S&W Shield vs. Ruger LC9

[oldlawdawg]

What's the general consensus on the two aforementioned 9mm handguns as far as handling and concealed carry? I have the LC9 and contemplating a switch to the new Smith and Wesson Shield, in 9mm. Checking S&W out in the shop, I found it to have far too slippery a handle, which could be remedied with the TALON tape but who wants to ruin a good pistol with an adhesive applique, not me. :banghead:

 

[PabloJ]

While the 'Shield' has superior grip design that feels more secure in palm I would not switch from Ruger to Smith if I already owned one.

 

[jimbo555]

I have the lc9 also and its been perfect,the shield is slightly larger in all dimensions.I'm thinking of going to the sr9c which gives you 12+1 if I'm going to go to a belt holster gun.

 

[Bush Pilot]

Have both guns and wish I'd never purchased the LC9. The trigger takes five minutes to pull and recoil with comparable ammo is much worse IMO. I'm not a Ruger basher at all, this particular gun does nothing for me.

 

[basicblur]

Modified slightly from an earlier post I made elsewhere comparing M&P SHIELD to LC9 (I own both).

LC9 vs. SHIELD
Just fished out my LC9 as I wanted to compare 'em.
1. Slides pretty much the same AFA thickness, etc, but the Ruger is slightly more rounded at the top edges.
2. The Ruger has a much longer trigger pull, but it's smooth.
3. The Shield has a much shorter trigger pull, and although folks rave about it, I think it still feels slightly 'spongy' (must be that articulated, plastic? trigger).
4. The Shield is striker fired, the Ruger hammer fired (if that makes a difference to ya).
5. The Ruger seems to have a thinner grip, and the slide is slightly shorter in length.
6. All controls 'bout the same (safety, slide lock).
7. Prefer the black body mags of the Ruger (more discreet for civilian carry).
8. No pinky rest for SHIELD 7-rd mag from either Pearce Grips (they've been given a motivational boot) or S&W.
9. SHIELD 8-rd magazine spacer friction held-will slide up body! Folks are already using electrical tape (under the spacer), silicon, glue, etc on em in order to lock 'em in place. I'm thinking 'bout trying hairspray, since I used to install motorcycle grips with it (dries to a non-permanent tack).

If I was going for ultimate concealability, I think I'd give the nod to the Ruger?
If not, the Shield does fit my hand a little better, plus the rougher texture of the Shield grip is reassuring.

The Shield is a single stack, but it looks like the rounds are half-staggered.
The LC9 is cheaper, but how much I don't know - our local shop is currently out of 'em.

You might wanna cruise on over to YouTube and do a search for comparison videos etc (realizing that YouTube is like a box of chocolates...).

 

[jfrey]

LC9 vs Shield

I have an LCP with that looonnng trigger pull so I tried the LC9 to see if I would like it. Same trigger. Tried the Shield. It fit my hand better and the trigger is much better. Bought the Shield instead. Haven't been sorry so far.

 

[plouffedaddy]

I've shot both a lot---the only one I own is the Shield. It's a superior gun in just about every way in my opinion (except reliability, both have been 100%).

Review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zDQXRMA32c&feature=g-upl

 

[Shipwreck]

Yes, I have shot the Ruger - Shie;d x 1000%.

Even sold my PM9 after I got my Shield.

 

[ponchsox]

I had an LC9 and sold it once I got a Shield. Much better trigger and I shoot it accurately. LC9 was reliable but I couldn't master the trigger pull. The Shield is very comfortable to carry IWB.

 

[rodensouth]

If pocket carry needs to be an option, the LC9 is the ticket. For only holster carry, I'd get a Shield. I pocket carry a lot, so I've got the ruger. I didnt think I had any problem with the trigger until I started weak hand practice with it. With my strong hand I group them the same.

 

[daferg2]

I had an LC9 and sold it once I got a Shield

Same here, except I actually sold two before giving up. I just could never quite shoot the LC9 accurately enough for me. Good enough for self defense, maybe, but I don't like 6-8 inch groups at 25 feet.
The Shield, however, shoots 4 inches or less (for me. YMMV), which is just as good as it's big brother the M&P9. I like it a whole lot.

 

[gym]

The shield is a better looking gun, the lc9 fits in my pocket, I got the lc9, after trying the nano, shield, sig, and ruger. The lc9 is very accurate for me, I shoot out the center of the target at 25-75 feet. The laser requires no aiming if need be. I would rather have the shield, but I would not carry it 24/7 as I carry the ruger.That was my criteria, I had to be able to wear it all day every day.I believe in always being armed. 20 ozs is the magic number, I have found if the gun weighs 20 ozs or more, you simply cannot pocket carry it without a pair of CCW breakaways. 12-17 ozs works, anything heavier just dosent for me, I don't wear a belt unless I am going out to dinner. I usually in FL, wear orkout clothes, like Nike tee shirts and pants, the breathable ones.
So the pockets sag with anythig heavy, and jeans are too heavy for down here unless you are a tourist,
It's either shorts or some type of material like nike makes. Your milage may vary. In winter you can wear jeans, but not when it's 100 degrees outside.
I keep pushing those pants because they work and are cotton. the pockets are the holsters, Not regular pockets, a reinforced yoke inside.

 

[JO JO]

I have an LC9 shoots well for me, I dont have an issue with the triger, its been 100%
function with 600 rns down the pipe. Its not a range gun but it is so easy for me to
carry it with shorts and t shirt.

 

[FMF Doc]

Sold my LC9 to buy a Shield. I find the trigger FAR SUPPERIOR, more ergonomic, larger capacity, better sights, and just as concealable...and it comes with 2 mags. It is an all-around win for smith.