M&P VS SR9

edteach · #1 05-12-2011, 05:18 PM

I just sold my SR for what I had into it. I loved the gun but the cam block pin kept walking out and I even sent it back to Ruger and after the fix it walked out even worse, half way after 10 rounds. I have a chance to buy a M&P new in box for 400. Is that a good deal? Is that an upgrade? and it comes with a blue plastic box smith and wesson like my 642 came with. Did they come in both black and blue boxes? I called Smith and was told that now they are shipping in cardboard like in the 70s and he could not say that they did or did not ship in blue boxes. Anyway just need a bit of feed back.

greener · #2 05-12-2011, 06:40 PM

Sounds like a pretty good price for a new M&P. I don't think I'd worry too much about the box it came in.

chessail 77 · #3 05-12-2011, 07:03 PM

Good price on an M&P and if the box is cardboard you can just set it up and shoot holes in it ......

VTHokiesDuckHunter · #4 05-12-2011, 07:08 PM

actually if it's not the original box and the price is a good deal don't worry about it. If it does come with an original box, especially if the serial number is on the box and matches the gun- keep the box as it helps re-sale some in most cases.

edteach · #5 05-13-2011, 08:57 AM

Well I bought the gun, it was the original box with the serial no on the sticker. The gun was absoluty new, the mags had not had a round through either of them and the gun bbl had only what looked like a bit of residue from the factory. The rails did not have any of the black worn off. Got it in a FTF deal for 400 all in. I saved about 150 over local prices and tax. I really liked my SR9 but after sending it back to Ruger and getting only a new pin when there was nothing wrong with the old cam block pin, it was the spirng tail that was not holding it in, I decided to sell it. I even have 40 left over from the sale of my Ruger to buy a thrid mag for the smith.

The only problem with the smith so far is it has an insane slide stop release for the left hand, Right is stiff but I can do it, left is not possible. Not a deal breaker at all, and I hope it gets easier after a bit of break in. Over all its a good feel in my hand.

Even if for some reason I decide to sell it at 400 not a problem, I would bet I have people standing in line at that price.

Silversmok3 · #6 05-13-2011, 10:14 AM

M&P id say is a trade up from an SR9.More options the change the backside,lower profile barrel and slide-seems like a win all around.Its probably a plus also to not have a huge red 'loaded when up' flag on the M&P.

Lost Lake · #7 05-13-2011, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edteach

Even if for some reason I decide to sell it at 400 not a problem, I would bet I have people standing in line at that price.

Several online dealers sell them new for $400 or just under. For a private sale with no FFL needed $400 would be a good price. Used for $350 would be good.

Then there are people who pay retail of $530 or more and don't mind. I guess a gun is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

Redlegvzv · #8 05-13-2011, 10:16 AM

Both are fine guns. I have never understood why people don't like LCIs. To me it is a nice feature to have -- instant visibility as to whether there is a round in the pipe. Nice to know if you are in a threat situation.

Before the nanny-state Government here in California mandated LCIs, they were considered to be a feature. Now they are a bug?

18DAI · #9 05-13-2011, 10:44 AM

I vote for the SR 9 on trigger alone.

SR 9 is also priced more realistically, locally. The SR 9 also feels "good in the hand". Regards 18DAI.

Navy96 · #10 05-13-2011, 10:56 AM

The M&P is a fine weapon, you will be happy with it.
As for the Slide stop...there are plenty of discussions on what it is designed for, Slide stop vs. slide release.
In my personal experiences, i've been trained by both Military and Police. They have all said to not use it as a release, instead use the sling shot method when releasing the slide. This reduces the minor muscle movements, and also keeps your strong hand in a proper shooting grip.

I don't know exactly what it was designed for, but i believe S&W calls it a slide stop, and not a slide release.

just my 2 cents

Silversmok3 · #11 05-13-2011, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redlegvzv

Both are fine guns. I have never understood why people don't like LCIs. To me it is a nice feature to have -- instant visibility as to whether there is a round in the pipe. Nice to know if you are in a threat situation.

Before the nanny-state Government here in California mandated LCIs, they were considered to be a feature. Now they are a bug?

Most loading indicators ive seen on other guns tend to be inconspicuous.The SR series literally uses a prominent red flag. While I dont mind having it, and like the fact I can just touch the top of my SR40 to know its loaded in the dark, thats just me.The OP may not like having a gun with a distinctive flag on top.

Heres a pic of my SR40 loaded for the op, as its hard to find pics of loaded SR9s/SR40's with the flag up.

Redlegvzv · #12 05-13-2011, 12:18 PM

Well, your characterization of it as a "flag" is pretty accurate. Me, I don't mind it, but I probably agree with you that it would be better if a tad bit less conspicuous.

Silversmok3 · #13 05-13-2011, 02:00 PM

At the risk of sounding like 'buy what I got'id actually consider an SR40 before an SR9.Having owned and shot both,either firearm will serve you well,but the SR40 is identical in packaging and handling vis a vis the 9mm,and costs about the same.Unless there are good reasons to select a 9mm over .40 s&w ,id just as soon get an SR40.More bang for the same buck.

ipittythefoo · #14 05-13-2011, 09:33 PM

My M&P9 came in a black box in Feb, but my 40c came in a Blue box when I bought it in April.

Badkarma 1 · #15 05-13-2011, 10:43 PM

Having shot both pistols in question, I vote for the M&P simply because it was more comfortable in my hand, shot just as accuratly and felt more solid. Plus the safety on the SR was just in the wrong place for me.
Is it a step up? Yes! Is it better? Maybe. I'm still trying to figure out why after years of stainless magazines for the third gen pistols they had to go back to blued mags! Dale

turbo38gn · #16 05-13-2011, 11:34 PM

looks like nothing to compare here, OP bought the MP... you'll love it, great gun, probably the best of it's class!!

Silversmok3 · #17 05-14-2011, 11:08 AM

Good choice.The best gun will always be the one that suits you personally.

edteach · #18 05-19-2011, 10:49 AM

The M&P has preformed flawlessly so far. I did like much about the SR but after the pin walking out and Ruger only sending me an identical pin, I was a bit upset at the customer service. I was told to send it back, Ya another five weeks out and what put in another pin and spring? I have heard some say theirs has no walking problem, but others who have had the same problem. Its a lot like the slide stop pin and spring guide on the Ruger p97 I had. After about one mag the slide stop would fly out and I would have to unjam the gun and find the slide stop.

If I wanted to shoot it I had to hold my finger on the slide stop to keep it in. I found several others who posted that they had the same problem, but after calling Ruger they said they had no problem. They did finally send me an updated pin and guide rod and it seemed to fix the problem, but I am not sure , after firing the gun I sold it off. I find a lot less creep in the Smith trigger than in the Ruger. Also that little center trigger safety is a pain, I hate the way it feels. I much prefer the Smith. Accuracy is outstanding in the Smith. Only one think I did not like I rented one and the frame cracked but the range said it has had way over a hundred k shot through it.

M&PEE · #19 05-20-2011, 08:47 PM

the slide stops will losen up after a while. had the same issue on both my f/s and C. as for the box bought my f/s in feb. (blue box) bought the compact in april(blue box) as long as the #'s match it helps resale. otherwise enjoy your piece you made a good choice. not that the rugers arent worth it. a great gun for the money.

JcMack · #20 05-21-2011, 08:02 AM

I bought a SR9c last week. I've got arthritis in my right wrist so I'm pretty much limited to 9mm. I'm going to a show the end of the month with the sole purpose of finding a second 9mm. What I buy will be either a SR9 full size or a M&P compact. I wish Ruger had designed the SR9c with a grip frame just a bit longer to house 12 rds as opposed to 10. I wonder if Ruger is locked into the 10 rd mentality, anticipating another ban. I want a gun with a thumb safety. I do not like the "fish scale" cocking serrations on the Smith.

Silversmok3 · #21 05-21-2011, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JcMack

I bought a SR9c last week. I've got arthritis in my right wrist so I'm pretty much limited to 9mm. I'm going to a show the end of the month with the sole purpose of finding a second 9mm. What I buy will be either a SR9 full size or a M&P compact. I wish Ruger had designed the SR9c with a grip frame just a bit longer to house 12 rds as opposed to 10. I wonder if Ruger is locked into the 10 rd mentality, anticipating another ban. I want a gun with a thumb safety. I do not like the "fish scale" cocking serrations on the Smith.

As far as I know Ruger makes two magazines for the SR9c,one a 10 round compact and a full size grip extension with a 17 round capacity.

grimreaper21 · #22 05-21-2011, 09:09 PM

I can't find a new M&P around here for $550. lame.

TeaQue · #23 05-24-2011, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lost Lake

Several online dealers sell them new for $400 or just under. For a private sale with no FFL needed $400 would be a good price. Used for $350 would be good.

Then there are people who pay retail of $530 or more and don't mind. I guess a gun is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

Can you link me to these online dealers?? I haven't seen a new M&P9 for under $400 new in over a year. At least not without a military/police discount!

For $400 new you could put it in a ziplock and sell it. Hell I don't even use the hard case mine came in!

I ended up paying $473 after tax at a gunshow here in KC and haven't seen a price within $75 of that since.

mlk18 · #24 05-24-2011, 04:53 PM

I like the SR9 series, but just cannot get over the manual safety. If Ruger made it an option like S&W did; I would probably own an SR9 and an SR9C. The LCI can be made less offensive with a little dremel work.

The best price I have found online for non-LEO's is at www.Jetguns.com. I bought my last two M&P's from www.OMBexpress.com (for LEO's and first responders).

edteach · #25 05-26-2011, 09:16 AM

I had the SR9 FS pistol. It was accurate and fit my hand nice. I like the slim size, but I had two problems. First one of the cam block pins kept walking out after shooting about 50 rounds, and I don't mean a sixteenth of an inch. It came out and was about to fall on the ground when I saw it.

I sent it back to Ruger and after listening to all the bluster about how they warranty their stuff for a year but take care of people bla bla bla I got the gun back in a couple of weeks. Not a horrible turn around for a new gun. All the tech did was put in a new pin and ran a few rounds though it. I thought this may have fixed it, maybe the pin was not right. I ran 50 rounds and it only moved a bit but then after pushing the pin in again every 10 rounds the pin came out half an inch.

I pushed it in and same thing. I finally took the pin out put the spring over the top of the pin and some red lock tit and sold the gun. I took the money and bought a new M&P for less money from a private seller. The gun has so far preformed as accurate as the Ruger but with out any problems.

I am left handed so the ambi slide stop is excellent and the mag release can be changed in about five seconds. The M&P comes with three changes of grips and can be changed out in the same time it takes to change the mag release to fit any hand. I love the loaded chamber indicator vs the Ruger that sticks up what seems like a foot to catch on cloths. Also my M&P comes so that it will fire with out a mag vs I had to take out the block in the Ruger, not hard but its a stupid thing in the first place. Sight profile is lower on the M&P vs the Ruger, and the trigger pull is much nicer than the Ruger.

The little safety on the trigger on the Ruger is also a drag, it feels funny on the finger until you get it flush with the rest of the trigger. I think the Ruger could be a great gun but they need to get the problems worked out. I know many say they have not had any walking pin problems but I have also ran across many who have had this problem. Just like the Ruger P97 I had that after five shots the whole slide stop lever would fly out of the gun jamming it.

I called Ruger after reading about a flaw in the design that many people were experiencing and they denied any problem but sent me a new lever and spring guide rod. It seemed to fix the problem and again I sold the gun. The M&P seems to have a lot of positive from owner/users and thats hard in this day and age. I can say that so far I love the gun, accurate and Smith gives a lifetime warranty which is a plus over Ruger. I would go with the M&P over the Ruger in summary.

BlackRain17 · #26 08-02-2011, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 18DAI

I vote for the SR 9 on trigger alone.

SR 9 is also priced more realistically, locally. The SR 9 also feels "good in the hand". Regards 18DAI.

I just have the Apex RAM for my M&P 40 and my trigger feels fine.

LOBONCA · #27 08-04-2011, 10:00 PM

I have both the M&Pc and the SR9c. I love both guns for different reasons. Would not part with either one of them!

agksimon · #28 08-06-2011, 03:06 PM

I had an SR9c for a couple of weeks, sold it and bought an M&P9c.
I didn't like the way the adjustable grip fit my hand on the SR9c, as it isn't the full width of the grip, just a little piece that sticks out, so it wasn't as comfortable as the M&P9c.
Also, even though I clean and lubricate my guns after each shooting, the SR9c stainless slide started to get little rust pits in it and the rear sight bubbled rust from beneath the paint. Ruger sent me a new rear sight and wanted the rusted one back. I did manage to find out from Ruger customer service and the Ruger Forums that others have had this problem. I can't find one negative thing to say about my M&P, which has had a few thousand rounds through it.

mtnwinds · #29 08-06-2011, 04:59 PM

+1 what Navy96 said.

Bicky Robby · #30 08-06-2011, 05:29 PM

The trigger is much different between the Ruger and the Smith. I prefer the M&P trigger. Not a fan of the magazine disconnect on the SR9. However, the loaded chamber indicator on the SR is big and I call it a plus, even though ugly as heck. I also like the the cocking indicator on the Ruger.

I have had 2 new students in the last month or so with SR9's and they end up shooting them just as well as other students with other guns do.

In my experience, it comes down to personal preference when choosing a gun now a days. Just my 2 cents worth.