Glock 26 vs. Ruger SR9c vs. S&W M&P9c

chuck pullen · Feb 25, 2010

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.

Rundel · Feb 25, 2010

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.

Knightrider03m · Feb 26, 2010

IMO only

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

novalty · Feb 26, 2010

Marcus88 said:
IMO only

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

+1 Explained so well, in so few words.

UHSAK88 · Feb 26, 2010

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.

Kanewpadle · Feb 27, 2010

Marcus88 said:
IMO only

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

Yes, very well said. In short.

carbuncle · Feb 27, 2010

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.

chuck pullen · Mar 2, 2010

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

Center Villian · Mar 2, 2010

G26

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.

JimB120 · Mar 6, 2010

Sr9c

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

JJ_BPK · Mar 6, 2010

chuck pullen said:
Any ideas on a good thin kydex IWB holster ?

FIST

FIST, INC.

Good Luck,,

jimmyj · Mar 6, 2010

GLOCK EVERY TIME A#1

leejack · Mar 6, 2010

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

007BondJamesBond007 · Mar 6, 2010

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

kevjminn · Sep 10, 2010

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.

681ismyfavorite · Dec 2, 2010

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

OKFC05 · Dec 2, 2010

681ismyfavorite said:
way late on this one......but doesnt the m&p have a built in lock? or is their standard magazine disconnector?

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

681ismyfavorite · Dec 2, 2010

OKFC05 said:
Can be ordered with or without either/both feature(s).

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

mag318 · Dec 3, 2010

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.

handgunner356 · Dec 3, 2010

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.

Glock 26 vs. Ruger SR9c vs. S&W M&P9c

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Attachments

Member

Similar threads