Im looking at spending only around $350ish on a 9mm and Iv'e narrowed it down to these two pistols.It's basically gonna be only for range use and not CCW or HD.If anyone has actual experience with either good or bad I would very much appreciate it.I did handle both of these and the ruger feels a tad better in my hands but not enough to sway me either way.If you have another suggestion I'm all for it,thanks.
Ruger 9e or Smith SDVE 9?
- Thread starter miles1
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notaglockfanboy
Member
I own the S&W SD9VE and it is a great shooter. Reliable and accurate, if you are a revolver guy you can get used to the trigger pretty quickly. I installed the APEX trigger kit in mine and it helped it a little. It has a long trigger like a DA revolver, it is well built and comes with two 16 round mags. I have not shot the Ruger, so I cannot compare the two, but I would recommend the S&W for a range gun. Great gun for the money.
djont57
Member
I have never shot the Ruger, but I sure like my SD9 VE
mgmorden
Member
I don't have those exact models, but I do have almost the same things: the Ruger SR9 and a S&W SD40VE.
I'll wholeheartedly recommend the Ruger 9E. Better mag capacity, better trigger, better ergonomics, and (subjectively) better aesthetics. It's not that the SD series guns are bad - it's just that the Ruger is just a bit better in most aspects.
I'll wholeheartedly recommend the Ruger 9E. Better mag capacity, better trigger, better ergonomics, and (subjectively) better aesthetics. It's not that the SD series guns are bad - it's just that the Ruger is just a bit better in most aspects.
Says it perfectly.
JeeperCreeper
Member
I bought a 9E the first week it was available (my LGS never heard of it when I had them order one) and have put just under 1,000 rounds through mine so far. Not one issue at all: no FTF, FTE, or any other FT you can think of. Very accurate and so easy to shoot fast. There isn't another pistol I can do double taps with as quickly and accurately. The trigger is the best (opinion) that I have felt on any striker gun... all for hundreds less.
I have shot an Smith SD40VE, and it is a great gun, but the trigger is awful and the ergos are too Glock for me (it is a knock-off Glock after all). I just didn't like it. I'm sure there will be no problems if you get one, but I just think the 9E is a better gun.
If you like the 9E, I promise you won't regret it.
Ruger allows the use of +p and +P+ ammo... Smith allows +P only... if that matters. "Regular" +P should be fine, but the info helps with service and is mentally comforting for both pistols.
I have shot an Smith SD40VE, and it is a great gun, but the trigger is awful and the ergos are too Glock for me (it is a knock-off Glock after all). I just didn't like it. I'm sure there will be no problems if you get one, but I just think the 9E is a better gun.
If you like the 9E, I promise you won't regret it.
Ruger allows the use of +p and +P+ ammo... Smith allows +P only... if that matters. "Regular" +P should be fine, but the info helps with service and is mentally comforting for both pistols.
Mosin Bubba
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I haven't shot the Ruger before, but I have an SD9VE and have been really impressed by it. The trigger isn't great - it's heavy and a mile long, but that's about the only problem I've had with it. On the plus side, I like the way it looks, love the way it feels in my hand, it seems accurate, and so far it has been 100% reliable. You definitely wouldn't go wrong with one.
p95
Member
Here's my take on this issue. I was recently (last couple of weeks) looking at both these pistols Let me qualify my opinion a little---I have owned glocks, sigmas, xd's, m&p's and shields. I have and always will carry an Airweight 642 in my right hand pocket. I was going to buy one or the other of the two pistols. Either a Sr9E or a SD9VE, I chose finally, the SD9VE. Main reasons----Trigger on the SD9 is exactly like my 642---Finish on the SD appears to be more durable--- No safety on the SD to forget to reapply,---No magazine disconnect on the SD,---Two magazines come with the SD.I really like the SR9E but the trigger on the one I played with was just too scary light, and I carry inside the waistband. These were the reasons I chose the SD9VE---I would still would like to get a SR9E for range use, it is a fine gun.However there is nothing wrong with the SD9VE--I shot a 5 round one and one half inch group with the first five rounds at 7 yards. It is just like carrying a 17 round revolver in your waistband.
And let me add that there is absolutely no comparison of the trigger to the old SIGMA. The SD trigger is more M&P like. I love it.
And let me add that there is absolutely no comparison of the trigger to the old SIGMA. The SD trigger is more M&P like. I love it.
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I have experience with both an SD40VE and an SR9C. P95's post above was spot-on. The SD's check all the correct boxes for a defensive pistol, but the OP said this one was for range use. I voted 9E because of the more range-friendly trigger. The safety and mag-disconnect won't be a hindrance on the range and may even be advantageous some time.
p95
Member
OSS117; Your right, I completely missed the op's reference to range use. Your also right that the trigger on the SR9E is more suited to range shooting.
The SR 9 is fine for carry also if you are comfortable with the glock style trigger.
The SR 9 is fine for carry also if you are comfortable with the glock style trigger.
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JeeperCreeper
Member
You'll love it, congrats!!!
I wasn't worried about the number of mags as I was planning on buying at least 2 more regardless of the gun.You bring up a great point about the life time warranty,If ruger had a bad CS department that couldv'e made a difference.All things considered for the price point of either gun I thought it was a good deal either way.The ruger just felt better to hold and aim in my hands so I went with my gut feeling.
Thermactor
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I would have sternly advised you to run away screaming from the Son of Sigma. You did. Phew. (I also would have told you to wait for a sale and then pick up a spectacularly better M&P for not much more money)
mgmorden
Member
They're $10 cheaper at GrabaGun
http://grabagun.com/ruger-sr9-sr9c-magazine-2-pack-9mm.html
$20 per mag isn't bad at all.
There really wasn't a wrong answer to your question. Both are solid guns from good companies.
CraigAPS
Member
Miles1, I know it's been a while since you've posted in this thread, but I'm curious if, after this long, are you still happy with the Ruger 9E? Have you had any problems or regrets?
Dragon breath
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Miles1's last activity on this forum was on January 14.
CraigAPS
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Haha. My bad. I guess I probably should've checked that! Thanks!
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