Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols
o

Notices

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


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-30-2015, 10:45 AM
Miles2014 Miles2014 is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Boston
Posts: 115
Likes: 4
Liked 18 Times in 16 Posts
Default Thinking About Switching

Hi Guys and Gals,

I've got an M&P Shield 40 (that has been very reliable) that I've been thinking about trading for the 9mm version. Driving factors are simply expense of ammo and commonality with the other ammo I have. Also, the conventional wisdom has been that the 9mm is easier to shoot and get back on target although I've also heard that factor is a bit overrated.

Oh, I also forgot to mention that I'm cheap and not crazy about the prospect of taking a loss on a pistol, just to get the same one in a different caliber.

What does the forum think... I value the opinions here.
Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-30-2015, 10:55 AM
bulldogman bulldogman is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 196
Likes: 20
Liked 51 Times in 39 Posts
Default

Since you like the 40 Shield instead of taking a loss just keep it and add the 9 Shield when you can. You never know when you might need a backup, or try to tade it with someone that has a 9 but wants a 40.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-30-2015, 10:57 AM
ColbyBruce ColbyBruce is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 7,854
Likes: 3,767
Liked 11,624 Times in 3,642 Posts
Default

Shields are on sale in metro Atlanta for $299.99, a shop isn't going to give half that for a used gun, and I doubt an individual would pay over $225.00 for a used Shield.

I have purchased three, all 9mm with the thumb safety. Two at $369.99 and one at $339.99, and I have been pleased with them.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-30-2015, 11:03 AM
brw12001 brw12001 is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Andover, KS
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Default Great Choice

Switch to the 9mm. You would be better off and save the 30% in ammo cost. The savings there will pay off very quickly for the cost difference on a trade or sale. You would be well off selling the 40 S&W at a gun show or on Arms List if you can sell privately in your state. The 9mm is a dream to shoot and you will love it.
Good luck with the decision.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 08-30-2015, 11:21 AM
Muss Muggins's Avatar
Muss Muggins Muss Muggins is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: bootheel of Missouri
Posts: 16,852
Likes: 6,981
Liked 28,082 Times in 8,896 Posts
Default

I have always regretted every trade I've ever made to some degree, and wanting a different caliber of the same pistol is high up on the regret list. As soon as I got the new to me different caliber, I wanted to shoot the one I traded again. That pistol is cheap enough that you ought to keep the .40 and save to buy the 9mm.
__________________
Wisdom comes thru fear . . .
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 08-30-2015, 11:34 AM
Pre 29 Pre 29 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Coastal N. C.
Posts: 169
Likes: 93
Liked 399 Times in 84 Posts
Default

"Shields are on sale in metro Atlanta for $299.99" Wow, wholesale price for a shield is $337.00. I can save money buying retail than ordering from my distributors. Who is selling Shields for that price?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 08-30-2015, 11:40 AM
Duster340 Duster340 is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Illinois
Posts: 527
Likes: 1,128
Liked 477 Times in 185 Posts
Default

May want to consider getting into reloading. I feed my M&P 40pretty much nothing but reloads. Often leave the range with more brass than I shoot since folks tend to leave it laying around. Ranier/Berry plated bullets can be had cheap. And it likes the Lee 175gr TN cast as well.... just a thought.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 08-30-2015, 12:15 PM
PROnSHIELD's Avatar
PROnSHIELD PROnSHIELD is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: NorCal-Bayarea
Posts: 220
Likes: 172
Liked 90 Times in 65 Posts
Default

If you have a good example in the .40 you own (it's 100% reliable)...
Keep it and add the 9mm to your collection

While the absolute number of issues (both 9mm & .40) are likely
very low...there are undeniably some that have had problems

If you have had zero issues (parts failures) keep the .40
If you have had one or more parts issues consider sale/trade

I'm feeling like S&W has had a rather large batch of RSA issues
which in my opinion, in and of itself is no reason to dump the
platform. At some point via recall or warranty that will be cured
but in the meantime if you pick up the 9mm and get one with RSA
issues you'll have the .40 to fall back on
__________________
M&P 9mm 5" Pro
M&P 9mm Shield
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 08-30-2015, 01:27 PM
Deadeye Dick's Avatar
Deadeye Dick Deadeye Dick is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 405
Likes: 215
Liked 198 Times in 111 Posts
Default

I'm not sure if this is an option with the Shield but I know a lot of folks who have the original M&P's in .40S&W have pickup up a 9mm conversion barrel and magazines. If it can been done with the Shield same as it can with the original M&P you wouldn't have to take a beating on a trade, wouldn't be out the cost of a complete new gun and have the option of shooting either caliber.

As a side note: Though I already possessed handguns in 9mm and .38spl I intentionally got a .40cal pistol (M&P full sized) due to the fact that when we had that big ammo shortage a few years ago the only pistol ammo that was plentiful (at least in my area) was .40S&W. So diversity may not be a bad thing. Something to think about anyway.
__________________
Life Member B.A.S.S., NAFC
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 08-30-2015, 02:38 PM
NCW Ray NCW Ray is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Washington State
Posts: 831
Likes: 815
Liked 467 Times in 244 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Deadeye Dick View Post
I'm not sure if this is an option with the Shield but I know a lot of folks who have the original M&P's in .40S&W have pickup up a 9mm conversion barrel and magazines. If it can been done with the Shield same as it can with the original M&P you wouldn't have to take a beating on a trade, wouldn't be out the cost of a complete new gun and have the option of shooting either caliber.

As a side note: Though I already possessed handguns in 9mm and .38spl I intentionally got a .40cal pistol (M&P full sized) due to the fact that when we had that big ammo shortage a few years ago the only pistol ammo that was plentiful (at least in my area) was .40S&W. So diversity may not be a bad thing. Something to think about anyway.
As far as I know there are not any aftermarket 9mm barrels for the Shield and good luck on finding a factory 9mm Shield barrel. Several months ago I did see a couple 9mm Shield barrels on EBAY with one having a bid of $245.99 and the other with a Buy It Now price of $265.00!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 08-30-2015, 03:16 PM
AVG AVG is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 129
Likes: 1
Liked 188 Times in 43 Posts
Default

Pick up a M&P CORE in 40s&w and a KKM 9mm barrel. They work great for me.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 08-30-2015, 04:19 PM
Deadeye Dick's Avatar
Deadeye Dick Deadeye Dick is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 405
Likes: 215
Liked 198 Times in 111 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by NCW Ray View Post
As far as I know there are not any aftermarket 9mm barrels for the Shield and good luck on finding a factory 9mm Shield barrel. Several months ago I did see a couple 9mm Shield barrels on EBAY with one having a bid of $245.99 and the other with a Buy It Now price of $265.00!
Too bad. That would have been a good option had price and availability been better. Still if I were the OP I think I would hold on to the .40 and maybe look for a good deal on a second hand 9mm. IMO it's good to have options. Maybe that's why I have a safe full of guns.
__________________
Life Member B.A.S.S., NAFC
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 08-30-2015, 04:24 PM
Rastoff's Avatar
Rastoff Rastoff is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
Posts: 14,710
Likes: 2,926
Liked 17,102 Times in 6,271 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Miles2014 View Post
...the conventional wisdom has been that the 9mm is easier to shoot and get back on target although I've also heard that factor is a bit overrated.
Since no one else has addressed this yet, I'll take a stab at it.

I've had the good fortune to be able to fire both the 9mm and .40S&W Shields. I find both to be quite snappy due, I believe, to their small size. However, with the proper grip I find both to be easily controllable. In fact, I'd say they are the best of the small guns for ease of control.

You will save more in ammo, but not a dramatic change in handling qualities. Since the .40 shoots larger bullets, of course it has more recoil. So, yeah, there will be a difference. But like you said, that difference is overrated.
__________________
Freedom isn't free.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #14  
Old 08-30-2015, 04:57 PM
deputy tom's Avatar
deputy tom deputy tom is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: pgh.pa.usa
Posts: 44
Likes: 129
Liked 34 Times in 21 Posts
Default 9mm Shield...

I looked for many months for a 9mm Shield without luck. I didn't want a .40 because I don't want to add another caliber to the current mix. I ended up with a 9mm NTS model a few months ago at $399.00 plus tax. I jumped on it and it has been a joy to shoot. It's going to be my carry gun come this fall when the weather turns cooler. If I were you I'd buy a new 9mm Shield and sell the .40 at a gunshow if you decide not to keep both.Good luck with your situation. tom.
__________________
N.R.A. LIFE MEMBER
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 08-30-2015, 05:55 PM
ColbyBruce ColbyBruce is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 7,854
Likes: 3,767
Liked 11,624 Times in 3,642 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pre 29 View Post
"Shields are on sale in metro Atlanta for $299.99" Wow, wholesale price for a shield is $337.00. I can save money buying retail than ordering from my distributors. Who is selling Shields for that price?
Dawsonville Pawn
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 08-30-2015, 05:56 PM
MyDads38 MyDads38 is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Central Indiana
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 1,762
Liked 1,284 Times in 694 Posts
Default

I recently bought both a Shield 40 and Shield 9. Bought the 40 first and liked it so much, I bought the 9 about 4 weeks later. These are both incredible shooting pistols and I am very pleased with both; and holster/accessories fit both!

As mentioned above, if you haven't had any issues with the 40-KEEP IT! Shields have been on sale around my area for $349; I'd find a LGS that has Lay a way and pay for the 9mm as you go along. Then you have an option, in case ammo becomes scarce again, or if one of them needs service-you have a back up.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 08-30-2015, 08:24 PM
Gigantore Gigantore is offline
Banned
Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 29
Likes: 8
Liked 12 Times in 9 Posts
Default

I feel your pain. I recently got rid of my H&K P2000 .40 in favor of the 9mm H&K VP9. And even though I loved it, just traded the VP9 for a 9mm CORE. I've consolidated my carry and target ammo to 9mm (other 9mm is an XD service). Ifs definitely easier to find 9mm than .40 (at least in my experience). I do carry +P+ .38 when packing light though.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 08-30-2015, 09:42 PM
PROnSHIELD's Avatar
PROnSHIELD PROnSHIELD is offline
Member
Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching Thinking About Switching  
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: NorCal-Bayarea
Posts: 220
Likes: 172
Liked 90 Times in 65 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ColbyBruce View Post
Dawsonville Pawn
Listed $299.99 on the banner top left corner

Pawn Shop, Jeweler, Gun Dealer in Dawsonville, GA | 400 Jewelry & Loan
__________________
M&P 9mm 5" Pro
M&P 9mm Shield
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Switching out SD ammo? Philadelphia Patriot Concealed Carry & Self Defense 6 02-27-2014 11:42 AM
Texas DPS switching to M&P 9 Jdugan4859 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 79 02-22-2014 09:12 PM
Thinking about switching from Kahr to M&P Compact NordicG3K Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 27 09-14-2011 10:49 AM
switching magazines?? skywarrior Smith & Wesson SD & Sigma Pistols 4 01-13-2011 12:43 PM
XS sights, thinking of switching skeeterbait Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 6 07-01-2009 08:07 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:32 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)