M&P 9 Shield vs Ruger SR9c
 

I know this is a S&W forum, but help me decide.
Any owners of both that can chime in?

If the Ruger SR9c trigger is like the Ruger LC9 the Shield will be the better choice assuming you can even locate a Shield.

Russ

P.S. The Ruger LC9 is the better comparison in size to the Shield. I prefer single stack for concealment because I pocket my Shield and thin is in.

If concealment is not an issue the double stack will hold more rounds.

You cant really compare the two. The sr9c is comparable to the m&p 9c. They are both double stack guns, the shield is a single stack, which would be compared to a kahr cw9, walther pps, etc.

Tell us more about intended use. Either gun is quality, it's a matter of preference and what fits you.

I own a Shield and my father owns a SR9c. We've taken both to the range together and shot them side by side. I found that i greatly preferred the grip of the Shield over the SR9c. The 10 round mag of the SR9c fit my hand okay but the 17 round extended mag was awful. it protruded below my grip by a good amount and made the grip of my other hand feel very awkward. The SR9c also seemed to have more recoil than the Shield even though it's bigger. I'm not a professional so my review may not be worth much, but I just felt like I shot the Shield better. The SR9c does have some ambi controls which is nice if you're looking for that, but it is definitely bulkier than the Shield.

I'm sure it sounds biased, but it's my opinion. I shot the SR9c before I owned my Shield, and them together. I still prefer my Shield, and probably an M&P 9c over the SR9c

Really looking for the next step up CCW gun other than my LCP.
The LCP I can use as a pocket pistol. The larger sight dots on the Shield look nice to me.

Then hands down the better choice is the Shield. If you are used to the size and weight of a LCP, a SR9c will feel like a brick. A Shield is definitely bigger than a LCP, but the single stack aspect makes a big difference while carrying when compared to the SR9c. The Shield isn't really a pocket carry gun in my eyes, but it's the perfect medium between the pocket-size class (LCP) and double-stacks (SR9c).

I own both, but have only had the SR9c for about a month. Both are great pistols, and both have a great trigger. The Shield is definately more concealable, as it is about 3/4 of an inch shorter in barrel length, and quite a bit thinner than the Ruger. I am using the Ruger as my carry gun during the colder months, and will go back to the Shield for shorts and T-shirt weather. The nice thing about the Ruger is that it is not too bad to conceal with the 10rd magazine, and you can convert to a handful of fire power with the 17rd magazine. In this sense it is a dual purpose gun sort of. The Shield has concealability on its side, and is a few ounces lighter. You cant go wrong with either one, it just depends on what attributes you are looking for. Both have decent sights, and similar recoil and accuracy

Ditto. Even with the magazine floor plate extension on the 10 round magazine, the SR9c didn't fit my hand as well as a M&P9c (which is a more direct comparison.) Plus, IMO, the magazine just looked "weird" which doesn't have anything to do with function, but aesthetics are a concern to me as well. The SR9c is a good pistol, but I don't care for the LCI.

If you want a CCW pistol, the M&P9c is a better choice...but the Shield is an ever better choice. It's not a pocket pistol, at least not for me, but it fits my hand better than any other small semi that I have tried.

Allow me to be sacrilegious, but I prefer a Glock30SF which accepts extended mags and pops out 45acp's. It's also remarkably accurate.

You need to go stand in the corner... :p

As mentioned already, the SR9c is more comparable to the M&P9c and the Shield is more comparable to the LC9. Comparing the SR9c to a Shield is Apples & Oranges.

I had the SR9c for a while and when I was shopping for Compact Double-Stacks, I much preferred the trigger of the SR9c to that of the M&P9c.

In Subcompact Single-Stacks, The LC9 trigger is a true DAO (long revolver style pull), as opposed to the Shield's Striker Fire trigger. I preferred the PF-9's trigger over the LC9's and (obviously) prefer the Shield's trigger over both.

I can pocket carry my Shield. This was the main reason I bought it. If the Shield is too large to pocket carry, one needs to weigh the age old Comfort vs. More rounds debate to decide if you want to go with a compact Double-Stack or a subcompact Single.

:D I know! I LOVE my Smiths but sometimes these ugly plastic things work pretty darned good. PLUS you can fiddle with these things all day long and the aftermarket accessory list is loooong.

That is true. I have small hands, though, and the Glock grip (even the SF) is not real comfortable for me. I did like the G36, but I found the M&P45c to be more comfortable.

My nephew (who is 21) just bought a G23. I was showing him last night how to clean it, etc, and it reminded me just how easy Glocks are to maintain. Of course, M&Ps aren't bad either...especially compared to my 1911s.

Didn't want to be the only one to mention cosmetics, but I completely agree! The extended mag with the shorter barrel of the compact makes the SR9c look odd, the grip/barrel length ratio seems off. To me at least..others may think differently.

I have both the Shield 40cal and the SR40c. I don't compare them as they are two different pistols. Th SR40c has a great trigger, with zero take up and a crisp 6lb break. It is my house gun and it is also great for the range with the additional 15 round mag. The Shield needless to say is the better pocket gun, but the SR40c with the 9 round mag, carries very well inside or outside the waistband.

A true comparison is to the Ruger LC9. I own a Shield 40 and a highly modified LC9, with a Galloway Trigger kit. It still doesn't matter, the Shield's trigger makes it a obvious choice over the LC9. Your comparison would be a SR9c to a M&P 9c. the Shield is a better gun than the LC9. Someone else than owns the SR9c and a M&P 9c can chime in on those guns.

Bob

I have the SR9C and the M&P9C, the Ruger has better trigger, very crisp without any take up (I would say that is one of the best out of the box triggers in a polymer gun compare to the Walther) but the M&P fit better in my hands with less recoil and with the Apex trigger installed side by side is a winner.

I have an M&P9C and an SR40C. As mentioned by danysw the Ruger's trigger is outstanding and like pyro; it's my house SD gun with 15 rounds of Ranger T in it. The M&P however, has a great manual of arms and with the optional grip palm swells, can be "customized" for a great feeling purchase. IMHO it is a little "fat" for some carry situations. While I don't have one, the Shield is obviously easier to conceal. I'm left-handed and opted for a BU9 Nano instead and they along with the LC9 are around the same size. I don't think trying to compare a Shield with an SR9C is the way to go. Single-stack subcompacts don't compare well with Double-stack compacts - they're really different pistols with different purposes.

I think what has been lost in this comparison is the OPs reason..they are looking for the next step up for their CC from the LCP. I believe they are looking for opinions on which would be best for CC. Let's stop comparing one or the other to different guns that they didn't ask about.

I had an SR9c and have a Shield 9mm.

Everybody has covered the physical differences between the 2, so that aside.

Even here in Ma. after an Apex DCK install, the trigger on the Shield is much better than the SR9c.

The Shield disappears for IWB/OWB and carries very well. The Shield also can be a pocket gun, a tad big for that, but it will work. The SR9c IMHO did not carry as well and was not a pocket gun at all.

So on performance, recoil and flexibility for carry. I picked the Shield and traded the SR9c.

Now the good news about the SR9c is that I traded it for a Benelli shotgun!! For that I liked the SR9c :)

Just my 2 cents!! Try both and buy what works for you.

Best wishes!!

I shot both the Shield 40cal and the SR40 today. The triggers on the SR9c and the SR40c were upgraded a couple of years ago. The triggers of today are far superior to what they were. I don't have an Apex in my shield, but the trigger on my SR40c smokes the Shield. I like them both and won't part with either.They both conceal carry well.

I was wrong on the introduction of the Rugers. It was a year and a half ago. Also the trigger on the LC9 is a different animal. It is a long and awkward pull. The trigger releases to far back in the trigger guard. This is a safety feature of course, but it cannot be compared to any of the M&PS. More like a Kahr, but not as smooth.

Found a Shield 40 at the LGS today and handled it. Wow did it feel nice in my hands. Compared it to an LC9 and I didnt care for the LC9 as far as how it felt. I know this is a better comparison than comparing the Shield to a SR9c. From what I see, the Shield is big enough for what I want. Only problem was they wanted $599 for it...no way.

My wife just picked up a LC9 in the limited edition fully engraved 1 of 1500..This will be her CCW. The engraving is so nice and so well done she fell in love with the gun as soon as she seen it.. Real engraving not laser engraved.. Now she needed something really small as she is a tiny girl with even tinier hands..OK The trigger in the LC9 is a little heavy and long but not bad..It is so smooth out out of the box too.With it's It's pull so smooth your better off not trying to stage it at all so it's smooth and very clean not a hint of anything I would dislike and I'm fussy.. Break is also clean and quick like a glass rod and I don't say that often.. I have a few full size M&P's .22 and .45 and numerous other gun but none of then fit her well.. I was not about to say no when she wanted it.. Darn good looking gun too.. I like the LC9.. I'm a 1911 guy myself.. Though the M&P's have grown on me a lot.. Hope this helps somehow..I like the lc9 it's a well built gun. trigger, safty and slide release are made out of steel too.. Very well done and heavy chaise too. All trigger and transfer bars are behind or on the out side of the chaise in this way they stay clean to keep functionally up IMO! We have not shot this gun yet just got it the other day.. George

I have both, LC9 and Shield 40 with 9mm barrel. I like both,but if forced to choose, go with the Shield. LC9 is more pocket carry size. Shield trigger better and convertible with 40 to 9mm. Fortunately now we are not forced to only 1 gun. Unless Obama has his way. Live FREE. Enjoy our rights.

I had an LC9. Notice the word "had." Never liked the trigger on the gun and honestly, the sights sucked. just never really got comfortable with the gun and sold it.

I had played with a Shield over the holidays but never had the opportunity to shoot it. The fit and finish was so much better than the LC9. After finally being able to shoot mine last weekend, the trigger on the Shield was so much smoother right out of the box.

Just added some TruGlo's today so it just got better! The old eyes just aren't what they used to be.

SR9c versus M&P shield
 

This thread is comparing apples to oranges, a compact double stack versus a subcompact single stack. Both are great guns. If I had to use the gun to defend myself, I would greatly prefer the SR9C with it's sweet trigger and 10 round capacity, and slightly longer barrel. In lighter clothing, the Shield would be the most concealable.
Ignore the comments from those who have not owned an SR9c, it is a very nice gun for IWB holster carry but too heavy for pocket carry. The Shield is also a little big and heavy for pocket carry and would be best carried in a IWB holster.
Both guns have manual safeties that you can use or ignore, key is to be consistent and either use it 100% or use it 0%.

To me, I love all extended mags.. they are my reloads / spare mags. They are for go, not for show, or for look.

One of the reason I keep my Blocks .. I have some G17 mags that I can feed them into my G26 and G19 ... not to mention the ***** 33 rounders that I can plug that into... LOL,.. but it is just for range fun ... and when SHTF.. LOL

Anyhoo... I only carry my ccw in their standard mag.

+1. poeple typically compare SR9c with "compacts" like M&Pc, or G19.. some compare it with G26... in a way it is still valid as Block26 is NEVER a "subcompact" to my eyes ... (not a Block hater.. I do own a 19 and 26 .. but a 2x4 is a 2x4 ... they serve me as well as my Shield)

One feature I don't like on some of the recent Ruger autos is the magazine disconnect feature.

That would be a deal breaker for me in a defensive sidearm.

Edmo

Owned the SR, replaced it with the shield, that speaks volumes on its own.

DR

I also own both. I usually carry the Shield, especially around town. But when I'm out in the woods hiking, I carry the SR9c. I slightly prefer the Ruger's trigger, I slightly prefer the Shield's sights (larger dots). I am a little more accurate with the SR9c, but I have confidence that I will hit what I am aiming at either of them. Both are great pistols and I would not part with either of them. My Shield did replace my Ruger LC9, which I just could not shoot with accuracy.

The SR9c mag disconnect is very easy to remove. (If I did it, it has to be simple!)

I also have the 40cal Shield and the SR40c. The trigger on the Ruger SR40c is superior to the Shield and the LCP. Not even close. It also has a light and remains my house gun. Love the Shield for concealed carry but the trigger on the SR40c is close to perfect.

I think one has to pick up both pistols in ones hand. Go to a dealer you are comfortable with and work with each pistol in the shop. Take your time to handle each one look them over Maybe carry them with a holster that the dealer will let you use the way you would plan to carry it. Talk with the dealer too.. You can't really go buy " I sold my SR9c. LC9, or LCP because someone else say they shoot the shield better"! Heck I could shoot my 1911 better then the others because I have more time with it and it has a single action trigger that is light and crisp almost like breaking a glass rod. If Your going to be using your gun for self defense find the one that fits your needs size wise hand wise comfort wise as you will be carrying it more if you get the right one. You will learn to shoot what ever you get if you go to the range and practice.. Really don't matter what kind of trigger it has for S/defense as most encounters will happen in under or well under 25yards with most between about 15 feet to point blank range and your going to carry it only after you can shoot what your aiming at because of all that range time you have with it.. Now if you want something you can take to the range for a rage gun and a carry gun in one that will be hard IMO. Most have way more then one gun like a woman would justify jewelry is a good comparison. We, you would want to have the right gun for the task at hand from a full size gun to a high capacity gun to compact and sub compact gun.. Point is you learn how to shoot it.. George

If anyone is looking I have an sr9c two tone I'm letting go. Pm me or email me at [email protected]