[ActionJackson]

I've been carrying a small, S&W 638-3 revolver as my conceal-carry for more than two years (maybe closer to three years). It's a decent little gun, but I want something with a bit more capacity. This revolver is a 5 shot, .38 special. If I want to carry more ammo ... I either have to carry a speed loader which is bulky or extra loose rounds rolling around in my pocket. Neither option is ideal.

So I think I've narrowed my search down to two pistols: The Sig Sauer P365 or the Ruger LC9 (or possibly the EC9 economy version). I really wanted the Wilson Combat SFX9 but they're $3000.00 which is out of the question.

My revolver is about 6.5" from the tip of the barrel to the far end of the grip. The cylinder is almost 1.5" across. So both of these semi auto pistols are a bit shorter and not as wide. Great for concealment.

Anyway ... has anyone had personal experience with either of the above and, if so, what are your thoughts? I'd really like to hear from someone who owns both or who's at least shot both fairly extensively. I'm not too concerned about price, although the Ruger is almost $300.00 cheaper than the Sig.

I'm leaning towards the Sig because it's a 10+1 capacity to the Ruger's 7+1. The other benefit to a semi auto is that I can carry an extra mag instead of a fat speed loader or loose rounds. Both are 9mm which is fine with me.

P.S. If there's a better option out there (like the Springfield Armory Hellcat) feel free to make some suggestions. Thanks.

 

[UntamedMind]

Only thing I can say is I owned the LC9 previously and it was horrendously inaccurate. I'm not the best shot in the world but even I can get a decent group with a Glock at 50 feet or so. But with the LC9 could not even hit the target. Neither could my dad and he's a far better shot than I. Maybe it was just that particular gun, or maybe that my hands are just really big for a small gun like that. I am really not sure. But that was just my experience.

 

[ActionJackson]

Only thing I can say is I owned the LC9 previously and it was horrendously inaccurate. I'm not the best shot in the world but even I can get a decent group with a Glock at 50 feet or so. But with the LC9 could not even hit the target. Neither could my dad and he's a far better shot than I. Maybe it was just that particular gun, or maybe that my hands are just really big for a small gun like that. I am really not sure. But that was just my experience.

With that short barrel and long trigger pull ... it'll certainly take some practice. Since it will be purely for self-defense (most likely at close range) I'm willing to get a small gun and just practice until I master it. I had a similar issue as you with a very small Taurus .45 cal. Horribly inaccurate, but I think a lot of that was due to me firing a high caliber gun with little experience with it. I believe I was flinching at the last second. I ended up selling it.

 

[usmc124]

I have various handguns (full frame). I was looking for something small but 10 or 12 capacity, micro frame but big enough to have a full grip. I really liked the P365 micro, quality, weight, feel etc. then I test fired a range gun and was horribly inaccurate. Missed like 6 outta 10 at 10yds which normally I rarely miss any. So was going to go with a diff mfr till one of the staff noticed my struggle. He asked what the problem was and told him I was jerking the trigger. He brought another P365 with a flat trigger. Fired 30 rounds @ 100% accuracy. That was it. Bought one that day then ordered a flat trigger from Sig and replaced it. I am very satisfied with the purchase and reccomend highl. Try it out

 

[hoplite59]

365 , lc9 isn't even in the same ballpark. There are 12 & 15 round mags available for the Sig and its tons more accurate than the ruger. Really nice trigger on the sig as well. You'll pay about $150-200 more for the sig but well worth it.

 

[ActionJackson]

I have various handguns (full frame). I was looking for something small but 10 or 12 capacity, micro frame but big enough to have a full grip. I really liked the P365 micro, quality, weight, feel etc. then I test fired a range gun and was horribly inaccurate. Missed like 6 outta 10 at 10yds which normally I rarely miss any. So was going to go with a diff mfr till one of the staff noticed my struggle. He asked what the problem was and told him I was jerking the trigger. He brought another P365 with a flat trigger. Fired 30 rounds @ 100% accuracy. That was it. Bought one that day then ordered a flat trigger from Sig and replaced it. I am very satisfied with the purchase and reccomend highl. Try it out

I was just reviewing the Springfield Hellcat. It's 11+1 (and a 13+1 mag is available) which I really like. Good company. Good quality. Good price. I may have just talked myself into a third option.

 

[hoplite59]

My Buddy got one a few months back and really likes it. Can't go wrong either way.

 

[ActionJackson]

365 , lc9 isn't even in the same ballpark. There are 12 & 15 round mags available for the Sig and its tons more accurate than the ruger. Really nice trigger on the sig as well. You'll pay about $150-200 more for the sig but well worth it.

I was leaning that way for sure. But this Hellcat has got my attention.

 

[ActionJackson]

My Buddy got one a few months back and really likes it. Can't go wrong either way.

I was just watching Hickock 45 testing both the Ruger and the Springfield side by side. He says he prefers the grip of the Hellcat but believes there's less recoil with the Ruger. I'm not too concerned about recoil but I like the idea that the Springfield has a slightly larger grip. I think it just took the lead for me.

 

[hoplite59]

When you use the 12 and 15 round mags it greatly improves the grip. Recoil is negligible at best on both.

 

[Canon29]

I have shot both. The lc9 is servicable.

The p365 is superior by far.

I EDC the XL my wife carries the standard.

This is a 20 yard group (slowfire) at an indoor range. These guns are wicked shooters. The 3.1" p365 is just as accurate.

--

Also, check out magguts z spring kits- they tke your standard 10 round magazines and make them reliably carry 12. I use them on my 12 round magazines and have 14(+1) in a micro compact.

 

[Hick Industries]

My wife has the Ruger LC9s (striker) with a very nice short trigger pull. It is decently accurate out to 50 ft or so. Best part is it will cycle any ammo I throw at it. I bought her a couple extended mags that hold +2 rounds, and they also make it easier to shoot.

 

[SoJ_51]

Daughter used to have an LC9s - sold it, as she just didn't care for it.. While it Was solidly-accurate, shot cleanly / ate anything without complaining, as Hick says above - and was Very concealable - it just felt 'light' in the hands, due to the narrow grip.. Personally, I didn't care for the fit in the hand, either, though I'll admit I had a hard time actually letting it go..

If yer considering the Springfield.. May I suggest First considering the APX A1..

While I (astonishingly, given it's a Beretta) Did have a 'small issue' with it (slide-lock would 'bounce' after 2-3 rounds, and lock-back the slide before Mag was empty (Not Good..) but I fixed that with a small strip of 'heat-shrink tubing', between the lock-paddle / frame. Wasn't real happy about that, but All good, Totally Solid now, and ended up being ~$300. after the $100. Rebate, w/ 2 mags.. Smooth, clean, Accurate and nicely Concealable.

Yeah, it's a little 'light on capacity' (6+1 or 8+1, optional..) but that's what Target Practice and spare Mags are for.. Personally, have no experience with the P365, though I know a Lot of peeps who Swear by 'em.. I'd be more inclined towards a Sig, before the other, there..

Fwiw..
jd

 

[ajole]

I bought the Sig. I have Springfield XDM Elites for duty size, and I love my Ruger SR, but neither the Hellcat, nor the Ruger LC9 was even close to the Sig. Realistically, the S&W Shield Plus was the closest to the Sig, I’d give it a look before deciding. In my hands, the sights and grip angle were better on the Sig, but in other peoples hands that may not be true.

Bonus on the Sig…for $50 you can buy an XL grip frame, and have the option of more grip and more capacity in the grip.

And a plus one for Mag Gutz, I use the flush fit 10, now 12, in the gun, with 15 in the reload.

 

[1911Glock]

Here is my personal opinion, on the matter. I have never handled a P365. I did however, own a Ruger LC9. The LC9 was one of the most unreliable firearms I’ve ever owned. Failure to feed, failure to fire, failure to eject, you name it, it probably happened. I swapped magazines, tried multiple brands of ammunition, with no luck.

It really bothered me, because I’m a die hard Ruger fan. I still am, even after this. I believe Ruger makes excellent products, but I can’t in good faith, recommend the LC9 to anyone. I really hate to say that, because I really liked the way the LC9 fit my hand. It’s also lightweight.

I would like to think my LC9 was just a fluke. At least I hope that’s what it was.

 

[Str8Edge]

My EDC is the P365. Pocket carry. It’s a great shooting gun, and the standard sights are the best in the industry as far as I’m concerned.

If you’re considering other micro-9s, check out the new Canik MC9.

 

[Aceoky]

IF you go with the LC9 (or EC9) go with the "S" (striker fired e.g. EC9S ) you will find it a joy to shoot and they're very accurate

 

[MTShawn]

The Sig is a stellar piece. However, I ended up with the Hellcat as my daily.

I upped it to 15 round mags

 

[ActionJackson]

The Sig is a stellar piece. However, I ended up with the Hellcat as my daily.

I upped it to 15 round mags

I was inches from hitting the "place order" button (for the Hellcat) last night but wanted to hear from more folks first. I will take a look at the S&W Shield & the Canik (as suggested by others) before buying the Hellcat but it's currently at the top of the list. I love Ruger and Sig products and was almost set on the Sig but grip size matters (that's what she said).

 

[SHTF MAN]

I have both. Well the LC9 is the LC9s.
If you are talking about the regular LC9, definitely take the Sig. The trigger on the old LC9 is terrible. If they both feel equally good to you I would still say take the Sig. More capacity in a very similar size and shape. Trigger on the LC9s is much better than the original LC9. Sig trigger is nice and doesnt have the safety blade thing. The flat trigger is even better (to me). For me the Sig felt a little too small so I bought an X frame and 12 and 15 round mags and it's a great ccw option now.