[Deputydave]

As far as single-stack 9mm’s which do you prefer (between these two pistols) and why?

(To include Shield 1.0 and 2.0 as well as LC9 and EC9s and Pro models)

 

[Bradley T]

Both are good, but S&W is always better than Ruger. The little Ruger has a half-a-mile of take up, and the recoil spring guide looks cheesy.

 

[Deputydave]

Both are good, but S&W is always better than Ruger.

In your opinion, why do you consider S&W better?

 

[Spats McGee]

I haven't shot an LC9, and I'm ordinarily a big Ruger fan. That said, I'm awfully impressed with the Shield (1.0, 9mm) that I carry. I've only got maybe 500 rounds through it, but it's been flawless with every type of ammo so far, and the finish has held up better than on my 2013 Gen 4 Glock.

 

[arndog123]

I carry my lc9s more because it's smaller than my Shield's. My preferred method of carry is pocket carry and the Ruger does a better job.

 

[FullClip]

Never tried the Rugers actually shooting. The Sheild felt a lot better in my hand at the store and I bought it. Have been very happy with it.



But doubt you would screw up getting either one. (can I get more wishy-washy?)

 

[mac66]

Have a LC9, bought a Shield 2.0. The shield we a nice pistol but I liked the ergonomics of the LC9 better and didn't so anything the LC9 didn't already do. I sold the Shield.

 

[Bradd D]

To me, the LC9S doesn't feel nearly as nice in the hand as the Shield.

 

[B C]

I went with the Shield. I like the thin grip, cheap mags, and the aftermarket support for it including holster options.

 

[slamdunc]

I prefer the trigger on the Shield, other than that it would be a coin-toss for me.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I have a couple Ruger LC9's and the S&W 9mm, 40 and 45ACP Shield.

I like them all but favor the Shield a little over the smaller LC9.
The LC9 is smaller for carry but the Shield is a better, more comfortable shooter.

Shields

Actually I was shooting the 9mm Shield about 10 minutes ago, at steel targets.
Every time I shoot the Shield, it reminds me how much I like it.



.

 

[Deputydave]

An interesting video from 5 years ago. Note the prices at that time were around $350 for the Ruger and $425 for the Shield (and over $500 a couple of years earlier). Interesting to see how prices have come down.

I like both pistols and own two of each. The Shield, to me feels more solid, however, my preference leans towards the LC9s. I like the looks of the Ruger and have carried it quite a bit prior to getting a P365. I like the trigger a bit better on the Ruger as well.

I’m curious as to the long term durability of each, as compared to each other?

 

[powernoodle]

The Shield has never felt exactly right in my hand. I think the back strap to front strap is too long or something. It just doesn't feel awesome to me. Now, that did not stop me from buying them in 9mm and 45, and I would be perfectly happy if a Shield was my only gun. I would prolly prefer the LC9s. But you gotta paint the sights on that gun (the EC9s) to make them un-invisible. Black sights suck and are no sights at all. But still, I would take the LC9s. It also is, or seems, smaller for easier belt and pocket carry.

 

[Borg Warner]

The Ruger, but only if it were a Pro model, only because the Ruger is a little more concealable.

But I could almost go for the Shield in 40 caliber.

 

[uofaengr]

Didn't have a good experience with the LC9S and I've heard enough good stuff about the Shield over the years that I'd have no problem carrying a Shield.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Amazingly I caught a picture of the only Shield jam I know of.

Several ladies I know have the 9mm Shield.
I gave one about 900 rounds of Russian steel case 9mm to blast away.

I was snapping a few pictures when the Lady was at my place, shooting the last of the Russian ammo.

In a chance in a million I happened to catch a picture of the Shield's slide in full recoil, as the fired case spun backwards, instead of ejecting from the gun.

In the next instant the 9mm case jammed the slide as it traveled forward.

 

[Mugsie1]

I have the 9s and love it. It digests everything, conceals well, and puts the bullets exactly where I want. I did mount truglo sights on it (another story altogether) and love it. It's my edc about 80% of the time.

 

[Deputydave]

I have the 9s and love it. It digests everything, conceals well, and puts the bullets exactly where I want. I did mount truglo sights on it (another story altogether) and love it. It's my edc about 80% of the time.

The Ruger definitely isn't the easiest to mount a rear sight!

 

[Bren]

I can't imagine a choice between a comparable S&W and Ruger where I would choose the Ruger over the S&W.

 

[Mugsie1]

The Ruger definitely isn't the easiest to mount a rear sight!

I found that out the hard way! The old sight, loosen the set screw, slide the sight off. Take new sight, fit, stone, refit, file, refit, stone and repeat over and over. Then get a 12,000 pound elephant to stomp it into place!
Found out I wasn't alone. So much for truglo drop in replacement.
Front sight was a piece of cake. Rear was a real project!
Does work perfectly though. Zeroed to perfection.