Getting up in years

instymp · #1 03-16-2015, 07:03 PM

Been thinking of getting a 9mil Shield because of reading how little "recoil" they have & with arthritis & bad decisions in the past that effect joints etc. in later years. But have a G23, so, how much difference in felt recoil is there between the 9 & 40? Never fired either one, Thanks!

rsrocket1 · #2 03-16-2015, 07:15 PM

With arthritis, I'd get the 9. There is not much recoil difference between the two when you shoot a magazine full, but a range session will take its toll. Are you wanting this for concealed carry? If not, I'd recommend the full size M&P9, it is a real light shooting gun and the added weight will make it easier on your hands after a couple hundred rounds.

I'd also strongly recommend an Uplula magazine loader. I don't have any problems loading 9/40 in my M&P magazines, even the 10 round mags which still use the full size magazine springs, but I just put new springs in them and noticed how stiff they are when new. I was saying to myself "I would have a tough time loading all the rounds in these things if I had joint or muscle problems". The Uplula would make loading a lot easier.

martybee · #3 03-16-2015, 07:56 PM

I concur with rsrocket1.
Get the M&P9FS. I have the .40 caliber and the 9mm and find the 9mm is a little softer to shoot.
I am 83 years old and all my joints are affected by arthritis and my muscles are weak, but I go to the
local indoor range and shoot about 3 times a month. I only shoot 75-100 rds per session and find it is
not too taxing on my physical condition.

Also the recommendation to buy the Uplulu mag loaded is excellent!
Good Luck, and enjoy shooting as long as you can!

mb

NCW Ray · #4 03-16-2015, 09:00 PM

The Shield's also have a VERY STRONG recoil spring assembly so with your arthritis it may be hard for you to manually cycle (rack) the slide. I'd go to your local gun shop and check one out prior to buying.

curlysir · #5 03-16-2015, 09:03 PM

The slide on the Shield can be hard to rack, mine in not bad but some can be very stiff. I would find one in a local store and try racking the slide first. If that is not a problem the 9mm would have much less recoil the the .40. The Compact is even softer shooting than the Shield. I have a G23 and a G19 and S&W Compacts in both calibers The 9mm is much softer shooting then the .40.

As I get older I find myself drifting more to the 9mm, still like the .40 but it is definitely more snappy than the 9mm.

JWH321 · #6 03-16-2015, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCW Ray

The Shield's also have a VERY STRONG recoil spring assembly so with your arthritis it may be hard for you to manually cycle (rack) the slide. I'd go to your local gun shop and check one out prior to buying.

Excellent advice. Be sure to look at a new one from a box, not the one in the case that has likely been well broken in. I had to push the slide against the edge of my workbench to lock back the slide for a long long time.

Saudade · #7 03-16-2015, 11:46 PM

Honestly, consider a revolver. Something in a .357 Magnum. You can shoot .38 specials all day long and load full Magnums when you need the firepower.

Ken43 · #8 03-17-2015, 12:28 AM

I recently sold my G-27 and G-23 because of the recoil and my arthritis. I bought a 9mm M&P Shield. The only trouble I have had with the Shield was loading the magazines. I bought a uplula loading tool and took care of that problem. Go to a range that rents guns, rent one and see how you like it. There is a big difference between the recoil of the 40 and the 9mm.