Let us know how it works out!
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I put a hogue grip on my hellcat and love it. Gun feels so much better in my hand.
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So I finally got out to the range to test out the EC9S with the new Hogue grip. I did shoot it a bit better, but I’m still not a big fan of the sights. I also shot my M&P9 compact, which I shot better. Not quite fair to compare the two based on difference in size. I just think I prefer the 3 dot sights to the front ramp style. I think my next step may be to get a few lessons to help with my shooting fundamentals. Still probably cheaper than getting another gun! 
I’ve a friend with whom I often go to the range. He had similiar issues, bought a P365xl, problem solved.
The pistol you’re talking about, IMO, is going to be good only within about 6 ft range or less for self-defense. Of course most self-defense requirements are inside 4 ft anyway as I understand it. As a civilian, I’ve not had to draw/fire, so can’t say from personal experience, only from what I’ve heard and read.
Best of luck with this, but my recommend is buy a larger pistol.
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I already have a larger pistol I like (M&P9 Compact). I think it will work well for “winter carry” here in SC, but the Ruger works better for me in the Summer. I can hit 6” targets pretty well at 5-7 yards, but still have a few “flyers” when rapid firing ( which concerns me for a defensive pistol).
If you are not considering different pistol then you don’t need anything more than practice. A lot of practice. 
But why spend money on practicing with the tool you actually don’t like? 
I have no idea what is the cost of 1 hr with Pistol Instructor at your location, but my guess is that your 4 - 5 hrs with Instructor may equal to new Hellcat (with 3 dot sight you like).
If you think you will need 2 more hrs with Instructor… you can have P365X 
Additionally you can sell or trade EC9S.
If that is your concern… it’s better to have the tool you are really comfortable with.
Once you act fast, there won’t be time to focus on “no flyers when rapid firing” 
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Thanks for the advice!
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No problemo 
And I’m not trying to be sapient.
I’ve been seeing too many students struggling with same problem.
Some continued training with the handgun they never liked. The reason was to use whatever bought already. I believe it was “financial decision”.
Others decided to switch for tool that gave comfort and satisfaction.
I’ve never told any of my colleagues or students what to do. It has been always - “try and decide”.
From your perspective - think this way. Picture yourself at very bad situation, when you must defend yourself. You have 2 seconds. 1 second for draw and aim, then you shoot 5 times in 1 second (that’s what we are capable of). Can you do this with Ruger EC9S you have trained so far? Are you sure you hit 5 times? Yes, no? Any bystanders that you may hurt?
That will answer your question what to do - train or upgrade?
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Probably both!
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Sorry, I missed that somehow.
We just returned from a week in Charleston, oddly enough. I can see how a smaller pistol would be desired during warmer months. I opted to not transport and carry my 1911 there, this time. Next time I probly will.
Am just now getting used to flying civiliarn aircraft. Air Force is sooo different. As soon as they get that vax BS lined out and don’t require it, plus allow us retirees to catch hops again, methinks we’ll use AF mostly again. TSA is a pain. A necessary pain, but a pain none the less.
Anyway, it’s my thought that carrying what you are most comfy with AND can’t repeatedly hit with, no flyers, is the appopriate choice. We are, as I’m sure you’re aware, responsible for every round that leaves the muzzle, so flyers are simply not ok at any range.
It is all such a personal preference thing, hard to give solid advice other than to use what you will carry, and will hit reliably with.
Best wishes!
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Jerzy and Smiddy, thanks for your advice. At this point in my training, I am OK with my EC9S as my carry gun. It is not a pinpoint accurate weapon at 25m, but it is consistent within 6” at 6 meters. I will continue training
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You are welcome @Patrick151 .
Self defense distance up to 25 feet is what you need to train. If you are comfortable with this distance with your handgun - you are OK. Everything above 25 feet may be questioned as self defense…
Continue your training and be proficient with your tool !
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Get one of those barrel lasers from pink rhino and get those reps in , pull that trigger remove from holster the whole nine draw from concealed and open but those
Just get those reps in and you will improve
Ahh, the “sunk money” conundrum, in which one considers the money already spent and decides to defend that expenditure by putting more money after it. In this case it is in the form of professional training (relatively expensive) and many hours dedicated to conforming yourself to the pistol. Not to say that it can’t be done, and even done well, but is it the best use of your time and money?
Short story: Many years ago, as a first-time homeowner, I needed to expand my tool arsenal by the addition of a circular saw. I bought a cheap, house brand model and proceeded to spend much time and effort learning how to achieve something near the quality of results I could accept. After some years I bought another saw, this time from a national brand. The quality of my work immediately improved and, more tellingly, the effort required to achieve that quality went down dramatically. I came to the realization that I’d have been better off (happier, and at lower cost in the long run) trading out the original saw for the new one much, much sooner.
There’s another side the the “sunk money” coin, but it doesn’t really help me out here, so I’ll leave it be.
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Thanks again to all of the comments. Over the past few weeks, I’ve transitioned to carrying my M&P9 Compact more often, which I definitely like (and shoot) better. But I am not sold on getting rid of the EC9S yet. I still like it for times when carrying the M&P is not practical. I also re-calibrated the laser on my EC9S, which was a bit off. My last range trip with the EC9S was an improvement, and I have a laser training system which I need to use more. It is a bit annoying to have to rack the slide after each shot, but it is good for practicing drawing and firing.
For me, it is is somewhat of a financial decision. I could afford a new pistol ( although buying one now may put me in the doghouse with the wife 
). Mostly, I don’t want to rush out and buy a new, shinier gun when the issue can be fixed with some training. So, the “sunk cost” reason is definitely relevant, given the cost of the gun, holster(s), grip, and laser.
Thanks again for everyone’s input. This has definitely been a learning process for me!
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