2015 the company introduced the wildly popular American Pistol. That cut into the SR sales and by January 2018 the entire line was discontinued—including the 9E. The company introduced the Security-9 at about the same time, which filled the budget slot in elegant fashion.  

Used Ruger 9Es today run anywhere from $250 to more than $300, depending on conditions.

Latest

British Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol held in hand outdoors shooting firing blackpowder muzzleloading
British Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol held in hand outdoors shooting firing blackpowder muzzleloading

I Have This Old Gun: British Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol

One of the mainstays in the British Royal Naval arsenal of small arms was the Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol, a design that equipped sailors for ship-to-ship fighting.

New For 2025: Hi-Point Large Format Pistols

Hi-Point Firearms expanded its handgun lineup with large-format pistol variants of its popular pistol-caliber carbines.

SAAMI Conference Reflects Growing Industry Dedication To Innovation

“This year’s record attendance is a clear indication of the importance of this event to the ammunition and firearm development and testing community, as well as government and law enforcement test labs and procurement activities,” said Joe Bartozzi, SAAMI president and CEO.

Favorite Firearms: Outstanding Customer Service!

I purchased my first pistol, a .32-cal. Walther PPK in 1969. Why choose a .32 ACP and not a more powerful .380 ACP? Because .32 was the chambering that Ian Fleming’s fictional character James Bond switched to when Q forced him to give up his beloved .25-cal. Beretta.

 

Preview: N8 Tactical Mini Xecutive

The Mini Xecutive from N8 Tactical is an inside-the-waistband holster intended to be carried in the appendix position.

A Pair Of Fiesty Felines: The 80X Cheetah And 30X Tomcat Get Home Bag

Few manufacturers have embraced the mouse-gun concept as thoroughly as Beretta—and proof is in the updates to its two smallest pistol lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.