Ruger EC9s Review: Is This the Best Subcompact 9mm for Under $250?

Let's face it – finding a quality concealed carry pistol that doesn't break the bank can feel impossible. But Ruger might have solved this problem with their EC9s, a sleek subcompact 9mm that sells for around $200-250. But does budget-friendly equal quality? Can a pistol this affordable actually perform when it matters most?

This review digs into whether the Ruger EC9s deserves its reputation as possibly the best subcompact 9mm in its price range.

Background: Where Does the EC9s Come From?

Ruger built upon the success of their popular LCP and LC9 series to create an even more affordable option. The EC9s represents Ruger's smart approach to the budget concealed carry market – keep manufacturing costs low without sacrificing essential performance.

How did they manage this? By making some calculated compromises. The EC9s maintains the reliable action and ergonomics of pricier models but uses fixed sights and includes fewer accessories to hit that sweet sub-$250 price point.

Specs & Key Features

Before diving deeper, here's what you need to know about the EC9s:

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 7+1
• Barrel Length: 3.12"
• Overall Length: 6"
• Width: 0.90"
• Height: 4.50"
• Weight: 17.2 oz
• Trigger Type: Striker-fired with integrated safety
• Safeties: Manual safety + trigger safety
• Grip Extension: Included floorplate for improved control

At just 0.90 inches wide and weighing only 17.2 ounces, this pistol practically disappears under clothing. Its slim profile makes it ideal for everyday carry.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely affordable (often found under $250)
• Slim and lightweight for easy concealment
• Surprisingly good trigger
• Manual and trigger safety for added security

Cons:

• Fixed sights can't be upgraded
• Only one magazine included
• Takedown requires a tool
• Lacks ambidextrous controls

Who Should Buy the Ruger EC9s?

The EC9s makes perfect sense for:

• Budget-conscious buyers who need a defensive tool without spending big
• First-time concealed carriers testing the waters
• Those wanting a backup gun
• Shooters with smaller hands

It's less ideal for:

• Left-handed users (controls aren't ambidextrous)
• Anyone wanting night sights or extensive upgrades
• Users who hate having to use tools for disassembly

Design, Fit & Feel

Open the box, and you'll notice the EC9s have a certain appeal – it's compact yet substantial enough to handle comfortably. The two-tone finish (on some models) gives it a distinguished look that stands out from other budget pistols.

The grip texture strikes a good balance – aggressive enough on the sides for a secure hold but smooth on the corners to prevent catching on clothing during draws. For anyone with large hands, the extended floor plate is a must-have feature, yet still not enough for many. . Without it, your pinky might dangle off the bottom.

Ruger offers an impressive array of color options too – about 17 different models with various slide finishes and frame colors. Want something that matches your style? You'll likely find it.

The beaver tail, though modest, does its job keeping the slide from biting into your hand during firing.

Sights & Accuracy

Let's talk about those sights. They're...functional. Machined directly into the slide, they're certainly durable – they won't break off or come loose. But that also means you can't upgrade them.

You get a basic post in front and a U-notch in the rear. Both are serrated but lack contrast or dots, making them tough to pick up in certain lighting conditions.

Despite this limitation, the EC9s delivers decent accuracy. At 7 yards, some three-shot groups measured about 1 inch, but most averaged 2 to 2.5 inches. For a defensive pistol, that's perfectly acceptable. This isn't a target pistol – it's designed for close-range personal protection.

Trigger & Controls

Surprise! The trigger on this budget pistol is actually pretty good. It measures about 3 pounds 5 ounces and has a clean break after a bit of initial travel. The reset happens after almost the entire return stroke and isn't very tactile or audible – something to be aware of during rapid fire situations.

The manual safety is positive and clicks into place distinctly. The magazine release works as expected, with mags dropping free when pressed. Despite only coming with one magazine, it locks in solidly and feeds ammo consistently.

One thing to note: the controls aren't ambidextrous. Left-handed shooters might need to adjust their techniques accordingly.

Range Performance

During testing with 300 rounds of 115-grain FMJ ammunition, the EC9s had zero malfunctions. The magazines fed without issue, dropped cleanly when released, and the pistol cycled perfectly every time. That's impressive performance at any price point.

Recoil management is good thanks to the ergonomic grip design. Even with its small size, the EC9s doesn't punish your hand the way some subcompacts can.

Follow-up shots come naturally after a bit of practice. The gun points naturally, and despite the basic sights, acquiring targets happens intuitively once you've put in range time.

What Makes the EC9s Stand Out?

The standout feature has to be the capacity-to-price ratio. Getting 7+1 rounds of 9mm in a reliable package at this price point is remarkable.

Sure, you might find yourself wondering about certain features (or lack thereof), but when you consider the cost, those complaints seem petty. Ruger focused on making a gun that works when needed without unnecessary frills that drive up the price.

Its size also deserves mention – at less than an inch thick, this pistol conceals better than many competitors, even those costing twice as much.

Aftermarket Upgrades & Accessories

The EC9s offers a few upgrade options but not many. You can add several items to improve your pistol.

Extended 9-round magazines give you extra bullets when needed. The Viridian Reactor 5 laser sight helps with target acquisition in various lighting. Many companies make holsters that fit this specific model perfectly.

The fixed sights create a major limitation for customization. These sights are built into the slide itself and cannot be removed. Some owners apply bright paint to the front sight for better visibility during quick aiming.

Ruger designed these limitations to keep costs down for buyers. Your EC9s will mostly stay in its factory configuration throughout its service life. This trade-off helps maintain the gun's budget-friendly price point.

How to Field Strip the Ruger EC9s

Disassembly requires a tool – usually a small screwdriver or the tip of a bullet – to remove the takedown pin. It's not complicated but does add an extra step compared to many modern pistols.

The basic steps are:

1. Remove the magazine and check that the chamber is empty
2. Lock the slide back
3. Use a tool to push out the takedown pin
4. Release the slide lock and ease the slide forward off the frame
5. Remove the recoil spring assembly and barrel

For new gun owners, this process might seem intimidating at first, but it becomes routine with practice. Just don't lose that takedown pin!

Comparison With Similar Budget Subcompact Pistols

How does the EC9s stack up against other budget options?

Against the Taurus G2C, the EC9s is slimmer and lighter but offers less capacity (7+1 vs 12+1). The Taurus typically costs slightly more but includes two magazines and adjustable sights.

Compared to the SCCY CPX-2, the EC9s has a better trigger and more comfortable ergonomics, but again offers less capacity than the SCCY's 10+1.

What sets the EC9s apart is its balance of size, quality, and price. It feels less "budget" than its competitors despite often being priced lower.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

After weighing all factors, the Ruger EC9s earns its reputation as possibly the best subcompact 9mm under $250. It delivers on its primary purpose – providing affordable, dependable protection in a concealable package.

For anyone on a strict budget or looking for a backup gun, the EC9s makes perfect sense. It handles well, shoots accurately enough for self-defense distances, and maintains the quality Ruger is known for.

Yes, there are compromises – fixed sights, single magazine, tool-required takedown – but none affect its core functionality as a defensive firearm.

So is it the best subcompact 9mm under $250? For most people seeking a no-nonsense, budget-friendly carry gun, the answer is a resounding yes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add night sights to the Ruger EC9s?

No, the sights are machined into the slide itself and cannot be replaced or upgraded. Your best option is to add high-visibility paint to the front sight.

Do the EC9s come with a holster?

No, the EC9s package includes only the pistol, one magazine, and a cable lock. You'll need to purchase a holster separately.

How do the EC9s differ from the LC9s?

The main differences are in manufacturing – the EC9s has simplified sights, fewer machining operations, and comes with only one magazine to reduce cost. Functionally, they're very similar.

Is manual safety necessary on this gun?

The manual safety is a personal preference. Some users appreciate the extra security, but you can choose to carry with it off. The EC9s also has an integrated trigger safety.

Can I carry the EC9s with the extended magazine floor plate?

Yes, many users find the extended floor plate essential for a proper grip. It adds minimal size but significantly improves control and comfort.

How often should I clean my EC9s?

Like any defensive firearm, clean it after each range session. Even if not fired regularly, disassemble and clean your EC9s every 3-6 months to ensure proper function.