I use a Desantis Mini Slide for my SR40c. A quality holster at a fair price, I carry daily and the mini slide allows me to easily move between 1 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions for comfort when driving.
I use a OWB Kydex slider holster from White Hat Holsters......they have them for SR9 with Crimson Trace, check them out here.........
http://www.whitehatholsters.com/category-s/1863.htm
Great job, I have the same setup but purchased mine from White Hat. I also use a Kydex owb slider holster. I find the owb more comfortable and wear it 99% of the time with an untucked shirt. Again, nice job and you may want to compliment it with an owb slider.
Oh, I also carry an SR40c and love it.
There are a lot personal variables in handgun selction....I think a gift certificate would be your best bet or better yet take him by the hand to your local gun shop.
My EDC is an SR40c and I believe it's smooth shooter, my wife, a small woman, has no problem with the SR40. I have no experience with other brands of 40's, maybe the Ruger isn't as snappy as the others?
I carry an SR40c and wouldn't mind trying a laser BUT after much trail and error I've switched to night sights and a couple of holsters that I'm really happy with. I'm quiting while I'm ahead......LOL !!
I would disassemble and clean, especially the striker area. Some SR's come from the factory with too much lube and there have been numerous issues with FTE, etc.