Which one?

Jack Bauer · July 13, 2011, 08:46 PM

I have a couple of Sigs that I need to sell, (posted in classifieds) but I'm looking to get a carry gun in preparation for November 1 (CCW comes to Wisconsin!) I did some window shopping today and narrowed my choice down to three (in no particular order):

Smith & Wesson M&P 9 compact

Ruger SR-9 Compact

Springfield Armory XDm compact 9

I chose the 9mm due to my arthritic wrists. It's the easiest for me to shoot, while still packing a respectable punch. They all feel great in my hand, I like the ergonomics of all of them, there's not enough size difference to matter, and I can use full-size magazines with adapters as a reload if necessary.

I was able to handle and dry fire all of them in a couple of different shops today, and while all are comfortable in hand, they all have a specific "feel" to them. I should say, I've had full size versions of all these and liked them all at one time. The trigger reset isn't quite as distinct on the M&P as on the others, but I also have some reservations on the trigger safeties on the Ruger and XDm. I actually prefer the original SR9 trigger (before Ruger screwed it up and put that Glock-type trigger in it.)

I've done a lot of shooting over the last 40 years and owned a lot of guns...I'm not so much looking for recommendations, but observations of those of you who have carried any of these, or who currently count on one of them to protect you and your loved ones. I know which way I'm leaning at this point, but want to keep it to myself, looking for unbiased opinions.

Thanks all...

Get R Done Guns · July 13, 2011, 10:15 PM

Really comes down to which you like in your hand. All will work fine. If I were choosing one tomorrow, it would be the M&P. Price point is better than the XDm and not all that much more than the Ruger. Good luck with your choice.

Mr.Blue · July 13, 2011, 10:22 PM

I love my M&P 9c and plan to carry it come 11/1, assuming I'm still living in WI. Accurate, durable, and ergonomically friendly to most hands, this pistol is a winner.

RedNeckWino · July 13, 2011, 10:39 PM

I am an XD guy from the word go, but have to admit it is the heavy end of your lot.
The smith without looking up exact would probably be the lightest but maybe a half pound from the XDm SC? Never had a complaint of Ruger. I have shot them, owned a Ruger P89. As close as I can get. As for which? I like the heavier to help take up the recoil and not fatigue my hands so much. My go to every day gun is XD40. Just bought the XD9 for the wife today as her feeling is equal to mine. Hope this helps. Good luck.

jimbob86 · July 13, 2011, 10:51 PM

I really liked my brother's sR9c ...... helluva gun for $400.

catnphx · July 13, 2011, 11:19 PM

I've heard alot of good stuff on the SR9c but I've never handled one.

One of my 3 carry options is the M&P 9c. It's carried in a Crossbreed Supertuck and it works very well for me. The 12+1 capacity is great (though XDm handles 13+1) plus I have a fullsize M&P 9 so I can also use the X-grip and use the 17 round magazine. For a double stack, it conceals well ... I'm in Phoenix and I wear shorts and t-shirt all the time. The M&P weighs the least amount of your three. The M&P is also the shortest in height, which is also important in a concealment weapon.

If I had to do it again I would still purchase the M&P ... it's never had an issue in 2,000+ rounds.

Good luck in your decision.

TenRing · July 14, 2011, 12:35 AM

Out of the three you mentioned, I like the XDm. Too bad it's the only one that is not make in the USA. I think they are all good guns and you won't go wrong either way. My second choice would be the SR9c.

Don Glock · July 14, 2011, 01:53 AM

m&p.

RC20 · July 14, 2011, 01:23 PM

I got to dry fire an MP at the store.

Sights are the best I have seen (pun) other than my Sig SP2022.

I hate the trigger, but they say it will get better.

Played with the XDM but did not like it.

Glockfan36 · July 14, 2011, 01:49 PM

I think I'd go with the SR9C! I handled one the other day, I like it a little better than my Glock 26! I may just have to get the Ruger once I've got the funds to get it plus the LCR in .357, the LCP, AND...the LC9

!

Miata Mike · July 15, 2011, 04:39 PM

Hey Gary,
I think you need to get a Ruger 1911. Then when you decide to sell it I will take it off your hands.

What about the LC9 we had talked about a few months ago?

orionengnr · July 15, 2011, 10:01 PM

First of all, congrats to WI for becoming the 49th state. Hopefully, one day soon, your neighbors to the south will join the Union of Free States. (I have a vested interest, as I am an IL ex-pat and hope to move back when I retire. If not, WI just made the list.

)

Next, I have owned an XD and shot an SR9. IMHO, any double stack is too fat to carry. YMMV, and if it does, good for you.

If I were going to carry a 9mm it would either be an HK P7 or a Kahr, anything from a steel MK9 to a lightweight CW9 to a pocket PM9 or CM9.

PS--the only 9mm I currently own is a PM9, although I have owned and carried many others through the years....

July 13, 2011, 08:46 PM	#1
Jack Bauer Senior Member Join Date: June 2, 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 233	Which one? I have a couple of Sigs that I need to sell, (posted in classifieds) but I'm looking to get a carry gun in preparation for November 1 (CCW comes to Wisconsin!) I did some window shopping today and narrowed my choice down to three (in no particular order): Smith & Wesson M&P 9 compact Ruger SR-9 Compact Springfield Armory XDm compact 9 I chose the 9mm due to my arthritic wrists. It's the easiest for me to shoot, while still packing a respectable punch. They all feel great in my hand, I like the ergonomics of all of them, there's not enough size difference to matter, and I can use full-size magazines with adapters as a reload if necessary. I was able to handle and dry fire all of them in a couple of different shops today, and while all are comfortable in hand, they all have a specific "feel" to them. I should say, I've had full size versions of all these and liked them all at one time. The trigger reset isn't quite as distinct on the M&P as on the others, but I also have some reservations on the trigger safeties on the Ruger and XDm. I actually prefer the original SR9 trigger (before Ruger screwed it up and put that Glock-type trigger in it.) I've done a lot of shooting over the last 40 years and owned a lot of guns...I'm not so much looking for recommendations, but observations of those of you who have carried any of these, or who currently count on one of them to protect you and your loved ones. I know which way I'm leaning at this point, but want to keep it to myself, looking for unbiased opinions. Thanks all... __________________ Gary I started out with nothing and still have most of it. Last edited by Jack Bauer; July 13, 2011 at 08:51 PM.

July 13, 2011, 10:15 PM	#2
Get R Done Guns Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2011 Location: Pleasant View Utah Posts: 272	Really comes down to which you like in your hand. All will work fine. If I were choosing one tomorrow, it would be the M&P. Price point is better than the XDm and not all that much more than the Ruger. Good luck with your choice. __________________ Please visit us at www.getgunsonline.com for some of the best delivered pricing on the net. 31,000 items and $4.99 ships your entire order!! No credit card fees! Gun+ammo=$4.99 Ammo+accessories=$4.99 WE MEAN EVERYTHING ON YOUR ORDER!!

July 13, 2011, 11:19 PM	#6
catnphx Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2011 Location: North Phoenix, AZ Posts: 168	I've heard alot of good stuff on the SR9c but I've never handled one. One of my 3 carry options is the M&P 9c. It's carried in a Crossbreed Supertuck and it works very well for me. The 12+1 capacity is great (though XDm handles 13+1) plus I have a fullsize M&P 9 so I can also use the X-grip and use the 17 round magazine. For a double stack, it conceals well ... I'm in Phoenix and I wear shorts and t-shirt all the time. The M&P weighs the least amount of your three. The M&P is also the shortest in height, which is also important in a concealment weapon. If I had to do it again I would still purchase the M&P ... it's never had an issue in 2,000+ rounds. Good luck in your decision. __________________ Smith & Wesson M&P 9 FS (w/ mounted TLR-1) Smith & Wesson M&P 9c (w/ Crossbreed Supertuck IWB) Smith & Wesson .357 640-1 (w/ Galco KingTuk IWB) Kahr CW9 (w/ Kholster Crescent IWB)

July 14, 2011, 01:49 PM	#10
Glockfan36 Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2011 Location: Kentucky Posts: 216	I like Springfield XDs, but... I think I'd go with the SR9C! I handled one the other day, I like it a little better than my Glock 26! I may just have to get the Ruger once I've got the funds to get it plus the LCR in .357, the LCP, AND...the LC9! __________________ Mr. Gorbechev, tear down this wall!- Ronald Reagan

July 13, 2011, 10:22 PM	#3
Mr.Blue Junior member Join Date: May 30, 2011 Location: SE Wisconsin & Long Island, NY Posts: 418	I love my M&P 9c and plan to carry it come 11/1, assuming I'm still living in WI. Accurate, durable, and ergonomically friendly to most hands, this pistol is a winner.

July 13, 2011, 10:39 PM	#4
RedNeckWino Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2011 Location: Northeren Michigan Posts: 121	I am an XD guy from the word go, but have to admit it is the heavy end of your lot. The smith without looking up exact would probably be the lightest but maybe a half pound from the XDm SC? Never had a complaint of Ruger. I have shot them, owned a Ruger P89. As close as I can get. As for which? I like the heavier to help take up the recoil and not fatigue my hands so much. My go to every day gun is XD40. Just bought the XD9 for the wife today as her feeling is equal to mine. Hope this helps. Good luck.

July 13, 2011, 10:51 PM	#5
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	I really liked my brother's sR9c ...... helluva gun for $400.

July 14, 2011, 12:35 AM	#7
TenRing Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Posts: 427	Out of the three you mentioned, I like the XDm. Too bad it's the only one that is not make in the USA. I think they are all good guns and you won't go wrong either way. My second choice would be the SR9c.

July 14, 2011, 01:53 AM	#8
Don Glock Junior member Join Date: September 16, 2010 Posts: 1,141	m&p.

July 14, 2011, 01:23 PM	#9
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	I got to dry fire an MP at the store. Sights are the best I have seen (pun) other than my Sig SP2022. I hate the trigger, but they say it will get better. Played with the XDM but did not like it.

July 15, 2011, 04:39 PM	#11
Miata Mike Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2010 Location: North East WI Posts: 418	Hey Gary, I think you need to get a Ruger 1911. Then when you decide to sell it I will take it off your hands. What about the LC9 we had talked about a few months ago?

July 15, 2011, 10:01 PM	#12
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,177	First of all, congrats to WI for becoming the 49th state. Hopefully, one day soon, your neighbors to the south will join the Union of Free States. (I have a vested interest, as I am an IL ex-pat and hope to move back when I retire. If not, WI just made the list. ) Next, I have owned an XD and shot an SR9. IMHO, any double stack is too fat to carry. YMMV, and if it does, good for you. If I were going to carry a 9mm it would either be an HK P7 or a Kahr, anything from a steel MK9 to a lightweight CW9 to a pocket PM9 or CM9. PS--the only 9mm I currently own is a PM9, although I have owned and carried many others through the years....