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Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols All Variants of the Smith & Wesson M&P Auto Pistols


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  #1  
Old 05-01-2013, 01:59 PM
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Default Shield or Compact??

I am looking to buy a new CCW. I was thinking about the 40c. I am seeing a lot of posts on the shield on here.
I like the fact that I can convert the 40c to 9mm if I want and put a full size mag in the C.

What are y'all's input on the two?

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  #2  
Old 05-01-2013, 02:15 PM
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I have a 40c and a 9 shield. Have a desantis mini scabbard for both and with the shield being thinner and shorter it doesn't print as much. I'm in the process of getting a IWB holster so can tell you much on that. If it was down to have one gun to carry and go to the range with I would choose the compact. Still a great shooting gun but small enough to hide and the shield being a smaller gun is more prone to drive you nut at the range )
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Old 05-01-2013, 03:04 PM
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I haven't held or shot a Sheild but I have a 9c that I truly love. I have medium size hands and the compact with the largest grip panel installed feels perfect to me. The 9c conceals nicely under an unbuttoned outer shirt when using my BladeTech Nano IWB. I'm too fat to be able to conceal the rig under a T-shirt though.
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Old 05-01-2013, 03:11 PM
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40c can covert to 357 sig with a barrel swap and 9mm with a barrel and mag swap.

I say if you don't have a gun dedicated to range or conceal carry... get the 40c. If your primary goal is conceal carry get the Shield.
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Old 05-01-2013, 03:31 PM
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For myself It's the compact in in .45 or 9mm.. Only because I don't like .40cal tends to be to snappy for me in a small or compact gun.. IMO the .45 and 9mm are about the same with the .45 being less snappy. Just a slower more of a push kind of recoil. Great for follow up shots..George
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Old 05-01-2013, 03:36 PM
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I'd go with the compact. The Shield is a bit on the thick and heavier side. So i guess the compact would be much better for CC.

Or get urself a Kimber and u will never look for another CC.
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Old 05-01-2013, 03:47 PM
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I have both a 40 Shield & a 40c. For carry I prefer the Shield as it is thinner than the 40c & lighter too. It doesn't print as much as the 40c. I can pocket carry either in a Desantis pocket holster. That being said, I prefer the 40c at the range. Its just a lot more comfortable & easier to grip. If I had to sell one it would be the Shield.
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Old 05-01-2013, 05:34 PM
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A .40 in a compact feels great, not too much recoil. My neighbor (Big strong guy and state patrol) carries a full size .40 and a compact .40. When he got his Shield .40, he couldn't believe how much more it kicked. He got used to it but it does kick more than a compact.

The shield is definitely smaller and lighter.
The compact carries more rounds and also has a tac-rail for a light if you want.
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Old 05-01-2013, 05:45 PM
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I have the 40c with a crossbreed supertuck holster that I carry daily. No regrets. I'm also left handed, so the stupid thumb safety on the Shield helped with that decision.
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Old 05-01-2013, 06:15 PM
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I own a .40 Shield and used to own an M&P40c and a G27. Both have been sold after about a year of taking up space in my safe. Since I own plenty of full sized handguns, as well as J-frames and a BG380, I don't have the need for an in between sized gun.

The Shield is just the right side for prolonged carry. The 40c and the G27 were just a bit too chunky and not very comfortable after 8 hours of carry. With the Shield, I can go all do with no problems.

For serious concealed carry, I'd go with the Shield. It's amazingly comfortable to carry, comfortable in the hand, and easy to shoot.

The .40 Shield has also been converted to 9mm with factory barrels.

Shield:
Width - .95"
Height - 4.6"
Length - 6.1"
Weight - 19 oz

40c:
Width - 1.2"
Height - 4.3"
Length - 6.7"
Weight - 21.9 oz

It may not sounds like big differences, but trust me, you can FEEL the difference.
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Old 05-01-2013, 06:35 PM
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Originally Posted by USAF385 View Post
It may not sounds like big differences, but trust me, you can FEEL the difference.
Agreed, and many of us have "tried" to explain this over numerous posts. But for some reason people still dont seem to get it.
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Old 05-01-2013, 06:42 PM
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Yep like my wife.. She has tiny tinny hands She's 5" both were to big for her.. She ended up with a Ruger LC9.. For her that make a good carry gun all day long.. Handle what you think you want and then a few other models.. I'm one that likes the compact.. But that said I was going from a S&W gen3 6906 nice chunky gun.. a Compact seemed small to me but then again I have large hands.. George
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Old 05-01-2013, 06:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Smitty357 View Post
I'd go with the compact. The Shield is a bit on the thick and heavier side. So i guess the compact would be much better for CC.

Or get urself a Kimber and u will never look for another CC.
Smitty. Isn't it the other way around? Or did I miss something?
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Old 05-01-2013, 06:47 PM
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Smitty. Isn't it the other way around? Or did I miss something?
U missed the sarcasm when i put the
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Old 05-01-2013, 07:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by USAF385 View Post
I own a .40 Shield and used to own an M&P40c and a G27. Both have been sold after about a year of taking up space in my safe. Since I own plenty of full sized handguns, as well as J-frames and a BG380, I don't have the need for an in between sized gun.

The Shield is just the right side for prolonged carry. The 40c and the G27 were just a bit too chunky and not very comfortable after 8 hours of carry. With the Shield, I can go all do with no problems.

For serious concealed carry, I'd go with the Shield. It's amazingly comfortable to carry, comfortable in the hand, and easy to shoot.

The .40 Shield has also been converted to 9mm with factory barrels.

Shield:
Width - .95"
Height - 4.6"
Length - 6.1"
Weight - 19 oz

40c:
Width - 1.2"
Height - 4.3"
Length - 6.7"
Weight - 21.9 oz

It may not sounds like big differences, but trust me, you can FEEL the difference.
In my opinion the thickness is the most important of all the measurements and that 1/4 inch is huge in your pocket.

Russ
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Old 05-02-2013, 08:57 AM
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Originally Posted by charger73se View Post
I have the 40c with a crossbreed supertuck holster that I carry daily. No regrets. I'm also left handed, so the stupid thumb safety on the Shield helped with that decision.
Compact wins vs Shield... however, I like the not stupid thumb safety on my 9c. Yet, I'm not left-handed.
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Old 05-02-2013, 09:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Smitty357 View Post
Agreed, and many of us have "tried" to explain this over numerous posts. But for some reason people still dont seem to get it.
I had a .40S&W Shield. IMO, definitely too big for pocket carry, low capacity, & misc a few other disappointing factors. Answer, sold it. Love my 9c. With an FBI cant 9c conceals easily IWB/OWB. To each his/her own. I think the compact is far more versatile. Get it?

BTW, I had a Walther PPS... very similar in size to the Shield. I didn't like the PPS, either. So, I sold it but love my PPQ w/PMR.
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Old 05-02-2013, 09:13 AM
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Originally Posted by RussC View Post
In my opinion the thickness is the most important of all the measurements and that 1/4 inch is huge in your pocket.

Russ
LOL, you got some deep pockets.
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Old 05-02-2013, 09:25 AM
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I have a 9 Shield and a 9c. Depending on how you plan to carry the thinnest of the Shield is a bonus but in my opinion, that's the only one. I personally think both are too large to carry in your front pocket. IWB the Shield may have a slight edge. You have to ask yourself the age-ole question....does size matter?

For me the 9c is more accurate, holds more, is more comfortable to shoot, racks easier, seems to have a bit less felt recoil, has interchangeable back straps, doesn't have an external safety and has a (small) rail.

My wife prefers the thin grip of the Shield but does't like how hard it is to rack and come fully back to battery. She likes the safety but is often "confused" by the extra step.

As stated above, if one "had to go" it would not doubt be the Shield. The M&P compacts are the real deal. Well thought out, well made, easy to use and clean and dependable as all get out. I'd go with your first inkling and get the 40c.

Good luck!
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Old 05-02-2013, 09:36 AM
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The tide is definitely turning regarding the love affair with the Shield. It's been out for two years now and I read a lot more sensible reviews of it these days.

The compact is a great gun.


.
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Old 05-02-2013, 09:55 AM
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The tide is definitely turning regarding the love affair with the Shield. It's been out for two years now and I read a lot more sensible reviews of it these days.

The compact is a great gun.


.
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Old 05-02-2013, 09:58 AM
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I think the pros and cons of each have already been very well articulated. If you can only have one of these for the foreseeable future go with the versatility of the Compact. I agree with many others that the Shield is a good CCW gun but not great. It's size prevents it from being great. I say this because its very easy to get spoiled on a micro compact pocket gun like the PM9. I say this because I don't routinely carry my XDs and it is small, but not next to something in the P290 or PM9 ballpark. The Shield is nice but over time you will want to go to the range and practice more with the Compact, it's capacity is excellent, it will eat any ammo you throw in it, and its as reliable as the day is long, and will provide great nightstand duty.

I would tell anyone this, say if we were talking about the PPS or even XDs instead of the Shield. If your primary goal is to source a gun specifically for a CCW role than get something truly pocket friendly like the CM/PM9, P290, or even a Nano and be done with it. Otherwise say hello to the M&P Compact.
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Old 05-02-2013, 10:22 AM
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While we can all comment on what we prefer, it boils down to what feels better in OUR hands. I shot both together, & Mr. hand said the M&P40c felt better. End of discussion. GARY
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Old 05-02-2013, 10:25 AM
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Must agee both the compact and the Shield are outstanding weapons. I recently sold my M&P .357C to a friend and then was able to snag me a .40 Shield. The reason for me, the only reason....was my personal comfort level. The compact, for me, simply was not comfortable for IWB CCW all day.. and the weight...though not excessive...was still tipping the scales toward the "this really is kinda to heavy to be carrying all day". As far as accuracy...my buddies and I shoot every Wednesday...and my Shield competes against my former Compact.....and she holds her own. Again..both GREAT guns...but comfort won out over capacity. Just my 2 cents worth....

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Old 05-02-2013, 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Soldiernurse View Post
LOL, you got some deep pockets.
Soldiernurse

I wish I had deep pockets I would take my wife to Europe. (Ha ha)

I pocket my Shield in slacks from Sam's Club.

The only pair of pants that are a little shallow for my Shield are sweat pants and when I wear those I wear my iwb with my t shirt out.

Russ

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Old 05-02-2013, 06:45 PM
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Default My two cents.

If you are only trying to pick one of the two and are looking for concealment and and excellent range gun. Hands down the compact. I desperately wanted a shield, but wasn't willing to spend almost double what they normally cost to someone who was lucky enough to get one. One day came across the compact, held it and immediatly loved how it felt in my hand. Full size grip with the pinky extension and the double stack mag. As luck would have it the first time I went to the range with it a guy was shooting his shield for the first time. He let me shoot it and vice versa.. we both agreed the compact was the much better feeling gun. I would NOT want to shoot the shield all day as the grip was so thin. BUT!... if you are ONLY looking for a conceal carry, and a little time at the range practicing with it, the shield with it's lighter weight and slightly shorter barrel is probably the better choice. The length of the grip however is the same size as the compact and even longer than the compact when you put the pinky extension 8 round mag in. I wear the compact in my abdomen with a glaco holster made for it and I don't have any issues with it. Would I love it if it were a little lighter... sure, but with the better grip and larger round count, you have to expect it. Both are great guns, but I'm glad I chose the compact all day long. You can even run the full size mags in the compact with the xgrip giving you the full size M&P round count if you want a little more fire power when you lay it next to your pillow at night to protect the fam.
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Old 05-02-2013, 11:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost Lake View Post
The tide is definitely turning regarding the love affair with the Shield. It's been out for two years now and I read a lot more sensible reviews of it these days.

The compact is a great gun.


.
It is? ( The tide that is) I see a ton of Compacts taking up space on the shelves of LGSs in my area.....not same story for the Shield. I was going to add a 9c to my FS9 and Shields. Finally held one today and didn't like how it felt. Already have a G26 that fits that role...probably a good gun but hands down Shield for me after handling the C


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Old 05-03-2013, 05:55 AM
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All about personal taste I have a 9c and like it better then the shield. My best friend has a shield and likes it better ten my 9c both great choices. Seems like I'm more accurate with my compact but his shield is more comfortable iwb
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Old 05-03-2013, 07:13 AM
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I love all the complaints about the Shield coming from those who don't own one / can't find one / don't want to pay for one.

It's a no brainer or concealed carry. Get the Shield. It's so comfortable, concealable, and shootable.

Someone above mentioned the size difference and, though it doesn't sound like much, how much more comfortable and easy it is to carry the Shield. Spot on!

I agree that it's not the best option for a "combat pistol" or even a range gun (due to capacity, not shootability) but the purpose of the Shield is to carry.

If you want a full sized gun, get a full size. I realize that some can't or won't get more than one gun, so I guess I can see getting a compact in that case.... but a compact makes for a mediocre carry gun and a mediocre range gun and a mediocre combat gun.

Buy the right gun for the job, not a mediocre "inbetweenium".
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Old 05-03-2013, 07:16 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost Lake View Post
The tide is definitely turning regarding the love affair with the Shield. It's been out for two years now and I read a lot more sensible reviews of it these days.

The compact is a great gun.


.
And that's why Shields are hard to come buy and selling for a few hundred above MSRP while the compromise size compacts gather dust.

Oh, and it's only been out for about one year.
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Old 05-03-2013, 11:24 AM
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I love all the complaints about the Shield coming from those who don't own one / can't find one / don't want to pay for one.

It's a no brainer or concealed carry. Get the Shield. It's so comfortable, concealable, and shootable.

Someone above mentioned the size difference and, though it doesn't sound like much, how much more comfortable and easy it is to carry the Shield. Spot on!

I agree that it's not the best option for a "combat pistol" or even a range gun (due to capacity, not shootability) but the purpose of the Shield is to carry.

If you want a full sized gun, get a full size. I realize that some can't or won't get more than one gun, so I guess I can see getting a compact in that case.... but a compact makes for a mediocre carry gun and a mediocre range gun and a mediocre combat gun.

Buy the right gun for the job, not a mediocre "inbetweenium".
Wow. Mediocre carry gun.
So I assume then that you have a compact and a Shield?
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Old 05-03-2013, 03:14 PM
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I have been bouncing around my carry guns ever since i got the shield 9 and 40 (10-2012). Cant decide between my 9c and 40c or my Shield 9 or Shield 40.

The Shield DEFINAETLEY carries better than the compact IMO, The shield is just as accurate and reliable. One of my issues is magazine capacity, But i guess carrying a spare magazine would help with that. So, for now its my shield with Ameriglo front sight, 10-8 rear and Federal HST 124grain +P. And a Spare magazine of the same.
Of course until I change my mind again
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  #33  
Old 05-03-2013, 04:13 PM
Smitty357 Smitty357 is offline
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The Shield without a doubt carries better. At least when u carry 12+ hours a day 5 and sometimes 6 days a week like i do. I couldnt carry my 40c comfortably near as long. So when it was all said and done, i had no use for my 40c anymore.

My Shield is carry weapon and my 1911's are my range guns. There is no use for a "C" in my stable. For those that only have a few plastic pistols to chose from, maybe they have use for a C at the range. But thats probably because they've never shot a 1911 against their C at the range either, LMAO. Another perfectly good reason I have no use for a C.

IF my 1911 would conceal anywhere near as easy and comfortably as my Shield. Then in that case, i'd have no use for a Shield either. But for now, my Kimber ultra carry is the closest 1911 frame that I carry somewhat comfortable. But my no means is it comparable to my Shield when carrying.
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  #34  
Old 05-03-2013, 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Smitty357 View Post
I'd go with the compact. The Shield is a bit on the thick and heavier side. So i guess the compact would be much better for CC.

Or get urself a Kimber and u will never look for another CC.
The shield is thinner than the 9c. Therefore a better ccw for most. Mine is my daily carry.
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  #35  
Old 05-03-2013, 05:49 PM
Smitty357 Smitty357 is offline
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Originally Posted by Bikemobile View Post
The shield is thinner than the 9c. Therefore a better ccw for most. Mine is my daily carry.
LoL, u must have missed where I was going with that one.

The point is this has been argued until its been beaten into the ground. So i just flipped it around a bit to see where it would go.
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  #36  
Old 05-03-2013, 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Lost Lake View Post
Wow. Mediocre carry gun.
So I assume then that you have a compact and a Shield?
I do not. I sold my M&P9c.

Yes, a mediocre carry gun. Mediocre because a concealed carry gun should be small, light, and comfortable to carry all day while doing all sorts of things. The M&P compact is only OK in that regard. Just like similar sized compacts. They're concealable and you can carry them for a while, but during a full, active day they get uncomfortable.

It's a fine gun, but it falls into a relatively useless category. Really I think it's best suited for someone who can't get a full sized house gun as well as a concealed carry gun.
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  #37  
Old 05-03-2013, 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Lost Lake View Post
The tide is definitely turning regarding the love affair with the Shield. It's been out for two years now and I read a lot more sensible reviews of it these days.

The compact is a great gun.


.
My love affair with my Shield is still strong. I love that gun!

I can't comment if the compact is better than the Shield since I only have a Shield.
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  #38  
Old 05-03-2013, 08:36 PM
GregoryJ GregoryJ is offline
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I have both a Compact and a Shield in 9mm. I CC the Shield with a seven round mag in the gun and a spare eight round mag. I have never CC the compact.

I took the compact to the range last weekend. It had been several months since I had shot it. Put seventy-two 115 gr FMJ rounds down range. Two things became abundantly clear, loading the twelve round mags is a real pain and the trigger is horrible compared to the Shield's trigger. I probably won't do it, but I understand why many compact owners change the trigger.

IMHO, the Shield is a much better gun than the compact for less (MSRP anyway) money. As of right now, the Shield will most likely be part of my estate.
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  #39  
Old 05-04-2013, 01:41 AM
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Originally Posted by MrJT View Post
I do not. I sold my M&P9c.

Yes, a mediocre carry gun. Mediocre because a concealed carry gun should be small, light, and comfortable to carry all day while doing all sorts of things. The M&P compact is only OK in that regard. Just like similar sized compacts. They're concealable and you can carry them for a while, but during a full, active day they get uncomfortable.

It's a fine gun, but it falls into a relatively useless category. Really I think it's best suited for someone who can't get a full sized house gun as well as a concealed carry gun.
Well, I SOLD my Shield .40S&W. Very, VERY glad I sold it. I just don't get all this love for the Shield. Now, a far superior handgun is my M&P9c, which feels so much better in my hand than the Shield. I have no problem whatsoever with my M&P9c as a CCW. PLUS, twice the mag capacity using the FS 17rd mag.

Useless category? ... whiskey tango foxtrot!?!
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  #40  
Old 05-04-2013, 03:11 AM
Smitty357 Smitty357 is offline
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LMMFAO.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
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  #41  
Old 05-04-2013, 07:38 AM
MP1SG MP1SG is offline
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Bla Bla Bla
I guess it all comes down to personal preference. Unfortunateley for me i CANNOT decide. Fortunate how ever to have many guns to choose from. I have the 9 and 40c I have the 9 and 40 full size and the 9 and 40 shield. Lately I have been carrying thield 9mm, which by far for me is the most comfortable gun to carry/wear. I recently took a long road trip where i packed the 9c, was driving for 12 to 15 hours and found that fairly comfortable. So its an individual choice, Its what works for you and the way you conceal the weaon. Be it a 3" Model 29, a full Size 1911 a chief special or a Shield. WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. practice some CQB, Shoot on the move, some reload drills, stress shooting. Sharp mind sharp tactics and a gun suited to YOU/Your needs. Currently as i type this I am carrying my shield 9 with 7+1 of the Federal HST 124 grain +P (awesome round) and the spare 8 round magazine. I feel confident I can defend myself or my loved ones should the need arise. Practice,Practice Practice. Practice CQB, Reload Drills, Shooting while moving, One handed manipulation drills etc etc.
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  #42  
Old 05-04-2013, 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by MrJT View Post
I love all the complaints about the Shield coming from those who don't own one / can't find one / don't want to pay for one.

It's a no brainer or concealed carry. Get the Shield. It's so comfortable, concealable, and shootable.

Someone above mentioned the size difference and, though it doesn't sound like much, how much more comfortable and easy it is to carry the Shield. Spot on!

I agree that it's not the best option for a "combat pistol" or even a range gun (due to capacity, not shootability) but the purpose of the Shield is to carry.

If you want a full sized gun, get a full size. I realize that some can't or won't get more than one gun, so I guess I can see getting a compact in that case.... but a compact makes for a mediocre carry gun and a mediocre range gun and a mediocre combat gun.

Buy the right gun for the job, not a mediocre "inbetweenium".


IMO, you got that bass ackwards. The Shield is the tweener; too big for a true pocket gun, i.e. the grip is too long... a micro it ain't.
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  #43  
Old 05-04-2013, 09:58 AM
Der Biermeister Der Biermeister is offline
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Originally Posted by DZH View Post
I am looking to buy a new CCW. I was thinking about the 40c. I am seeing a lot of posts on the shield on here.
I like the fact that I can convert the 40c to 9mm if I want and put a full size mag in the C.

What are y'all's input on the two?

Thanks
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A buddy has the 9c and loves it. However the 9c is exactly the same width as my 9 FS. For various reasons (body size, shape, etc.) I found it quite difficult to conceal carry the 9 FS -- width of the gun (including grip with the double-stack mag) being paramount. So it was a no-brainer for me to purchase my Shield 40. (I opted for the 40 as this was the only Shield that came in to the store over several months.) It is SO MUCH more concealable. IMO, I am only sacrificing number of rounds. At 6+1, I should be able to do what is necessary at the time. If for some strange reason, I got involved in a real gun battle -- my arse would be grass anyway, as I am not Dirty Harry.

Here's another oddity -- I have relatively large (not huge) hands -- and yet I love the grip on my Shield. I also opt for the small grip on my FS 9.

My 9 FS is now my home defense gun with a mounted Viridian Gen 2 X5L green laser/light (now you talk about the cats' meow!).

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  #44  
Old 05-04-2013, 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Der Biermeister View Post
A buddy has the 9c and loves it. However the 9c is exactly the same width as my 9 FS. For various reasons (body size, shape, etc.) I found it quite difficult to conceal carry the 9 FS -- width of the gun (including grip with the double-stack mag) being paramount. So it was a no-brainer for me to purchase my Shield 40. (I opted for the 40 as this was the only Shield that came in to the store over several months.) It is SO MUCH more concealable. IMO, I am only sacrificing number of rounds. At 6+1, I should be able to do what is necessary at the time. If for some strange reason, I got involved in a real gun battle -- my *** would be grass anyway, as I am not Dirty Harry.

My 9 FS is now my home defense gun.
Next time you & your buddy or at the range (for example) compare the grip length btwn you Shield & his Compact. Your Shield will have a longer grip. I don't have an M&P FS but seems reasonable the Compact is easier to conceal than the FS.

... just say'n
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  #45  
Old 05-04-2013, 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by USAF385 View Post
I own a .40 Shield and used to own an M&P40c and a G27. Both have been sold after about a year of taking up space in my safe. Since I own plenty of full sized handguns, as well as J-frames and a BG380, I don't have the need for an in between sized gun.

The Shield is just the right side for prolonged carry. The 40c and the G27 were just a bit too chunky and not very comfortable after 8 hours of carry. With the Shield, I can go all do with no problems.

For serious concealed carry, I'd go with the Shield. It's amazingly comfortable to carry, comfortable in the hand, and easy to shoot.

The .40 Shield has also been converted to 9mm with factory barrels.

Shield:
Width - .95"
Height - 4.6"
Length - 6.1"
Weight - 19 oz

40c:
Width - 1.2"
Height - 4.3"
Length - 6.7"
Weight - 21.9 oz

It may not sounds like big differences, but trust me, you can FEEL the difference.
Yes, the Ht diff is a big concern with the Shield having a longer grip. The grip length is the Xfactor of concealability. I carry my 9c using 12rd mag & an extra 17rd mag for the just in case. The proper IWB holster will negate the width diff, thus the Compact can be a comfortable EDC. Also, the Shield has a greater felt recoil compared to the Compact.

... just say'n
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  #46  
Old 05-04-2013, 11:01 AM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is offline
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Originally Posted by DZH View Post
I am looking to buy a new CCW. I was thinking about the 40c. I am seeing a lot of posts on the shield on here.
I like the fact that I can convert the 40c to 9mm if I want and put a full size mag in the C.

What are y'all's input on the two?

Thanks



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If buying the Shield, I recommend 9mm. I am not convinced that S&W has adequately and completely sorted out all of the magazine drop and other issues with the .40 S&W Shield.

On the other hand, every 9mm Shield I have tried works fine.

As to the Compact M&P, I have not found it particularly useful. It will fit in the pocket, but the grip length makes it just a tad more inconvenient to withdraw from the pocket, so the Shield is better for pocket carry. Thus, if you need an IWB holster for the Compact, then barrel length is irrelevant, so the full size seems like the better idea. There are IWB holsters out there that pull the longer grip in closer to the body, so the advantage of the small grip of the Compact is offset by good holster design.

So, for me (and each person will reach his own conclusion) the ideal pair is the M&P full size .40 S&W and the Shield in 9mm. The .40 would use 180 grain FBI bonded hollow points or commercial equivalent, the PDX1, both from Winchester. The 9mm would use the Winchester Ranger 127 grain +P+ JHP (yes, they work fine; and, no they won't harm the gun, at least in 2,000 rounds - this I know from actual experience).
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  #47  
Old 05-04-2013, 11:11 AM
Der Biermeister Der Biermeister is offline
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Originally Posted by Soldiernurse View Post
Next time you & your buddy or at the range (for example) compare the grip length btwn you Shield & his Compact. Your Shield will have a longer grip. I don't have an M&P FS but seems reasonable the Compact is easier to conceal than the FS.

... just say'n
You are correct and I've already done this with his gun. I also extensively researched the dimensions (from every angle) on the Shield vs. all other contenders (Kahr CM9 coming in second) before laying down the bucks. The footprint of both the Shield and the 9/40c are almost the same with the barrel being slightly shorter (0.4") on the Shield while the grip is slightly longer -- (base magazines for both). The Shield only wins out in a big way in width - and this was the most important factor for me in carrying it concealed. The slimmer width is a lot more effective than a measly 0.25" would seem.
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  #48  
Old 05-04-2013, 11:13 AM
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Mission: Get the Shield bashers riled up.

Status: Success.

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  #49  
Old 05-04-2013, 11:27 AM
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I generally buy smaller guns with concealment in mind. While the 9c and 40c have a higher round capacity, they don't conceal as easily. The Shield is narrower and lighter. I've found that choice of gun is often determined by the type of clothing you're going to be wearing. I firmly believe in the old saying that you should carry as much gun as you can comfortably conceal. In proper attire, the Shield can be pocket-carried just fine. I do it all the time. If I were looking for a range gun, I wouldn't limit myself to the smaller compacts; I'd go with the FS. So, in short, for a concealed handgun, I'll go with the Shield (at least when the weather is warm).
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  #50  
Old 05-04-2013, 11:27 AM
Der Biermeister Der Biermeister is offline
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Originally Posted by Soldiernurse View Post

I don't have an M&P FS but seems reasonable the Compact is easier to conceal than the FS.
No question there -- primarily due to the much longer barrel on the FS. Hard to get comfortable with it especially while seated in a car. The FS grip (therefore overall height) is longer at 5.5" (of course allowing for 17 round mags on the 9) but the grip widths are the same.
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