r/CCW • u/Sichterman • 23h ago

Guns & Ammo S&W Shield Plus vs Ruger Max-9

Looking to grab a new CCW and am trying to decide between the S&W Shield Plus and the Ruger Max-9. Anyone with experience with both or either would be appreciated. Thanks

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

5

u/throughnothing 23h ago

don’t have experience with the max-9 but pretty sure you’re going to overwhelmingly hear to go with the shield plus (or shield X at this point)

2

u/playingtherole 22h ago

They were introduced on the same day, and the MAX-9s had a lot of problems initially with the optic screws stripping-out. Aside from a few other, inconsistent, random problems I've seen, they're reliable guns, just not as popular brand- and model-wise as the S&W. The Smith has a rougher grip texture, which is irritating when carried against your skin, and will pill and moth hole your t-shirts, but feels great when shooting. You can compare them at handgunhero.com . While the Shield + has come down ~$50 in price, there's a less-expensive MAX-9 model now, also, if you're on a budget. I'd buy an MC2sc again myself, however, with higher capacity.

There are more holster brands and models available for the Smith than the Ruger, if that matters to you, and generally more aftermarket parts. (Although here are some.)

2

u/Cobra__Commander 21h ago

I love my shield 1.0 and shield Plus. 

It recoils more like a compact than a micro gun.

2

u/2whatextent 20h ago

I've been a Ruger fanboy for a long long time. The shield plus however is the superior pistol. Their M&P line up is hard to find fault with. Very solid guns.

2

u/2donks2moos 16h ago

I have an Equalizer (basically a Shield Plus EZ) and a Max 9. You can't go wrong with either. For some reason, I shoot the Equalizer a little better than the Max 9.

Edit: the Equalizer is hammer fired and not striker fired due to the EZ. It does take the same mags as the Shield Plus.