Ruger Security-9 Review

Explore the Ruger Security-9, a 9mm Luger with a 4″ barrel and a 15+1 capacity, designed for reliability and affordability. Features a blued alloy steel slide, glass-filled nylon frame, and Secure Action hammer-fired system for consistent performance. This review delves into my personal experiences with the Security-9, aiming to provide a comprehensive insight into what makes it a standout option for both self-defense and range shooting.

Things I Love About the Ruger Security-9

1. One of the most appealing aspects of the Security-9 is its price point. It offers great value for a handgun that doesn’t compromise on reliability or functionality, making it an accessible option for both new and experienced shooters.
2. Over the years, the Security-9 has proven itself to be a remarkably reliable firearm. It handles a wide variety of ammunition without any issues, from cheaper range rounds to more expensive self-defense loads. I’ve put thousands of rounds through mine without any significant failures.
3. Ruger did an excellent job with the design of the Security-9. It fits comfortably in the hand, with a grip that’s secure yet not overly aggressive, making it suitable for long shooting sessions without discomfort.
4. The controls on the Security-9 are intuitive and easy to operate, including the slide release and the magazine release. The simplicity of the design makes it a great choice for beginners, while still satisfying the needs of more experienced shooters.
5. The compact size of the Security-9 makes it versatile for both home defense and concealed carry. It strikes a good balance between being large enough to handle comfortably and small enough to carry without too much bulk.

Things I Don’t Like About the Ruger Security-9

1. While the trigger is functional, it’s not the best I’ve experienced. The pull can feel a bit gritty, and the reset isn’t as crisp as I’d like. It’s by no means a deal-breaker, but it’s an area where the Security-9 could see improvement.
2. The factory sights are adequate for close-range engagements, but they’re somewhat basic. I found myself upgrading to aftermarket sights for better visibility and accuracy at longer distances.
3. With heavy use, I’ve noticed that the finish on the Security-9 can start to wear, particularly on the slide. While this is largely cosmetic, it’s something to consider for those who prioritize the long-term appearance of their firearm.
4. Depending on the model and the laws of your area, the standard magazine capacity might feel limited compared to other pistols in the same category. Additional magazines aren’t overly expensive, but it’s an added cost if you’re looking to increase your capacity.
5. While there’s a decent market for Security-9 accessories, it’s not as extensive as some other platforms. Finding holsters or specific aftermarket modifications can be a bit more challenging, depending on what you’re looking for.

Personal Maintenance Routine

Maintaining the Ruger Security-9 is an essential part of my routine to ensure its reliability and longevity. Here’s my personal maintenance routine, developed from extensive use and based on what has worked best for me:

Weekly Maintenance (With Regular Use)

• Quick Visual Inspection: Every week, I do a quick check to ensure there’s no visible damage or unusual wear, especially if I’ve been to the range recently.
• Field Strip and Clean: After any range session, I field strip the Security-9, wiping down all parts with a clean cloth and applying gun oil to moving parts. I focus on the barrel, slide, and recoil spring assembly.
• Magazine Maintenance: I also take a moment to wipe down the magazines and inspect them for any dirt or debris that might affect performance.

Monthly Maintenance (For Light Use)

• Deep Cleaning: Once a month, or after every 500 rounds (whichever comes first), I perform a more thorough cleaning. This involves
  a bore brush and solvent in the barrel, cleaning the firing pin channel, and ensuring the magazine well is free of debris.
• Lubrication: After cleaning, I apply lubricant sparingly to the slide rails, barrel, and any other moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
• Safety Check: I also perform a function test to ensure the safety mechanisms, trigger action, and magazine release are operating correctly.

Semi-Annual Maintenance

• Detail Strip: About every six months, I take the time to fully disassemble the Security-9, including the removal of the firing pin and extractor for cleaning. This allows me to inspect all parts for wear or damage that might not be visible during a field strip.
• Replace Wear Parts: Any springs (recoil spring, magazine springs) or other parts showing signs of wear are replaced. Ruger recommends replacing the recoil spring assembly every 2,000 rounds, but I inspect it during each detail strip.

Additional Tips

• Storage: When not in use, I store the Security-9 in a dry, secure location. I use a silicone-treated gun sock for extra protection against moisture and dust.
• Ammunition: I make it a point to cycle through any loaded magazines every 3-4 months, shooting off older rounds and replacing them with fresh ammunition to ensure reliability.
• Record Keeping: Keeping a log of cleaning dates, rounds fired, and any parts replaced helps track the maintenance schedule and identify any potential issues early.

This routine has kept my Ruger Security-9 in excellent condition, ensuring it’s always ready and reliable whether for home defense, carry, or recreational shooting. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of the firearm but also maintains its safety and performance.

Ruger Security-9 Performance Evaluation: My Expert Ratings and Insights

Aspect	Review Summary	Score
Accuracy	The Security-9 is known for its respectable accuracy, especially considering its price point. Suitable for both range shooting and self-defense scenarios.	8/10
Reliability	This firearm is highly reliable, with many users reporting minimal failures even after thousands of rounds. Handles a wide range of ammunition well.	9/10
Versatility	Its size and features make it a good option for both concealed carry and home defense, but it lacks in specialized uses like competitive shooting.	7/10
Customization	The aftermarket support is growing but is not as extensive as for some other models. Options for sights, grips, and holsters are available, but more niche upgrades can be harder to find.	6/10
Ergonomics	Designed with comfort in mind, it fits well in a variety of hand sizes. The grip and controls are user-friendly, contributing to a pleasant shooting experience.	8/10
Value	Offering great reliability and functionality at an affordable price, the Security-9 provides excellent value for both new and experienced shooters.	9/10
Overall	Taking all aspects into account, the Ruger Security-9 is a solid, dependable choice for a wide range of users, offering a good balance between performance and cost.	8/10

Conclusion

Reflecting on my time with the Ruger Security-9, it’s clear that Ruger has crafted a firearm that strikes an ideal balance between affordability, performance, and versatility. Its robust design, reliable performance, and ease of maintenance make it a solid choice for anyone in the market for a new handgun. Whether you’re a seasoned gun owner or new to the shooting world, the Security-9 deserves consideration for its ability to meet a wide range of needs with exceptional competence. In my view, it represents one of the best values in the handgun market today, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to those seeking a reliable, versatile, and affordable firearm.

FAQs

1. What is the Ruger Security-9?
   The Ruger Security-9 is a compact, semi-automatic pistol designed for personal defense and recreational shooting. It features a polymer frame for reduced weight, a precision-machined, hard-coat anodized aluminum chassis as the internal frame, and a secure action used in Ruger’s LCP II.
2. What caliber is the Ruger Security-9?
   The Ruger Security-9 is chambered in 9mm Luger, a popular choice for self-defense due to its balance of power and manageable recoil.
3. Does the Ruger Security-9 have a safety feature?
   Yes, the Security-9 includes several safety features, including a manual safety, an integrated trigger safety, and a hammer catch to help prevent the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled.
4. What is the capacity of the Ruger Security-9?
   The standard magazine capacity of the Ruger Security-9 is 15 rounds, but there are also 10-round magazines available for states with capacity restrictions.
5. How accurate is the Ruger Security-9?
   The Ruger Security-9 is known for its accuracy, especially at self-defense distances. Its performance can be attributed to its ergonomic design and smooth trigger pull, which aid in achieving precise shots.
6. Can the Ruger Security-9 be used for concealed carry?
   Yes, due to its compact size and lightweight design, the Ruger Security-9 is an excellent option for concealed carry. It offers a good balance between size, capacity, and firepower.
7. What is the weight of the Ruger Security-9?
   The Ruger Security-9 weighs approximately 23.7 ounces when unloaded, making it comfortable for everyday carry.
8. Is the Ruger Security-9 suitable for beginners?
   Absolutely. Its ease of use, reliability, and affordable price point make the Security-9 an ideal choice for individuals new to shooting or looking for their first self-defense handgun.
9. How does the Ruger Security-9 compare to other handguns in its class?
   The Security-9 is competitive within its class, offering a balance of affordability, reliability, and features that are comparable or superior to other handguns in its price range.
10. What type of maintenance does the Ruger Security-9 require?
    Like any firearm, the Security-9 requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure its reliability and longevity. This includes cleaning the barrel, lubricating moving parts, and checking for wear and tear after use. Its simple design makes maintenance relatively straightforward, even for those with limited experience.

Remember, the true value of a firearm lies not just in its design or history, but in the skill and responsibility of the one who wields it. Stay safe, stay trained, and let every shot fired be a testament to the respect we hold for the power in our hands.