Which small 9mm, Ruger LC9S or S&W Shield

[JIMMYK]

I am seeking advice about which 9mm compact to go with. The Ruger LC9S,
or the Smith & Wesson Shield. Would appreciate any opinions you have.
Thanks much, Jimmy

 

[George Dickel]

My advice is to go to a shooting range that rents pistols and try both out before you make a decision. Asking another person which pistol you should choose would be like asking if a size 9 shoe would be the best choice for you.

I have not shot the LC9s but did shoot the LC9 which is the same pistol except for the trigger. I have also shot the shield. For ME the Shield felt the best and was the easiest to shoot accurately. You might find the Shield to not work at all for YOU. Its a lot cheaper to rent a couple pistols for a range session than buy the pistol someone else says is the best for you. Buying the wrong gun and then trying to trade it in on the other one will get expensive.

You might find that neither one is the one for you and you've bought two guns that won't work at even more expense to make another trade.

 

[skt239]

I would have to agree shoot both and short of that, handle them. I would personally choose the shield but I'm partial to the M&P line.

 

[viking499]

I have handled both.

I own the Shield.

 

[jcwit]

Try a SCCY.

I have 2, like them both. One has over 1,000 rounds thru it.

 

[TarDevil]

There is no shortage of discussion on both guns in the last two weeks, should you not get enough input. Just do a search.

I looked at both recently while shopping for a new conceal carry gun. I needed something lighter as relief for an ailing back. The Shield felt slightly better in my hand, but the LC9s trigger was better. The Shield only saved me 3 ounces over the double stack I had been carrying, while the LC9s was a light 17 oz gun (weight may not be a critical issue with you). Though only 17 ounces, the LC9s was still a surprisingly soft shooting gun and very manageable. You will be able to pocket carry the LC9s, probably not the Shield.

The Shield has a lot of fans. You need to look at both and decide which works best for you.

 

[ku4hx]

My advice is to go to a shooting range that rents pistols and try both out before you make a decision. Asking another person which pistol you should choose would be like asking if a size 9 shoe would be the best choice for you.

I have not shot the LC9s but did shoot the LC9 which is the same pistol except for the trigger. I have also shot the shield. For ME the Shield felt the best and was the easiest to shoot accurately. You might find the Shield to not work at all for YOU. Its a lot cheaper to rent a couple pistols for a range session than buy the pistol someone else says is the best for you. Buying the wrong gun and then trying to trade it in on the other one will get expensive.

You might find that neither one is the one for you and you've bought two guns that won't work at even more expense to make another trade.

^^^ This. Shoot many; buy one. With that said, I bought an LC9s.

 

[Nick Burkhardt]

For pocket carry the Ruger LC9S is better. The Shield is a higher quality pistol overall but too heavy and angular for pocket carry. If you are going to carry IWB and a thin slide is important get the Shield, if you don't mind an extra 1/4 inch of width then get the M&P9C.

 

[HexHead]

Choose the one that feels the most comfortable in your hand, and learn how to shoot it.

 

[Orion8472]

I have shot both. I'm torn. Both have their strong points and weak points.

Currently, I own the Shield. My brother purchased the LC9s. I actually shot the Ruger better. Probably has something to do with the excellent trigger on it. However, I'm getting the Apex trigger spring set, and the "glock type" Apex trigger. I suspect that the trigger feel issue will be less of a deciding factor at that point.

The Shield does shoot softer, but the Ruger didn't kick nearly as much as I was expecting [due to the lighter weight]. Both guns are capable of superb accuracy for their sizes, but I shot a slightly tighter group with the Ruger.

The grip angle on the Shield is a bit too angled [I have to push the front of the gun down a bit to light up the dots]. The Ruger seems to be a bit not angled enough [I have to raise the front of the gun up a tad to light up the sights]. That's a personal issue, though.

The Shield comes with two magazines. For the Ruger, you'll have to purchase a second magazine off the shelf. Both are close to the same price for purchasing.

I agree that you should see if you have a range where you can shoot them first. If not, then go with which one you feel has the best ergos and then just go for it.

 

[RussellC]

Try both, maybe buy both, both are reasonably priced...its a personat "fit" and "preference" question only you can answer by trying them. Both are quality guns, that said I chose the Shield...but that should take nothing from the Ruger.
I guess that didnt help at all! You just arent going to get a one of them sucks type response on either of these.

 

[Armor Snail]

I'd be looking at either the Walther PPS or Bersa BP9cc instead of the Shield & LC9s

Jmho. I like those two much better.

 

[TarDevil]

The Shield is a higher quality pistol overall

Explain

 

[LT.Diver]

Glock 26

 

[Tallball]

I own a Ruger LC9 and like it very much.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have shot both, I liked the Shield better. My son bought the Shield for carry.

 

[ahtoxa]

Another Shield owner checking in. I have close to 800 rounds through it now and still enjoy shooting it.

 

[Captains1911]

Shoot them first if you can. You also might want to consider the Springfield XDS.

 

[Wanderling]

Look at them side by side. Earlier this week I was trying to choose between G26 and Shield for EDC. I was leaning towards Shield. When I compared both side by side at LGS, Shield had actually a far longer grip - just the part which is worst for printing. It was a tad thinner, but overall taller (bottom of the grip to top of the gun), which was a big surprise. Basically, I could get all of my fingers on Shield grip, comfortably. Also, the safety on the Shield (if you want the safety model) is - in my opinion - unusable. Otheriwise, it's a fine pistol.

 

[JC676]

My EDC is the LC9s. A carry pistol is an extremely personal decision and what works really well for some may not for others. That doesn't make either party right or wrong. My personal opinion is that the LC9s is a superior weapon to the Shield... but I have a good buddy who feels otherwise. Try them both if possible and make your decision from your personal experience.

 

[Arizonan]

Shield owner. Just like the look and feel of the S&W better.

 

[ritepath]

I finally laid my hands on a LC9s last week. I didn't like the style of the trigger, but did like the feel of it's action. Normally I really like the feel of Rugers, but not this one (never felt a regular LC9) it had some kind of funny humpy feel in my hand.

I didn't get to shoot it (co worker at work) but I'm sure it shoots like a champ like most Rugers, I just didn't like the trigger design or the grip. Why is the trigger different than the one on my SR45???

But then again I really like the feel of the Shield, and how easy it is to hit with. It's been dead solid perfect for almost 3k rounds now. I love this big little gun a bunch.

If you like the feel of the ruger better I'm sure it would be a pretty solid choice also.

 

[flip888]

I like the shield more. To me it felt like a better built gun. It seemed like a better value. And with how it felt in my hand and how everyone seems to love it, I knew it was worth trying out.

 

[ritepath]

Glock 34

 

[Captains1911]

Shield owner. Just like the look and feel of the S&W better.

We all know that is a most important consideration when choosing a defensive tool