First CC: Ruger LC9 Vs. SR9c

It all depends on whether you want versatility or just a little "sissie pistol" you can hide in your shorts. Straight up, the LC-9 is a smaller gun... it also has a thinner profile and almost none of the features of the SR-9C with the exception of the safety, loaded chamber indicator, and 3-dot sights.

The SR-9C is an AMBIDEXTRIOUS pistol with safeties and slide releases on both sides. It and the LC-9 have loaded chamber indicators and 3-dot sights, and the LC-9 has a left-side safety. The single stack LC-9 has a 7+1 capacity (if I remember correctly), and the SR-9C has both a 10+1 and 17+1 capability. The LC-9 has a "single trigger" setup, where the SR-9C has a "pin lock safety" trigger that keeps the sear and striker system locked until the center trigger releases it. With the safety on, the gun still will not fire... so you have to both take the safety OFF and pull both triggers to make the gun fire, so it is an extremely safe gun. The SR-9C also has an adjustable backstrap which is simple to function, and a light rail to accommodate a short tactical light or laser. The LC-9 is a fixed grip and has no adjustments.

I have all of the SR-series guns from Ruger except for the .22, which is in short supply, and I personally think the SR-9C is the most versatile gun on the market for the money. You can carry it with the short mag in the gun, and the 17 rounder in your back pocket and have 28 rounds available... and the mags are designed so that the front portion of the grip remains the same, regardless of which mag is inserted into the tube. If you have 2 LC-9 mags, you still don't have the firepower of the single 17 rounder in the SR-9C arsenal.

I also have the new S&W Shield, which is a comparable gun with the LC-9, and find the Shield to be a superior choice... it is just more expensive.

I bought a full-size SR-9 when they first came out, and it was the best gun I ever took out of a box. The SR-9C improved on it, by adding features and versatility, and when it comes to a "carry gun", I'm not one that is married to a "tiny" gun... I look for what it brings to the fight, since I'm not carrying it for just one shot. Having been accosted by 5 thugs at once, I carry as much firepower as I can. It didn't take but one incident of that to do the math quickly... one or two shots "per" doesn't get it done... since 80 percent of people shot in self defense live to tell the tale.

One of my friends recently had an incident where a thug accosted him and his wife and another couple as they walked downtown. He shot the guy twice in the chest with an SR-40C, and the guy lived... so don't think that just one or two shots will get the job done all the time. The guy is a former Navy sniper, so he can shoot, and this guy was hit badly... but still lived.

Well, clearly, I favor the SR-9C, and for more than just the size of the gun. Springfield Armory has tee-shirts that say "Bring enough gun to the fight"... in this case, it's SR-9C all the way.

WT

My LC9 has a peculiar requirement of only running good ammo through it or else it clogs up the firing pin channel w primer shavings.

Not saying don't get one, but be aware that this is a concern, but with good ammo it's 100%.

Look at S&W. I started off as a Ruger fanboy (no offense ya'll, I still like their rifles) but have since moved over to S&W.

What Wristtwister said.

I like the SR9c a lot better, but if you're only going to get 1 cc gun I'd go with the LC9 because you'll carry it more often if your not willing to change your clothing style. The SR9c if bigger enough that it will print sometimes in just a T-shirt. And yes, the weight is noticeable although the SR9c is not heavy by any means.

First rule in a gunfight...Have a gun! The lc9 can fit in a pocket and is light enough so you won't have an excuse to not carry it all the time.Mine is accurate and reliable.

I've bought both and still have the sr9c while the lc9 was sold 3 months after I bought it. The added weight and size of the sr9c is worth the higher capacity, better feel (for me) and the far better trigger.

I don't have an SR9c but do have a SR40c which is pretty close in size and weight. I also have an LC9. For me, the LC9 is the better concealed carry gun. It's accurate and mine has been completely reliable after fixing a slight problem with it dropping its magazine. I do carry the SR40c when the weather allows a coat to cover it in its Fobus paddle holster but most of the time depending on what I'm wearing it's either the LC9 or my LCP. I've fired enough ammo through them both to feel comfortable and competent with them as well as trusting them to be reliable. As for its being a 'Sissy' pistol the difference in ballistics due to the 3/8" difference in barrel length isn't going to be worth considering. To me the difference between 10rds vs. 8rds isn't all that much if you can hit what you're aiming at. True, you could use the extended magazine on the SR9c but that's sacrificing a lot of concealability. For me it's a simple choice in favor of concealed carry.

I had a KelTec PF9 which is very much akin to the Ruger LC9. I really liked its small size for summertime CC but was never thrilled with its trigger so I traded it for a P3AT, which thankfully had a better trigger but still I wanted something in a compact 9mm. Tried a Ruger SR9c at the range and really liked everything about it, especially the grip design and the easily aquired sights. While it's not anywhere near the size of the LC9, feeling confident and comfortable with the gun you're carrying can make a big difference if and when you have to use it.

The LC9 is absolutely going to be noticeably more comfortable... To me, this means that it will "disappear" much more easily. You'll likely notice the SR9c, but I think it's doable unless you REALLY don't want anyone to find out you are carrying. That's less likely with the LC9.

However, you also mentioned "primary" pistol. The SR9c would be a LOT more fun at the range--much more accurate and much less felt recoil. I consider the SR9c to be much better for home defense and more suited for "advanced" situations, in addition to being more fun.

But my final thought may shift back to the LC9 (Up to you!). Your first gun should be one that you'll carry with you everywhere. If that's the SR9c, then fantastic! Easy choice! If you don't think you'll carry the SR9c everywhere, then you'd probably want the LC9, or even something smaller.

Good luck!

^ what FF said. I own both and both are excellent tools. You'll probably be happy and a little dis-satisfied no matter how you choose- till you can own both! Good luck, brother!

What Wristtwister said.

I use a fullsize SR9 as my main carry weapon. The only reason I chose it over the SR9c was the fact it was a 4.16 bbl. and I felt I could control that a little better. After carrying this for over a year, I think I would have been better off with the compact model. And that will be my next purchase in the very near future.

exavid said:

For me, the LC9 is the better concealed carry gun....To me the difference between 10rds vs. 8rds isn't all that much if you can hit what you're aiming at.

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Perhaps as I acquire more skills my preferences may change, but this is the reason I chose the SR9c over lighter guns. The extra heft, slightly longer sight radius, better trigger and reduced recoil means I CAN better hit what I'm aiming at. I'll live with whatever slight discomfort the bigger gun entails for the confidence that I'll be a better shot.

BTW... I always wear cargo pants or shorts and my SR9c will slip into the pocket of most of them. I NEED a belt when doing so and printing can be an issue, but the fit is there. Usually, though, I just slip on my Parker holster... it only takes a minute.

Every one has their preferences,I personally do not care for the triggers in the
LCP or the LC9 for me they break to far to the rear.
The SR series has a much better trigger and sights,That said If your looking for a smaller pistol Id check out the S&W sheild it would fit right between the two.If you have not carried before you will probabally go through several be fore you find the right one for you,your dress,ect.As you become more comfotable carring your whole thought procces will change on what you can carry and shoot well,I know mine has.Its rare that I carry any thing smaller than my G27 and prefer my CZ 75 compact or G19.The right holster and belt will go a long ways as to what you can coceal and comfortabally carry.Rent a bunch first.

Thats a tough one. The SR9 is certainly a better gun and would be prefferable in a gun fight but the LC9 will certainly be easier to conceal. I have an LC9 and a HK P2000sk which is about the same size as the SR9C. Both are for concealed carry but honestly i find myself with the LC9 far more. I can't carry in work so its much easier to just slip the LC9 with holster into the front pocket after i leave work. On the weekends though its usually the HK. The SR9 is a bit more versatile in the sense that it would make a far better HD gun as well as be more fun to shoot at the range.

LC9 if you want the most "convenient" carry..
otherwise the SR9c because it's the better gun of the two

This will be my first pistol and primary for at least the next year. Anyone with first hand experince in the diffrence between these two for CC?

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You may want to consider the new S&W SHIELD?

I already had an LC9, which I thought would satisfy my need for a compact single stack 9 'til I played with the SHIELD at the gun shop-darn thing followed me home, and I didn't think I was going to be interested. :banghead:

Everything's a compromise - my LC9 is slightly smaller, mainly around the grip area, but the S&W SHIELD just feels so darn good in my hand!

'Course, depending on one's hand size, YMMV?