Onward Allusion
Member
A lot of people don't like 'em due to the numerous safety features. The SR9 is one of the thinnest full-sized 9mm's out there, tho. The SR22 is a really fun plinker, too.
Ruger SR Series...
- Thread starter bscott29
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I dumped a SR45 for my Xdm40 and I am not saying it is better, but its better for me. I also owned a couple Glocks and ditched them also. The Xdm just feels right in my hands and I can shoot it alot more accurately. It has shot a bucketload of bullets and has never had a Hiccup. The first Glock17 I owned was an 87 model bought new and it was a hunk of junk. It would not feed at least one round out of a magazine. They are all good pistols now and I dont think you can go wrong with either. Just shoot what works for you. You are the one depending on it.
lckdnldd
Member
After a good break in my SR45 is one of the smoothest cycling semi auto handguns I have shot and accurate to boot. I have about 1,200 rounds through it and it runs like butter off a hot knife. It took me a while to get used to the trigger not having a noticeable breaking point but now like it. The trigger really got sweet after about 400 rounds.
herrwalther
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I have a SR9C and it is definitely an enjoyable firearm to carry. I have a hard time finding smaller ones that fit my hand for pocket carry, which I try to get back into. I have put about 2000 rounds through it with only one fail to feed on the second magazine through it when my brother was trying it out. Other than that it has been very reliable.
Probably has as much to do with the discounts Glock et al give....
choosing a gun based on what LE agencies use it is not exactly the best strategy in the world...
I've handled a few and, frankly, they felt great in my hand. There are a few other things above them on my wish list, but I'd love to have either an SR9 or an SR45. Don't know whether I'd carry it or use it for a range toy, but I'd figure something out.
RustyShackelford
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Post 31.....
I honestly never heard of any major sworn LE agencies using the Ruger P Series(100 or more sworn personnel).
If I recall(and this is in the mid 1980s
), the WI State Police had a plan to start using the "new" Ruger P85 9x19mm. I think the contract fell apart & they stayed with S&W .357 revolvers but it would have been a big push for the new P Series. Ruger later re-engineered the pistols & called it the P89. A new upgrade was given the P91 name(1991). Then later the 944/94(1994-1995).
My good friend in Pittsburgh PA has a P89 9mm that he's shot reloaded rounds with 0 problems for about 20 years.
As for a new Ruger SR45 Compact, I could see it too. Ruger may roll that out in late 2014 or early 2015. I'd buy a SR45 Compact .45acp model. It would be safe for vehicle defense or CCW.
I honestly never heard of any major sworn LE agencies using the Ruger P Series(100 or more sworn personnel).
If I recall(and this is in the mid 1980s
), the WI State Police had a plan to start using the "new" Ruger P85 9x19mm. I think the contract fell apart & they stayed with S&W .357 revolvers but it would have been a big push for the new P Series. Ruger later re-engineered the pistols & called it the P89. A new upgrade was given the P91 name(1991). Then later the 944/94(1994-1995).My good friend in Pittsburgh PA has a P89 9mm that he's shot reloaded rounds with 0 problems for about 20 years.
As for a new Ruger SR45 Compact, I could see it too. Ruger may roll that out in late 2014 or early 2015. I'd buy a SR45 Compact .45acp model. It would be safe for vehicle defense or CCW.
I know there's a local prison somewhere in WV that still uses p series rugers. I see their guys in with patients every week waiting in Post OP, OR, and X-ray.
Truthfully I'm probably going to end up with either an SR40 or P series in 40 before the year is out because I know they work and I need to fill that void in my pistol inventory.
That will leave a p320, or M&P as my next fullsized 45. If ruger comes out with the 45c I may have a mate for my SR45.
Truthfully I'm probably going to end up with either an SR40 or P series in 40 before the year is out because I know they work and I need to fill that void in my pistol inventory.
That will leave a p320, or M&P as my next fullsized 45. If ruger comes out with the 45c I may have a mate for my SR45.
JR47
Member
I bought an SR9 a couple of years ago, then an SR9c. Neither has given me a single issue. Both are accurate with every brand of ammunition that I've tried. That's something that cannot be said for most of it's competition.
About 8 months ago, I bought an SR45. It has been boringly accurate, reliable, and has had not one issue, either.
Ruger has a sort of odd reputation. Everybody admits that they are accurate, durable as a rock, and reliable as a sunrise. Yet, while those qualities endear other guns, in a Ruger they are almost taken as a given. Some people find them ugly, but, to me, a Glock is about as ugly as it gets.
The magazine disconnect has been an issue on guns since the Browning High Power attracted attention. Yet, how many people even mention it today? Many S&W semi-autos were also equipped with that device, as well.
Loaded chamber indicators are a fact of life in some states and cities today. It's not like they actually interfere with a sight picture, or cause issues in performance. Some don't like their looks. Again, refer to the Glock's looks. It's not a performance issue, it's a personal opinion.
Safeties are available on the M&P, and several PDs have opted to have them. The safety on an SR series is fairly unobtrusive, but training with the gun can go a long ways towards dealing with the operation, if one wants to use it. It's small enough to prevent accidental use if one doesn't care for it.
Bill-boards are entirely personal opinions. They have zero effect upon the use of the gun, or it's performance.
Unless a feature actually causes accuracy, reliability, or durability issues, we're pretty much discussing piddling points of personal view.
It was mentioned that Ruger makes, and sells, more handguns than anyone else, as mentioned by natsb. Evidently, despite the talk here, a LOT of people seem to put their money down for them.
About 8 months ago, I bought an SR45. It has been boringly accurate, reliable, and has had not one issue, either.
Ruger has a sort of odd reputation. Everybody admits that they are accurate, durable as a rock, and reliable as a sunrise. Yet, while those qualities endear other guns, in a Ruger they are almost taken as a given. Some people find them ugly, but, to me, a Glock is about as ugly as it gets.
The magazine disconnect has been an issue on guns since the Browning High Power attracted attention. Yet, how many people even mention it today? Many S&W semi-autos were also equipped with that device, as well.
Loaded chamber indicators are a fact of life in some states and cities today. It's not like they actually interfere with a sight picture, or cause issues in performance. Some don't like their looks. Again, refer to the Glock's looks. It's not a performance issue, it's a personal opinion.
Safeties are available on the M&P, and several PDs have opted to have them. The safety on an SR series is fairly unobtrusive, but training with the gun can go a long ways towards dealing with the operation, if one wants to use it. It's small enough to prevent accidental use if one doesn't care for it.
Bill-boards are entirely personal opinions. They have zero effect upon the use of the gun, or it's performance.
Unless a feature actually causes accuracy, reliability, or durability issues, we're pretty much discussing piddling points of personal view.
It was mentioned that Ruger makes, and sells, more handguns than anyone else, as mentioned by natsb. Evidently, despite the talk here, a LOT of people seem to put their money down for them.
The magazine disconnect safety is the biggest drawback on these guns in my opinion. While other companies have made pistols with magazine disconnect safeties Ruger is the only manufacturer that I know of that uses a design that can lead to damaging the pistol if the trigger is pulled when a magazine is not in place (although it is somewhat more robust I believe it is the same design Ruger used in the P345). A lot of people say that isn't a big deal because they just remove the magazine disconnect. Some of us think it might not be the best of ideas to remove something that could be misconstrued to be a safety device if one ever winds up in court.
I wanted to like these guns as I have one of the old P series guns that while it isn't my favorite is a good gun. I was excited when I found out Ruger was coming out with a striker fired design. I have watched the SR series closely on the forum boards from when they first came out until now. I even got to shoot one of the early post recall SR 9's at a rental range once. The trigger was heavy but it was okay. It really kinda stinks that Ruger makes all the safety clutter an all or nothing thing. The magazine disconnect should be an option not a standard feature.
I wanted to like these guns as I have one of the old P series guns that while it isn't my favorite is a good gun. I was excited when I found out Ruger was coming out with a striker fired design. I have watched the SR series closely on the forum boards from when they first came out until now. I even got to shoot one of the early post recall SR 9's at a rental range once. The trigger was heavy but it was okay. It really kinda stinks that Ruger makes all the safety clutter an all or nothing thing. The magazine disconnect should be an option not a standard feature.
Never shot the M&P series, so I have nothing to compare, but I believe my SR45 is a fantastic semi for its price. If it wasn't for my stronger affinity for steel it would be my primary 45 for fun. Probably have near 700 rounds thru it and can't remember a FTF or FTE. Recoil is very manageable. Sights are decent. Trigger is not the best, but I have felt worse. Very hard to beat for $410 OTD.
Unfortunately for my SR45, my 1911s get most of my time. Have to love cold steel warming up in you hand.
Unfortunately for my SR45, my 1911s get most of my time. Have to love cold steel warming up in you hand.
I would guess, judging by Ruger's latest survey, the SR45c is a strong possibility. It would certainly... positively...make my short list.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
The old man got one for Christmas and we have been very impressed with it. It has the best trigger of any striker-fired pistol I've shot.
I have no idea why anyone wants to base their decision according to what police use, or any other government entity. Those decisions are rarely based on what works best and always have some measure of politics involved. Not to mention bean counters.
I have no idea why anyone wants to base their decision according to what police use, or any other government entity. Those decisions are rarely based on what works best and always have some measure of politics involved. Not to mention bean counters.
I removed my SR mag disconnect and can't tell any difference in trigger function. I can dry fire it without a mag in if I want now, but I won't dryfire anything without a snapcap.
If an SR45c come out I'd be really tempted to buy one especially if the price is as attractive as the fullsized.
If an SR45c come out I'd be really tempted to buy one especially if the price is as attractive as the fullsized.
Ed Ames
Member
I think Ruger has exactly the reputation you would expect given their origins and history.
JR24
Member
I'll be all over one of those then they finally get around to it.
There are number of factors.
While Ruger P series were in wide use in the old days, that was an era when many people, especially in administration, mistakenly thought you needed a 10+ lb trigger and bunch of levers that inhibit fire in order to be safe. We no longer live in that era. Consequently, we saw a decline in DA/SA with slide mounted levers in general.
Amomg Beretta, S&W, and Ruger which thrived on that format, Ruger was the cheapest.
That may not be the case with SR series. Agency price for Glock may be cheaper than what you might pay for an SR series, and Ruger's capacity to match such price agency sales wise is questionable.
Also, the format is a problem, liability wise. I am not talking merely about the possibly of forgetting to switch on or off a thumb lever type manual firing inhibitor or not being able to fire a shot while changing magazines.
What I am talking about is deviating from a well known and established doctrine of working a stiker fired pistol which is pretty much standardized by agencies that used Glock. What works on Glock pretty much works on M&P or even XD. To incorporate how to work an additional thumb lever and magazine disconnect invovles pioneering a new doctrine, and there is no clear benefits in doing so. Remember, the thumb lever does not increase safety. It only changes the dynamics involved in how safety is achieved.
So, from a departmental level SR series are less tested pistols that are not any more capable than GLock or M&P, may not even be cheaper , and also involve risks of deviating from well established doctrine which does not have a clear benefit.
An individual looking for a personal pistol does not have to be concerned with the above as government agencies do. So, if an individual finds SR series to suit one's needs well, then it would likely serve to be a fine pistol.
SR series do lack in some points like finish. While stainless steel is better than regular carbon steel with blued finish, it is not quite on the same level as Melonite or Tenifer.
Some agencies use M&P with thumb levers, but they are in the minority compared to agencies that does not.
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JR47
Member
WE can't buy a Glock at the "agency" price, either.
Isn't that more like returning to an older format, rather than pioneering anything? The older S&W guns also had mag disconnects, and safeties.
Not true. There are enough Glock firing into the legs of police officers, and DEA agents to make one wonder if a safety wouldn't make more sense than the faulty training that is the standard today amongst LEOs.
A number of instructors also seem to feel that safeties are useful against gun grabs, and being shot with the resulting use of what was originally your weapon.
I find it less than amusing that people claim a safety can't be taught to be used, or that it "slows down the presentation", yet expect the various antics involved in retention holsters to somehow be easier, and more natural a motion to use. It simply doesn't work that way. Either the people can learn, as they did not too long ago, or they will be unsafe with ANY combination.
CCW carriers, not using any type of retention holster, should think about the use of a safety equipped firearm.
None of my SR series Rugers have a "bad" trigger. They are easily superior to the issue Glock 22s that the Police carry around here. They also point better. The last two comments came from members of the City, County, and GSP.
Excellent post.
Read what I was addressing. I was specifically addressing the comment about comparison to S&W 3rd Gen in law enforcement.
No. Unless SR series have a DA/SA trigger, which it does not.
"Older S&W guns" also did not have a frame mounted lever, which common doctrine of use is nothing even remotely close to slide mounted levers.
Faulty training equally affects not just the trigger finger, but also thumb needing to flip an additional lever up and down.
Plenty of people have shot themselves with guns with an additional thumb lever stuck on them too.
It does good in some situaions, not in others.
However, it also have its own set of risks too. Both risks and benefits should be concerned, not just the benefit.
If the thumb lever type manual firing inhibitor only has benefits, I am pretty sure every plastic frame striker pistols would come with one, since manufacturing cost of sticking one on it is insignificant, and every agencies would be ordering pistols with it.
Do you think bean counters only think about price of the pistols and training costs and not about law suit costs when there is an accidental discharge?
Did I claim any of that?
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Jim NE
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I love my SR9c. I like that it has a LCI and a safety. I don't think the trigger pull is long enough for it not to have a safety. Just my opinion. And I can't see how an indicator can hurt anything. Some people say they complicate function, but it hasn't on mine. It's my favorite carry gun.
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