Ruger EC9s...followed me home today

[whatnickname]

Had some time on my hands this afternoon so visited one of my LGS. Found this one used in mint condition. $210 out the door with a spare 9 round magazine and Ruger polymer holster so I figured why not. Never was much of a fan of the hammer fired LC9 series. The striker fired pistols have gotten good reviews and don’t have a reputation of being ammunition sensitive so that is a plus. The safety, while not a feature I am particularly fond of, seems pretty positive and not something that appears prone to being accidentally engaged. The magazine disconnect is a neutral for me. About all I can find on line is that the slide has a fairly common black oxide finish, which I’ve read is a coating. Barrel appears to be blued. I haven’t seen anything on line regarding the resistance of this finish to the corrosive effects of perspiration and moisture. Any opinions as to the corrosion resistance of this finish?

 

[94045]

It's a chemical conversion to Magnetite.

alkaline aqueous salt chemical bath at 285F. 96 hours salt spray resistance. Increased surface hardness (similar to decent knife steel), anti-galling, reduced friction and retains surface lubricant.

It's basically a heavy duty industrial grade gun bluing. Generally thin is called bluing and thick is called Black Oxide.

 

[94045]

I have an EC9S and although it's not a favorite (due to software interface issues) the only issue I've had is magazine retention drag (it's difficult to insert the magazine when loaded) without pressing the magazine release. I'm sure Ruger would fix it (and to tell the truth I could likely do it myself in less time than shipping it). Since I don't carry it I haven't bothered.

 

[jwamplerusa]

Put a Houge You've grip on it, you'll be glad you did.

 

[wild cat mccane]

Unfortunately, this oxide is the lowest covering possible on a firearm next to bare steel. I really wish ruger hadn't gone this direction with the LC9 series.

 

[94045]

Unfortunately, this oxide is the lowest covering possible on a firearm next to bare steel. I really wish ruger hadn't gone this direction with the LC9 series.

Technically it should be superior to "bluing" in trade speak. It's essentially the same thing but a thicker heavier treatment.

 

[kcofohio]

That's not a bad price. I would say you got a decent deal.
I bought a EC9 back last summer. I have only taken it to the range a few times. So far I like the trigger better than the Shields I have.
I found that the Promag magazine that works with the LC9, will not get the last round chambered and jams up. But the old Ruger magazines work fine.
Once it gets more range time, I'll add it to the carry assortment.

 

[Trey Veston]

My dad has one and loves it. It's been his daily carry for a few years and still looks new. When I went gun shopping the other day, my girlfriend was with me and she fondled the EC9s with the Tiffany blue frame and stainless slide. She didn't like the sights, which are molded into the slide, and with the stainless model, are nearly impossible to see. I told her we could use some nail polish to highlight them, but she liked the Glock-style on the Security 9.

 

[jmr40]

I have the LC9s. It isn't my favorite, but for the money can't be beat. I don't mind that my Glocks don't have a safety, but the trigger pull on these Rugers is a lot lighter. I don't think I'd want one of these without a safety.

 

[wild cat mccane]

Unfortunately again, the LC9 was the only one with a stainless slide.

What you saw in the EC9s was a stainless cerakote. Again, the EC9 coating is where a lot of the value is lost for the purchaser.