Ruger has a reputation for making reliable and affordable handguns as one of our nation’s leading firearms manufacturers. The company offers nearly 800 variations of more than 40 products and has been rolling out guns for more than 70 years. 

Naturally, many of those products are handguns, and they offer plenty of options for the now booming 9mm handgun market. One that should stand out for Ruger fans who concealed carry is the tiny go-to Ruger LC9s chambered in 9mm. As probably the most popular chambering today both in terms of capacity options and stopping power, I’ve gone ahead and listed five of the other best Ruger handguns chambered in 9mm today. Because Ruger has so many models and variations, there’s a little something for everyone, and you can’t go wrong with any of these.

Ruger LCR 9mm Revolver

Yes, that’s right. It’s a revolver, and it’s chambered in 9mm. What’s not to love? This lightweight, small-frame revolver has a smooth trigger and highly manageable recoil. The LCR revolver also has a patented next-generation friction-reducing cam that results in a smooth, non-stacking trigger pull. The cylinder is made from high-strength stainless steel, which is extensively fluted and holds five rounds of 9mm. With a barrel length of 1.87 inches, it’s perfect for everyday carry or use as a backup gun. The fact that it’s chambered in 9mm makes it perfect if you normally carry a 9mm because you won’t be carrying multiple calibers of spare ammunition. 

Ruger MAX-9

According to Ruger, the MAX-9 is “your next handgun.” Perfect for everyday carry, the micro-sized MAX-9 has a barrel length of just 3.2 inches and weighs only 19.4 ounces. While small in size, it has a generous capacity of 10+1 or 12+1, depending on the magazine you choose. It’s a striker-fired pistol featuring a quick, smooth trigger pull and positive reset. Optics ready straight out of the box, this pistol is packed with features, including a fiber-optic front sight. Because of its size, it works perfectly holstered inside the waistband or in a pocket holster. It’s rugged, affordable and a reliable option for everyday carry. 

Ruger Security-9

Another great carry option, the Security-9 features the reliable and proven Secure Action fire-control system combining a protected internal hammer with a bladed safety trigger. The trigger has a short, smooth pull and positive reset. The textured grip frame provides a secure and comfortable feel in the hand, and there’s even a compact version for more concealability. This gun is loaded with safety features, which include an integrated trigger safety, neutrally balanced sear, and hammer catch to prevent the hammer from coming into contact with the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled. It also features a no-trigger-pull takedown and requires no special tools. Magazine capacity is 15+1, making the Security-9 a safe, effective, and reliable choice. 

Ruger EC9s

The EC9s is both reliable and affordable. This striker-fired, sub-compact pistol has a short, light, crisp trigger pull that make it fast and accurate. It’s slim and lightweight, making it a great compact choice for concealed carry. The checkered grip frame provides a secure and comfortable feel in the hand. The EC9s trigger has an integrated safety, and the pistol also has a manual safety and an inspection port that allows for visual confirmation of a loaded (or empty) chamber. The capacity on the EC9s is seven rounds, and the magazine has an integrated pinky extension. If you like colors other than black, this one is available in many options.

Ruger American Compact

With a capacity of up to 17+1 and a barrel length of just 3.55 inches, the Ruger American Compact has about as much firepower as you can demand in a compact carry gun. Featuring a safe takedown, this pistol requires no special tools and no trigger pull. The innovative modular wrap-around grip system can be adjusted for palm swell and trigger reach to fit a wide range of hand sizes. The ergonomic grip modules lock in securely. The Ruger American Compact has an ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release, so it’s perfect whether you’re right or left-handed.  It’s +P ammunition rated and has a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories such as lights and/or lasers.  

revolver barrel loading graphic

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