Ruger SR9 Beginner Pistol

Some people like to keep shooting at the range without stopping to load mags. Personally, I don't mind taking an occasional break, loading mags, looking around at what other folks are shooting.

I haven't shot the Ruger, but some of the folks telling you it is solid have shot quite a bit, and it has a good reputation. Support, including availability of parts, will be excellent. If you like it, get it and get started. If you decide you would like more mags later, you can pick up another couple when you see them or add them to your Christmas list. If a different pistol catches your eye sometime later - and this forum is full of folks with wandering eyes - you can pick it up with or without selling the Ruger. It shouldn't be hard to get a good portion of your purchase price back when you are getting that good of a deal to start with.
 
Hi everyone,

I'm looking to potentially buy my first pistol. It is only going to be a range gun so I'm looking for a full sized gun.

I saw CDNN had a great Ruger SR9 deal for 329+shipping which seemed to be way better than anything else in the price range. I plan on shooting it this weekend. Unfortunately, all the other full sizes at my range are going to be out of my price range (Glock, Springfield XD, FN FNX-9).

I've shot the FN FNX-9 at a range in Texas which was really quite great, but I felt that my hands started to lose grip of it when I started to sweat. I also got repeatedly hit in the face with shells (it was a rental though so maybe it wasn't in good condition). I've heard the Ruger SR9 has a slimmer grip so I am starting to lean towards that now, especially at that price point.

I can't try the S&W M&P 9 at the range, but they do have the M&P 9 Compact and Shield which I could try as well, but I figure they won't be very similar to the full size as far as feel?

In summary, I am pretty sure the SR9 is the pistol to get at 330, but are there any other pistols in this price range that you would recommend?

Thanks!
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Ruger makes some of the best revolvers in the world but if you want a semi automatic handgun I've heard stuff about Ruger's semi automatics, that they aren't as good as some of the other brands out there. For a good semi auto I would recommend a Glock but you said that's out of your price range so I would say you might want to look into getting a Canik, a great gun for the price so far with my experience.
 
I have/had semi autos from glock, Kahr, S&W, Sig, Springfield, RIA, and browning(hi power), my SR9c is every bit as reliable as any of them. Very solid shooter, and that's a great price.
 
Don't fall into all the "operator" hype about real guns (only glocks fall into this category) and everything else being range toys or beginner junk.


Every ruger I've ever owned has been dead solid perfect reliable.
 
I have had my Ruger SR9 for about nine years now - have never had a lick of trouble with it and it is a great shooting semi-auto. I am primarily a "revolver guy" but I wanted a 9mm semi for range shooting, etc. That's why I ended up with the SR9 and it has been great. Now, it only gets a diet of cast lead reloads that I reload and it shoots those very well. I had a chance to buy a couple of new magazines for it a month ago and I jumped on them as I knew I would hang on to it.

Everyone has their "likes and dislikes" as far as handguns . . . but it you like the SR9, it fits your price range, etc. . . . you won't be disappointed with it.
 
If you wanted a glock, and weren't married to the idea of new and 9mm.

Several distributors have .40 call Glock 22s with night sights for about the same price as a Ruger. Just a thought.

Same with M&P .40s.
 
Welllll. Thanks for all the help guys, but unfortunately my plans were just shut down.

I wasn't interpreting the law correctly, and it looks like I cannot buy a pistol here in Illinois since I am from Florida :(
 
I guess the next question is why you're in IL. School? Military? Are you going yo change your residence to IL?

This may not be an insurmountable problem.
 
I am in IL for school. I don't plan on changing my state of residence as I'm still a dependent and I rent my place (with a possibility of moving). It'd just be a pain to change everything. Plus the IL driver's license is not federally compliant :p

I think the only option is to pick up a gun the next time I'm in FL and just hope that there is a sale at the same time. The one option I read was to have the gun sent to an FFL in Florida, and then from the Florida FFL to an IL FFL, but it seems like I still need to be in FL to complete the paperwork.
 
I don't know what a "federally compliant" DL is.

Mind you, I have not researched the ins and outs of the law on this, but my understanding is that if you want to have a pistol in IL, you need a FOID. If you want a FOID, you have to be an IL resident . . .

So, yeah, this may have to be put on hold for a while.
 
I think they just said that the IL DL may not pass as a valid form of ID for some things because it doesn't meet the newer requirements for ID protection. It's more of an issue at airports.

I can legally have the firearm here in IL as long as I'm out of state. It's just the hassle of getting on here.

I guess this makes more financial sense anyways since I think I have to shoot like over 30 times to make up the cost of owning the gun worth it which will take me a few years. That is assuming the range doesn't shaft me with their rental ammo tough...
 
I don't know what a "federally compliant" DL is.
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For air travel you now need a FC DL, the Secretary of State needs to have obtained a copy of your birth certificate and SSA card before issuing a drivers lic to you. Illinois does not have that requirement, so it is not Federally compliant and can not be used for identification for boarding a plane for air travel. There is a one year exemption for the SOS's to become compliant in effect right now.

But, back to this question. Ruger's are reliable pistols and for a first gun as good a choice as any in that price range.

You said you are a student here in Illinois, so my question is are you over 21 years of age, if not you are going to have to wait until you are to purchase ANY handgun in the USA (Federal requirement). The second problem is you have to have a FOID (Firearm Owners Identification card) issued by the Illinois State Police.

The FOID is a requirement for purchase or possession of any firearm (pistol or long gun) or ammo here in Illinois, but you do not have to be a permanent resident of Illinois (only a resident for the past 30 days) to obtain one. https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/FAQ.aspx

Good luck and stay safe.
Jim

If you have a question regarding the Firearm Owner's Identification Card or the Firearm Concealed Carry Act that is not addressed in these sections, please call (217) 782-7980.
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Huh. I'll have to give them a call. I'm getting so confused by this stuff.

I tried to do the FOID online, but then it said that I had to show proof that my employer (my university) required a firearm for employment. I'm a grad student so no worries about age!
 
Just get a Illinois drivers lic or State ID card from the Secretary of State and use that for your Illinois ID number then apply for the FOID. I don't doubt you have been here over thirty days and should have changed your drivers lic already. You may not have a car, but a IL drivers lic or State ID card will make your life a bit easier when cashing checks or providing identification for what ever (like at getting into bars) LOL.

Good luck and stay safe.
Jim
 
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Get a 38 spl revolver old model 10 can be had for around 300 from buds. learn to shoot it double action . accurate , ammo reasonable , works around home and was carried by police in uniform and plain clothes for years.

You can learn basic much better with a revolver . Will have casings for reloading or trade in on reloaded ammo.
I still carry a 5 shot snub today. They worked very well . Then and still will today
 
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