By the time you add in the red dot you are pushing $1000 for the SP9a. Yes it has four mags but the Ruger takes Glock mags so virtually any size mag is available and cheap.
And the Ruger has the detachable fore-end which really helps it to be put into a small package. That was a consideration...
You are definitely correct that as the gun comes from Ruger it is not really useable. It can shoot, but whether the shooter would hit anything or be comfortable is another story.
I can’t imagine using it without the brace. Thankfully I had ordered mine while I was waiting for the gun to ship.
I have one. It looks great. Shoots great. But to be useable it needs a sight (I used a red dot) and it needs a brace. The reason the back of the gun looks a little odd because there is an attachment point there for a brace. I used one from SB tactical.
Anyone planning a purchase should...