I am looking to buy a sub-compact (for lack of a better term) 9mm for IWB carry and have so far narrowed my choice down to these three pistols. I own a full size version of each, so I'm familiar with and like each platform. Each has its pros. Here is how I size them up so far:

Glock 26-smallest of the three in every dimension. Glock reliability. Accessories abound. Not the best-looking of the bunch, but I like the way Glocks look. Again, there's that Glock reliability.

Ruger SR9c-largest in every dimension. Questions about barrel peening and lousy trigger due to full size SR9 issues on some guns. My full size has been fine but the trigger does need work. The biggest positives are a great-feeling grip and this, in my opinion, is the best looking of the three.

S&W M&P9c-this one splits the difference between the Glock and the Ruger size-wise in virtually every dimension. Plus, it's a Smith and I've always had VERY good luck with all my Smith and Wessons. Plus their customer service is second to none. The changeable backstraps are a plus. This is the capacity champ, w/ 12 rounds standard. Pretty cool looking too.

The prices on these here are pretty equal. I like them all, but I'm really interested in everyone else's experiences with any of these or just your thoughts. Let me know what you think.

S&W is running an incentive on the M&Ps starting Saturday with $50 back or two magazines, if that helps influence your decision.

I have no experience with the Ruger, I've had the Glock and now have the 9c. I like the American made, lifetime warranty of the Smith but the big factor is the interchangable grip panels so the gun fits and points right.

IMO only

Smith and Wesson M&P9c -----> Glock26 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Ruger SR9c

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Don't look, reload and shoot!

+1 Explained so well, in so few words.

I don't want to rub anyone the wrong way here as a relative newbie, so I'll just say that although I love my S&W 4040PD and I want a 686 and probably one of their 1911s as well...

I also have an SR9 full-size post-recall and I'm very happy with the gun. I thought about an M&P9 but liked the grip on the SR9 better.

The trigger could best be described -- out of the box -- as "rough", that is true. What I did was clean it extensively, dry fire extensively while practicing handling, run about 100 rounds through it, then clean and dry fire again, and it was *much* improved. There is also a full detail strip available on a Ruger forum that shows disassembly of the entire fire control mechanism if you would like to try your hand at lightly polishing some parts of the action. The gun is very accurate and I have no signs of trouble. I have experienced 0 malfunctions and I enjoy shooting it. The price was right and the features were right and what I was looking for at the time.

The SR9c is reputed to have a much better trigger out of the box than the SR9 did, and I intend to buy one of those, too.

YMMV, try them all out, hopefully test fire them at a range somewhere and then make your choice, I say.

I like the visual/tactile loaded chamber indicator on the SR9 series. A lot. In the dark, with a gun you haven't picked up in a while, and maybe have forgotten or aren't sure about -- that indicator tells you with zero noise and zero drama and no press check whether you have a live round in the chamber.

Yes, very well said. In short.

We went to a LGS today because I wanted to see if the G26 would be a good fit for my wife, I have a GSSF discount to use this year and I am (was, actually, but we'll get to that) looking for which Glock to use it on. She said the G26 felt small, and while we were talking about it the salesman came over and handed me a M&PC. I'd never held one before, and compared to the G26 (which I have extensive experience with) my first impression was that the ergonomics and balance are much better in the S&W. I handed it to my better half, whose face lit up as she looked it over. In chatting we also handled the full size M&P and a Walther PPS (thin, weird: I'd hate to shoot a +P .40 out of one), and I was favorably impressed with the big M&P as well. Much more natural grip angle than the Glocks, IMO. After we left my wife said, "The Glock felt like I was holding a plastic gun, the other one (the M&PC) felt like a real gun." I couldn't have said it better, and I think that my GSSF discount may well go unused.

I decided to go ahead and pick up the Glock 26. Any ideas on a good thin kydex IWB holster ?

I have the Glock 26. I added some of those +2 magazine extensions to the factory mags. I now have 12 rd mags. Still it's easy to conceal. I use a kangaroo brand nylon IWB holster with a spare mag pouch built in.

Bought a Sigma .40 for carry because it was DAO. Bought my SR9c because I love Rugers. In short the Sigmas in the box, the Rugers on my hip. Dependable, all bullseyes out of the box from multiple indoor range distances. Oh and I bought 1000 rounds of ammo for the savings from buying a Glock. Not that that matters. hehe

FIST

FIST, INC.

Good Luck,,

GLOCK EVERY TIME A#1

When I refer to reliability, I'm talking about my Smiths and Rugers.

I've had guns from these manufacturers for decades and they have been as reliable as it gets.

Pick the one that's calling out to you; any of the 3 guns mentioned will serve you well, IMHO.

Good luck!

Lee

Doesn't the M&P have a Lifetime Warranty? Glock only 2?

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I have an SR9c. I put 250 rounds through it and noticed the barrel peening at three different spots on the chamber block. The barrel doesn't drop quick enough to clear the slide. This in my opinion is a flaw that should have been fixed during its design. When it comes back from Ruger, I'm trading it in for a M&P9c. Smith's are made better, and are made with higher quality material. IMO.

way late on this one......but doesnt the m&p have a built in lock? or is their standard magazine disconnector?

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Can be ordered with or without either/both feature(s).

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Science plus Art

wow, and its considerably less in cost to the Glock 26......damn, this has me thinking.....

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As of December 1'st S&W has dropped the price of their M&P line. They're even more attractive now. Of the three I feel the M&P is by far the best pistol.

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I find the M&Pc to be in between the Glock 26/27 and 19/23 in size, seems to carry better in soft IWB holsters, not so square. I've only handled one SR9c and dry fire seemed good on that one. I thought it seemed smaller/thinner in the grip area then the other two but didn't have either one there to actually compare. The Ruger was also the bargain of the bunch at least $100 less.

You can't go wrong with a Glock. It may not be as personally "right" as some other makes, but it's definitely not wrong.

While it's warranty is only 2 years (in print, often honored years later), chances are you'll probably never need it.

The SR9c is sweet. Thin with a nice trigger. Good capacity too. I haven't shot one yet - but plan too.

If I was going to buy striker fired tupperware guns, the SR9c is one I'd get. Regards 18DAI.

One of these.Can't go wrong

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I have kydex IWB holsters by Blade-Tech(2-3), Comp-Tac(1-2) and Raven Concealment Systems Phantoms( 4 on hand with a fifth on order). I have retired the Blade Techs and Comp-Tacs. The Raven is more stable than the other two, much more so than the Comp-Tac CTAC. It presents much less of a profile than the Blade-Tech and is about the same in this respect as the Comp-Tac CTAC.

I recommend the Raven Phantom. It can be used as an IWB or OWB and has a great selection of mounting options. Turnaround is the only downside IMO; they are about 3-4 months behind right now.

I have several FIST kydex pocket holsters but haven't used their IWBs. Decent quality, very thin kydex. I haven't had a failure but I think the Raven might stand up to harder use better than the FIST.

Does the SR9c have an external safety?

Between the SW MP and Glock, I'm sticking with the Glock although the MP is a nice weapon.
No experience with the SR9 but I'm doubtful I'd be impressed enough to place it ahead of the others.

Well all here is my 2 cents:

I have a Sigma and love it, I know, it has a terrible trigger but like an ugly dog you get to like it after a while and it fits my hand very nicely.

I also have a Ruger SR9C and this has an excellent trigger and a rear sight that allows you to adjust for elevation and windage, plus a thumb safety to give you some added protection. One quirk of the Ruger is that you have to use the weak hand to release the slide the side lock only locks the slide but does not allow you to release it so you need to use the weak hand to pull the slide back and let it fly forward on fresh magazine.

I had a Glock and sold them, they are nice guns but they just do not fit in my hand with comfort.

I also have a new M&P, once you get by the trigger issues it has great balance and an optional thumb safety if you need it. Both the Sigma and M&P fit like a glove in my hand.

With all this being said the Glock has been around the longest, has great support, lots of accessories and a very good reputation.

Regards,

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Ron456
Patron NRA Member

And then there's the Walther P99 Compact.

I looked at the xd, m&p and sr9, walked out with an sd9, just fit my hand like a glove.

I like the S/w the best out of the 3

I have the SR9c and believe it is hard to find a better carry gun. The SR9c has a great trigger, easy to handle recoil, accurate and dependable. Easy to conceal.

1,000 rounds with no hiccups, it is a good gun.

If I had to pick between Glock 26 and MP9c I would want the S&W

I agree 100%. I haven't spent much trigger time on either the glock or the S&W but I have on the SR9C and can say that it's a very nice gun to shoot. 100% dependable and I love the trigger. It also strikes a nice balance between concealable size and range use especially with the factory spacer so you can use full size mags and have the full size grip option.