Smith is a sorta copy of the Glock hand guns. It does not have a safety. It's 100% reliable, and comes with 2 magazines.
Ruger has a safety. It comes with 1 magazine. It's 100% reliable.
I own the SD9VE and in my opinion, it is a FANTASTIC gun. I've shot the Rugers but I prefer the Smith & Wesson. I own more than 20 handguns, some quite expensive. I would gladly use the SD9VE for defensive use. My wife likes it, so she is using it at the moment.
Look at a Canik TP9V2 or Canik TP9SF if you get a chance. It's a $550 gun that sells for $320. FANTASTIC guns for the money. Many gun reviewers and myself think they are the best budget guns on the market. I'd actually buy a Canik before the SD9VE or the Ruger. As a plus, if you are just going to use the gun walking your property and walking the dogs, the Canik also comes with a serviceable belt holster.