This question has been brought up often, and I have yet to see the answer. Will the Compact's barrel fit into the Shield? Please this is not a discussion of the safety issues involved, just if it will fit.

The only way to know for sure, is for those of you that own both models, to give it a try. The easiest test would be 9mm to 9mm, but the Compact 9mm barrel into the Shield 40 slide should also work, and that is what this question is about. We all know the Compact barrel is longer than the Shield's barrel, but whether the other exterior dimensions will allow the Compact barrel to fit into the Shield slide is presently unknown, especially since the Shield's slide is more narrow. If it fits, then another question is can the Shield's slide be racked back, without the barrel taper sticking in the barrel opening, at the front of the slide. Also a side to side comparison to see that the feed ramps and chamber appear to have the same profile. I know there are many other issues to be considered, but if the barrel does not fit, then the discussion can be ended.

This test of barrel swapping could end all speculation, for those that question if the 9mm Compact barrel could be used as a drop in conversion barrel, for the Shield 40. I have a Shield 40, and I also have the stock 9mm Shield barrel, which works perfectly converting it from 40 to 9. I purchased my 9mm Shield barrel 18 months ago, when they could be found. The issue is that the 9mm Shield barrels are no longer available, for those wishing to make the conversion, and currently no aftermarket barrel manufacturer makes a 9mm conversion barrel, for the Shield 40. Thanks for your help in answering this question.

Again please don't fill this thread with personal opinions on the swapping of different caliber barrels. This is a simple question, does the Compact's barrel fit into the Shield.

Bob

Interesting proposition! You could cut down the longer barrel....

I posted pics of my barrels. Seems like many overlooked it.

M&P 9 Barrel Comparison

From the pictures that Saudade posted it looks like the slight taper on the compact barrel would not match the shield. Wouldn't that create an issue as far as barrel to slide lock up?

Simple question and simple answer. NO.

I definitely missed Saudade's post. Nice comparison pics!
Besides the taper on the barrel, It also looks like the chamber section of the C is wider than the Shield's. Possibly too wide to seat it into the Shield slide. And then... There's the 'hook' on the Lug section underneath.

I *knew* this question was coming after I necro'd that thread the other day

From Saudade's post, it's become obvious that the lock-up and underside are completely different sizes and shapes. It was a great idea, but looks like Smith covered their bases on this one.

Question now is ... how much longer before Storm Lake finally makes a barrel for it?

Thanks for the replies. It is obvious, looking at the photos of the barrels, posted by Saudade, that the Compact's barrel will not lock up properly in the Shield, as that area of the barrel is completely different than the Shield's barrel. The question is now answered. The barrels are not interchangeable.

Bob