Ruger SR9c or M&P 9/40c?

[way2fst4u]

OK, I've held both of these, and they seem to fit my hand rather nicely. I know 9mm ammo is a little less expensive, but also has less stopping power. They are both similar in size. I do like the fact that Smith is not far from here should it ever need work...The Ruger is considerably less $$$...

Can you guys help me with pros/cons of both of these? Thanks!

 

[TWtommers]

I'm not even going to the 9 is weak compared to 40 BS. Don't worry about it. There are other factors about those two guns that should factor into your decision. I own and carry a M&P9c and I have shot a few mags through the SR9c. I like the trigger on the SR9c a lot. Its short and light. The feel of the gun is nice too. Not sure of the published weights but it feels lighter to me than the M&P. It has an external safety that I think sucks. Its not real easy, for me anyway, to click the damn thing off on a draw.

The M&P is a bit boxier but still fits me well. After adding the Apex trigger kit I'm very happy with the trigger (the MA trigger is brutal). The big sell for me here is not external safety which means its ready to go on the draw. That's pretty important to me in a carry gun. I didn't always put that weight on it but experience has taught me to.

Not sure where you're finding the M&P "considerably" more expensive. Four Seasons is selling the Ruger for $400 and the M&P for $470 or so. I wouldn't let that kind of price difference influence the kind of hardware you carry around for protection. If you can, shoot both as its very much a personal choice in how you shoot with them.

 

[way2fst4u]

Thanks for the tip...I have committed to a M&P40c from a very generous NES'er that's holding it for me till my LTC comes in, but I was thinking of picking up the SR9c as well...I have yet to physically shoot either. I WILL be investing in the APEX kit for the M&P.

 

[john_h]

Just got an SR9C. Can't comment on the M&P.

Trigger is nice, but I was really disappointed with how the outside of the barrel got "uglified" in less than 50 rds. To me, it seems like Ruger doesn't even try past a point in the fit-and-finish department. I know it doesn't matter for the ultimate functioning of the firearm, but it's still disappointing on a brand new gun.

I found that I had to change my hold because I think my thumb was resting on the slide release and not allowing the slide to stay open after the last round. Consciously dropping my thumb stopped it.

 

[el duderino]

Just got an SR9C. Can't comment on the M&P.

Trigger is nice, but I was really disappointed with how the outside of the barrel got "uglified" in less than 50 rds. To me, it seems like Ruger doesn't even try past a point in the fit-and-finish department. I know it doesn't matter for the ultimate functioning of the firearm, but it's still disappointing on a brand new gun.

I found that I had to change my hold because I think my thumb was resting on the slide release and not allowing the slide to stay open after the last round. Consciously dropping my thumb stopped it.

What do you mean by uglified? I put 100 rounds through mine in about 45 minutes soon after I bought it and had no such experience, had no external residue, did need a decent cleaning internally but thats to be expected im sure.

 

[john_h]

What do you mean by uglified? I put 100 rounds through mine in about 45 minutes soon after I bought it and had no such experience, had no external residue, did need a decent cleaning internally but thats to be expected im sure.

Since a picture will demonstrate better than words (SR9C, new, on left in all pics, SR9, bought used with unknown round count on right)View attachment 15591View attachment 15592View attachment 15593:

SR9C was stripped, cleaned and lubed prior to first firing. Please excuse the photos, my macro capable camera isn't accessible.

 

[SheepDog_B]

This is common on many semi autos.
You could deburr around the inside barrel hole on the inside of the slide or let it wear with more shooting. Don't be afraid to put some lube in the end of the barrel where it's wearing.
Not a big deal.

 

[SheepDog_B]

wear

pk380 wear

 

[TBalls]

As many have said, both are great guns. Personally, I own an SR9c, and I don't know that I'd see any reason to own an M&P in addition (unless it was of a different caliber). As for the whole "company is local in case of service" point, unless you're planning on driving to Springfield to physically drop off your gun I wouldn't put much behind that. Both companies have excellent customer service.

As for the "uglification" of the barrel in the SR9c, I can't say I have experienced it. IMO, the so-called ugly barrel just looks like uneven polishing -- looks like more of a matte finish on the SR9. Two different guns with different barrels.

 

[way2fst4u]

unless you're planning on driving to Springfield to physically drop off your gun I wouldn't put much behind that. Both companies have excellent customer service.

Yes, I would do exactly that. I am planning on going there at least once a month to shoot with some buddies anyway... Thank you!

 

[wolf223]

M&P all day, every day...

why?

1. your are almost guaranteed a good fit w / the inter-changeable pack straps
2. good availability of aftermarket parts...
3. proven design... the SR-9 was recalled once already for the trigger assy. -not a huge deal, but it was a turn off for me.
4. if you don't like the M&P, you can sell it faster than you can a SR9

 

[Terminator03]

M&P all day, every day...

why?

1. your are almost guaranteed a good fit w / the inter-changeable pack straps
2. good availability of aftermarket parts...
3. proven design... the SR-9 was recalled once already for the trigger assy. -not a huge deal, but it was a turn off for me.
4. if you don't like the M&P, you can sell it faster than you can a SR9

Not disagreeing with you, but there was no recall on the SR9C (which the op is asking about), only the full size, which has a completely different trigger system from what I have read. The trigger is also 100% better stock on the SR9C, and while you are right that there is bigger aftermarket support for the M&P, there is a reason for that, because the stock trigger sucks, so you not only spend more up front for the gun, but then need an aftermarket trigger to make even equal to the Ruger out of the box. For me, that makes it a no-brainer, even though i would buy the M&P if I found a good deal on one because they are a nice, proven gun.

 

[dwarven1]

I just picked up an SR9c. It fits my hand well, points well (as long as I use the flat backstrap and not the arched one) and seems very reliable.

Trigger is nice, but I was really disappointed with how the outside of the barrel got "uglified" in less than 50 rds. To me, it seems like Ruger doesn't even try past a point in the fit-and-finish department.

But if I'd let a piece of metal out of the shop (when I was working as a machinist) that looked like the barrel of my new gun, I'd have gotten royally reamed by my shop foreman. And I'd have deserved it, too. That barrel is NOT finished.