I picked one up for $200.Ruger EC9s
You have described my experience in the past 4.9 yrs.My assessment of the EC9s is... meh. They are not as reliable as other generations of Ruger handguns. I work at a range part time and in our rental counter the EC9s was often out for service. I would go with the Ruger Security 9 if you have to have a Ruger. Also, it is really hard to beat the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus which I would recommend over the EC9s and the Max-9. I would say save a few extra pennies and get the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus.