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  #1  
Old 02-09-2013, 11:18 AM
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Default What S&W would you recommend?

I had my heart set on an M&P Shield 9mm. Rented one at the range and shot it and loved it. My big kid did too. Started doing some checking and learned what many of you all have known for a long time...they are really hard to come by. Even had a few gun dealers outright laugh when I called for availability. So my question is...now what? I want a gun that I can carry when I want but that will also be a decent range gun. I really want a Smith and Wesson but also considered a Kahr CW9 (which is also scarce in St Paul MN). Unfortunately, I don't have an unlimited budget ($450 MSRP for a Shield sounded about right). So if not a Shield what would you recommend? Gander Mountain has a S&W SW9VE for $450. They also have a Sig P250 for $479. Any advice would be appreciated!
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Old 02-09-2013, 11:30 AM
josywales josywales is offline
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If you really want a Shield, I suggest distracting yourself with something else in the mean time. they are coming out in batches and it won't be long until you can gfind one at reasonable cost.

I ordered mine form a local dealer mid-december and picked it up last week. $439/each. they are a $400 gun at best and S&W won't be raising prices anytime soon, not successfully anyway. For less than $500 there other options, like the Walther, Nano, etc. Spend a month with your child doing one of your other hobbies and before you know it you'll have the Shield you really want.

Why spend $450 on something you sort of like? Not to mention, this is primarily a carry gun, so you're life could depend on it. I've bought the wrong gun before and it's a PITA when you have to resell it. Then, you'll want the money quickly to buy the now available Shields, and you'll lose money on the resale of the substitute.

my 2 cents...
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Old 02-09-2013, 11:52 AM
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What S&W would you recommend? What S&W would you recommend? What S&W would you recommend? What S&W would you recommend? What S&W would you recommend?  
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Thanks, josywales. My concern about waiting for the Shield is two fold: 1) No local shops are even taking names or orders (at least that I can find); 2) I had one guy at a nationwide outdoors retail store tell me his best guess is 6 - 12 months. The other angle that I failed to mention is home defense. I don't personally own any handguns right now... Hence why I'm thinking about alternatives now (and hoping that I can use next year's bonus for a Shield :-) ).
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Old 02-09-2013, 12:04 PM
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The FS M&P9 is also within your budget...
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Old 02-09-2013, 12:04 PM
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Have you thought about M&P Compacts, I am very happy with mine, and much easier to find. Only regret is not getting a .40cal and a 9mm conversion.
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Old 02-09-2013, 12:09 PM
Alnamvet68 Alnamvet68 is offline
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Since you're open to oyher brands, then go for the gun that S&W distributed, and that spawned a slightly copy (Shield), the Walther PPS.
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Old 02-09-2013, 12:12 PM
josywales josywales is offline
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1 - As far as availability, my dealer said he ordered some Shields over 5 months ago, yet mine came in just over a month. I honestly believe, and this is good news for you, that S&W halted production to correct at least 3 quality control issues. Those issues resolved, these guns are cranking out again. I would not buy a used Shield, and I would not use one for personal defense without at least 700-1,000 rounds through it. Too many quirks on the early versions.

2 - Well, i left out the no gun option. If you have no gun, then you need to fill that gap. At the risl of rerailing thise thread, here we go:

I would not say the Shield is the best home defense gun. Better than nothing, absolutely. But everything is a compromise and the small size of the Shield does compromise certain aspects of a good home defense weapon.

For home defense, consider the following:

1 - A 20 gauge shotgun, with 22" or shorter barrel. 12 Gauges are great, but at 2AM, I'd trade some terminal ballistics for lower muzzle flash, sound, and recoil. From the top of the stairs, I can easily cover my stairway, which is all I care about. Steal whatever you want until the cops come, but just don't come upstairs. The H&R Pardner is a pump shotgun modeled after the Remington 870. In fact, Remington actually owns H&R now all of the Pardner parts interchange with the 870, except the barrels (which was by design). The truth is, the Pardner has more metal parts than the 870 Express and it can easily be found for less than $250.

2 - Consider the larger M&P pistol for home defense. With that, you get the added benefit of familiarizing yourself with the function of the Shield. What I can't tell you is when the new M&Ps will have the better trigger of the Shield - S&W plans to incorporate the Shield trigger into the M&P line.

3 - I know this won't win me any fans, but an expert in the field once wrote, "At 3AM, I can place 3 head shots with little effort, shooting my 22lr handgun. I can't do that with my 45, so I keep a 33 revolver on my nightstand." The M&P 22 is a great gun to practice with, again using the M&P and Shield style grips. Plowing handfuls of CCI mini-mags into an intruder at 3AM shouldn't be too difficult for you and not very pleasant for them.

I'm not a hardcore S&W fan, but if appears you are new to guns and want the Shield. The Shield is a fine choice and my M&P recommendations will help you develop your skills, while familiarizing yourself with the S&W line.
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Old 02-09-2013, 12:17 PM
EugeneNine EugeneNine is offline
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I was in the same situation, bought an M&P 9c to hold me over for now. Its carryable, just not as small and easy as a shield. I figure next year maybe the shield orders may be caught up.
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Old 02-09-2013, 12:30 PM
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The Compact is a thought, LastOne. However, with MSRP of $569.00, it hasn't bubbled to the top of my list. It doesn't look that much smaller than the SD9VE which retails for $369. Or is it?
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Old 02-09-2013, 12:44 PM
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The P250 @ almost $500 is waaaay too much. They were $350 new.

Kahr makes a very nice gun. I used to own the CW9 and my sister owns a P9.

If I were in your shoes I'd get a M&P, compact if you really feel the need for a smaller gun. Right now AIM has M&P45 for $460 with 2 mags.

If you have
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Old 02-09-2013, 12:46 PM
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Thanks for all the replies. This is exactly what I was hoping for! Much appreciate learning from experienced folks.

josywales - I very much appreciate the thoughtful post with other options to consider...

I'm intrigued by the SD9VE for $369 too. I'll probably need to post over in the Sigma forum to get thoughts on that one.
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Old 02-09-2013, 12:48 PM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boatman4him View Post
I had my heart set on an M&P Shield 9mm. Rented one at the range and shot it and loved it. My big kid did too. Started doing some checking and learned what many of you all have known for a long time...they are really hard to come by. Even had a few gun dealers outright laugh when I called for availability. So my question is...now what? I want a gun that I can carry when I want but that will also be a decent range gun. I really want a Smith and Wesson but also considered a Kahr CW9 (which is also scarce in St Paul MN). Unfortunately, I don't have an unlimited budget ($450 MSRP for a Shield sounded about right). So if not a Shield what would you recommend? Gander Mountain has a S&W SW9VE for $450. They also have a Sig P250 for $479. Any advice would be appreciated!
You will be more satisfied if you order and wait. The Shield is a very fine 9mm pistol.

I started with S&W revolvers back in the 60s and until the late 70s or early 80s, getting them was "problematic" due to the Viet Nam War, law enforcement sales, the Dirty Harry movies, the new stainless guns and the high capacity autoloader (Model 64 and 66 were introduced in 1970 and the Model 60, though introduced earlier - 1965 or so, I think, were still really hard to get - and the newfangled high capacity Model 59).

I recommend you order and wait. In the meantime, get a .22 LR and practice!
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Old 02-09-2013, 12:51 PM
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I'll recommend a couple of options.

I own the compact, the Shield and several full size M&P's. I always recommend the compact for first time buyers because it is so versatile. You can use full size mags and have a full size grip for the range. Then use compact grips to carry. The .40 cal can use 9mm and .357 barrels for more versatility.

The compacts sell for around $400 new in a lot of places. Look around. Do you qualify for LE pricing? Have you ever been in the military or fire department? Commercial pilot? EMT? Check Bud's Police Supply for a list of qualifying credentials.

The older version of the Shield (older and better IMHO) is the S&W 3913. You can pick those up for around $400. Single stack 9mm, light weight metal frame. Probably the most highly regarded compact 9mm ever made by anyone.

The Shield is just a plastic gun. The 3913 is a legend.

For home defense, a used older 870 in 2 3/4" chamber will set you back about $150 and be better than most any other shotgun out there.
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Old 02-09-2013, 07:38 PM
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Go try a M&P 40C. I love mine. Three palm swells to fit most hands. mine has been flawless.
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Old 02-09-2013, 08:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boatman4him View Post
The Compact is a thought, LastOne. However, with MSRP of $569.00, it hasn't bubbled to the top of my list. It doesn't look that much smaller than the SD9VE which retails for $369. Or is it?
Just bought a M&P 9c compact for $535 shipped from TN to michigan.You should also look at good used S&W 3913,s and 3914,s they are very nice single stack carry guns in the $450 price range.coobie
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Old 02-09-2013, 08:35 PM
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Default What S&W would you recommend?

I have a Shield and I suggest you try to find one.

I recommend against the Sig 250. It's double action only and is comparable in size to the M&P 9C.


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Old 02-10-2013, 12:35 AM
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all you have to do is look. get out and get on every local list you can. even go check out your local gun shows. they are out there.


ohhh .... and cash sometimes gets you at the top of the list.
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Old 02-10-2013, 12:53 AM
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This is simple: wait for the Shield. Love mine. But you can't go wrong at the end of the day with the Full Size 9 M&P or the M&P Compact (my bro loves his). But since I have both...I dig the FS for home defense and the Shield for a CCW. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!
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