i cant stand waiting for a shield i mean is it that great as every one says ? my lgs recommends the lc9 can i get pics of shield in pocket also iwb what are my pros for waiting for shield vs lc9 besides trigger i almost bought one for 499 but i have one on order for 395 so i figured i would wait already been waiting for 4 months but i hope i dont have to wait a year or what ever i been told i want advice do i go with lgs recomends or do i go off what i have read i have held a shield and it felt good in hand so give advice

My advice would be to wait and holdout for a Shield. Nothing against Ruger. I own a SR9c and love it. But that trigger on the LC9 stinks. Way too long of a pull. You won't regret waiting and yes, you will pay a premium for the Shield because of demand but well worth it IMO.

I have no advice on IWB vs. pocket carry. I carry my Shield IWB with a Crossbreed ST and it disappears and I am a smaller guy. Never tried it pocket carry and wouldn't try any gun pocket carry regardless the size of the gun. I have no desire to PC because I can't stand having bulky things in my front pockets. Keys, cell phone, pocket change etc. drive me crazy as it is.

Last bit of advice. Punctuation!

Sent from my Galaxy S III using Tapatalk 2.

These days, if you can find an LC9, just get one and sell it later after you finally (if ever) can find a Shield.

You won't lose much. Guns are hard to come by these days.

I consider the Shield akin to vaporware these days, and people who ordered at a lower price seem to have been put on the back-burner so they can be sold sideways to other shops/dealers for higher prices when they do come in.

Carrying a Shield in your pocket depends on how you dress. Doesn't work for me.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

My advice get a M&P 9c.The Shield pales in comparision to it.The Shield is not really a pocket gun and if I am carrying it on my belt I want something bigger with more capacity thats eaiser to shoo***** I prefer full size service pistols for ccw.

I started with carrying a Sigma 40VE, then went to a Ruger SR9c and now my carry gun is a Taurus PT709. Love all three. For me, carrying was all about weight, thickness and caliber.

I have not handled a Shield, but I am confident that it has the same quality as other Smiths and is an excellent carry gun. My Taurus has very manageable recoil and I think your shield will be on par with it as well.

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SW40VE Sigma
Ruger SR9c

Shield isnt designed as a pocket carry

But..... It is a fantastic pistol for IWB

^^ +1 on this

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-Dik

Agreed.

As far as the LC9 is concerned, it's a better pocket carry than the Shield even though they are very close in size. The LC9 is just a bit smaller and is also thinner, which helps in that regard. The LC9 trigger can be improved by adding the Galloway parts but it's still a big difference compared the trigger on the Shield. The LC9 is also a lot snappier than the Shield but it does get the job done.

I'm a normal sized guy and for me the breakdown would be... Pocket carry - LC9; IWB - Shield. I could probably pocket carry the Shield in cargo pants, maybe. Jeans, no way. Dress pants or khakis, no.

Concur...

The same for me, the Shield is a bit too big for pocket carry so it rides in a holster.

Edmo

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TRUTH: Don't delete my posts!

I can't carry the Shield, nor the LC9 in pocket, not comfortably anyways.

My wife has a LC9 & I have the Shield, no comparison IMO. The trigger stinks but can be improved some, it's snappy compaired to Shield, I just don't care for it.

On hers anyway you can grab the front of the slide a feel the slop in it. Plastic guide rod is not my favorite either. I'd wait, but that's me.

I pocket carry the shield and have also the LC9. Depends on your clothes and the fit. Sometimes carry shield IWB with sticky Bianchi Pocket Holster and it works great. Take your time deciding and do not end up with a drawer of holsters is my advice.

Yep, the LC9 trigger sucks, but it is what it is. It's not a range gun. It's a close-quarters self-defense gun -- 1 to 7 yards or whatnot.

For what it's worth, the Shield is not a range gun, either. It's just more capable at that than the LC9, given the trigger difference.

If you want a gun that's better at the range, and better at longer distances, go with a full-size M&P or similar.

Im surprised a j-frame has not been suggested for pocket carry. I prefer my shield for concealed carry IWB due to the fact that im 100% in the 8" circle at 10 yards. Not so much with the j-frame. J-frame rides in ghe right front pocket of jeans like it was made for it. The shield prints pretty badly in jeans. I wear 36x30 jeans somewhat loose fitting and still csnt pocket carry the shield. IWB it is very comfortable. Ive worn it from 8am to 6pm before in an out of the car on a long road trip with no issues.

Ebay shield IWB holster $40

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MP40 442 SHIELD9 SHIELD40 MP22

I've pocket carried my Shield every day since I got it back in May. I do have a hybrid IWB holster that it works well with, but I can draw it from my pocket easier & faster than yanking up my shirt and drawing from IWB. I may very well be in the minority here.

Being able to pocket carry does depend on the type of pants and the length of the Slash pocket opening. When Shopping for the Shield as a replacement for my PF-9, I brought a pocket holster with me and tried it before buying. When shopping for pants, If I can't easily manipulate the pistol from the pocket (in the dressing room of course), the pants don't get bought.

It's not rocket science, but it does help to test these options before buying. Many find that their body type, preferred fashion style, or personal preference keeps them from pocket carrying the Shield, but there are a bunch of us who can.

And... Unlike the PF-9, LC9, Nano, DB9 and other Subcompact 9s, I can shoot the Shield all day. I actually shoot my larger pistols LESS since I got the Shield.

I guess i disagree about the Sheild not being a range gun

It will NOT shoot like a tuned 1911...........

But i think its a great range gun.........for me at least

Agreed 100%, my Shields nor any of my other pistols will ever shoot near as good as my 1911 styles.

But my 1911's will never tuck and be near as confortable IWB as my Shield, lol. Now if only s&w would make me a Shield 1911. hrmmm

I never pocket carry my shield. Its either holstered IWB or OWB by one of my products. I do however pocket carry my LCP with very light shorts or track pants.

BTW, Wait for the Shield, you wont regret it!! !

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Tony
MT Holsters

Save your money and wait for the Shield. Why buy one and loose money trading for the Shield later ? You NEVER get your money back when trading at you LGS.

right i wear jeans all the time so pocket carry not a option but i have been looking at n82 tactical holsters for itw any one have one i am a heavier guy 290 6'4 i want to pocket carry maybe that why lc9 but trigger sucks that why i want shield i have held one but passed 550 just to much but there coming more available any one know when they will be all cough up ? i mean i put lc9 in my pocket it like it was not there shield printed quite a bit my lgs don't recommend kahr i dont know why but shield wins my battle i mean even if i have to iwb carry it. pocket would be nice when needed which i may be able to pull off what expected wait for a shield ?

Catcus

We disagree when it comes to pocket carry vs iwb.

I agree the Shield is at the upper end for pocket conceal but when I traded out my stock sights (rear sight catches when you draw from the pocket) for XS Big Dot pocket conceal in slacks became very realistic.

The Shield is .95 thick so bulk is a non issue and unlike iwb I don't need an extra layer of clothing to cover or leave my dress shirt un tucked.

I have done repeated pocket draw drills and in 1.5 seconds the weapon goes click.

No one knows at work I conceal.

Russ

P.S. Ruger LC9 is an inferior weapon to the Shield. I have shot both and I would wait for the Shield.

For me, If I HAD to pocket carry, I would buy an LCR or a Bodyguard 38

Put a semi auto nose down on a table (standing up)

Put a small revolver down the same way.

Measure the diference in height of the "hump"

A semi auto (in 9 or above ) is about 3/4 inch or more Taller........ The revolver (bobbed, or hidden hammer) also has a smooth rounded backside that slides out the pocket easier
vs the pointed angle of a semi auto on the backside of the slide

This difference in size of this important measurement is what slows down a pocket draw for a semi.

I would also ask you to think about the situations where you would need a CCW. What if you are on the ground in a tussle? You arent getting to your weapon in that case.

What if you were sitting? You arent getting to that pistol, easily when you are sitting.

To me, the IWB carry allows me much quicker access when dealing with multiple scenarios, not just when I have time to fully plan to defend myself, but the sudden, someone has jumped you situation

I see many people jamming a midsized pistol in their pocket saying ....look at me, I pocket carry........ Its a recipie for disaster in my humble opinion.

Look up the tueller drill. It was enough for me to go away from pocket carry. I used to pocket carry a CM9...,,, a tiny pistol....... But
for me... Too slow to get to and draw, and yes, I had a good pocket holster

My 2 cents...... Get the Sheild....... IWB carry

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Imperfect Servant of Christ

The Shield is not designed to carry in your pocket. While it is true that you can get a pocket holster made for the Shield by either Stoner, Don Hume, R Grizzle, etc., the fact of the matter is that with the Shield holstered, the total package becomes unwieldly in anything but the most voluminous cargo pockets of your pants or shorts, or large coat pockets.

For anyone looking at holsters check out my post and photo's in this thread:

Post 13 & 14

Shield Holster


As far as the size of the LC9 compaired to the Shield, as you can see by the photo's they are about the same.

I didn't have my CT Laser on my Shield in those photo's, but it is still about the same with the CT on the Shield.


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Attached Images

	CP Gun 3.jpg (85.5 KB, 98 views)
	CP Gun 4.jpg (78.3 KB, 81 views)
	CP Gun 5.jpg (68.6 KB, 92 views)
	CP Gun 6.jpg (84.0 KB, 84 views)
	S&W Shield 1.jpg (89.1 KB, 90 views)

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NRA & GOAL LIFE MEMBER

+1

I pocket carry my Shield in slacks with average size pockets.

My holster is the Desantis for the Walter and Glock 26. Fits perfect and only cost $21 at Cabela's.

We will never all agree if Shield works in the pocket.

My advise try it. I am 6' 2" 200 lbs and it works for my body frame in very average pants.

Russ

+1 to SoleShtr! I've said it before, & I'll say it again: Punctuation is getting to be a lost art!

I've been pocket carrying a M&P40C for quite a while now. It
did require getting used to, but it no longer bothers me. I just
received my Shield 40, & it carries even easier than the 40c.
It would be difficult to draw from a seated position, but not
having to deal with an IWB holster digging into my side is a
good trade off to me. Also while pocket carrying, the pistol
is concealed more efficiently & a cover garment is not needed.

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Lounge Lizard Extraordinaire

What's wrong with the LC9 "besides the trigger?" What more do you need?

I carried an XD40 subcompact for six years. Love it. I can put the front sight on the target, give a smooth, steady pull, and BANG! Another hole in the 9-, or 10-ring.

So my wife got her CHL and appropriated the XD40 subcompact, and I bought an LC9. Took it to the range.

I put the front sight on the target and give a smooth, steady pull. Nothing happens. So I pull some more. Still nothing. Meanwhile the front sight is wandering from the 10-ring out to the 4-ring, back to the center, and off to the other side. I pull a little more. My hand is starting to cramp from the tightness of my grip and the pressure I'm putting on the trigger.

Finally, after pulling what feels like five or six inches, the gun fires.

I kept a S&W .357 revolver for almost twenty years. I've had two XD40s for six years and have no desire to sell either of them. I bought an LC9, took it to the range twice, and sold it.

My Shield 40 is due to arrive tomorrow. I'll pick it up from the FFL on Saturday. I'm glad because I'm tired of carrying the XD40 Service. It's too big and heavy for a 70-year-old guy.

Ya I had bought a LC9 also, I hated the trigger, I hated the sights moving all over the place on their own (even after tightening), but the biggest thing was mine could never get through a magazine with out jambing or the round not firing.

I tryed, I brought it home again, stripped the living s%$^& out of it, cleaned it, went back to the range and it did the same thing.

I finaly got it running OK, but after handing the Shield it just fit my bear paws better and I have never had any troubles with it. I didn't even clean it when I 1st got it, I just went to the range and it just keep firing.


.

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NRA & GOAL LIFE MEMBER

My buddy went and jumped the gun and bought a LC9 with a Lasermax laser rather than just pay a little more for the Shield. Well, he hates the trigger. I hate the trigger. I just don't even like the appearance of the LC9. Whenever we go to the range and he takes that thing out it just makes me mad - I cant stand to look at it, Lol.

Anyway, He's now looking into changing the trigger. So, his $375 LC9 will now be a $575 LC9 rather than an awesome $450 Shield - Lesson Learned.. .

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Tony
MT Holsters

Dean

Thank you.

I looked up the tueller drill on Youtube.

Mythbusters has a very informative test knife vs gun.

In a nut shell a knife attacker can kill you from 18 ft away running at you with s knife before you can draw from an open carry holster, chamber and shoot.

What I learned is open carry is a recipe for dead.

Concealment brings the element of surprise.

What else I learned from Mythbusters tueller drill is if an attacker charges you with a knife or other similar fixed weapon from 18 ft or closer retreating, extending weak arm to block charging attacker getting an object like a chair, table between you and attacker as you reach for handgun would be a wise drill to practice at home with an empty firearm.

Standing if a person suddenly charged me with a knife I would need 1.5 seconds to draw sweep safety and fire my Shield from my pocket assuming my brain is quick to get past the initial shock.

If I am sitting in a chair or driving IWB will be a better position over pocket however if in a chair with a knife charger a person woud be wise to use the chair as a weapon to buy time to access firearm. In car locking doors while driving is smart.

Is IWB faster over pocket if standing? Good question but this much is worth mentioning be observant and practice safe firearm drills.

At work I sit a lot so I need to be thinking how I would respond to an attacker with a knife or gun.

Russ

After trying a number of auto feeds, my wife feels that the Shield fits her (small) hand the best. She will fire a 9mm next week to see how that feels. She has all ready nixed the G42 and G26, to big for her grip (can't reach trigger). Anyone have shooting experience with the Shield?
Jarhead80
Tucson

My wife has the LC9 with laser max and I carry the 9mm Shield. I realize that pocket carry is different for everyone but I'd like to let others know that I can easily carry both in my pocket. No, not at the same time lol!

I am searching and researching IWB holsters because I would rather carry that way. But FOR ME, pocket carry works great with either of these guns. I'm 6' and a few big macs over 200lbs but can draw from my pocket very quickly and without issue. I have a windows phone that is rather large and I always pocket carry it as well, so maybe I'm just used to having bulk in my front pocket. But the LC9/Shield are no issue for me. The only difference in the two that I did notice was that the small amount of extra weight was noticed in the Shield.

My drawback to pocket carry is what to do when sitting down. It would be very difficult to draw. That's what I don't like about pocket carry.

I guess I just wanted to post that while it is different for all, it really does work well for me in cargo shorts and in jean shorts (walmart wranglers). The "printing" that is there appears to be a large rectangle in my pocket - just as my cell phone does in my left pocket.

Also - my wife loves her LC9 - no malfunctions and easy for her to shoot well with. She likes the longer trigger pull - again, to each his/her own. I like the Shield much better because it feels "fuller" in my hand and has a quicker trigger.

My "long winded advice" - get the Shield, go to wally world for a $9.99 blackhawk #3 and try it for yourself. If it doesn't work, you're out $10. Then you can at least put that to rest for yourself. I think the #3 is for revolvers but it worked great with the LC9 so I used it for the Shield.

Best of luck to all in our journey of what works best for ourselves! - now, back to my research of IWB holster for my lovely Sheild!!!

I have been pocket carryed my shield 40 since the first week in May 2014. It replaces a Taurus 85 concealed hammer .38 special 5 shot revolver. The revolver was carried for about 20 years. The Shield is a little more comfortable. I am 75 trim and fit. I wear Levis 505's, shorts and slacks with the Shield. A proper Holster is vital to a good pocket carry experience. Slick leather side inside. Rough side outside. The holster must stay in place when you pull the gun.

My Shield 9 shares carry rotation with my Kahr PM9. Depending on my mode of dress, they're carried either IWB, ankle or pocket. Most of the time I'm in blue jeans with shirt tucked. That means either ankle or pocket carry. Although the PM9 is smaller and lighter, for me the Shield does just fine in any of these carry methods. Spare magazine(s) in a leather pouch disappear into my back pocket.

I wouldn't even think of pocket carrying anything although at this time all I have is a full size M&P40 & a 40C & that would be impracticable. If you dug inside my pockets & found all the stuff I carry in there you'd know why even if I had a Shield or LCP, lol.

I OWB both & IWB the 40C many times especially in the summer months.

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Former USN, Retired US Army

How is the IWB carry
Seems a little bulky for that
I have the MP9C ( twin of the 40C ) and OWB is OK as long as I can wear a windbreaker but even then I am conscious about raising my arms etc
IWB would eliminate that concern

Hi mawguy, have you tried the Springfield XDs .9mm or preferably the .45? Awesome "little" gun. I carry the .45, have run about 500-600 rounds thru with NO problems. Factory ammo or re-loads makes no difference. Recoil is very controlable for such a small and light .45. Just courious, I haven't talked to anyone who has an XDs that doesn't like it or opted to carry something different.