Ruger Security-9 9mm vs Taurus G3 9mm

Two budget full-size 9mms that land close together: both have 4.0" barrels, both break at 6.0 lb, both ship with two magazines and a manual safety, and their overall lengths are 0.04" apart (7.24" vs 7.28"). The Taurus G3 9mm carries two more rounds (17 vs 15) and adds a loaded chamber indicator and striker block, but it is 0.18" wider (1.2" vs 1.02"), 0.2" taller (5.2" vs 5.0") and 1.03 oz heavier (24.83 oz vs 23.8 oz). The Ruger Security-9 9mm is the slimmer of the two at 1.02" wide, with a glass-filled nylon frame and a through-hardened alloy steel slide. MSRP runs $389 for the Ruger and $342.99 for the Taurus, a $46.01 gap. Neither is optic-ready.

Pick the Ruger Security-9 if:

• You want the narrower gun at 1.02", 0.18" under the G3, and 1.03 oz less weight
• A 7.24" overall length and 5.0" height suit you for belt carry
• You want a drift-adjustable rear sight and a manual safety without extra indicators

Pick the Taurus G3 if:

• You want 17 rounds instead of 15
• You want a white dot front and serrated steel drift-adjustable rear out of the box
• The $342.99 MSRP against $389 matters, and a loaded chamber indicator is useful to you

With the same barrel and the same 6.0 lb trigger, the split is two rounds and $46.01 against 0.18" of width and 1.03 oz. Pick capacity and price, or the slimmer, lighter frame.