Law Officer Volume 6 Issue 3 When Ruger introduced its SR9 semi-automatic pistol, it was the first in a line of handguns the company calls its Hard R series of firearms. The SR9 has proven to be popular, athough not nearly as much as the .380 LCP and .38 Special LCR, which have surpassed sales estimates for the company. One is a pistol, the other a revolver, but both share common traits: They're light, compact and easy-to-carry concealment handguns.
Ruger took notice and opted to introduce another model to the Hard R series a subcompact version of its SR9 service pistol called the SR9C. The gun is three-quarters of an inch shorter in length and one inch shorter in height than the full-size model, making it similar in size to other sub-compact pistols. With a proper hollow point load, the 9 mm can do good work, provided the shooter hits what they re shooting at always the No. 1 factor in rapid incapacitation.
The SR9C is more than just a chopped pistol. Ruger has enhanced a few features. The company replaced the round magazine release buttons with a D-style button that s contoured for better thumb placement. The trailing edge of the button is flat, which adds more engagement surface to the thumb, and, like the original version, it's ambidextrous. Also, there are forward-cocking serrations on the slide, which some won't like. Just forward of the serrations is a beveled edge, which gives the slide a contoured look. Although the SR9 has a loaded-chamber indicator, I prefer to see a round in the chamber, thus I perform regular press checks.
The Ruger SR9C, like its big brother, has two manual safeties one on the face of the trigger, the other mounted on the frame similar in location to a 1911. I don't engage safety levers that aren't part of the manual of arms, so I ignore it. The trigger safety blocks rearward travel of the trigger, so it's engaged without thought when the gun is fired. The trigger on my test compact is superior to the trigger on my full-size SR9 and breaks right at 6 lbs.
Although the grip of the compact is shorter, it too has a reversible back strap that can help fit the gun into the individual shooter s hand. The SR9C comes with two magazines: a short 10-round model that can be fitted with a flat or extended floor plate and a full 17-round magazine fitted with a grip boot, giving it the feel of the full-size SR9. Caution: A short magazine may be problematic during a reload because the magazine being inserted into the short grip can pinch the skin on the heel of the hand. You must either extend the pinky finger or curl it around the ring finger to keep it out of the way.
The SR9C proved an excellent performer on the range. I tested the compact for accuracy by bench resting it at 25 yards with some of the most street proven 9 mm loads. I shot five rounds each for both accuracy and velocity using my Shooting Chrony chronograph placed 15 feet from the gun's muzzle. The average of the five rounds fired is reported.
All of the selected ammo styles proved more than accurate for combative purposes and, when used in rapid fire strings between three and 10 yards, all printed tight groups in the high chest region. I went on to expend an additional 400 rounds of various factory ball and reloads without a single hitch. The only problem I noted is the adjustable sights shot a foot high out of the box and needed to be zeroed, so ensure your gun shoots to the desired point of aim before hitting the street.
I think the SR9C is going to be just as popular as the other models in the Hard R series of Ruger firearms, and I wouldn't be surprised if it outsold the full-size SR9 quickly. If you're looking for a gun small enough to conceal but big enough to give you peace of mind, the Ruger SR9C is something you must consider.
RUGER SR9C performance
Ammo Accuracy Velocity
Corbon Pow R Ball 100 grain 3 1335 fps
Corbon 115 grain DPX HP 2 1230 fps
Speer Gold Dot 124 grain +P 3 1177 fps
Federal 124 grain HST HP 2.75 1113 fps
Winchester 127 grain +P+ SXT 3.25 1257 fps
Winchester 147 grain SXT HP 2.5 927 fps
RUGER SR9C
Pros
Cons
CONTACT
Sturm, Ruger and Co.
603/863-3300
www.ruger.com
Choose 60 at www.lawofficer.com/rs.