Author Topic: SR9 for Carry (Read 1868 times)

zackyholdem · « **on:** January 26, 2010, 06:19:19 PM »

I'm in the process of looking for a pistol for concealed carry. I'm interested in the SR9. I have a couple of questions? I've read about some problems with feeding hollow points in the sr9, any truth to this? My main question is how does this gun stand up against the glock 19 for carry? I'm mainly concerned with reliability vs the glock?

Any information/experience with the SR9 would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in Adavnce, Zack

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** January 27, 2010, 04:36:10 AM »

How many LEO agencies have you seen carry them? That should answer your question on reliability. I just do not trust the Ruger guns for my personal self defense applications. I bought one of the P90s I think they were called back then the .45acp version of the original 9mm Ruger semiauto.

That thing would hardly feed anything it was the most picky and undependable semiauto I've ever owned. It had one more fatal flaw for me it was too large for me to hold and shoot one handed. I won't carry or use a self defense gun that requires two hands cuz in a real world defend your life situation you might not have both hands available.

After that I wrote Ruger off as a self defense weapon supplier and have never again considered them and doubt I ever will again. Choice of a personal self defense gun is a very personal matter but since you are betting your life on it you best pick one you know will work first time every time and keep on working when the going gets tough. It better be one that fits your hand and your life style and that requires minimal thinking when SHTF.

For me that means a Glock or a DA revolver.

lynneil · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2010, 03:35:35 AM »

Any semiauto pistol can malfunction no matter the make or cost. For the best relieabilty, choose a revolver. I had a Ruger SR9 that never failed to function (after 2 trips to Arizona). I traded it for a Glock 19. I have a .380 Russian Mak that I purcashed over 20 years ago. This is a gun I trust my life to. I feel that if you want to carry a semiauto pistol, choose one that is/was used by varius military/police agencies.

drdougrx · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2010, 04:51:42 AM »

Funny....even after all of the guns I've owned or own, a ruger semiauto pistol has never been in contention for anything...maybe a MKI/II/III in 22lr for plinking....I think GB is right on...what're folks carrying.....

zackyholdem · « **Reply #4 on:** January 28, 2010, 04:35:48 PM »

thanks for the info guys, looks like i'll scratch ruger off of the list, now its down to, glock 19, S&W M&P 9mm, and springfield xd 9mm

helotaxi · « **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2010, 01:35:39 AM »

PDs aren't using Rugers not because they aren't reliable but because the Glocks have been in their armory for over a decade as opposed to the Ruger which hasn't even been on the market for 2 years. With budgets tight like they are, PDs aren't in the position to be shopping for new firearms for their officers, not to mention armorers training, parts, tools etc...

My SR9 is reliable as all get out with Gold Dot, Hydra-Shok, Golden Saber and XTP factory loads. The only time I've had any issues was with some really light reloads that didn't have enough power to cycle the action. Compare that to my friend's Glock which has been back to the factory twice for FTE issues with factory fodder. Main problem I have with carrying it is the lack of holsters available in left hand. Apparently because I'm a lefty I'm only meant to carry a Glock, SiG, 1911 or J-frame.

GB- the SR9 is a totally different animal than the P90. I had to shoot it one handed with strong and weak hand as part of my Nevada CFP qual and it was a piece of cake. The grip frame is much slimmer than the Glock and actually has some contour to it (my biggest gripe about Glocks), fits the hand well and points naturally. I understand your opinion and understand that it is based on past experience with Rugers, but things do change.

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2010, 03:12:14 AM »

I've got close to 300 rounds(all reloads) through mine and it hasn't hiccuped yet. Actually, my buddy and I were shootin' the other day and his black 2 X 6 failed to fire twice while my little Ruger ran quite smoothly(and of course I didn't say a word....right!!). I still prefer my P345, which replaced a P97, probably more due to the big hole in the end of the barrel. The P345 has become a regular part of my daily(and night) routine and I don't see the SR-9 taking it's place anytime soon, if ever. My weapon of choice was for years was a 4 5/8's 45C Blackhawk and it's still not completely retired.
Walt

Brett · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2010, 04:54:50 AM »

I know Blocks I mean Glocks are supposed to be the service pistol by which all other pistols are judged but I just can't fall in love with them. To me they look and feel like they are carved out of a block of wood on a band saw. And yes contrary to popular belief Glocks do sometimes break.

Not saying that Glocks are not excellent guns, but I do think that there are others as good, as reliable, and ergonomically better fitting at least for some folks. If I were in need of a full size service pistol I think I would be quite happy with an SR9. They feel much better in my hand and point mor naturally for my than any Glock I have ever handled.

Squib · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2010, 08:49:38 PM »

there IS a COMPACT sr9 folks, look on the ruger site

http://www.ruger.com/products/sr9cBlackenedAlloy/models.html

Bart Solo · « **Reply #9 on:** February 09, 2010, 09:02:37 AM »

I am looking at the SR9 or SR9c right now for conceal carry. For me the great advantage of the SR9 over the Glock (which I have owned and got rid of) and the P-90 is the grip. I have fat hands but relatively short fingers. I just couldn't hold the Glock single handed. I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with mine because I just couldn't hold it properly. The same with the p-90. I held one the other day. It had the same ackward feel as my Glock. Uggg. The SR9 is thinner so I can hold it single handed.

If you can show me a Glock I can hold properly, I will be happy to consider it. Nothing against Glock, it just doesn't fit my hand.

tc scout · « **Reply #10 on:** February 09, 2010, 05:15:59 PM »

Love my SR9, hasn't given me any problems since I bought it.
Not picky about what you feed it either.

I haven't handled the new C model, my understanding is, it is the same as the SR9 only more compact.
The SR9 is a bit bulky for carry,mostly carry mine in the winter in a Desantis pancake type holster.

Might want to consider the C model for carry, although from the pictures I have seen the grip looks short.
I hate short grips because I have large hands. Was looking for a 380 to carry in the summer, didn't take long
to thin out the little guns (you know the ones) bought a Bersa thunder, because it had a nice grip and feel to it.

Haven't been disappointed with it either, have put maybe 150 rounds through it without a single problem.

Back to the SR9, don't think you can do better than the SR9 for Quality of fit and finish and performance
of any auto in that price range.

Bart Solo · « **Reply #11 on:** February 10, 2010, 08:26:37 AM »

I have handled the SR9 but not the SR9c. My FFL says he has one I can look at the next time I see him. I too have been a little concerned about the length of the SR9c's grip, but I am told that there is an extender available. It uses the same magazines as the SR9.

Tallwalker · « **Reply #12 on:** February 11, 2010, 05:26:07 AM »

I just read the review of the SR-9c on Gunblast, and may go look at one today. The gun comes with a ten round magazine, a standard 17 round magazine with extender, and an adapter to increase the grip length a bit with the 10 round magazine.

Squib · « **Reply #13 on:** February 11, 2010, 06:20:43 PM »

another thing, the sr9 had a recall awhile back but the bugs are worked out and the sr9c is made AFTER all that mess so it should be debugged and ready to roll. the question is do you like the trigger and controls, does a magazine disconnect bother you?

poncaguy · « **Reply #14 on:** February 13, 2010, 02:26:08 PM »

I have a Glock 22, 2 XD's,Taurus PT 1911, Ruger P90, P345, P95, and SR9. I prefer the SR9 over the others. All my Rugers have been trouble free and accurate.

Squib · « **Reply #15 on:** February 13, 2010, 02:47:26 PM »

have you been taking them on buffalo river excursions? just curious what you've done with all those guns (no sarcasm, I'm curious!).

g22, I just bought one over the sr9c or kahrcw45 because I've wanted one for over a year... I love it when shooting but it's so hard to carry concealed even with a coat on.... I'm gonna be eyeing that ruger next time.

tc scout · « **Reply #16 on:** February 14, 2010, 03:36:14 PM »

Quote from: Squib on February 11, 2010, 06:20:43 PM

another thing, the sr9 had a recall awhile back but the bugs are worked out and the sr9c is made AFTER all that mess so it should be debugged and ready to roll. the question is do you like the trigger and controls, does a magazine disconnect bother you?

It can be removed easily.

MGMorden · « **Reply #17 on:** February 16, 2010, 05:21:07 AM »

Quote from: tc scout on February 14, 2010, 03:36:14 PM

Quote from: Squib on February 11, 2010, 06:20:43 PM
another thing, the sr9 had a recall awhile back but the bugs are worked out and the sr9c is made AFTER all that mess so it should be debugged and ready to roll. the question is do you like the trigger and controls, does a magazine disconnect bother you?

It can be removed easily.

I'm not sure how valid it is or if it's one of those urban legend type things, but there's a popular school of thought that removing or disabling any safety device on a firearm would reflect poorly on one's character if presented to a jury. By that reasoning if a particular feature bothers you it's best to try to buy a pistol that doesn't have it in the first place.

That said, despite it being my preference that it not be there, a mag disconnect doesn't bother me THAT much. Only time it's been a hindrance on other guns was when I attempted to let down the hammer on a gun with the mag out - a situation that won't apply to a striker fired pistol like the SR9.

FWIW, I own a Ruger 10/22, a Ruger P95, a Ruger Standard .22, and will be picking up my new Ruger LCP from the FFL dealer this afternoon. At this point I own more Rugers than anything else, and they've all been very good. I'll probably get an SR9 eventually as well.

zackyholdem · « **Reply #18 on:** February 16, 2010, 03:18:49 PM »

i really appreciate all the responses guy, i was initially drawn to the sr9 after a head to head comparison with the glock, in my opinion the sr9 has a lot of features that are equal or better than on a glock. i started reading on the internet about the sr9 and people were trashing it and its hard to distinguish the responses to the pistol before the recall and after the recall. i was ready to cross the sr9 off the list but now its going right back on it.

thanks Zack

poncaguy · « **Reply #19 on:** February 16, 2010, 03:33:30 PM »

I actually want another one, an all black or OD SR9 this time.................

Tallwalker · « **Reply #20 on:** March 08, 2010, 05:19:20 AM »

So far, my SR-9 has been trouble free except for some light loads that didn't cycle the action as another poster mentioned. The trigger was rough when I got it, but 400 rounds later it is good for a striker fired gun. I believe that left handed holsters are available at Ruger's web site now. I've had no peening, or other issues that I have heard mentioned, and I'm liking the gun. Light, accurate, reliable and fun to shoot.

Bigeasy · « **Reply #21 on:** March 08, 2010, 06:33:14 AM »

Look up any gun on the internet, and someone will tell you its no good. Most can't back it up with the extensive experience needed to make that statement. The Glock is so popular because it has been around a lot longer then the SR9, and the fact it works very very well. I have never even held an SR9, so I have no idea how good it really is, but Ruger does make well engineered weapons. As an aside, The Ruger P series 9mm auto pistol is in fact the issue weapon to what I believe is the largest law enforcement agency in the country, The Federal Bureau Of Prisons, with about 40 thousand sworn officers.

Larry

MGMorden · « **Reply #22 on:** March 08, 2010, 06:59:19 AM »

Quote from: Bigeasy on March 08, 2010, 06:33:14 AM

As an aside, The Ruger P series 9mm auto pistol is in fact the issue weapon to what I believe is the largest law enforcement agency in the country, The Federal Bureau Of Prisons, with about 40 thousand sworn officers.

That's a great bit of info to know. Thanks.

Squib · « **Reply #23 on:** March 08, 2010, 05:05:08 PM »

a liberal jury will fry you no matter what, yes that safety modification issue can come up, but more than likely the shooting someone to death issue will come up. if you are gonna modify it, do it right, and be able to explain how so many guns out there don't have to have it or do not at all, and it's a personal preference thing for you... a disconnect doesn't knock down the fps of the bullets leaving the muzzle! the liberals' jaws would drop and then they'd stare glassy eyed and drooling, asking you what a muzzle is

matdailey89 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 09, 2010, 04:34:37 AM »

I love my SR9. Have shot hundreds of rounds through it without a single problem. However, the standard SR9 is too bulky to conceal carry (I have tried.) I am interested in the compact version though. My next carry weapon will probably be a Glock 26.