Ruger SR9 or Springfield XD9 Compact?

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I was in the shop yesterday and the thinness of the SR9 really caught my eye. It makes the Glock and XD look huge. I don't want a full sized but if Ruger does a semi-compact or compact version I just might have to get one.
 
I owned a Ruger P89 and liked it, but it was just so boxy, so I sold it. Was a revolver only guy for over a decade after that.

I really like the XD's, I never owned one but I have rented one at the local range and seriously considered making one my first auto. I like the grip safety. They're great, except for the boxy profile, I just couldn't bring myself to buy one. I got a CZ-75 instead. It's big, but not boxy and I really like the heft and reliability. It's a great house/range gun, but not very portable.

I had a chance to handle the Ruger SR9, and compared to all those P series pistols it's very compact and slender. I really like the profile and especially the grip. The manual safety is a big plus for me, as is the cocking indicator(my CZ is the model with one). I also like that the magazine disconnect is user changeable. I have 45/22 that I'm still waiting to warm up to and really dislike the magazine safety. I have kids and to me, the magazine disconnect is a safety hazard.

If it proves to be reliable I will buy the Ruger, it's just about what I was looking for as a backpacking gun. I'm just waiting for more user feedback. My budget is rather tight (single income 2 kids).
 
You *do* know you can slide the backstrap out and flip it over, don't you? It goes from a arched backstrap to a flat backstrap with the push of the retaining pin and the slip & slide. Takes < 3 minutes. I asked at a Gander Mtn, and they let me do it right there at the counter. I'm a flat backstrap guy, and it's hard to believe, but that little bit of arch makes a difference. Try it...you might REALLY like it then.

Q
 
I bought the Ruger 3 weeks ago. Probably the best value in a 9mm ever IMHO. I never liked the blocky Rugers(or Glocks) because of bulk. Even the full size Ruger is easy to conceal, and I suspect that all the major holster makers will be falling over themselves to produce holsters for it(Galco does already).
After 600+ rounds it is much slicker and the trigger has smoothed out nicely. I bought the one W/O mag safety.
 
Jack2427 said:
After 600+ rounds it is much slicker and the trigger has smoothed out nicely.
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That is roughly equivalent to a $400 trigger job. Nothing against the SR9, but why didn't you just get a trigger job in the first place? Probably a lot cheaper.
 
That is roughly equivalent to a $400 trigger job. Nothing against the SR9, but why didn't you just get a trigger job in the first place? Probably a lot cheaper.
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Don't know where you are buying break-in range ammo, friend, but 600 rounds of "cheap" around here is less than $100 ($84, if you want to be picky; $7/box at Academy).

But since ya gotta shoot the thing anyway, might as well shoot it and learn the trigger while it's loosening up.

Sounds to me like a good deal the whole way around: good pistol, trigger improving, and he got some serious range time in the process!

Q
 
Quoheleth said:
Don't know where you are buying break-in range ammo, friend, but 600 rounds of "cheap" around here is less than $100 ($84, if you want to be picky; $7/box at Academy).
Click to expand...

You are right, I had .45 ammo on the brain. I keep forgetting how much cheaper 9mm is, makes me almost want to get one.

But since ya gotta shoot the thing anyway, might as well shoot it and learn the trigger while it's loosening up.

Sounds to me like a good deal the whole way around: good pistol, trigger improving, and he got some serious range time in the process!
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Life is too short for crappy triggers. BTW I've read similar things about the XD line "1000 rounds and the trigger smoothed right up!" Sounds like a false economy to me, regardless of brand.

Cars also have a break-in period, but maintenance during break-in is covered by the manufacturer offsetting the PITA and cost. As a consumer I'm not willing to accept less from a manufacturer, especially when there are so many other choices. I guess I'm surprised at all the people who are.

In another thread we've got the owner of Charles Daly asking what he can do for us. I think I'll ask for great triggers on his guns, as a standard feature. Wouldn't that be cool?
 
You are right, I had .45 ammo on the brain. I keep forgetting how much cheaper 9mm is, makes me almost want to get one.
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Super,

Around here, my local Walmart has .45ACP only a little more than 9mm - a dollar or so. Those dollars add up, but it's not the $4-6 that some are reporting. Odd, how prices differ so much at places.

Q
 
I own the SR9, but would just as soon carry the Ruger 345. They are the same size and weight loaded, and I like the slide mounted safety BETTER (because I can effortlessly tell if it is off or on). I only went with the Ruger 9mm because the big bore 345 hurt my hands unless I held it REALLY hard. So, I would say, buy the SR9 if you want, but you certainly don't need to rush into anything.

With Complements,
Commander Crusty
 
Hey that must have been a tough decision. I want the black as well. I had an xd 357 sig and loved it, but ammo was too pricey so I got a kahr cw9. I like the sr9 because it is slim enough to carry comfortably, yet still has high capacity (my kahr holds seven in mag). I loved the ergos of the sr9 as well. I see one in my future.
 
Just put about 50 rounds through my new SR9 today and was very pleased. It preformed very well with no flaws. Will take a lot more rounds to break in but so far I couldn't be happier. I am within walking distance from Ruger here in Prescott so I guess if I have trouble they may have the answers. Very good grip for me. Like the flat style, sort of like a 1911 grip.
 
I think a slightly smaller SR-9 would be a great carry gun. Thin, no hammer, double action. I personally like manual safeties, though I know a lot of people do not. It's already a pretty light gun, but a smaller version would be even less. With the new Ruger .380 out there they seem to have finally had a wake up call and realized that most states are now "shall issue" states and that many pistols are bought with concealed carry in mind.

A thin, 20oz 9mm is about perfect as a concealed carry gun, so I hope Ruger takes this next step.
 
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