Based heavily on its higher-end cousin, the SR9, the company has announced the release of the full-size Ruger 9E 9mm handgun. The visual differences between the two models are subtle, but if you take a close look we can see how Ruger squeezed $100 off the MSRP.

As a gun company, you can reduce costs by typically two methods: materials and/or machining. Looking at the changes from the SR9, Ruger used both for the 9E. The most obvious change is the slide serrations. The 9E has wider cuts requiring less machine time. Second up is the sights. The 9E uses smaller dovetails (again, less machine time). On the subtle side, the slides are only available as a matte “Black Oxide” finish instead of the more robust (and expensive) semi-gloss Black Nitride finish. Finally,  Ruger no longer has a loaded chamber indicator, now opting for a small visual-inspection port.

The 9E

The SR9 for comparison. The differences are minor.

Internally, many of the components are shared with the SR9. To hit cost targets, Ruger further removes small accessories and a magazine (the 9E only includes one). The loading tool is gone and the pistol does not ship in a hard plastic case, instead using cardboard.

You can see the cut into the chamber to inspect if the pistol is loaded.

The 9E is available in standard 17+1 and state-compliant 10+1 configurations, sharing magazines with the SR9. The pistols are already loaded in the major distributor’s systems (I checked, but all out of stock) with an MSRP of $429. Looking at dealer price, expect a street price around $350.

The 9E keeps the reversible backstrap. It can be flat or raised.

The 9E is not yet California or Maryland approved, but I would expect it will be soon with reduced-capacity magazines and (user removable) magazine disconnect.

Specifications: