Ruger LC9S Holsters

While the Ruger LCP was a hugely successful model for Ruger, it didn’t take long for Ruger fans to start asking about a 9mm version of the LCP. While the LCP wasn’t a candidate for the 9mm, Ruger did introduce the Ruger LC9 model in 2011. The LC9 (which stands for Lightweight Compact 9) is similar to the LCP in many ways but very different in other ways. The LC9 was an immediate success, and won the 2011 Handgun of the Year though the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence.

The LC9 was one of the first budget oriented, sub-compact, single stack 9mm models on the market, so it was able to grab a significant share of that market early on. Originally, the LC9 was a double action only, hammer fired pistol, but, in 2013, Ruger introduced the LC9S, which was a striker fired version of the LC9) and the LC9S Pro, which was a striker fired version of the LC9 without a manual safety or magazine disconnect. By incorporating the magazine disconnect safety and offering a magazine count under 10, the LC9S series is available for purchase and sale in traditionally restrictive gun states like California and Massachusetts.

In 2014, Ruger phased out the original LC9 models completely, and replaced it with the LC9S and S Pro models. Currently, Ruger is offering the LC9S model in 16 versions. Ruger was offering some of the original LC9 models with various factory laser options, but Ruger has phased out those options as well. Now, most all laser options (such as Crimson Trace and LaserMax Centerfire) are only available as an aftermarket option.

In terms of magazine capacity, the LC9S and LC9S Pro models come standard with a 7 round, flush fit magazine. This magazine allows for a round count of 7+1. Ruger also introduced a 9 round extended magazine that comes with a 2 round pinky extension, bringing the round count to 10 (9+1).

Rumor has it, that the success of the LC9S in 9mm prompted some discussion at Ruger to offer the LC9 in a .40 S&W caliber, but R&D testing indicated that the more powerful .40 caliber round in the lightweight frame caused some issues with control, muzzle flip, and overall shooting comfort.

Let’s discuss all the different holster options on the market for the LC9S: (and don't forget to visit my favorite place to buy Ruger LC9 or LC9S holsters)

IWB Holsters – IWB is an acronym for inside the waistband, and refers to holster styles that are designed to be worn inside the waistband. Those holsters attach to the belt through a variety of attachments including clips, J-hooks, Velcro, and snaps. IWB styles can be worn in a number of different positions on the waist but the more popular positions are the 3 o’clock and 4 o’clock position. Over the last few years, there has been an increase in an IWB position called Appendix IWB (or more commonly called AIWB), where the weapon is worn in the IWB position at the 1 o’clock position. A number of prominent CCW and shooting instructors are beginning to recommend the AIWB position as a viable option. In terms of IWB holster styles, the LC9 works well in a standard IWB (with either a 0 cant or forward cant), or a deep cover type IWB that rides below the waistband.

OWB Holsters – OWB is an acronym for outside the waistband and refers to a style of holster that is worn outside of the waist (think cowboy holsters). Most OWB holsters attach to the belt through belt slots, although some use a paddle, while others use snaps. While OWB holsters are traditionally a little more difficult to conceal, they are a very popular option for more general carry or range use. Within the OWB holster styles; there are specialized types like a crossdraw model or a small of the back model, which are designed to carry the weapon in a very specialized or specific position. The size, weight, and slim profile of the LC9S makes it ideal for OWB carry. The single stack design offers a very slim profile so the pistol conceals fairly well in OWB scenarios.

Pocket Holster – Pocket holsters are designed to carry the pistol in a pocket, and the most popular styles are front pocket and back pocket. Between those two styles, the front pocket version is the more popular. The size of the LC9S makes is a potential candidate for pocket carry, but many consider it slightly on the larger side for pocket carry. The size issue really varies depending on the type of pants and size of the pockets. It would be a challenge to carry an LC9S in a front pocket holster in jeans, given the smaller pockets associated with jeans. That set-up would work better in a front coat pocket or side pocket of cargo style pants.

Ankle holsters – Ankle holsters are a CCW holster style that is worn on the ankle. The LC9S is small enough to wear comfortably and effectively on the ankle. The one downside to ankle holsters centers around them being more of a deep cover option as they can take a little longer to deploy versus an IWB or OWB holster.

Off Body Carry – Off body carry is a term use to describe various types of holsters that are worn off the body. Some examples of that style would be a purse holster (or holster purse) or leather binder holster. The LC9S works well in these off body carry scenarios.

If you happen to get an LC9S with a Crimson Trace laser or one with a LaserMax Centerfire laser, there are holster options for you. It’s important to understand that you’ll need a holster specifically made to fit the LC9 with a specific laser (meaning a holster made for an LC9 with a CT laser won’t fit a LC9S with a Centerfire laser). If you happen to opt for a laser made by a different brand (Armalaser, Laserlyte, etc.), there are holster options for the LC9S with those lasers as well.