I like the way the Shield feels in my hand and the trigger. I also like that it is similar to my FS M&P 9. I want to shoot one before I buy to check the recoil. I have not shot many smaller sized pistols and the Makarov I shot made me leery of buying something small without trying it out.
I have shot both. The range I go to has the Ruger SR9C and Shield in 9mm and .40. in the rental cabinet.
I am a VIP member at the range so I can shoot any of the rental guns for free.
I ended up getting the Shield in .40 and love it. It is my EDC gun of choice. I have an apex trigger kit installed and added the TruGlo TFO night sights. I already had a compact G27 so I was looking for a single stack pistol. For me the decision between the two pistols are single or double stack as they are both well made guns. The Shield is a little easier to field strip though.
Runt1122 what area do you live in? I would be more than happy to meet you at the range and let you try them both out. Shoot me a PM and I will help if I can.