Ruger Max-9 VS M&P Shield Plus - TheFirearmGuy
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- čas přidán 8. 08. 2021
- Ruger Max-9 VS M&P Shield Plus. This is a range review comparing these two pistols. Both models have their strengths and both cost about the same. I made my choice but which would you choose?
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Taurus has come a long way and is helping make the gun world a better place but Ruger the last 8 years has been hitting it out of the park! Keep it up Ruger!!
The Ruger Max -9 gets my vote. Thanks for another great vid Dan ...
Thanks Joe
Ruger proven quality and reliability. S&W is also a good choice, indeed. You cannot go wrong with either one.
Well said G V
Junk most are black oxide finish crap
@@jackomalley3687 get them any way you like it.
I carried the p365 over 2 years and traded for the m&p plus! Haven't had the chance to shoot the Max 9 yet! I can tell you one thing. I loved the p365 but the plus shoots much much smoother! I can't wait to shoot the ruger
You’re not kidding. I shot both yesterday and the difference in recoil was night and day.
I actually preferred the way the P365/X grips felt in my hand, especially when compared to the Shield Plus. And still, my performance and comfortability with the Shield was far greater.
@@anthonyblood2439 for sure man! Much more control shooting it! Nothing against Sig at all but yeah I think the M&P is a far better shooting pistol. I recently bought the Max 9 too. The M&P out shoots it as well.
If you get a Max-9, I highly recommend getting the Galloway Precision trigger for it ($30 or so). I understand why Ruger made the trigger have such a long uptake for a conceal carry, but the Galloway trigger makes the trigger so much better to me (I prefer a short uptake before the break). It's a cheap upgrade, easy to install, and makes the pistol so much more fun to shoot if you like shooting these smaller guns at the range.
I've heard other people say the same thing about the Galloway trigger
i have done the trigger upgrade on my max-9 so far i like it even better now
I have Galloway Precision triggers in my SR9c and 9E along with their stainless steel guide rod assembly...
They shoot much smoother as opposed to factory, but even the factory triggers are good imo, never had an issue with either one
Thanks ✌️
I really do enjoy shooting these micro 9's. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these new stack and a half pistols. I do enjoy my Max 9. Looking forward to getting one of those LCP Max pistols, too.
The engineers at Ruger must be working overtime.
Always good videos! Keep them coming Dan! Definitely the Ruger.
Thanks bro
My favorite channel. Excellent review. Thank you my friend.
I really appreciate that Javier
Great review Dan! I like both brands but I'd go with the Ruger also out of these 2.
Ruger! Way more bang for the buck without sacrificing any quality.
I want both but the shield plus is my first choice. The shield is a proven platform and my original shield has never had a malfunction. Thanks for the video Dan.
@SansDirections it sure gets good reviews from everyone that I have seen and it is basically the same gun.
Thanks Lance
@SansDirections Not looking to argue and I do understand what you're saying. I just happen to really like s&w since I own several of their semi autos and have had great results from all of them . But I can also say the same about the rugers I own. I'm not downing ruger because they are one of my favorite gun makers and I love their guns.
@SansDirections … you guys confuse me: the Shield is essentially the same chassis but now has double stack mag and a far improved trigger (waaay better than the Ruger) …. So how does that possibly compromise the dependability of an already great gun?
@@granthenderson696 my wife and I both have the Shield Plus, I bought mine in early April and have been shooting it since late April with absolutely no problems. My wife traded in her EZ for a Plus and has not had any issues with it either. It has eaten everything that I have fed it and has a great recoil even compared to the S&W M&P Shiel 9MM EZ. We have had no issues with the new magazines.
I went with the Ruger. It offered much more in a smaller lighter package and trust me the difference in size matters. Got the M&P shield 2. Don’t see a need to upgrade to the plus. Great video. Thanks bro
I've got the Shield Plus Performance Center 4 inch barrel. It's the non-optic, but with fiber optic sights. It's amazing how much better I can shoot with a 4" than a 3". I really like the grip and just the way it fits in my hand. It seems to be a natural pointer. I carry appendix 1 o'clock in a 1791 Gun Leather holster. It's been real comfortable. I just ordered a Muddy River Tactical soft leather holster. Thought I would give them a try. Maybe just a little less leather than the 1791. The 1791 wasn't designed for the Shield, but it does fit for the most part. The Muddy River is specifically designed for the 4" Shield Plus.
Thanks Randy
I went with the BUG OUT kit for S&W. Came with the shield plus with 3.1" barrel, Tritium Night Sights with the front in the orange circle, with an Optical cut slide. 4 mags of 13, 1 mag of 10, a bug out sling or get out work quick bag, and a small med kit. $449. Couldn't believe the price. I guess it took some time to get a bunch of variant packages out there. Love it though.
Just got the Ruger Max 9. It feels great in my hand and the trigger is perfect. Great video.
I purchased a Max 9 pro about two months ago and I have fallen in love with this little pistol.
Thinking about putting a Romeo Zero optic on it, but haven’t done it yet.
I'm looking to get the Max 9 and was thinking the same thing.The Ruger's price is great, it's optic ready, the factor sight is better than most, and the icing on the cake is gonna be putting the Romeo zero on it.
As always excellent video
:)
Much appreciated Kev
I purchased the Shield Plus since I had the Shield 2.0 and I put night sights on it….the ones I wanted. I did not try the Ruger, but I am sure it is a great gun and well supported. Ruger makes great firearms. As usual your discussion and comparison is very well done. Cudo’s to you!
I carry the Max9. Love it. Was carrying the Hellcat put the trigger seems stiffer to me so I now carry the Ruger. Love me some Rugers.
Got the Max 9 with Holosun 507k red dot . Love it ! No misfires about 200 rounds. Very very accurate! Love it. Mine has manual Safety .
Great to hear Stephen
Great review
Thanks bud
Good video as always! Love my rugers!
Thanks Ricky
As much as I like the hinged trigger on my original Shield, I'll have to admit that the new trigger is pretty nice - considering.
I have a shield 2.0 for EDC which I love because I shoot it well and like the way it feels in my hand. So when the plus came out I went out and purchased it. Love the new trigger and it feels even better in my hand then the 2.0 Also I like the fact that I don't have to replace my alien gear shape shift holster set up which is a win too.
Can't go wrong with either one but for the money, Ruger offers more with the night/fiber optic sight and slide cut. Great comparison as always
Mind sharing what the benefit of a slide cut does?
@@GurtyVideos mount a red dot
And he doesnt say that the ruger has a cold hammer forged barrel that will take a beating at the range...SOLD ME!
Put it in the book Dan, another great video, as usual! I'd pick the Max -9 also. Just a smaller version of the Security-9. Already waiting for your next video!
Much appreciated John
@@TheFirearmGuy I appreciate you & your videos Dan! Always waiting for the next one with anticipation to see what you're going to bring to the table!
I bought a slightly used Shield because I couldn't pass on the price. It has become my absolute favorite carry gun. LOVE all your videos. You're my go to guy when looking to buy anything. Thank you for all you do!
I really appreciate that Jason
I agree love my Max 9 as well it’s all about options
I was hoping to see a double handed limp wrist test. Good video right there.
Good comparison. One of my daughters got the Max9 to replace her Shield 45 for her EDC. We are super happy with the Shields that we carry but the Max 9 is smaller with more rounds and a little less aggressive grip and that appealed to this young lady. We are planning on replacing my wife's 1.0 Shield9 with a Max 9 if all goes well.
Great to hear G M
So did your wife get a max 9?
@@briancox2592 She is carrying my Shield 45 for now. But still very serious about Max 9
@@guardianminifarm8005 I have several shields including the 45. Great firearm.
@@briancox2592 Sure can't argue with that. They absolutely are great. My wife & I both really, really prefer the 2.0 grips & triggers. She is more than happy with the 45 at this point. But knows as we age a 9mm is going to be a better choice for her.
I love my Max 9 . Don’t leave home without it . I like having the option of a red dot.
Good stuff John
thanks for sharing this one dan and again i get my mind thinking one way and then after watching iam starting over hahahahhave a great week
Haha thanks Les
Both nice firearms....As I admitted before, I concur S&W I would call perhaps a mini-compact, however that Ruger is the micro compact like a P938 in non-striker fired handguns. Ruger definitely offers added value with the fiber, tritium, and optics ready. Shield Plus offers better grip perhaps for bigger hands which is why I chose it. Still likely to get a Max9 too at some point. Good discussion Mr. TFG....Thanks sir!
Just seeing this video now after doing a search for a head-to-head video on these two. I have a 9mm in my modest arsenal, but was thinking about upgrading to something with greater round capacity. Both Ruger & S&W came to mind. I have respect for S&W as a brand, but honestly, I'm a Ruger fan boy. Only 25% of my gun collection is non-Ruger.
I've been under the impression that they are generally more expensive. While these two are in the same general ballpark price-wise, the MAP on the Max 9 tends to sell for less. The Shield's round capacity (13 & 10) gives it a slight edge, but even with the Ruger's 12 &10 round magazines, that still an increase over what I have now.
I haven't made my final decision yet, but at this point, I'm leaning towards the Max 9. Thanks for this helpful video.
The Ruger Max 9 is feature rich. When ammo price comes down some more I'm hoping some of our gun tubers will put the platform through it's paces.
Definitely liking the Max-9 more and more ✌️
I like that ruger max 9. Im always overdue for a new pistol. Im checkin one out. Thanks.
Very cool Mike
Your video’s and my shield plus rock
Thanks Troy
Shield by a hair. Just feels better in my hand and I like the trigger better. Both good guns!
Great video as well. You can get done in 5 minutes while others just like to hear themselves talk and talk and....! Keep up the good work!
I am late to this video, however, I bought the Ruger security nine last year and it’s a full-size. I love that gun and I purchased it more or less because of your review and so I’m looking into A carry gun And I love my security nine so much but it’s too big for me to carry comfortably. I do believe I would also go with the max nine as I love the fit and finish and how it feels in my hand. I’m also a huge fan of the hogue grips So I have to get one of those as well
Much appreciated bud
Good stuff
good review
Thanks Roman
I own a Taurus G3 and a G3C. GREAT HANGUNS AND I PUT TRIJICON NIGHT SIGHTS ON BOTH. BOTH WITH THE NIGHT SIGHTS COST ME LESS THAN 515.00 DOLLARS.BOTH HAVE THE MATTE STAINLESS SLIDE ON THEM. GREAT SHOOTERS.
To me the Shield Plus has the superior trigger but I agree the Max 9 is better overall package.
Thanks Todd
I love S&W firearms (I own 3) but I would choose the Max 9 as well. I've handled both and like the feel of the Max 9 over the MP Shield Plus. Great video as always Sir 👏👍🗽🦅🇺🇸
Much appreciated R
I have the Shield Plus with Truglo TFX Pro Tritium Fiber Optic sights I also have the Sig P320 X Compact and 365XL. I love them all in my rotation but I have a special connection with my Shield Plus , I don’t know why lol my only gripe with the Shield Plus is that it’s literally impossible to find additional 13 rd mags. S&W did a terrible job at planning the production of the mags.
I have a Shield 2.0 and like it. I have a Ruger Security Nine, a SR 22, an LC9S Pro, an LCP 2. I like the Rutgers but have had major rust problems with the LC9S and LCP 2. I would like to think Ruger has done something about the finish they put on their guns but at this time, I would have to go with the Shield.
I also own both but I would go with the ruger It is just a little easier to conceal especially in hotter weather with a thin tshirt Be Safe and God Bless 👍👍
Thanks Frank God bless
Like you, I would go with the Max 9, but a few months ago I finally broke down and got me a Sig P365 TacPac. I like it.
For the money however, the Ruger is a great deal. Now if they would just come out with an "economy" model with sights integral to the slide like on the EC9s, and no optics plate.
Hope they eventually do that
You know I'm a little bit of a Ruger fanboy, but dollar for dollar the Max 9 gives you more bang for the buck. ( pun intended ). S&W is forcing your hand into buying the PC model. Have a great day! Ruger Rich
Well said Richard
@Nilly Sigger Google S&W problem's, but be prepared to watch video's and reading for a couple of hour's. From 2009 until today nothing but problem's, I love how most of their revolver's look. I just can't trust my life or families live on them, I love 8 shot .357's. I would love to buy every model of their 327 and 627 revolver's. I really wanted for my carry gun the 586 l-comp, but multiple youtuber's have had problem's with them and their customer service. That's why I'm a Ruger fanboy, I have all 3 model's of the 357 8 shot RedHawk's and carry at least 2 of them at all time's. I figure if I haven't won in 8 to 16 shot's of 357, I'm probably dead! Take care my 2A friend, and always carry a weapon. Sincerely Ruger Rich
P365 for me all day, everyday. My tac pac came with 3 12 round magazines and night sights. Not a single malfunction after many many rounds including steel case ammo.
Passed on the Sheild. Nice ergo ....
Surprisingly my local can keep the 9mm and .380 Shield in stock..
Still waiting on a G26 .... 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks L
I would like to try both - I have the LC9S which I love!
Thanks Mark
I like the profile and size of the Max-9 but my LC9s with a extra mag works great for me. I do like the 10rd LCP!
Thanks G B
Didn't catch the barrel length. Is the barrel length the same on both ?
I have an LC9s and had to put padding on my palm side of grip to give it some palm swell in order to hold on to it.
Does either one have any palm swell. Thank You for you vids.
I have the shield plus but really like the max 9 and considering it as well
Good stuff man
I agree with your choice, even though I don't own the Ruger I would choose it over my Shield for the reasons you stated and the thumb safety option on the Ruger is actually usable . Also concerning my Shield the grip is to thin so l add a pachmayr slip on grip to it and let me say , what a difference that made . These grips have palm swells on them , I highly recommend them to Shield owners .
Thanks George
Both are great firearms👍👍
It's like the AR15 comparison. Smith & Wesson vs Ruger. There are no losers. And I own both in various firearms.
M&P Shield all day everyday. I have them all .380-45 great shooters. I am just comfortable with the weapon and trust them!
I carry the original LCP and also the Shield gen 1....both are great. I'm leaning towards the Max9. Love the front sight and for me when carrying millimeters and ounces do make a big difference!!
If you carry the original LCP, definitely check out the LCP Max. Picked one up over the weekend...better grip, better sites, better trigger, and four 12-round mags already ordered and on their way...
I like the Max 9. I put a Holosun 407K on it and I carry it wherever I am doing something more active and don't want a larger bulky gun. I have bigger hands, so the 13 rounder gives me just enough meat to hold and shoot comfortably. I need a RDS these days as iron sights seem to be right in the "sweet" spot of where my vision goes blurry at arm's length and I don't need cheaters. It's a fine little pistol and I have about 1,200 rounds through it, I would trust it for EDC.
I bought the S&W M&P Shield Plus Performance Center 4” with Ported Slide & Barrel & Fiber Optic front & rear sights and Crimson Trace red dot, could not be happier, I love Rugers but S&W knocked this one out of the park.
Very cool Michael
Informative comparison! Keep it up!
Thanks Bill
Just purchased the max 9 pro, thinking about putting a red dot on it. Could you tell me if the Sightmark has any overhang on the slide?
Nice video.
Thanks bud
My big 3XL hands don't work on the max 9. Trigger is curved too far forward not allowing my finger into the trigger guard without hitting the point of the trigger . A flat trigger would have fixed that most likely.
Great video!!! Definitely a toss up for sure, but I have yet to get my hands on the Max-9. So til then I'm gonna ride with the Shield... I just hope they make a .40 cal variant. ( all my M&P's are in 40..lol)
Thanks Ryan
How is the recoil impulse on the max 9. I’ve shot all the shields, Sig P365 and G43. I find that the shields feel like bigger guns and less snappy then the others.
That's the exact reason I Love the Shield Plus, the Added weight makes it less Snappy.
@@jaystarks8662 faster follow up shots
Great Tool’s Man 🔥💪💯🇺🇸
Thanks bud
HK vs magnum research please and thanks for the next show down TFG 😃❤️😃😄
Gotta love the Max 9! Love the Shield as well, but the Max 9 hits the sweet spot! Ruger wins this one.
Thanks Dezfan
Though I buy every gun that hits the market in this genre, the Shield and Shield Plus have never felt quite right in my hand. It has something to do with the square, boxy grip of the Shield series. So as between the Shield Plus and Max 9, I'm going with the Ruger.
Thanks Power
Great review as always. My vote is the ruger
Thanks Michael
I like both those guns.but love my springfields for EDC. great info thanks for your good videos..
Thanks RBT
Both interesting!
Thanks brother
Another great video brother!! I have both Rugers and S&W. Both are great handgun choices. Please stay safe and please keep the videos coming my friend.
Thanks so much Canup
I like both but i do also like options and at my age 53 my eyes aren't as good as they use to be and that high viz front sight and red dot helps .
The MAX9 is on my bucket list. Both are nice but I'm just not a fan of the trigger on the M&P. Plus I've been a Ruger guy since I got my first one, a P345 back in the day.
Thanks for being honest. Too many GunTubers sit on the fence and don't really give their honest opinion. They're probably afraid of pissing off potential sponsors, lol. I agree, the Max 9 is the better option, especially when you compare the price of the S&W performance package. It seems like a lot of people are forgetting that the idea of the sub compact was to have a lot of ammo in a small, concealable package. I like a small red dot and that's about it. I don't use a light on my SC pistol because it makes it longer and because I have a Mossberg Shockwave with a built in 1,000 lumen forend light for home defense. Any sub compact I use is for concealed carry, and the smaller the better. Great review brother. Stay safe.
Thanks brother. I try to pick every comparison. People unsub if you don't choose their gun. I lost about 10 - 12 subs from this video
@@TheFirearmGuy
I'm really sorry to hear that. It just goes to show how a lot of people are really just sheep. I respect the honest people like yourself, even if I don't agree with every opinion. I'll be sure to share your videos and hopefully make up for some of the idiots that unsub because you may like something different than they do. Variety is the spice of life. You have a great channel and if you have to sit on the fence a little bit now and then just to not lose subs then it is understandable but aggravating. Looking forward to your next video.
I am enjoying my Max-9 so far.
Good stuff James
Will the Ruger Max9 fit in a Ruger LC9S holster?! Great video
No sir
@@TheFirearmGuy thank you for the info Buddy!
Great review, but would have liked to see your latest version of "The Limp Wrist Test". LOL
Haha thanks Ron
Whoever made the decision at S&W to ship them with a plain white dot from sight and no optic cut should be fired.
They could have dominated the segment but instead let the bean counters kill their sales.
I believe that to be true
Agreed
I would select the Ruger based on being optics ready versus the Smith not being ready for an optic. The size is also better for CCW.
Thanks Ronald
I'm going with Ruger all the way. Lol I really don't like the Shield.
Thanks brother
I own them both, I love them both, but I am slightly beter, with the shield plus but I have shot it more than the Max9. I am still carrying the shield plus.
The Ruger Max 9. I'm a true Ruger Man. Have Ruger American Compact 9, love it.
Between these two.....I chose the Security 9 Compact and got the 15 rd mags with adapters.
Good stuff barfo
I can't speak for newer Ruger guns but I've had a couple Rugers over the years. Right now I have a ten year old SR9 full size pistol that I've shot thousands of rounds through and it flat out shoots. It will eat everything I feed except for (strangely) Winchester white box. If I'm looking for a carry pistol, because of my experience, Ruger will be the place I start.
Good stuff Jim
I just picked up a Max 9 MA compliant pistol for $379 from Bass pro shop I can’t wait to shoot it
I don’t really like either, I have weird reasons for it, but that said I think they’re both probably great guns, very concealable and very effective.
I think both are pretty awesome pocket pistol. The Ruger is about $100 cheaper, but the Smith is an M&P, therefore compatible with other double stack M&P mags.......I'd choose the S&W first, mainly b/c of the magazine compatibility and choice of magazine companies that make M&P mags.
My Max 9 shoots nearly as accurate as my Beretta 92 FS. I'm impressed.
The shield plus for its size shoots real nice, but I haven't shoot the ruger, would like to tho.
Had a Ruger Security-9 with constant failure to extract issues. Maybe it was a one off but I trust S&W over the Ruger's QC.
I've never had any problems with my S&W's. I sold guns as a young man, and Ruger was known back then for shabby quality control. That may be why I've still never owned one. That was back in the 1970's, but at least in magazines and online, I see more performance issues with them than with S&W, Glock, or Sig Sauer..
@@bjs301 Ruger? More like Ewwger.
I have two Sec-9's and never had a problem. Send it to Ruger
@@TheFirearmGuy like I said, probably a one off, but I've since gotten it repaired under warranty.
Just got a shield cause the price was right. But agree abouth the ruger
Thanks Matthew
Just got my shield plus for $428
One must really check out both to decide. I love Ruger and have bought many over 40 yrs. but I don`t like their triggers. I like JW comment below with trigger upgrade. I always tend to carry a smaller gun. It`s easier!
Thanks bro
Being an oldfart, who spent all his years (40 plus) shooting with regular sights, I wonder how the dot system works in sight alignment time compared to the regular iron sights. How much practice time would it take to get your speed up on the red dot?
I think that depends person to person when it comes to getting acclimated to the dots. It does take practice though. I would say the hardest thing to get down is getting the dot from a draw. You can sight the dot in to your liking. The advantage to the dot is that you only have one thing to focus on the target. In other words you don't have to align sights. The dot marks the target.
There is definitely a learning curve. It came to me with practice
One hour at the range or UR an inept oldfart...
Also, I'm 60, my hands tremble slightly bcuz of the heart meds I hafta take. But, I've shot many pistols with red dots & find them very tedious & annoying. I Do Not like them on pistols, tho they're helpful on my carbine. After 45+ yrs of shooting, I honestly prefer the Iron sights or the 3 dot, with my bifocal specs. Most indoor Ranges have optics hand guns for rent, give it a whirl, I'm sure that you will really hate them, like me, but who am I? I'm just an oldfart with an experiential opinion. Ciao!
Any idea when Shield Plus Mags will be available?
It's anyone's guess
Dan which do u prefer??Ruger or Smith?
I mentioned on the video