Just picked up my first Ruger this past weekend...a SR9.
I was looking for something for CCW and for IDPA competition. I was originally going to go for an inexpensive 1911, and then the SR9 was announced and was recommended to me. I was dead set on .45ACP for some time, but as price was in issue, and I wanted to be able to afford to shoot the dang thing, I eventually 'converted' to 9mm.
I liked the slimness of the design, the manual thumb safety, and the overall design. What helped to clinch it was holding one and feeling the grip and low bore line.
Read numerous reviews, and as expected for a newly produced item, there were teething pains. Luckily, I got one of fairly recent manufacture, with the new mag catch and mag design. Took it to the range the day after I got it and it more than meets my expectations. Shoots far better than I do, partly because I'm not used to striker-fired actions...mainly because I suck. I was able to carry a 5" 1911 in reasonable comfort...this one won't be a problem at all.
-JT