I recently purchased by first firearm. A M&P Shield 9mm. I have to say that I really like the firearm and can see how people can get hocked on purchased additional ones. I am looking for recommendations for a second firearm to add to my collection.

What's your intended use?

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USAF, 69-92
Vietnam, 72-73

I am thinking a smaller carry or something more for home defense

A second firearm? Liberals would ask why you need more than one. Now that you're going for number two, number three, four, five etc will soon follow. One word of advice, don't sell any. Keep them all and shoot every one of them. Nothing more fun than getting out to the range for a little fun.

I personally wouldnt go smaller than the Shield for carry. For home defense I prefer a shotgun. For a handgun the full size MP would be a great choice. You could stick with the 9mm for cost savings buying ammo in bulk or go up to .40 (or even 45). Better yet, buy three and keep them at strategic locations around the house.

my first m&p was the shield 9mm also, just ordered a 45c for range and home defense. i'll get some higher capacity mags after i run a bunch of ammo through her. good luck with decision.

I carry a M&P compact, I like it for HD as well. It shoots just as good as my 9L Pro CORE out to 12 yards (or so), after that the longer barrel and sight radius swings the results to the longer pistol. If you're not going to carry it, I'd recommend the full size. I always recommend keeping a common platform, that way the controls on all your pistols are the same and there's a reduced chance of confusion.

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Minimize the variables

Smaller than the Shield? I would counsel against that. Maybe for a back up gun, but otherwise you'd be better off with a larger gun.

Since you have an M&P already, I'd suggest looking at a 1911.

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Freedom isn't free.

Take a look at the m&p 9c. Holds 12rds,great for hd or carry.i'd stick with 9mm,ammo is cheaper(= more practice)and typically holds more rounds.

Welcome to the addiction!!

For first timers looking for a semi-auto, I usually recommend an M&P compact model, in .40 or 9mm.

The M&P40c can take 9mm barrels and magazines. It can also use full size magazines for additional firepower, say for home defense. The same is true for a 9c, but you cannot upsize a 9mm to .40 caliber barrels.

They are also small enough to carry, being about 1/4" thicker than the Shield, but the grip is shorter and it actually holds more rounds because it's a double stack.

Functions and take down are the same for the Shield and compacts.

I agree with Krell1, more than likely you will regret selling any handgun. Hold on to them. Buy more safes.

.

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Kirk / Spock 2020

I believe the proper order for new purchases is semi-auto, revolver then 1911. JMHO

It's all over now, you touched one, now you have to have another.

I'm partial to 40's. For me it's cc, home, and self defense only. I don't have any interest in competitive shooting, so that, and this forum helped me decide just like you are doing. Great info here!

Nothing wrong with competitive shooting, that's just not me. Just got back from the range about 30 minutes ago and burned another 100 perfect rounds thru my 40c.

Good luck!!!

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Criminals don't register guns.

Everyone should own at least 1 1911

do you live in Connecticut?? I do. damn liberals.

Liberalism is a mental disorder.

+1 for M&P Compact.

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Take your time, fast. J.Hughes

I'm liberal, quite sane, and have a bunch of guns

Back on topic, the 9c would be perfect for you. Can carry it when your clothes let you conceal something bigger than the shield, then put a big mag in it for home defense.

Funny, that's the order I went in.

Isn't a 1911 a semi-auto?

As an instructor I wish people would start with a revolver. We can banter it back and forth, but the revolver is just a simpler gun to operate and maintain.

Having said that, why do you guys recommend other semi-autos before a 1911?

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Freedom isn't free.

I agree with revolver comment and I put other semi-auto B4 1911's due to price. With revolvers I would add "a full size revolver" not a carry size. Something you can shoot SA/DA.

That's why you are so effin smart!!!!!!

Full size M&P in 9mm seems the obvious choice for more pleasant range shooting.

+1 for the full size M&P 9mm

Mark me down as another solidly pro-gun liberal.

How bout a .22? Good inexpensive practice and lots of fun. I've been shooting about 250 rounds on a range trip. Couldn't afford that with centerfire, even if I did reload, which I don't.

Are you set on a pistol? What about a long gun? Perhaps a .22 rifle or a shot gun? A 12 gauge is a very versatile weapon. You can use it for home defense or hunt with it.

For home defense, I'd probably go with a full size.

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Now that you have your first, rent a few when you go to the range and see what you like best.

I agree. I'd suggest you look at a Ruger SR1911 commander. If you want to spend a little more, look at the S&W E series SC commanders. But if you don't want to go the 1911 route, then I'd suggest an M&P45c. Whatever you do, don't go near any
3rd Gens.. No cure for them.

I would go with a 4" 586 or 686. Very versatile and gives you a totally different shooting experience. If you can master DA on a good revolver then you can shoot most anything IMHO.

It depends entirely on what you want to use it for.

You're already covered for concealed carry, so for a "2nd" gun, do you really need another? Perhaps a smaller backup gun would be better put off for later as a 3rd or 4th.

I'd recommend going with something a little more versatile and larger than a shield, either for home defense or having fun or practice at the range.

While I do like a good 1911 .45, I'd rather have more capacity for a defense weapon. A good choice for maximum versatility would be an M&P40 in either the full-size or compact models. You can always add a 9mm conversion barrel, and use the full-size or even extended magazines.

Until you've been shooting for awhile, you probably won't know exactly how you want to go in the future. This would give you about the best chance to figure it out at minimum cost.

Second gun for HD that is a full size revolver and bigger caliber. I'd suggest a S&W model 625. This is my most desired next gun but I've completed my GtownGeorge trifecta already. Second gun perhaps also for carry I'd suggest a k-frame in the 2" to 3" barrel form.

Second gun? You wont stop there. For home defense and carry the 442 J frame is my choice(.38 spec). You can carry concealed year round. For your third gun you gotta have a 1911. Go back and count how many have recommended the 1911. It is advise well given. One shot with a 1911 you will be sold. I got a Remington 1911 in stainless a 1000 rounds and no problems. IMHO

You say that the shield is the first gun you have ever purchased...are you also a new shooter ?

If that's the case i would recommend a full size M&P in 9mm to stick with the same ammo type...unless you like the feel of a 1911 in .45, then maybe go with that...

as others have said... your 2nd or even third purchases PROBABLY won't be your last anyways!

this is my next purchase as i have a sw40ve(sigma 40) and a m&p40c.

i carry the 40c every time i leave the house...it is a great 2nd firearm. shield would have been the 2nd had they had a 40. they only had the 9mm at the time, so the 40c was the winner for the day. as matter of fact, i've had a few chances to purchase a shield 40 since and have turned it down as it is not that different from the 40c. i say go for a revolver...i have a 586-no dash(no dash means it was the first incarnation/generation) that i inherited from my dad. it's been fired very little. it makes me want to buy one to shoot, but like i said, the 1911 is next.

i don't think you would want to go smaller than either the shield or 40c as a carry gun. someone, in kind of a tongue in cheek way, said to me once-"the shorter the barrel, the bigger the target needs to be".

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SDMF

When it comes to good people I`m Liberal, when it comes to Government and Corporations I`m Conservative and when it comes to guns I`m always looking for another one.

I have 3 M&P`s and lookng for a Shield9mm. since you have the Shield I`d pick up a M&Pcompact with the x-grip and 17 round mags. It`s a great gun and has 12 to 17 round mags. Or just get the fulll size for home and target. Or just buy both, you`ll probably end up doing that anyway.:

This will be a no no but a slick smallish carry gun is the Ruger LC9 with the side slide mounted LaserLyte [ this laser fits on the side and isn't bulky like the front mounted ones]

I believe I would would sway you toward a mid-sized K, or L, or even Ruger SP101/GP100 revolver with a 3-4" barrel. Nice, used revolvers are usually plentiful and shouldn't be disregarded. A 357/.38s would compliment your Shield 9. It wouldn't be a great daily carry but would make a perfect HD piece. Simple, reliable, fun at the range.......

If the idea of carry is a really high priority still then the same logic in a J frame (not necessarily a .357) like a 442, LCR or a used M36 or M60 would be a nice addition to your stable.

The suggestion of a 1911 is solid. Rock Island, Ruger and Springfield are all making good quality "entry" 1911's in that sub 1000 buck range.

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paws for friendship

I have a 1911 there is something about owning a piece of history. they do have double stack 1911 now. Para Ordnance comes to mind.

In order I would buy a 6" 586 or 686 revolver and then a steel auto like a Browning Hi Power. Both are much more enjoyable to shoot and sharpen your skillset with than a Shield (nothing against the Shield, I love my .40). All the same caliber so you can assemble a cleaning kit, etc. with minor expense. Additionally if you want to get into reloading the .38 special/.357 magnum gives a lot of choices. So get the revolver and start picking up your brass. Good shooting!

Since you already have a cc gun, I would recommend a full size 9mm m&p. 17 rd mags are GREAT!! would be good for the range & home defense

.22 rifle or handgun. Really tough to beat the fun and price of shooting .22 all day. I have calibers from 9mm to .357 magnum. 22-250 to 30-06. Still have more fun shooting .22


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A .22 handgun like a Ruger 22/45 is an great pistol to have. It's cheap to shoot and would be good practice. Granted it's probably much more of a target gun than most semi-auto pistols but you will learn the basics cheaply with it, plus they are so much fun to shoot. When you can take a box of 50 shells and put them all in the black, that is a good feeling.

I agree with a full size M&P for home defense either in 9MM or if you want a variety in ammo .40 S&W or .45 ACP. I have an M&P40 as well as a 40C & can successfully conceal both & I carry them interchangeably. Much easier concealing anything with temps below zero, lol.

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Former USN, Retired US Army

I'll agree with this, though I like the Mark II or III better than the 22/45. (The grip just doesn't feel right to me, and is too big for my relatively small hand.)

I picked the Mark III Target model. One of the less expensive ones, and includes a rail for easy mounting of a scope or red-dot sight. I'm using mine twice a week in Bullseye and bowling pin-shooting matches. There are lots of after-market upgrades available. I'm currently using a smaller red-dot than the one in the photo.

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1. Everybody should have a good 22. Buy one that appeals to you and shoot the heck out of it.
2. A full size M&P makes sense for a gun to reach for when concealment does not matter. The pro series is worth a look. Perhaps a detachable light?
3. Get an instructor if you have not already.

Smaller firearm - Look at the Kahr CM9- nothing is easier to carry in a 9mm.

Home defense - look at the Ruger SR9c (can still be carried but bigger than the shield. Comes with a 16 rd mag and a 10 rd)

I know I'm gonna get beat up for this but buy a Glock 17. Best self defense hand gun in the world. Glocks are much easier to do a detailed break down than a Smith of any kind. I bought a Shield because of its size and it is a great firearm but Glocks are still King. I love my Shield! Have at me guys I can take it. lol

Why would we beat you up for that? Glock makes a good gun.

This I will beat you up for because it's simply not true.

How a pistol breaks down is not relevant to being a good self defense pistol. Yes, it can make it easier to maintain the gun, but doesn't help you at all when shooting. Besides, "much easier" is a little stretch, don't you think? The M&P is super easy to field strip and easier to detail strip than a Glock.

The gun you shoot best is the best self defense pistol.

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Freedom isn't free.

So many guns, so little time.

REALLY "GLOCK IS THE BEST DEFENSE GUN IN THE WORLD"..
because you can detail strip it faster than a s&w. Well if you say so.

I`ve had a half a dozen Glocks, they're pretty good, other than some problems they may have worked out in the 19 9mm. I have M&P's now and love them, they fit my hand much better than the Glocks ever did. My M&P cases don`t hit me in the face like the Glocks did. For me my M&P's handle recoil better than the Glocks [ thus more accurate ], it looks far better and has been flawless which is better than my most recent Glocks I had. Glocks are good but M&P`s are better IMHO

Oh I remember what it was like to be young 😁





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