While I am an impulse buyer and an obsessive horse (gun) trader, I usually don't duplicate "niche" guns. However, recently, through a number of trades and a purchase, I found myself in possession of two small CCW pistols: a Ruger SR40c and a Smith & Wesson M&P40 Shield. I like both and have upgraded the triggers of both: a Ghost trigger in the Ruger and an Apex Hard Sear in the S&W.
I determined that I had yet another niche that needed to be filled, so one of the CCW pistols had to go! The new niche was a tool to reduce the population of Wiley Coyote and friends on the hunting lease that I belong to...a.k.a. a varmit rifle!! I found a really nice Savage Model #110 bolt action rifle in .22-250 at a good price. I went over the pros and cons of both pistols.
The Ruger was slightly wider, but it had a 9 round mag compared to the Shield's 6 or 7. Both looked good, but the two tone Ruger with it's stainless laser engraved slide was just a bit sexier. Both were accurate and chambered in a good "fightin' caliber". Both were easy to shoot with nice light, clean, crisp triggers. The scales bounced back and forth and the final attribute considered made the final choice easy. The Shield was thinner and a bit smaller making it easier to conceal. The ultimate attribute of a CCW gun: Concealable fire power.
And the winner is......the Shield!
I'm happy with the choice!