[TeleGuy53]

I'm looking to buy my first striker-fired 9mm, for the dual purpose of home defense and concealed carry.

I have narrowed my choices to the SR9 full-size and the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 full-size; both are double-stacks and very close in size, feature set and cost.

How does the SR9 stack up to the M&P9, in terms of reliability and accuracy?

Are there any known issues with the SR9?

Thanks for the assist, guys.​

 

[uscg721]

I own a SR9c and couldn't be happier with it. I Never have warmed up to the trigger on the M&P. M&P comes with metal guide rod and great ergos. Hard to say anything negative about them however for roughly one hundred bucks less the SR9c (in my case) in my opinion is same quality. I don't know why, maybe the slim grip but I shoot the SR9c much better

 

[buster40c]

I worked with a guy that had the sr9 and he absolutely swore by it not at it. He said he could drive a tack with it. I was surprised how light it actually was. I own an sr40c which is one of my favorite guns. I chose it over the XDM 3.8 compact and regular 3.8 and also the Glock 27. I sold all 3 of them and kept the sr40c. Haven't regretted it ever since.
I have not had any experience with the M&P.
Like the above post said for the price the sr9 or 9c is very much equal to higher priced guns. Bang for the buck it is hard to beat a Ruger.

 

[TeleGuy53]

M&P comes with metal guide rod and great ergos. Hard to say anything negative about them...

the SR9c (in my case) in my opinion is same quality. I don't know why, maybe the slim grip but I shoot the SR9c much better

So the SR's don't come with metal guide rods? Even so, I think the ergo's on the SR's match those on the M&P's, but with more subtlety.

 

[TeleGuy53]

I worked with a guy that had the sr9 and he absolutely swore by it not at it. He said he could drive a tack with it. I was surprised how light it actually was...

The SR9 does look lighter than the M&P9, but it's actually about 2 ounces heavier! And I DO like the sleekness of the SR9 and its slightly smaller footprint.

Like the above post said for the price the sr9 or 9c is very much equal to higher priced guns. Bang for the buck it is hard to beat a Ruger.

I totally agree - on both counts!

 

[nickndfl]

You want the LC9S Pro instead. It's more modern, less blocky and super thin. You're welcome.

 

[uscg721]

So the SR's don't come with metal guide rods? Even so, I think the ergo's on the SR's match those on the M&P's, but with more subtlety.

Galloway sells stainless steel guide rods at a very good price and I agree with you as the SR9c fits like a glove

 

[TeleGuy53]

You want the LC9S Pro instead. It's more modern, less blocky and super thin. You're welcome.

Been there - done that...

The LC9S is too small and the grip is too short. Thanks, anyway.

 

[hodge]

Don't discount customer service reputation. It doesn't matter how good the gun is- they will all fail, sooner or later. Customer service makes or breaks it for me.
I have no experience with Smith & Wesson, but I had looked into a Shield in 40, and read some pretty horrid stories about them failing and Smith not taking care of it. Of course, that is second or third hand info, but you go with what you've got- I steered clear. On the other hand, I heard nothing but good things about Ruger, and the one time I needed their service, they were extraordinary. Above extraordinary. So, I say stick with the Ruger.

 

[TeleGuy53]

Don't discount customer service reputation. It doesn't matter how good the gun is- they will all fail, sooner or later. Customer service makes or breaks it for me.
I have no experience with Smith & Wesson, but I had looked into a Shield in 40, and read some pretty horrid stories about them failing and Smith not taking care of it. Of course, that is second or third hand info, but you go with what you've got- I steered clear. On the other hand, I heard nothing but good things about Ruger, and the one time I needed their service, they were extraordinary. Above extraordinary. So, I say stick with the Ruger.

I agree 100% with your assessment of customer service! This is why I have now decided to go with with the Ruger SR9.

 

[TeleGuy53]

Galloway sells stainless steel guide rods at a very good price and I agree with you as the SR9c fits like a glove

Did you swap in the stainless guide rod because the gun needed it or as a preventative measure? Would this also be necessary on the full-size SR9?

I'm a firm believer in "if it ain't broke, then don't fix it".

 

[uscg721]

Did you swap in the stainless guide rod because the gun needed it or as a preventative measure? Would this also be necessary on the full-size SR9?

I'm a firm believer in "if it ain't broke, then don't fix it".

I switched it out purely out of personal preference the pistol worked perfectly fine with factory parts and yes I believe all SR models have plastic guide rods

 

[TeleGuy53]

I switched it out purely out of personal preference the pistol worked perfectly fine with factory parts and yes I believe all SR models have plastic guide rods

Oh, okay. Good.

Glock's have plastic guide rods, too, right?

 

[uscg721]

Oh, okay. Good.



Glock's have plastic guide rods, too, right?

Yes that is correct

 

[TeleGuy53]

Yes that is correct

Good. I haven't heard anything about Glock's failing due to plastic parts.

 

[billslcp]

Customer service

There's customer service then there's Ruger customer service. Superb

 

[TeleGuy53]

There's customer service then there's Ruger customer service. Superb

So I'm hearing.

That said, I see that Bud's now has a QP price of $310 for the M&P9 Shield.

I really like Ruger's business model AND the SR9; however, if I go the compact route, then I would prefer the Shield 9.

 

[uscg721]

For an extra 30 bucks you can get a 17 round capacity SR9c at Buds which believe it or not isn't a whole bunch bigger than the shield

 

[refugee]

I own five SR series pistols and they all get used regularly. I own one M&P40, it stays in the safe mostly. it is a fine pistol, I prefer the SR's. the ergonomics for me are better, the trigger is better for CC, and they either remind me of that stupid bunny, or the terminator. they just keep on keeping on!

 

[TeleGuy53]

they either remind me of that stupid bunny, or the terminator. they just keep on keeping on!

:cryinglaugh: