Ruger LC9s as good as a S&W Shield 9mm?

I think so. I have long skinny fingers though, and the grip shape of the lc9s didn’t do it for me

I have had both but, strangely, I never shot the Shield. They are both gone now. Traded away. However I did like the Ruger. My wife who hated my LCP even liked the LC9s. If I could get one for $235 I probably would even though I have no need for one. Or an EC9s for even cheaper.

Can't speak to the Shield but I think the LC9 deserves a good look. Good price and I have had no issues with them. Nice thin single stack 9mm.

Good price on the LC9s but between the two I would go with the Shield as it fits my hand better.

I own an LC9: It is the answer for pocket carry 9mm. Same footprint as a 642, but slimmer. You don't buy it because it fits your hand, you buy it because it fits your pocket; it also fits my hand ok, but it'll never be comfortable.

I've handled a couple Shields, but don't own one: they felt a bit large to pocket. I don't see the use for a weapon too large to pocket, and yet too small to shoot like a duty pistol. If you're going to wear a holster, carry a 4"+ duty pistol. If you're going to pocket, LC9 or 642.

Edit: and for that money, buy it.

Loved the slim LC9S, but for myself, the trigger became just too light and did not feel safe with it other than a range gun. That said, it was a good shooter. Actually felt and shot much like the 365 when I compared the two. A little snappy but otherwise no problems. It was always reliable. Had a Shield years ago, but got rid of it, just not a good fit for me, but otherwise nice gun.

357smallbore said:

Is the Ruger as good as the Shield. I know the trigger pull on the Ruger is supposed to be better. But overall is it equal to the Shield in quality, reliability and accuracy?
And is $235 good for a like new one?

Click to expand...

Not for me, the Ruger LC9S..I had one and it was a POS, jammomatic with a variety of high and low end ammo, not a fan..traded it for a Glock 43..

I paid $260 for a LC9S Pro a couple of years ago. It’s my most carried gun because of size and weight.

My son has a LC9sPro and uses it for EDC. I like the trigger and the way it shoots... long but light trigger is how I would describe it. The slide on his pistol tended to rust with his acidic sweat, so we had it coated (Gunkote if I remember correctly), including the trigger. That ended the rust issues and made it look better, too.

I have one and it shoots well. However, I miss the fact it has no slide release lever and you have to pull the slide back manually to chamber the first round in the mag. I also wish the safety didn't come off so easy.

I still own a Shield, I sold the LC 9s.

The Shield just for my hand better, and I shot smaller groups with it.

Obviously it comes down to the OP shooting both guns and making the decision himself. Should not be a difficult thing to do. Most ranges with gun rentals have them in stock. That said, the fact that the OP can get a LC9S for $265 gives a lot of points toward that gun.

I have an EC9S and a Shield .45, so not exactly the same as what the OP is asking.

The Shield is a gun I just can't seem to quit. Its light, thin, shoots well, and is of impeccable build quality for the sub $400 I spent on it.

The EC9S isn't in the same league. Its a very good value, but i dont shoot it as well and it rusts pretty easily.

So the Shield is being carried IWB as i type. The EC9S is lives in a small back up bag in my trunk wrapped in an oiled ragged. Its my Just In Case gun if I ever find myself in need along with a spare mag, a light, and a small bit of money.

The Ruger isn't bad but I think the Shield is the better handgun. Even today my personal top picks in that very small 9mm category would be one of the Shield or Glock 43 variants.

I have both. They are both medium low quality that regret buying. Ruger is a jammer after 200 rounds. S&W had a loose ejector and brass to the face after 200 rounds.(little brass slaps to the face reminding me to buy higher quality the first time.)

I paid in the low $200's for an LC9s pro and felt like I got a good shooter.

I don't have a Shield, but FWIW I feel equally comfortable with my LC9s pro and my Glock 43. They are both good shooters and have given me zero problems.

I've shot the LC9S and it has a very nice trigger. The gun is too small for me however and I prefer S&W overall.

But the deal described sounds very good, and I would still trust the Ruger no problem.

When I bought my Shield I was looking at a Ruger. I am a Ruger guy and own several. They guy at the LGS highly recommended the Shield over the Ruger so I got the Shield. I’ve never regretted it. It is used for IWB carry and it works well. It doesn’t pocket carry very well, the Ruger would be better for that. In 4000+ rounds I’ve not had one issue with the Shield. The trigger could be better but it is a carry gun. You probably could not go wrong with either.

Jeff

Individual's have brand preferences developed over time thus usage. Smith&Wesson is my preference for revolvers and semiautomatic handguns usually. I'll allow thou I've acquired various Ruger products over the decades for me they do not develop into keepers usually except for the Mini-14, RAP-9 and RAP45.

I had to pick between the 9mm Shield and the Ruger LC9 when i bought one. I couldn't pull the trigger far enough to fire the LC9. My finger wouldn't close up far enough.
I had no problem with the Shield so I bought it and it has been extremely reliable.

I have one of each. The LC9S has a much nice trigger pull and fits my hand better. Have yet to shoot it though.

I've owned both. I sold the Shield. The Ruger trigger was that much better for me. Also, the Ruger actually works as a pocket gun in my cargo shorts, which I wear 9 months of the year. The Shield was too big for that. Don't get me wrong. I think the Shield is an excellent pistol. For my needs and uses, the Ruger is better.

I'm very happy with my LC9S. Good trigger,accurate and very concealable. I purchased it a while ago when they first came out,replacing the LC9. Never had any problem.

I have had both.

I agree the Ruger has a better trigger than the standard shield and is easier to carry.

BUT, I had issues with the slide locking back on a loaded mag with the lc9s during rapid fire from the draw. This was undoubtedly because I was bumping the slide lock with my thumb. I could adjust my grip to avoid the issue, but it couldnt be my normal grip. Perhaps could have been solved by a spring change or reducing the size of the slide lock. Or more practice.