re: Buying my first pistol. Anyone own a Ruger SR9c? Opinions?

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Looking to spend less than $500 for my first pistol. Want it for basic home defense.

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That's your first mistake. Whichever you on do buy, for your first, buy one you're comfortable with and dont' worry so much about saving a couple of hundred dollars- ESPECIALLY if you're buying for home defense.

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but can't find ammo to shoot

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That's been the issue for quite a few shooters lately.

I had an SR9c that had a really bad problem with light strikes on the primer causing FTF.

It didn't matter which ammo or how clean the gun was, it would eventually have a light strike within 50 rounds. I couldn't go a box with out it happening.
I really liked the gun, and it shoots great. Seriously, all my buddies shot the most accurate with that pistol vs theirs (Glocks, XDs, etc), but the fricker kept giving me problems and I got rid of it. They are pretty pieces IMO as well.

Do google search for them and light strikes and look at the message board results. I know Im not the only one that had that problem.

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Do google search for them and light strikes and look at the message board results. I know Im not the only one that had that problem.

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Ruger has since changed the manufacturing process and has put stronger striker springs in them.

Also, mine had a light striking issue on the first range outing. Ruger uses some very thick packing grease and it was slowing down the speed of the striker in the striker channel. Cleaning out the striker channel with a bore brush remedies the issue most of the time. If not, contact Ruger and they'll make things right.

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I never would have thought that my .357 Sig would be the easiest gun for me to find ammo for.

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I agree!

All I saw on Academy shelves the other day was 357 Sig and 10mm. Everything else - empty.

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Will you carry or keep at home? I bought the sr9c the last no tax day and love it, but plan on carrying it. If not going to carry get sr9 imho. I agree Ruger is a good choice.

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Was going to post this. I have a Ruger SR9 and love it. Great pistol. My wife can handle it well. Two thumbs up!

ITH,
Cliff's Notes version:
Since your inexperienced w/ handguns, I'd suggest a full size (4-6" barrel), steel frame, 6 shot (or more) revolver w/ fixed sights chambered in 357 Mag. Start off shooting mild 38 Special rounds, advancing to +P 38 Spec loads when you can handle them. Advance to full 357 Mag loads ONLY once you've mastered the +P 38 Spec loads. If you can't make it to 357 Mag loads, just stay w/ the +P 38 Spec loads, which are still very formidable self defense rounds. A similar sized gun in 38 Special w/ +P rounds is good too if you don't have any interest in the recoil/muzzle blast of the 357 Mag.

If you'd rather have a semi-auto, I'd suggest a full size 9mm from a reputable manufacturer, e.g. S&W (M&P series), Springfield Armory (XD series), Ruger (SR series), Glock, Sig, CZ or Beretta. I prefer DAO or SAO, but you may well prefer SA/DA type. Likewise, I mostly prefer no external safeties, but you may want a safety. If you're experienced and comfortable w/ the platform, a reliable 1911 is a good choice, as well. Try to handle, and shoot, a number of semi-autos before deciding which one to buy. Some of the bigger cities have shooting ranges that will let you rent a handgun and shoot for a period of time.

As already mentioned, for home use, the best self defense weapon is not a handgun, but a shotgun, usually a 12 gauge, but 20 gauge is a good choice, as well. A youth model is a good idea if someone of small stature may use the gun. A pump Mossberg or Remington is not expensive, as long as you don't get a bunch of "tactical" stuff on it.

Full Version:For a self defense gun that is NOT going to be used in concealed carry, you don't want, nor need a compact or subcompact gun; get a full size gun. All things being equal, a smaller and lighter gun is generally more difficult to shoot well than is a larger and heavier gun, especially for newbies. Personally, I think revolvers are easier for most newbies to learn w/ than are semi-autos. OTOH, some newbies start out w/ semi-autos w/o any problems. No one can know but you which category you'll fall in to.

The best self defense calibers are 9mm, 357 Mag, 357 Sig, 40 S&W and 45 ACP; the 38 Special also has a good track record, but not like the above.

The semi-auto vs revolver debate always generates a lot of interest. Ruger, Colt, Chiappa and Smith & Wesson are top notch makers of revolvers; other makers that seem to have spotty quality control include Charter Arms, Rossi and Taurus.

Given your inexperience, I recommend some formal training in handgun handling and safety.

Last, if you can swing it, I'd strongly consider buying a 22 LR to learn the basics of handgun handling and to practice w/. If you want a revolver for self defense, make the 22 LR a revolver; if the SD gun is a semi auto, get a semi auto 22 LR.

Good luck. Let us know what you buy and be sure and include PICS. :-)

Tiger on The Hill nailed it. Run with it.

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bapple

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Would you be interested in selling me your SR9c?

Thanks for the kind words, guys.