This week on I Carry, we have the Ruger Security 9 Compact
Ruger Security 9 Compact: MSRP $469
It’s no big secret that compact 9mm pistols have become the “go to” option for concealed carry. What started out many years ago with snub-nosed revolvers in .38 Spl and 1911s chambered in .45 ACP. Now this market is ruled by polymer-framed guns that hold 10 or more rounds of 9mm. Who carries these guns has also changed. All sorts of people are now carrying a defensive sidearm with them on a regular basis, and gun manufacturers such as Ruger are starting to realize that fact.
The truth is, some people find it harder to manipulate the action of today’s double-action or striker-fired guns than other people do. They just cannot summon the amount of effort needed to rack the slide of most semi-automatics, and the ten pound (or more) trigger pull of a double-action revolver is just a bridge too far.
In recent years, though, several pistols have come out which cater to that audience, and the Ruger Security-9 Compact can certainly do that job. It is a polymer-framed, double-stack 9mm pistol with a magazine that can hold 10 or 15 rounds of ammunition. Unlike pistols of a similar size and shape, the Security 9 Compact is a hammer-fired, single-action pistol. This means the springs that power the action of the pistol can be a little less powerful with other guns, making the slide easier to rack back and forth. Also, because it’s a single action gun, pressing the trigger does one, single action: Drop the hammer onto the firing pin and make the gun go bang. As a result, the trigger pull of the Security-9 Compact is right around four pounds, making it really easy for everyone to use.
There are two separate safeties on the Security-9 Compact to make sure that light trigger pull doesn’t kick in when it’s not wanted and cause a negligent discharge. The first is a blade safety in the center of the trigger that stops the trigger from moving unless all your finger is on it. In addition to this, there is a frame-mounted safety on the left side of the gun that is easy to flick on and off with the thumb of your right hand, but is honestly a bit awkward to use if you’re left-handed. On top of the slide there are the “ball and basket” sights commonly found on Glock pistols, and underneath the frame there is a short section of Picatinny rail to mount the light, laser or other accessory of your choice onto your gun.
Shooting the Security-9 Compact is a breeze. The grip is thick enough to easily be held in the hand, and the light trigger makes for great results downrange. Ruger offers a 10 round magazine with a flat plate that is good for concealment, but can be hard to hold onto, as there is reduced room for your fingers. I find that the 10 round magazine with a baseplate extension or the larger 15 round magazine are usually my “go to” choices with this gun, and with an MSRP of just $469, you can make it your “go to” gun without a lot getting in the way.
Mission First Tactical IWB/OWB Holster Ambidextrous Holster: MSRP $49.99
The Mission First Tactical (MFT for short) Ambidextrous holster is a Kydex clamshell holster with some nice little touches. First off, as the name implies, this is an ambidextrous holster. There are attachment points for the mounting hardware on both sides of the holster. Those same attachment points allow it to be used either inside of the waistband (IWB) or outside of the waistband (OWB), a nice touch that allows you to use one holster for a variety of purposes. MFT also says the holster can be used for appendix carry (AIWB), however, I’ve never been able to use a holster in that position that didn’t have features tailed for AIWB carry, such as an extended “wing” for added stability, but your experience may be different.
Two features of this holster that set it apart from other holsters at this price point are adjustable cant (or angle of carry) and adjustable retention. I find that giving my holster a slight tilt forward on my belt helps with my draw speed and makes the holster more comfortable to carry, and a few turns of a screw accomplishes this on this holster. The holster is also adjustable for retention, letting you choose the balance of security and draw speed that is right for you.
One thing this holster doesn’t have is a sweat shield to protect you from your gun and your gun from your sweat. This, combined with the added bump of the ambidextrous mounting point, means I’d probably wear an underlayer when using this holster.
CRKT CEO Flipper Blackout Knife: MSRP $60
I worked in a business casual office environment for years, and it was tough to find a knife that I could carry which didn’t scream out that yes, I did have a knife handy. The CEO series from Columbia River Knife and Tool is specifically designed for people who can carry a knife to their day job to have something with them which looks like a pen, but at the flick of a finger, turn it into a handy blade for all sorts of purposes.
The CEO Flipper Blackout has a flipper action that allows it to be deployed with one hand. The 3.35 inch long blade is secured with a liner lock and has an attractive flat black finish. The overall length of the knife is 4.35 inches when closed, allowing it to be stored in any convenient pocket, and because the clip and glass-reinforced nylon handle look just like a pen, you have less of a chance to attract any undue attention in the office. The blade profile is slim, just 0.09 inches wide, but it’s made from AUS 8 steel for strength and corrosion resistance. The CEO Flipper may not be the most tactical knife on earth, but it’s a knife that you can have with you where it’s permitted to do, which is better than leaving it where it can’t be easily accessed.
