I’m here to compare the two popular choices in the compact 9mm world that won’t break the bank: the Taurus G2S Vs Ruger EC9s.
I’ve had the chance to test these two side by side in the field, pushing them to their limits to see which one comes out on top.
My goal is to give you an honest, hands-on comparison that’ll help you decide which pistol might be the best pick for your needs without having to sift through endless jargon and specs.
| Feature | Taurus G2S | Ruger EC9s |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 7+1 | 7+1 |
| Barrel Length | 3.25″ | 3.12″ |
| Overall Length | 6.25″ | 6″ |
| Width | 1.10″ | 0.9″ |
| Height | 4.8″ | 4.5″ |
| Weight | 19.85 oz. | 17.2 oz. |
Overview of Taurus G2S
The Taurus G2S is the streamlined successor to the 709 Slim, designed for those seeking a reliable and affordable subcompact 9mm for everyday carry. It’s part of Taurus’s commitment to improving functionality without inflating the price.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Round Capacity: 7+1
- Barrel Length: 3.25 inches
- Overall Length: 6.25 inches
- Overall Width: 1.10 inches
- Overall Height: 4.8 inches
- Overall Weight: 19.85 oz.
Overview of Ruger EC9s
The Ruger EC9s serves as the more budget-friendly version of the LC9s, offering essential features for concealed carry in a sleek, no-frills package. It’s an ideal choice for shooters looking for dependability and ease of use at a competitive price point.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Magazine Capacity: 7+1
- Barrel Length: 3.12 inches
- Overall Length (OAL): 6 inches
- Weight: 17.2 oz.
- Height: 4.5 inches
- Width: 0.9 inches
Features Comaprison: Taurus G2S VS Ruger EC9s
1. Ergonomics and Grip
Taurus G2S
The Taurus G2S sets a high standard in ergonomics for budget-friendly subcompact pistols. Its design prioritizes comfort and control, featuring a textured grip that ensures a firm hold even when your palms are sweaty or when operating in wet conditions.
The unique memory pads on the sides of the grip provide a natural rest for your thumb and index finger, enhancing stability and control during rapid firing sequences.
This thoughtful attention to ergonomic detail makes the G2S a pleasure to handle, whether you’re on the range for a day of practice or carrying it for self-defense.
Ruger EC9s
The Ruger EC9s opts for a minimalist approach with its slim and sleek design, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry. Its grip, while comfortable for its size, lacks the aggressive texturing found on the G2S, which might affect grip security under stressful conditions or for shooters with larger hands.
The inclusion of a finger rest extension on the magazine is a necessary addition for achieving a full grip, hinting at a compromise between compactness and usability.
While the EC9s is undeniably easy to carry and conceal, its grip ergonomics might leave some users wanting more, especially in prolonged shooting sessions where fatigue sets in.
Winner
The Taurus G2S easily wins in the category of ergonomics and grip. Its superior design and attention to detail in grip texture and ergonomics offer a more secure, comfortable hold, making it more user-friendly under various conditions compared to the Ruger EC9s.
2. Sight Quality
Taurus G2S
The Taurus G2S shines in the sight department with its three-dot adjustable rear sights, a rarity in pistols of its class and price point.
This adjustability is a boon for shooters looking to dial in their accuracy for different ranges or ammunition types, offering a level of customization that enhances the shooting experience.
The sights are not only practical but also designed to be quickly and easily acquired in a variety of lighting conditions, adding a layer of versatility to the G2S that is appreciated by both novice and experienced shooters alike.
Ruger EC9s
The EC9s, while maintaining a sleek profile, features integrated sights that are machined directly into the slide.
This design choice contributes to the EC9s’s snag-free profile, a significant advantage for a concealed carry weapon. However, this comes at the cost of customizability and adjustability.
The fixed nature of the sights means that what you see is what you get, and while they are functional for close-range encounters, their limited visibility and the need for aftermarket solutions to enhance sight acquisition could be seen as a drawback for those prioritizing precision shooting.
Winner
The Taurus G2S takes the lead in sight quality. Its adjustable rear sights not only offer better out-of-the-box visibility but also allow for a tailored shooting experience that the fixed, less versatile sights of the Ruger EC9s cannot match.
3. Trigger Quality
Taurus G2
The trigger mechanism of the G2S, characterized by its light pull and quick reset, is designed for rapid follow-up shots.
However, the trigger’s breaking point towards the rear of the trigger guard may not suit all shooting styles, and the sensation of the safety blade can be unsettling for those accustomed to more traditional triggers.
Despite these quirks, the trigger is functional and reliable, providing a consistent experience after an initial period of adjustment.
Ruger EC9s
The Ruger EC9s excels in the trigger department with a design that emphasizes shooter comfort and control. The metal trigger blade is smooth to the touch and provides a reassuring path to the break, with minimal creep and a clean, predictable release.
The well-calibrated reset further enhances the shooting rhythm, allowing for precise shot placement and control that is especially beneficial in stress shooting scenarios.
This level of trigger quality is a standout feature for the EC9s, reflecting Ruger’s commitment to balancing safety features with a rewarding shooting experience.
Winner
The Ruger EC9s stands out as the superior choice for trigger quality. Its thoughtful design and execution deliver a smoother, more predictable shooting experience that boosts confidence and accuracy, setting it apart from the Taurus G2S in this critical category.
4. Takedown and Maintenance
Taurus G2S
Takedown of the G2S is straightforward and user-friendly. By simply pulling down on the Glock-style takedown tabs and pressing the trigger, the slide releases smoothly.
This process is intuitive and does not require any tools, making routine cleaning and maintenance hassle-free.
Ruger EC9s
The EC9s presents a more challenging takedown procedure. It necessitates dropping the striker and using a punch tool to remove a non-captive takedown pin, a process that can be fiddly and less intuitive compared to other pistols.
This could potentially make regular maintenance more of a chore.
Winner
The Taurus G2S clearly excels in takedown and maintenance. Its simpler and more straightforward process, requiring fewer steps and no special tools, offers a significant advantage over the EC9s, especially for those who prioritize ease of maintenance.
Pros & Cons of Taurus G2S
Pros
- Comfortable ergonomics and grip texture
- Adjustable rear sights for better accuracy
- Simple takedown process for easy maintenance
Cons
- Trigger quality could be improved
- Limited aftermarket support
Pros & Cons of Ruger EC9s
Pros
- Slim and lightweight for easy concealment
- Good trigger quality for a budget pistol
- Reliable performance in various conditions
Cons
- Complicated takedown process
Similarities between Taurus G2S & Ruger EC9s
- Both chambered in 9mm with a 7+1 round capacity
- Similar dimensions making them ideal for concealed carry
- Both considered budget-friendly options
- Comparable reliability in field tests
Differences between Taurus G2S & Ruger EC9s
- G2S offers adjustable rear sights, whereas EC9s has fixed sights
- G2S has a more ergonomic grip and texture
- EC9s trigger feels better compared to G2S’s trigger
- Takedown process is simpler in G2S than in EC9s
- EC9s is slightly lighter and more compact than G2S
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing both the Taurus G2S and the Ruger EC9s, it’s clear that choosing a winner is no simple task, as both pistols offer unique advantages.
However, the Taurus G2S emerges as my top pick for several key reasons. While not diving into specifics, the overall user experience, from the ergonomics to the ease of maintenance, sets the G2S apart.
Its design reflects a deep understanding of what shooters need in a subcompact 9mm pistol: reliability, comfort, and adaptability in various conditions.
FAQs
Is the Taurus G2S a good gun?
Yes, the Taurus G2S is a reliable gun, performing well in tests with no issues, reflecting Taurus’s commitment to improving their firearms’ reliability.
Is G2C or G2S Taurus better?
The choice between Taurus G2C and G2S depends on your preference for capacity versus size. The G2C offers a higher capacity, while the G2S is slightly smaller and more concealable.
Are Ruger EC9s good?
Yes, Ruger EC9s are good, offering affordability, reliability, and compactness, making them an excellent choice for concealed carry with a snag-resistant exterior.
