Cheap pistol for personal protection

I’d order the S&W Shield for $249 from Palmetto State Armory.

Cokeman said:

I’d order the S&W Shield for $249 from Palmetto State Armory.

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I picked the Ruger but think this ^^^^ is a better suggestion IMO.

Another vote for the shield.

Neither really. If I were to pick a concealable carry pistol I’d pick something like a Glock 26, a Walther PPS or S&W Shield.

I guess if it just had to be a hard choice between those two I’d pick the Taurus simply because a few friends have had those as cheap carry options and they shot okay. I’ve also shot that model Ruger and I didn’t really care for it.

Usually I’d pick the Ruger simply because while they’re almost always a no frills pistol they’re generally reliable as all hel, but I don’t like that particular model.

Got to love it when you ask for opinions about two pistols you're interested in, and everyone kind of ignores the question and suggest what they're interested in instead.

I voted for the Ruger because of their better customer support and the fact that they're a US manufacturer.

I also prefer the S&W models...however I do own a couple Taurus also....I called them the other day about lifetime warranty....they do have great customer service now.....everyone deserves a second chance.

I’m an M&P fan too.
I think it’s best to get what’s best for each of you.
Having the same gun for everyone is nice, but you might look at the M&P 380 EZ for him. It may be easier for him to load and rack. It’s a little more expensive than the other options but a gun he can’t practice with isn’t a good gun for him. Likewise for you and your wife.

Styx said:

Got to love it when you ask for opinions about two pistols you're interested in, and everyone kind of ignores the question and suggest what they're interested in instead.

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Fair enough. I responded to cokeman's comment, and my guess is he suggested the shield at $249 as an fyi because the op may not have been aware that for an additional $15-$30 he could get a "better" firearm than the two he asked about. Plus the op did say he was open to other options

Sypher.... said:

Styx said:

Got to love it when you ask for opinions about two pistols you're interested in, and everyone kind of ignores the question and suggest what they're interested in instead.

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Fair enough. I responded to cokeman's comment, and my guess is he suggested the shield at $249 as an fyi because the op may not have been aware that for an additional $15-$30 he could get a "better" firearm than the two he asked about.

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I am gonna have to side with Sypher on this one. Even though I personally am not interested in any of the guns mentioned.

For new shooters and/or those who are not going to practice much, I would suggest a revolver.

I haven't shot the Ruger. If the trigger is good, fine. If it's as bad as the entry-level S&W, no (and I am a Ruger fan). I have a Taurus G2, and it's a good pistol that has given me zero trouble. The trigger is kind of weird and takes a bit of getting used to, but it isn't stiff. I shoot it reasonably well, about as well as any other 9mm pistol of that size and weight. My BiL has carried the Taurus forever and likes it a lot. However, the bluing doesn't hold up well, so I paid $20 extra for the stainless slide.

There are police trade-in pistols of superior quality for roughly the same money.

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I have had so-so luck with Taurus so that colors my view. Of the two I would personally go with the Ruger.

tarosean said:

I am gonna have to side with Sypher on this one. Even though I personally am not interested in any of the guns mentioned.

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Sypher.... said:

Fair enough. I responded to cokeman's comment, and my guess is he suggested the shield at $249 as an fyi because the op may not have been aware that for an additional $15-$30 he could get a "better" firearm than the two he asked about. Plus the op did say he was open to other options

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The OP is buying 3 pistols. The pistols the OP meantioned can be had for $200 or just under. An extra $50 equals an extra $150. I'm assuming the OP listed those two pistols because they're in his price range.

I've owned 5 Shields and 2 Taurus G2s. I honestly like the Taurus over the Shield. The Taurus was 100% relaible, and fit my hand better. Plus it was 12+1 in a very compact package vs 7+1 or 8+1 in the Shield. The 8+1 Shield will have a longer grip... The Shield had a nicer finish and looks nicer over all.

Four of my Shields were 100%, but one of my 45acp Shield's recoil assembly broke in peices after I took it apart for cleaning after the first range visit... There are multiple threads on the S&W forum from others who had the same happen to them. To their credit, S&W mailed me a new recoil assembly out free of charge... Not sure Taurus would have done the same, but I can't say for sure being that my G2s were 100%.

What turned me off from Taurus at the time I sold mine off was the lack of after market support, and others who were reporting that Taurus had long turnover time on warrenty service. This was a few years back when the PT111 G2 was first released though... If this has changed, the OP wouldn't be gaining anything by going with the EC9 and Shield over the G2C.

OP, the EC9 only comes with, correct me if I'm wrong, one mag and non adjustable/changeable sights. The G2C has more capacity, adjustable/changeable sights, and two mags. Something to keep in mind.






Shield with 7 round mag... With an 8 round mag, the Sheild will be taller...




PT111 with 12+1 rounds


Shield with 8+1 rounds...

Fron someone who has accually carried both, the weight and size difference is not noticeable when carried. For the about the little over an oz difference in weight, you get 4 more rounds....

Out of the two you gave us a choice on I'd say the Ruger because I carried a LC9s for a while, which is basically the same gun. It's a great pistol but unlike so many today looking for the smallest single stack that's available I actually have been moving up in size.

Granted the Taurus you mention is a bit bigger and holds more rounds I cant recommend Taurus based on personal experience. I won't bad mouth them but I can't recommend them.

I said Taurus, mainly because I don't like single stack 9mms much. The main advantage of 9mm vs other calibers is how many rounds can go in a double stack magazine.

I own an LC9S, and I never carry it, probably going to sell it. I will keep my PT111 G2. It can do 12 round concealed carry and transition to 17 round car/bedside. Just like the M&P 9 compact. Which I also own, and am going to keep.

Palmetto has the SCCY on sale for $169 delivered

I had good luck with mine. Double action trigger but doesn’t pull off for me when it fires

I think that handgun's are worthless for personal protection unless they are practiced with extensively. In order to do that I think the OP should take the time and trouble to have those using the handgun will need to practice with it before purchasing. If it is not a match then save your money. The Ruger is the better of the two if even money.

JONWILL said:

Palmetto has the SCCY on sale for $169 delivered

I had good luck with mine. Double action trigger but doesn’t pull off for me when it fires

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My wife has a SCCY and has my 9mm Shield. Both are good options...

I own a LC9s. It is reliable and a good shooter FOR ITS SIZE.
It fits my pocket but if I am going to wear a holster, it will be for a more capable gun.
Is that a Taurus? I don't know. The Ruger E9 looks like a good cheap service pistol.

Do like suggested to me , If there there is a LGS /range rent or at least hold the pistols see which one you like best.

Jim Watson said:

The Ruger E9 looks like a good cheap service pistol.

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It is a very basic striker fired platform. With 17+1 capacity, 3-dot sights, and safety for either hand. The back strap also feels really good.

JONWILL said:

Palmetto has the SCCY on sale for $169 delivered

I had good luck with mine. Double action trigger but doesn’t pull off for me when it fires

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I like the SCCY, I just recommended the G2C to someone 189otd and a 25$ rebate made it 164$. After shooting both the G2C had more recoil but the slide was easier and it holds 2 more rounds

I would strongly advise the OP to let his wife and son fire both guns, and as many others as you can afford to rent. Let them decide which guns fits their hands, which trigger pull they prefer, which slide they are able to manipulate. You don't by shoes for them without letting them try them on first. This decision is even more important.

Dave

Frank Trabel said:

Hello, this is my first post. Need help deciding between Taurus G2C and the Ruger EC9s. The Taurus looks and feels like a much better pistol, but the kids at the gun shop won't shut up about Ruger quality. Taurus has more capacity and better trigger. Not my first pistol, but I will be buying three 9mm modern pistols for myself, my wife, and our son who is going to Liberty University this fall. Something easy to load (magazines and racking slide) is a priority, my son has some issues with strength in his left arm from motorcycle accident. No need to run reliably with hollow points, full metal jackets have gotten the job done before, but if it does that's a positive. I am open to other pistols but keep in mind I'm buying 3 guns.

Would appreciate first hand experience. Thank you.

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From much first hand experience I would instantly recommend the Ruger over the Taurus, however, whichever fits you better that you can shoot better should be the winner - do you have a local range where you can rent both guns? From years and years of documented experience of other people, I would recommend you buy JHP ammo over ball, even the generic Remington Value Pack of 100 115gr JHP is better than any ball load.