- Alfred Mendoza
- July 20, 2022
If you are a fan of a subcompact striker gun, it may be challenging for you to ignore the ceaseless debate between the Ruger EC9s vs LC9s Ruger. Due to their almost similar features and components, these holster models are always compared head to head. But which model has the edge over the other?
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 with 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’s 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 & Ruger EC9s Pricing
Although the Ruger EC9s is an almost exact copy of the Ruger LC9s, it is about a c-note cheaper. 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.
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 almost have the same features. The LC9s features a polymer frame type, with a detachable magazine and a sub-compact firearm size while the Ruger EC9s ships an instruction manual, a cable lock, and a takedown tool.
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
Rounds - Ruger LC9s or EC9s?
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.
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
- No option to delete the thumb safety and mag disconnect
- Fixed sights
Ruger LC9s Pros & Cons
PROS
- Well built
- Reliable
- Comfortable to shoot
- Adjustable sights
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning
CONS
- Slide locks back on an empty mag
- 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 has higher accuracy. 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
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