Been dying to check out the Shield and compare it to my 9c. So I went to the range today to get some practice in as well as check out the Shield. They had one left in stock so I got a chance to play with it a bit. Here are a couple observations:

1. I loved the size and grip with the shorter mag. I could still get my pinky on the grip and it really is the ideal CC sized gun for IWB. It was awesome just how thin it was and was very balanced in the hand. The grip is a bit longer then the 9c.

2. The trigger did have a better reset and I would say it's close to how my 9c feels with the Apex RAM installed. As far as overall trigger feel goes, it reminded me why I installed the Apex trigger kit in my 9c and if I were to purchase this gun I would immediately install the Apex kit.

3. Many people have said the safety was hard to disengage but I found the opposite to be true. It is more difficult engaging the safety but that's the direction that doesn't needs to be quick. I would carry it with the safety off anyway but if I did carry with in engaged I feel confident I could easily disengage and be on target quickly.

After checking it out I hit the range with my 9c and was reminded now much I love it! The Apex trigger is great, the gun feels fantastic in the hand and I love that it has a short rail I can mount a light/laser too. Then to my surprise the person next to me had a Shield and was kind enough to let me shoot it. It was exactly how I describe earlier and quite a pleasure to shoot. After shooting it I decided there was no way I would sell my 9c for this gun but would probably add it to my collection down the road as a CC gun when I have extra cash.

I agree. I think the shield is a good idea and is appealing to a lot of people, but it really isn't that much smaller than the 9c. The 9c carries fine for me, and has the extra rounds...idunno why someone with a 9, or 40c would swap for a shield..

Nice review, unfortunately none of the shops close to me have it yet

There are times that my 9c is too fat and prints on me too much. The Shield just disappears IWB. IMO the Shield is a great choice for ladies deciding what to carry for the 1st time. It's light weight, easy trigger, and a 9m when a lot of ladies I know of opt for a .380

Since I have a 9C and a 40C, I really don't need the new Shield, but it would be a good idea ....

I expect that anybody who likes a 9C would find the new Shield in 9mm to be a great choice.

I had a bad experience with a PPS40, however, due to the width of the frame, and, more unpleasantly, my chubby finger wrapping around the very thin trigger, which resulted in an unpleasant pinch with every shot. I'd like to try the Shield in .40 before buying one....

(Although if they used the same trigger, more or less, as the older M&P's, I don't think I'd have a problem. I have an aversion to the 9mm .)

Regards,

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Stu.

[IMG][/IMG] I do not think I would trade a 9c for the Shield but the feel is different.
I have a FS 9 and added the shield for iwb and possibly pocket carry. Pocket works for some of my jeans but not all and I have yet to get a good holster for it. I have found that, for me, I need to play around with carry options to find what works for me. As for the gun, I find it very accurate and feeds anything I can throw at it. I have run 100 rounds of Winchester fmj target, 20 of MagTec +p hp, and 10 of Winchester +p hp. Not a single problem and for me, a below average shooter, I was able to keep on a IDPA target, center mass, out to 60 feet. If you knew me you would realize how good that is.
Frank.

Well, I do have a 9c and I just bought two Shields (one for me, one for the wife) because I like the Shield much better. It feels better in the grip...I have small hands, and the Shield just feels so much more comfortable to me. I do like the extra capacity of the 9c, but if I can't get it done with 9 rounds, then I am in more trouble than I can handle anyway.

In our case the Shield is replacing the 9c.

I contacted Apex Tactical inquiring about the DCAEK for the Shield. Their response was that at this point in time they could neither confirm or deny that the current DCAEK for the M&P 9MM would fit the Shield. The blog portion of their websiite states that accessories for the Shield are forthcoming.

+1. I also purchased a twin set of Shields, one for myself and one for my wife for the same reasons documented above. I sold my 9C to my son who has been frothing at the mouth to get his hands on it.

Well in some cases, as I said it would appeal to some especially with small hands or a woman, I have no problem hiding my 9c in any clothing, and the grip is perfect for my hands. I have held a shield and I felt good and pointed nice like all Smiths do, It did feel like my hand was a fat p***y and the grip a small d**k....LOL.