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As a longtime fan of subcompact striker guns, it is challenging to ignore the debate between the Ruger EC9s vs LC9s Ruger. Although these two guns have very similar features and components, there are some differences that make each gun unique.
Table of Contents
What’s the Difference Between Ruger LC9s & EC9s?
The primary difference between Ruger LC9s & EC9s is their sights. The Ruger LC9s features adjustable rear sights while the Ruger EC9s offers fixed sights. The EC9s frame is constructed with glass-filled nylon with an aluminum insert and the grip is checkered to provide a solid, non-slip hold.
In contrast, the Ruger LC9s frame is made of a high-performance, glass-filled nylon, while the slide and barrel are steel. The LC9s frame is black, and the slide is blued while the EC9s Ruger uses a “black oxide” finishing process on its slide and barrel.
Specification Chart
EC9S
- Brand: Ruger
- Model: EC9s
- Height: 4.5 inches
- Weight: 17.8 oz.
- Length: 6 inches
- Trigger: Double-Action Only
- Barrel: 3.12 inches
- Calibers: 9mm Luger
- Capacities: 7 + 1
LC9S
- Brand: Ruger
- Model: LC9S
- Height: 4.5 inches
- Weight: 17.1 oz
- Length: 6 inches
- Trigger: Double-Action Only
- Barrel: 3.12 inches
- Calibers: 9mm Luger
- Capacities: 7 + 1
In-Depth Comparison
Ruger LC9s and Ruger EC9s Pricing
Although the Ruger EC9s is an almost exact copy of the Ruger LC9s, it is generally less expensive. Ruger saved cost in manufacturing the EC9s by making its sights fixed, creating the spaces between the slide serrations on the EC9s wider than the LC9s, and using “black oxide” instead of the “bluing” process they use on the LC9s, which all saved machining time and costs. With this, the Ruger EC9s takes its first win against the LC9s Ruger for being more affordable.
Although Ruger discontinued the LC9s, it’s still relatively easy to get your hands on a new or used one. Case in point—as of April 2023, Cabela’s was still selling the Ruger LC9s and even dropped the price by $150.
For other cost-effective pistols, check out this Ruger SR22 and M&P 22 Compact comparison.
Design & Ergonomics
Comparing the Ruger EC9S vs LC9S in terms of design & ergonomics could be tough because both the EC9s & LC9s Ruger have very similar features. The LC9s features a polymer frame type, with a detachable magazine and a sub-compact size while the Ruger EC9s is slightly larger.
Unfortunately, since the EC9s Ruger is an economic model for the LC9s, the LC9s has more features than the EC9s. With this, the LC9s takes its first win.
Ruger EC9s or LC9s Trigger
Both Ruger EC9s and LC9s have the same trigger operation: the Double-Action Only (DAO). The EC9s Ruger’s trigger is lightweight at just under 4 pounds of weight, which made us quickly put rounds on-target with minimal effort when we tested it. One disadvantage of the LC9s is its longer trigger pull, which made us give another win to the Ruger EC9s.
If you want some good info on striker-fired guns, check our Beretta APX vs Sig Sauer P320 article here.
Sights
The Ruger LC9s takes its second win against the EC9s because of its adjustable sight. In this particular area, the Ruger EC9s falls short because its sights are fixed, which are machined into the slide, rather than dovetailed in, meaning if you aren’t satisfied with it, you can try swapping them for night sights or fiber optics. Still, it would require installing new sights yourself or sending your pistol off to your local gunsmith to have them installed.
Capacity
Both the Ruger LC9s and EC9s Ruger have the same magazine capacity with seven rounds, so with one in the chamber, you can carry a total of 8 rounds. Compared to other single-stack 9mm handguns, their case capacity is pretty good. Because of this, the result is a draw.
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Accuracy
Accuracy-wise, both models exude high-accuracy levels in the shooting range. Although the Ruger LC9s has a short barrel and small frame, its accuracy never faltered, especially for very close encounters.
But because of the LC9s’ longer trigger pull, we found out that the Ruger EC9s is more comfortable to shoot, which gave us relatively more accurate results than shooting with the Ruger LC9s. With this, the EC9s takes another win.
Ruger EC9s Pros & Cons
PROS
- Striker-fired mechanism
- Short, crisp trigger pull
- Multiple safety features
- Integral, low profile sights
- Uses LC9 accessories
CONS
- Relatively stiff controls
- Fixed sights
Ruger LC9s Pros & Cons
PROS
- Well built
- Reliable
- Comfortable to shoot
- Adjustable sights
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning
CONS
- Not designed for larger hands
- Very long trigger pull
Ruger EC9s or Ruger LC9s? The Winner is...
In choosing between the Ruger EC9S vs LC9S Ruger, the winner is the EC9s because it is more affordable, easier to shoot because of its short and crisp trigger, and is more accurate. But if budget restriction does not concern you, getting the Ruger LC9s is also a good choice.
If you like tactical shotguns, we recommend this Benelli M2 and Benelli M4 comparison here.
Our #1 Recommendation
Ruger EC9s
- Affordable
- Accurate
- Shorter trigger pull
- Crisp trigger
I’ve owned an older Lc9s for many years now and have put a couple of thousand rounds plus through it without any problems at all , I’ve also tried the ec9 and have more difficulty with the sights as I’m getting older .
I’m not seeing that much difference in the triggers but I have handled the new Lc9s with the new sights and will be purchasing because it’s like night and day between the ec9 and Lc9s for the sights, quicker alignment with the target due to better sights for a few dollars more is well worth it
Just curious, why is having the slide lock back on an empty mag, a con for the LC9s?
With that said, the slide locks back on and empty mag for the EC9s, too.
Thanks for the feedback. We agree and edited our mistake.
How is the slide locking back on last round a con on the LC9s that’s how it is designed & l have had several of both of the E & L models and the trigger on the LC9s is just as good if not better than the E model they are both great guns got the money although the LC9s is about a hundred more l think it looks better with the nice blued finish, dovetail adjustable sight is a great feature because you have the option of changing to FO or night sights, l also don’t get where you say the barrel is longer on the EC9 producing better accuracy they both are 3.12 “ long. I think you are off on you comparing, the two guns and your pros & cons
Thanks for sharing your experience and feedback. We recently updated our comparison. We’d love to hear what you think.
You consider the slide locking on an empty mag a negative? Well I’ve NEVER heard that one before. That’s a “Pro” not a negative. I’ve been shooting for over 55 years so I have a tad more experience than you.
55 years of shooting! We will be there one day, God willing. We agree that the slide locking on an empty mag is not a negative and edited our mistake. Thanks for pointing it out.