Ruger 9E Holster Options – Best OWB and IWB Picks
Okay, you’ve got a new (or new to you) Ruger 9E! Now you’re in the market for a holster. You’re probably curious as to what’s the best holster on the market for your Ruger 9E. Of course, the holster you choose will have the features and capabilities that match your lifestyle.
Our pick for the best holster for the Ruger 9E is the 578 GLS 7TS Pro-Fit by Safariland, Rogers Holsters, and Ultimate Arms Gear. This non-abrasive outside the waistband (OWB) polymer holster offers a wide range of customization to the user.
It has an adjustable retention screw, allowing the holster to fit your pistol tightly. It comes with both a paddle to slip over your belt or waistband, along with a belt slot back that slides onto a belt. The holster also comes with a finger release that is activated when you grab the firearm.
You might enjoy this video demonstrating a holster for the Ruger 9E.
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What to Remember Before Buying a Ruger 9E Holster
There are a number of different things to consider before you purchase a holster for your Ruger 9E. Let’s go over a few of them in greater detail.
Dominant Hand
Many gun holsters are not ambidextrous, meaning they can’t be switched from right- to left-hand carry. Make sure you keep in mind your dominant hand and how you plan to carry your weapon before you purchase a holster.
Carry Style
A pistol like the Ruger 9E is excellent for carrying concealed. If that is your aim, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper clothing to maintain concealment. This may include a long shirt, or a jacket or sport coat to wear over your other clothes. You may also be interested in a shoulder or ankle holster.
Body Type
Yes, this could make a difference in your holster choice! For example, some people who are thin and bony may not find paddle holsters comfortable. People who have a little more around the midsection probably won’t like a belly band holster. If you’re not flexible, an ankle holster might not be the best choice.
Firearm Retention and Draw Speed
You’re probably going to carry your Ruger 9E concealed. If this is the case, you’ll need to choose a holster that has good retention. On the other hand, you want to be able to access the pistol quickly and effortless.
Many holsters have additional retention features, such as straps, thumb breaks, or finger buttons. Often, they’re easy to use, but some may require additional steps, possibly increasing draw time.
Ankle or belly band holsters will force the wearer to deal with the clothing covering the holster, increasing the time it takes to draw the weapon.
Basic Ruger 9E Holster Styles
Here’s a quick list of some of the basic holster types and how they function.
- Shoulder Holster – this is a harness that goes over both arms, putting the firearm under your weak side arm. Often, they have spare magazine holders on the opposite side to balance out the weight. They generally have retention straps.
- Ankle Holster – these strap around the lower section of the calf so the pant leg covers the pistol and holster. They will usually come with a retention strap.
- Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holster – these usually slide over the waistband or belt and put the pistol between your side and your pants. They’re easy to conceal and may or may not have additional retention features.
- Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holster – these will clip to the pants or belt, or slide onto a belt using slots. They may or may not come with retention features. Some even offer a spare magazine carrier.
- Belly Bands – a belly band holster is made of neoprene to be worn around the abdomen. The holster is elastic and stitched to the band. They have retention straps to secure the firearm.
Specific Holsters for Ruger 9E
Now that you have an idea of some general holster types, let’s look at a few of them in more detail. We’ll discuss the benefits and disadvantages to them, so you’ll have a great idea of what will suit you the best.
1. Hip Holster for Ruger 9E by Federal Holsterworks
This is a nylon outside the waistband (OWB) holster featuring an attached spare magazine pouch. A sturdy metal clip secures the holster to your belt or pants. Unlike many holsters, this one is ambidextrous, meaning it can be adapted for both right- or left-hand carry.
It has a reinforced retention strap with an easy thumb break snap. The holster interior is padded so it won’t mar the finish on your pistol.
The spare magazine pouch is standard size, and could also be used to carry a flashlight or pocket knife.
Remember, this is an outside the waistband (OWB) holster, and will require steps to keep it hidden if you intend to carry concealed.
2. Elite FOMI Holster by Multi Holsters
This is a molded outside the waistband (OWB) polymer holster designed specifically for the Ruger 9E. It has a user-adjustable retention screw, and the holster gives an audible ‘click’ when the pistol is securely holstered.
The Elite features a high rise on the skin side, giving the weapon protection from sweat. It also offers adjustable cant (carry angle) from 0 to 15 degrees (FBI cant). It is not, however, ambidextrous.
Keep in mind that an outside the waistband (OWB) holster will require proper attire if you want to conceal it.
The patented FOMI clip keeps the holster secure on your belt, making it less likely to fall out with high activity.
3. 578 GLS Pro-Fit Holster by Safariland, Rogers, and Ultimate Arms Gear
This is an outside the waistband (OWB) polymer holster that comes with both a paddle and a belt slide back. These are easily switched by using an allen key. The paddle either slides into the waistband or over a belt and the belt slide has slots to slip your belt into.
The Pro-Fit offers both passive and active retention. You’ll get an audible ‘click’ when the gun is properly holstered, but there’s a button further securing the pistol. When you reach for the grip, your hand automatically activates the button, allowing for a smooth draw.
When using the belt slide backing, this holster offers adjustable cant (carry angle) by changing the angle of the back piece until it’s in the angle you prefer.
This holster also comes with a matching, flexible, multi-purpose pouch that can carry a spare magazine, a flashlight, or a pocket knife. This holster isn’t ambidextrous.
4. IWB Concealed Gun Holster by King Holster
This is an inside the waistband (IWB) holster made of synthetic suede that slips into the pants. It has a plastic clip to secure it to the waistband, and it keeps your pistol mostly hidden in the pants.
Because it’s made of soft material, the holster may close up a bit, hindering re-holstering. There are no retention devices, so if you’re an active individual, this might not be ideal. This holster is not ambidextrous.
On the other hand, the holster material is smooth and non-irritating, which might be good if you intend to carry your Ruger 9E everyday.
5. Leather Concealed IWB Holster by Ace Case
This is a leather inside the waistband (IWB) holster that is ambidextrous. A sturdy metal clip secures it to your pants, and the pistol is hidden inside the waistband.
The holster does not have an retention straps or thumb breaks, so it ensures a quick draw. Re-holstering might be difficult without removing the holster.
The holster is available in different earth colors or black, but you can’t choose the color when you order.
Ruger 9E Holster – Final Impressions
Now you’ve had the chance to learn about some specific holsters for your Ruger 9E. You probably have a good idea of what holster you will need. More than likely, you want to carry your Ruger concealed, so keep that in mind when you’re looking to purchase a holster.
The Pro-Fit seems to have the greatest range of user-customizable options at a reasonable price. It offers adjustable cant (carry angle) when used with the belt slide back, but also offers a paddle that can be used without a belt.
An additional retention feature helps guarantee your weapon is kept securely in the holster. However, this safety measure doesn’t increase draw time. Instead, it makes it more difficult for an assailant to remove your weapon and potentially use it against you.
This is also a great buy because it comes with a matching, adjustable pouch that allows you to carry a spare magazine, a flashlight, or even a pocket knife.
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