I most often carry a Glock…they’re simple, reliable and fit my hand well. My wife was wanting a 9mm in a compact package. She’s tried everything I own (Kahr K9, Sig P228/P225, CZ-75 Compact & P-O1 and of course my G19 and G26); the Glocks just didn’t fit her well and she wasn’t comfortable with them (although she was plenty accurate). She did get the opportunity to handle the SR9c and really liked it…so much so that I secretly bought it for her (just over $200 with a holiday discount and $100 credit).
It was going to be a Christmas gift, but since I’ll be in Afghanistan before Christmas, it will have to be gifted sooner. I’ve already put 250 rounds through it with no issues. It’s accurate, has a decent trigger and comfortable grip. For those that like the safety feature, it’s not bad…small, but easy to activate. I know the chamber indicator is large and a little gaudy, but it hasn’t been anything more than an aesthetic nuisance…I’m really indifferent to that feature.
What I don’t like is the sights…they are actually decent stock sights, but I’m not sure aftermarket sights will fit the cut-out if you wanted standard fixed, night sights. Also, the magazines are hard to get and way over-priced which can be a deal breaker for many. I think the SR9/9c will have a decent future. Ruger has come a long way to compete with the polymer pistol market. If Ruger markets it well and pushes for more aftermarket accessories and factory parts, it should do well. The good news is that it is made locally and Ruger does have great customer service and a good track record overall. I really think my Steyr M9-A1 has some great improvements over the Glock, but they failed with marketing, spare and aftermarket parts…which all contributed to a market loss. I don’t think that will happen with the Ruger, but time is the telling factor and what Glock has going for it…very well established in the industry, LE community and is why people continually compare other designs to the Glock.
I still think the Glock 19 is the better buy right now…at least until the SR9c gets a little more range time. Biggest advantage of the SR9c is that it is quite a bit better ergonomically than the Glock, but nothing that would create a disadvantage or advantage as “comfort” is a very subjective aspect and everybody will be quite opinionated on feel and how a pistol handles. Price is a big advantage also of the Ruger (except extra magazines), but I still plan to put another 250+rounds (FMJ) through it before I even start trying personal defense ammo in it. As it stands, it’ll most likely become my wife’s bedside gun while I’m deployed.
If you’re willing to do plenty of shooting up front, the SR9c is a good deal that just needs plenty range time to make sure all is working properly…which is really prudent insurance with any new firearm. If handling isn’t too important and both are comfortable enough…then the Glock really gives you more options on accessories, cheaper magazines and more options for holsters at the moment. If the SR9c is more comfortable for you, it’s less expensive to get started, but mags are hard to get and expensive and holsters are less common, but that is quickly changing. Tough call, but I would recommend you go with what feels best in your hand and which one you shoot better with…
ROCK6
