SR9c As First Pistol?

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fuesting

Bearcat
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Jan 13, 2012
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Greetings,

My first post and about to purchase my first hand gun. There are so many posts investigating the good and bad of the gun, black or SS, etc etc, so I won't bore you with that.

I was wondering if this gun is a good choice as a first hand gun? Here's my criteria:

- Conceal carry every once in a while, but will most likely pick up an LCP for consistent carry.

- Target shooting, or generally practicing shooting. Mostly for fun. Is it a fun gun?

- Home defense, as a backup, safe kept weapon in a home with children. Primary weapon is a Mossberg 12 gauge.


Secondary criteria:

- Inexpensive accessories

- Built to last

- Good customer service


And the last question I have, which is a bit off topic, but if I buy this weapon and have an issue in the first 100-200 rounds, do I address it at the store I bought it from or Ruger? Total newbie question.

Thanks for your thoughts!
 
I have one with about 800 flawless rounds through it. I think the black looks better but chose the stainless for the durability. Only problem I had was a small chip of the striker plate was stuck in the slide. Once removed the plate went back in and the gun functioned normally but I let Ruger Customer service know and they sent a new plate within a week, no questions asked. I can't hit defecation with it but my brother in law, who is a LEO and carries a Glock, took about ten rounds to get a feel for it then started drilling the bulls-eye, so it's me not the gun. As far as durability I guess time will tell.
 
Most people would say a rimfire should be your first pistol. However, the SR9c is certainly user friendly enough for a new handgunner. Its a good choice for both CCW and home defense, I love mine.
 
The SR9c meets all of your primary and secondary requirements. I have the SR9 with well over 5K flawless rounds down the pipe and love it.

Regarding your question on what happens if there's problems in the first couple hundred rounds... I'd say it depends. If you put that couple hundred through in a few days of receipt and have a problem, dealer MAY take it back. Check dealers return policy when you buy it. If it takes you several weeks or months to put that couple hundred rounds through, dealer probably won't help you. Good news is that Ruger will address your problem pronto and at no cost unless you messed around and futzed up the gun somehow.
 
I have almost 2000 rounds in 9 weeks through my SR9c. I use it as my primary CCW and at the range. With the 17 round mag it's like a full size. Conceals perfect with the 10 round mag and a Remora. Keep your 17 round mag as your backup.

Since the BGs have guns like we do I set my training to respond to the spray and pray. I want the 10 +1 drawn from concealment and the 17 reload. Good technique is very important. I train with only 1 gun. With LEOs it's different as they need the backup. I may shoot other guns but train with the one which is why I picked the SR9c over all the others.

Statistics will show, though, that most confrontations are at 7', last less than 3 seconds and have less than 3 rounds fired. For home defense it's point and shoot. Get a Crimson Trace or a Veridian, since the SR9c has the rail, for your home defense and practice your trigger pull. Veridian makes a great laser/light/strobe combo.

I think the safety part is up to you. The Ruger has all the safety features you could want but not one of them is going to stop a curious kid with a gun in his hand. Teach your kids well and satisfy their curiosity under your supervision.

One thing might help though. The SR9c has a stiff slide spring and does not take kindly to non-dynamic racking. Without a round in the chamber, safety on and decocked, a kid has to flip the safety (easy) then muscle the slide (not so easy). If not done correctly he'll probably end up with a jam that he will not be able to clear. Attempts to rack the slide will fail unless the kid flips that safety.

I would not choose an LCP. Any kid that watches TV can slap a mag in a gun. The slide is easy to rack and there is nothing to stop a kid at that point.
 
good 1st.choice . my 1st gun was a sr9c also after 800rds. & 9months i called ruger for misfires 10out of 50 they wanted the gun asap they e-mailed me a shipper in minites free shipping there & back no charge to fix now 900rds later the gun is working flawless i will not give up my sr9c for anything except for my lc9 500rds. no problems good luck
 
2 yrs and over 5000 rds for me. I hold off on failure to feed and return to battery malfunctions as being a problematic gun until I have 500 rds through a new gun.

It's one of my favorite guns. For me, it's prettier than a G26 and fits my hand better. I really like proportions of the front sight blade and rear sight notch. Shoots cast bullets real fine. It is fun to shoot! What else have I shot or own? Beretta M9, Jericho 941, 1911 Series 80, Sig P220, Sig P239, HK P30, Sig P226, Sig P238, Walther PK380, Star S. Some of those I have hundreds of rounds through, some thousands.


Rail, if you want that: check.
Aftermarket sights: check
Nice, affordable holsters: check
Hi cap, if you want: check
Excellent customer service: check

If you have a problem, most likely Ruger will take care of it instead fo the retailer. Depends on your retailer. Ruger will send you a shipping label for return to factory, if needed.

Can you get a lemon? Yep. Will Ruger make it right? Yep.

Recommended.
 
I will second the opinion that a .22 is your best first handgun. They are cheap to shoot. Easy to shoot. Very accurate. Very reliable. Cheap to shoot.

They are a great way to learn to shoot. You can put 150 rounds downrange for less than the cost of a burger and fries.

The down side is they are not a good carry weapon, nor are they a good home defense weapon.

If you need both of those right now, then the SR9c may be a good choice. I am looking to buy my first carry weapon soon and have been seriously considering this gun.

My first handgun purchase was a Ruger MarkI target model. It has been a great range weapon. I love taking it to the range. I have had it for over 30 years and have never done anything to it but clean it. I would not hesitate to use it for home defense, if needed, but a 9mm would be a much better alternative if available.
 
SR9C is a great choice for your first pistol. It will meet all of your criteria. Economical 9mm ammo will help you shoot more often to improve your skills. It is a good round to learn to shoot accurately, with no concern about flinching or too much gun. It is good for target/plinking, carry or home defense.

Carry with the 10 round mag, use the 17 round for home and range.

I bought by SR9 in 2008. Never a FTF or any other problem after 1000+ rounds. No modifications. Trigger smoothed out very nicely. Yours should be even better out of the box from what I read.

Get the SR9C and don't over-analyze. There will always be another one that might be better. Reminds me of my putting off getting a PC years ago because there might be a "better one" out soon.

Fish or cut bait. You won't regret it.
 
So many great replies. Thanks very much guys. I'm rolling to Ace Sporting Goods this morning (Pittsburgh area) and doing the deed. Then heading straight to my buddy's farm for some lessons and break in. It should be fun. I'm pretty excited.

I just hope it fits my hand well. That will be the only real deal breaker at this point. The Glock 19, albeit bigger, did not feel comfortable at all. I was going down the road of waiting for a custom Glock frame for my hand, but I'm hoping the SR9c fits better. According to lots of reviews, it does.

I'm going to go stainless I think, for no real good reason. I'm a big wristwatch aficionado, so I may end up getting the slide bead blasted down the road. I think it would look pretty cool. Perhaps even PVD'd or DLC'd if I want to go the black route.

I feel this gun fits my criteria pretty well. I just hope it feels right in person. Thanks again!

I'll report back soon.
 
I can almost guarantee the SR9C will feel better in hand than a Glock, unless you're a bricklayer. And remeber the backstrap is reversible for even better fit. Have fun.
 
SR9c silver was the choice. I love it. Ran 75 rounds through it. No problems. It's such a smooth operator, however I have no real experience. We had an LCP and a Mossberg 500 out there with it. So smooth. I'm actually more surprised by the long trigger pull of the LCP.

A few things I don't like though. I'm so worried about dry firing the weapon without the clip in. I wish it didn't have that feature. The other is more of a question? Should I be able to manipulate the slide release, closing the slide, without pulling back the slide a tad? Basically should I be able to close the slide with JUST the release button?


Thanks again for the advice and comments.
 
SR9c silver was the choice. I love it. Ran 75 rounds through it. No problems. It's such a smooth operator, however I have no real experience. We had an LCP and a Mossberg 500 out there with it. So smooth. I'm actually more surprised by the long trigger pull of the LCP.

A few things I don't like though. I'm so worried about dry firing the weapon without the clip in. I wish it didn't have that feature. The other is more of a question? Should I be able to manipulate the slide release, closing the slide, without pulling back the slide a tad? Basically should I be able to close the slide with JUST the release button?


Thanks again for the advice and comments.
 
I got an extra magazine. I just make extra certain I unload the pistol and put in the empty mag. Then, pointed in a safe direction, dry fire all you want. Should help break in the trigger, but shooting is much easier than cocking the slide each time to dry fire. I find dry firing is good practice for trigger control though.

Many pistols are designed to release the slide with just your right thumb, but Ruger makes the slide release so you have to slingshot the slide. They do not make the slide release to work like they do in the movies with your thumb. Others have modified the release, or claim it just breaks in eventually. I just got used to slingshotting it. Works fine for me. Don't slingshot it without a round chambered though.
 
steveodtw said:
I got an extra magazine. I just make extra certain I unload the pistol and put in the empty mag. Then, pointed in a safe direction, dry fire all you want. Should help break in the trigger, but shooting is much easier than cocking the slide each time to dry fire. I find dry firing is good practice for trigger control though.

Many pistols are designed to release the slide with just your right thumb, but Ruger makes the slide release so you have to slingshot the slide. They do not make the slide release to work like they do in the movies with your thumb. Others have modified the release, or claim it just breaks in eventually. I just got used to slingshotting it. Works fine for me. Don't slingshot it without a round chambered though.
Click to expand...

I'd really like to eliminate the mag disconnect. I don't really see the point, since there could be something in the chamber.

The slide release *seems* to be getting easier or more broken in. Maybe it'll get to where I want it, but I'm nitpicking on this one.

All in all, I'm very pleased. I do see why some are replacing the guide rod and the dealy in the back showing the weapon cocked; with metal parts. That might happen for me.

Is it wrong to be sitting here on a couch, watching football and oogling my new gun in the dark?
 
fuesting said:
Is it wrong to be sitting here on a couch, watching football and oogling my new gun in the dark?
Click to expand...

Nope. Did the same thing with my SR9, LCR, GP100 and most recently my SR1911. Not necessarily in the dark, but often in front of the TV. I consider it developing familiarity and muscle memory with my handguns. Double check that it's unloaded though. (I put a BB into our TV screen from my unloaded Daisey Red Ryder at a very young age. My first and last Negligent Discharge).

I'd suggest putting some time and 200-300 rounds through the pistol before starting mods on the SR9C. Not that they're good or bad. Just get more familiar with what you have so you know what else you need.
 
1st handgun and ya wanna start disabling stuff?

Please, be happy with what you have. Get used to it and learn to operate and shoot it. It is what it is. It's an inexpensive little gun that serves its intended purpose.

When you're truly proficient, then go shopping for a real, non-disposable gun with all the features you may decide you'd prefer. Then, you can even more appreciate the little SR9c. A little gun that you can grab in a heartbeat and not worry about.

WAYNO.
 
Because the gun will not primarily be used as CCW have you considered the SR9 for its increased sighting radius and higher mag capacity?
 
WAYNO said:
1st handgun and ya wanna start disabling stuff?

Please, be happy with what you have. Get used to it and learn to operate and shoot it. It is what it is. It's an inexpensive little gun that serves its intended purpose.

When you're truly proficient, then go shopping for a real, non-disposable gun with all the features you may decide you'd prefer. Then, you can even more appreciate the little SR9c. A little gun that you can grab in a heartbeat and not worry about.

WAYNO.
Click to expand...

I certainly don't mean to sound disrespectful but I'm not new to firearms and I know what I want. I don't consider this gun disposable, not sure why you do. I consider it very much real and I'm very happy with it. Thanks for your opinion.
 
DDDWho said:
Because the gun will not primarily be used as CCW have you considered the SR9 for its increased sighting radius and higher mag capacity?
Click to expand...

Yes! But I found the SR9c w/ extended mag to feel very much like its big brother but with more options. I'm guessing the shorter length will make a difference though. Id love to have both to be honest.
 
fuesting said:
WAYNO said:
1st handgun and ya wanna start disabling stuff?

Please, be happy with what you have. Get used to it and learn to operate and shoot it. It is what it is. It's an inexpensive little gun that serves its intended purpose.

When you're truly proficient, then go shopping for a real, non-disposable gun with all the features you may decide you'd prefer. Then, you can even more appreciate the little SR9c. A little gun that you can grab in a heartbeat and not worry about.

WAYNO.
Click to expand...

I certainly don't mean to sound disrespectful but I'm not new to firearms and I know what I want. I don't consider this gun disposable, not sure why you do. I consider it very much real and I'm very happy with it. Thanks for your opinion.
Click to expand...

Not being disrespectful, either. I guess I misunderstand your context or significance of "1st Handgun".

The heavy use of plastic in so many new guns is not so they'll work better. It's so they're cheaper to make. I continue to assert that there's no free ride. A cheaper to make firearm does not necessarily equate with a better shooting firearm. So I stand with my very biased opinion. These guns are cheaper than all-metal guns, and are very easy to use. Being a dinosaur, I even own some. But, I will not modify mine. I will use them as they're intended and designed, and when I need a gun with better sights, a better action, a better trigger, etc., then I will grab a completely different gun. And as nice as some of my finer guns are, they're not necessarily the guns I'll grab for discreet, under-a-sweaty coat-carry. Again, there's no free ride.

My meaning of disposable? I have zero affinity for these guns. They're cheap, and if they get banged up, or wet, or crawled thru the mud and the blood with, or banged around in a glove box or saddle bag, I won't worry a lot.

WAYNO.
 
I'm sorry Wayno but I'm pretty sure they are going to take all your cool Ninja stuff away from you for these statements.

....even your Ninja blender. :D

I hope you're happy.
 
Hazama Yakiba said:
SR9C --> GUN OF THE YEAR Award Winner...

nuff said !

Haz
Click to expand...

Many of my favorite Rugers are Gun of the Year winners (Gold Label, Red Label, M77 MKII Target .204 Ruger). All are discontinued. The LCP, though a record breaking Gun of the Year innovation, has now taken a back seat to LC9 and other new issues.

That alone should not be a basis for a good choice. I say that because that played a large part in my selection. Of course I loved the guns I chose to begin with. Just sayin'

That being said, I still think the SR9C is a great choice. I'm not sure I wish I had gotten that instead of my SR9, or that I want both.
 
While it wasn't my first handgun, I do have a SR9c and have recomended it to friends who are buying their first defensive hand gun. It's easy to handle, easy to clean, shoots well, is economically priced and durable. I have over 1100 rounds with no problems.

With a good IWB holster it comnceals well.

Running 100 rounds of Federal Champion cost me $18 a month. I don't think that is too expensive. (I would guess that most LEO's don't run 1200 rounds a year thru their duty weapon.)

I don't have a .22 pistol. Been thinking of the new SR22.
 
Is it wrong to be sitting here on a couch, watching football and oogling my new gun in the dark?
Click to expand...

Huh? My evening would not be complete without it!! :wink:

I work for an LE agency, and I can tell you there aren't many cops who fire as many rounds a year as most people here do. In fact, most of the ones I work with regard annual qualification as a nuisance, some of them even get worried about whether they will pass.
 
Thanks a ton for all the helpful information.

@WAYNO, I hear you man, but I have a differing opinion of materials science. Typically I'm a big fan of finely machined products, as I'm a big watch guy. In my opinion, I'd rather have a plastic framed gun for the weight, durability, and every time I damage the finish on a watch of mine I cry.

If anyone has any insight or link to instructions to delete the magazine disconnect feature, I would greatly appreciate it.

I'm also going to coat my SS slide in black or grey. Does anyone DLC gun parts, inexpensively?

I feel from my experience with this gun, combined with all of your opinions, make me feel I made the exact, right choice.

Thanks, Jeff
 
Hazama Yakiba said:
SR9C --> GUN OF THE YEAR Award Winner...

nuff said !

Haz
Click to expand...

Well, the Vega was the car of the year two years running, so the award in and of itself means little IMO.

Not throwing stones at the SR9c, I am considering one myself. Unfortunately, I just can't get the great feel of the Px4 compact out of my head. Going to go shoot one tomorrow. Then I'll have to make up my mind......
 
Yeah I wish I had enough money to purchase a .22 but wouldn't have been practical for me to purchase both a practice firearm then a carry firearm. Initially though, purchasing the bullets and the range fees were unexpectedly adding up but after deciding to buy at least 50-100 rounds of 9mm/.380 per 2 weeks it's alot more manageable.

I'd say the SR9c is alotta fun at the range though, and very jealous you're able to fire at your buddy's farm. Wish I had that option lol.
 
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