Need Input: SD9VE vs Security 9

I know all too well about being on a budget for guns etc.... I would overlook the appearance. Question is do you want a manual safety or not? Both are decent guns. You can’t go wrong with either.

Outlaw75

If you can try the trigger on the S&W SD9VE that would be my first thing to check on. Most of the triggers I have tried on this model have been somewhat less than stellar. I think the Ruger Security 9 has a better trigger overall and for me slightly nicer ergonomics. Both have very good customer service should the need arise. Pretty much comes down to which one feels and handles best to you.

As a side note I wouldn't let your prior negative experience with a Mini 30 rifle color your thought process in evaluating the Security 9 as there really is no commonality between the two, other than they're both Ruger products.

Outlaw75 said:

I've just always questioned some of Ruger's design choices

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Care to elaborate?

Get whichever trigger you like better.

The SD9VE feels awesome but has a terrible trigger.

Ruger, unless it just absolutely feels horrible in your hand. Not if the S&W feels just a little bit better, but the Ruger feels absolutely bad. There is no other reason I'd go for the S&W. It isn't a bad gun, except for the trigger. It matters that much to me, that's how bad it is. Triggers are make-or-break for me.

And yes, I actually like how the rest of the SD9VE feels. And I really like S&W's second generation of M&P pistols.

What exactly do you not like in the Ruger? Not trying to attack your opinion, just wondering what it is.

I'd get the SD9VE. It seems a much sturdier pistol design to me. The stainless slide of the S&W is a plus in my book. Some people reports the finish of the Ruger is not that resistant and is prone to rust. The S&W sights seem better and at least the front sight is steel.
The trigger is the last thing I check in a gun since I can shoot DAO revolvers. An heavy or a not so good trigger is not a deal breaker for me if I think the pistol is good. In the end the SD9VE is a defensive pistol.

Have shot both.
Get the Ruger, the Smith trigger is annoying.
Both are budget security guard weapons and for me only feel, fit and trigger matter.

On the matter of budget holsters - uncle Mike's are inexpensive but work. I know cause after my divorce I could not afford to pay attention and bought 2 (OWB ballistic nylon with retention stap). That was 23 years ago and even though I have better now the UM's are still in service.

There is nothing wrong with the SD9VE trigger, but I say that because I shoot lots of revolvers DA. If you shoot it a lot and dry fire a lot the trigger will smooth and lighten. You will just get used to it. The gun itself has been 100% reliable in my experience. The ergos are good, much better than a Glock and the gun is accurate,

I've got a couple of the Ruger Security 9 Compacts that I like a lot. One's my carry gun, the other is more or less a safe queen I suppose. Like most every Ruger semi auto I've ever fired, they just shoot. Neither has ever malfunctioned. I don't shoot any worse with them than I do anything else. The Ruger's were about the least expensive thing I saw when I got them back during the last lull in "gun crazy." I carry mine in a "1791" brand IWB leather holster. That works fine.

I've owned a couple of SD's over the years and liked them but never used them as anything but range guns. They worked fine, shot fine, the trigger isn't as awful as some make them out to be.

Personal preference I suppose it comes down too.

Outlaw75 said:

I guess that's part of the problem. I've just never been into Ruger.

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Trying not to sound too critical, but you've kinda been all over the map about your Ruger complaints.
I have multiple Rugers. Not a fanboy, they just work at a good price point.
My next revolver most likely will not be a Ruger because they just don't make gun and caliber my wife wants. My next semi-auto won't be a Ruger for the same reason. But after carrying a Ruger as my EDC for nine years, I've got no reliability/support reasons not to by another.
All that said, you need to buy what you shoot best. Both guns will serve you well.

I personally think the Ruger Security 9 is up there as far as one of the ugliest pistols.
Hi Point is still #1. Though that Ruger has to be in the top 5.

I picked up a S&W SD9VE to use as a truck gun. The trigger is as horrible as everyone said it was.
$54.95 spent at Apex and watching a disassembly video on youtube fixed that.
https://www.apextactical.com/action-enhancement-kit-for-sdve



For holsters, just about any will work. I'm playing with one of these Versa Carry holsters:
https://versacarry.com/outside-the-waistband-owb-holsters/?sort=priceasc

I have this one that comes with a mag pouch all in one. Handy for a truck gun.
https://versacarry.com/outside-the-waistband/2018-commander-holster/

I can't speak to the Ruger Security 9, but I picked up an SD9VE right before the prices shot up in the Covid buying rush.

I bought the gun knowing that it had a trigger that is about 8.5 pounds stock, and actually ordered an M-Carbo spring kit the same night I ordered the gun.

Now, the trigger is a much better 4.5 pounds (roughly), and the gun has run flawlessly. For me, it points better than my Glocks due to the grip angle. I was gonna go full out and put on night sights and a flat trigger, etc, but stopped at the trigger spring kit. I actually installed a flat trigger and hated it, so switched back to stock. The only other modification I made was to get an enhanced takedown lever because the one that comes on it is really small and hard to use.

Like I said, the gun has run flawlessly so far. I currently have about 600 rounds through it, and have tested everything I could find to see if it would choke on something. I've tested: steel case, jhp, and bullet weights from 115 to 147 grain.

My gun serves as a home defense and vehicle gun. I like the 16+1 capacity, and I've been very pleased with my SD9VE.

Does the SD9VE use the same mags as the 1.0's and 2.0's?

I like the Ruger, but from the way you talk, I think you'd always be unhappy thinking about the S&W that got away.
Both are good enough guns, get the one you like best.

Outlaw75 said:

I guess that's part of the problem. I've just never been into Ruger. Yes, I once owned the Mini 30 from Hell, but that's got nothing to do with the Security 9 and it was 20 years ago. By all rights I should be opting for the Ruger (it's the lower priced option!), but for some reason I can't come to terms with it.

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I'm not a fan of them either. When compared to the similarly price competition, the build quality isn't the same and they feel cheap. Nothing special.

My son has been looking for another range/home defense 9MM. We looked at both and the RUGER trigger is lightyears ahead of the SD9VE. And as far as looks go " beauty is in the eye of the beholder" . The SD9VE is surly not going to win any beauty contests. If everybody judged their firearms by looks we would all own a BERETTA 92FS. IMHO looking at both closely the Ruger is a better built product. If it had to come down to one or the other my son would have purchased the Ruger, but he decided to hold off and hopefully find a RUGER SR9C. He has shot mine and it has spoiled him. The SR9C is one of RUGERS finest moments and is in a class by itself. I wish Ruger would reintroduce that gun, they did everything right with that one. Lastly I believe Ruger's customer service is 2nd to none and that should weigh heavily into a gun buyers decision.

For some reason I’m jus not a fan of the newer Ruger automatics. Their P series guns were ok but too big and clunky to carry much. I voted for the Smith & Wesson because I have a little experience with the 40 cal version of your other choice. The fact that I bought it for $199 like new help with the purchase of the Smith. I’m not a fan of the .40 S&W round and would have preferred the 9mm but for $199 I couldn’t say no. It’s the gun that stays in my car 24/7 365.

Get the smith. You can change the slide color as your budget permits, and same goes for the trigger too.

viking499 said:

Does the SD9VE use the same mags as the 1.0's and 2.0's?

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The SD9VE does't share magazines with the M&P 1.0 / 2.0.
It does share sights though.

Decent Apex article on the SD9VE:
https://www.apextactical.com/blog/r...dden-gem/?mc_cid=c8f72085d3&mc_eid=ffdc3e5b6e

Note the Apex trigger is basically a Glock trigger. I like Glocks and have 6 of them.
I prefer a Glock flat trigger over the jointed M&P / SD9 trigger.

I paid $250 for my SD9VE used with box and 2 magazines. They could be found new for that price, just not local to me.

Decent review on the stock SD9VE: