Hi Marquell, They're fairly close in their specs. The PT111 is lighter in weight which is nice. The Ruger is also a great firearm. I would suggest if you have a local shop to go see how each feels in your hand. That's the first step. Either way Both good!. Please click the green box stating it as the best answer. We are rated on our answers and are just volunteers, not Buds employees. You can choose more then one Thank you!

both are very good guns but Ruger is the much better company to deal with if you ever have issues I carry and bet my life on the compact version of the SR9 (SR9C)

They both have a place in the collection.
The SR9E is a lawyers dream it has safeties, loaded round indicator. The grip is easily modified and non-abrasive. I use this firearm for my Basic Pistol and Concealed Firearms courses. It is a fine, economic friendly choice. Two of the five had a break in period of about 400 rounds. You can make up for this by running 147gr rounds.
The P111 is also a good firearm for what it is. It is an economic friendly firearm with twelve plus one capacity. I have found that one of two I have has had issues with the slide locking back. Taurus is good at fixing their firearm but it take time and costs money to ship. If it were my only concealed carry, I would think twice. It is short barreled and thus not as accurate. However, at sub $300, what would you expect.
For a home defense, the SR9 provides 17+1, long barrel and improved accuracy. Little large for most to carry. If you expect to carry it I would go for the P111, if not, SR9E would be your best bet.

I work at a shooting range and any new pistol I've seen in the $300 range is really not worth having. If you can find a used high quality pistol like a Glock, CZ or SIG that fits your budget I would buy it. Most used carry guns do not look great because the finish is worn and there may be some corrosion but most have been shot very little and are mechanically perfect.

Both are actually sleepers in the pistol world. Depending on your stature, the PT111 is smaller, lighter and easier to conceal/carry. The Ruger is slightly larger but ergonomic and has a higher capacity and also conceals good with a good holster. Ultimate concealment with good capacity of slightly less concealment with more fire power will be the choice you have to make. Whichever is most important to you will decide one over the other.

both are very good guns but Ruger is the much better company to deal with if you ever have issues I carry and bet my life on the compact version of the SR9 (SR9C)

Comparison Video - youtube.com/watch?v=4GrqEmK5k4U Both have excellent reviews