I can't decide whether to get a compact (9C) or the full size (both with safety).

Currently I'm leaning toward the compact to be my go to pistol for SD and HD. I have the Shield but feel the capacity is lacking for SD/HD. Since I would like 1 pistol to master instead of having multiple guns where I'm not sufficiently familiar with; I'm leaning to consolidate and train with only the compact (9C). I'm also planning on adding a crimson trace laser grip and customize it further.

I frequent the range 2x a week when time permits but don't want to waste ammo/training time on multiple pistols and would rather dedicate time and resources to a single pistol.

Looking to gather some opinions before I place my purchase.

The Shield is likely totally sufficient for HD unless you live in a real **** town. However, I encourage having a weapon light on an HD gun, so if you're looking to buy a gun while keeping the Shield, go full size.

I think you're ovestating the effect of shooting two different pistols. It really should not be a problem whatsoever to train with both full size and Shield. You can probably drive different types of cars, right?

If you're intent on just having 1 gun for both carry and home, then the full size is only an option if you have no problem carrying it. Otherwise, the compact is the logical choice. An extended mag will give you full-size capacity if that's your concern for HD.

Thank you for your suggestion.

I'm planning on keeping the Shield as a backup as I don't enjoy shooting it. I have smaller hands but it doesn't seem to fit my grip properly, plus the recoil is difficult for me to control for quick follow-up shots. I feel like I'm wasting time and ammo on training with the Shield as I just don't like its characteristics. Although for carry and concealment, its perfect.

I can drive multiple cars but I'm most comfortable with my personal vehicle as I've learned the ins and outs and how it handles.

The 9c for me is the perfect combination of carry and range gun. You can pretty much make a 9c a full size with 17 round mag and X grip but you cannot make a full size a compact.

Sell the Shield since you don't like it. Buy a compact for carry. Buy a full size for the range and as a house gun.

Between the two, if you're going to carry, get the 9c. I would suggest though that you spend more time getting proficient with the shield. For carry, it's a heck of a lot better than the 9c imho.

I'm with Wishbone on this one. If I could only have one, it would be the compact. Add a light and a FS mag v x-grip and you've got 18 rounds for HD and range use. Pop them off and you've got a near ideal carry gun.
PS. If you buy the 9c, you will likely sell the shield. Although not dissimilar in footprint, the 9c has SO much better ergonomics and firing behavior.

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Dave

The compact is better for carry but depending on your size and shape you can carry a fulls size to.

Forget the lasers and gadgets. They are nothing but an expensive gimmick. Spend that money on ammo

You will find that sooner of later you'll have another gun and even another caliber because you'll find that one gun does not do it all. Especially if you carry

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Some personal experience. I have a full size 40 pro and a Shield 40. They do shoot differently and it took, in fact is still taking lots of ammo to shoot both to the same level. I had the full size pro for a couple years before the shield and shot it very well. Got the shield and shot it like ****. Finally made enough adjustments to get decent with the shield, but lost my touch on The full size. I am getting better and now am able to use basically the same grip, and finger placement. I think changing that, while helping with the shield, hurt the full size. So now just tying to work it out while using the same relative grib and trigger finger. Still not shooting as well as I once did with the FS, but I feel comfortable again. And I like shooting , so I'll just keep practicing.

My 9C with Apex trigger kit is the most accurate handgun I own, but I carry a single-stack and/or a pocket pistol. Different strokes for different folks.

I've got a Shield 9, 40c, and 40 full size. I transition between all 3 very easily. All point the same and even though they each feel slightly different they all feel mostly the same.

That being said, the Shield is carried the most. It is for me more comfortable to carry. Even though the difference in width is small once tucked inside your waistband the larger 40c and FS are very noticeable for me compared to the Shield however this is all a matter of opinion and each individual is different. I don't feel inadequate with the Shield either. With 9 rounds in the gun and another 8 round mag it should be enough to get me out of any bad situation just outside of a terrorist attack. The full size is my primary HD gun.

Hello. I like comments from Wee Hooker and Wishbone. I am a big fan of 9 compacts...9C models. Ability to use full size 17 shot mags is a plus. HOWEVER, note that you must modify any 9C to take off the ambi-safety in order to install/use Crimson Trace grip lasers!! Others may comment, but I found out after getting the 9C with ambi-safety that the Crimson Trace grip laser would not install because the safety was in the way. Regards, Ed

In that case I'd recommend getting the M&P9c TALO. Comes with full size magazine and grip adapter so you can use full size magazines.

If you insist on having the thumb safety I'd recommend buying it separately. Then you can choose between full size - or compact magazines and adapt to whatever you wanting to do...

But that's just my opinion of course

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Jorge

Lots of great opinions and advices. Really appreciate it.

I'm now about 90% leaning toward the 9C compact.

The reason I absolutely must go with Smith and Wesson instead of the others (glock/springfield) because of the Crimson Trace Lasergrip option and manual safety.

Manual Safety:
I have no issues carrying a pistol without a manual safety but much prefer to have it than not. I have young children and the safety adds an extra layer of security. Plus there's a possibility I may have a momentary lapse of judgement and the pistol can go "bang", ND. The safety is also a must if it's my primary HD because in darkness, awaken from sleep my initial state of mind is not as sharp. I'd rather just disable the safety when I'm out and about and enable it on my nightstand than not having it at all. Besides, I've trained to always sweep the safety and it doesn't seem add any time to my draw. Don't judge, but I sometimes Mexican carry and without a safety it makes me a bit nervous.

Crimson Trace Lasergrip:
This is an absolute must for me. Not only does it adds to the intimidation, it is dead on accurate. The grip is so natural to activate and doesn't really add much bulk (similar to a medium size grip). Tried it out at the local shop and I was enamored. In a real firefight, I don't feel I'm at that stage where I can put rounds directly on target at 7 yards or have the discipline to aim down sight when I'm getting shot at and the laser could be the difference between life and death.

The ambidex thumb safety will be modded/cut to fit the CT Lasergrip.

Also planning to add some Truglo TFX and an Apex kit down the line. All the added mods will equate to 2x the price of the pistol and that's why I only want 1 pistol with all the options where I'm going to master.

EDIT: I agree, the Shield is absolutely a dream to carry. It's delightfully thin and light, doesn't add much bulk. On the downside, its smaller capacity and my handling of the Shield doesn't give me much confidence.

Are there any other benefits to the Full Size except the round count, longer sight radius, or longer barrel for velocity (although I don't think this will matter much)?

Have the M&P 9c with Crimson Trace, Apex kit and Truglo TFX. Bought it here from another member. Really like it and in the process of learning to shoot well. Pinky grip mags really help. Using the Blackhawk Serpa paddle holster and 2mag holder Got a M&P 22 Compact for additional practice - but it went back to S&W - could not get the silencer adopter off for takedown.

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TOMBECK

I carry a 40 Compact and have no trouble concealing it even in a t-shirt and shorts .. my usual summer attire !!! I carry 24/7 except when sleeping and then its on my night stand .. Now my Sig P-229 is a bit harder to conceal ..

Had a 9c, no issues with it after 1600 rnds and I was accurate enough with it but it was just avg for me as far as comfort, grip, and enjoyment. The full size mag helped but then I just picked up a full size 9. I have been more accurate with the full size over the compact. Could be due to the longer sight and barrel, better balance when loaded with 17 rounds, even the longer beaver tail seems to help me with hold and follow up. Also have a new Shield PC9 which i also prefer over the compact. For me the compact is a good gun and can do a little of everything. But just not good enough for what I wanted. So the compact found another home.
As for using up ammo, i dont consider any range time wasted as i normally take both 9s as well as at least one of my .22s. As any time spent there is good for practice, training, and enjoyment. In fact i like to run multiple mags worth minimum in each gun taken.
All the above is courtesy of my humble opinion only.

You guys are not making it easy to choose.

I sent in my Shield in today to have SW look it over for a heavy trigger pull and check sight alignment.

Now I'm thinking I should just get a Full Size and keep the Shield for CC.

I'm a minimalist and really dislike having too many things (clutter).

I tend to get attached to my things the longer I own/use it.
Have a gold cross necklace worn for 25 years, an Omega automatic watch (cheaper back then) for 10 years, same woman for 10 years, 5 pairs of jeans (7 years), same black white hi-top converse style for 20 years, you get the point.

Which ever pistol I choose, it'll probably be my main and with me forever, especially with the Lifetime Warranty SW offers.

I'm open to other suggestions as well beside SW pistol. Price is not a determining factor.

Price not a determining factor? Glad you said so! That said, the options for you just went ballistic. Stand by for lots and lots of well-intentioned suggestions...... Regards, Ed

I started out with a Shield but I was never really comfortable with the capacity. So when I found out that the 9C was essentially the same footprint as a Shield with 50% greater capacity I decided to go with the C.

A 9C is small enough to carry in your pocket while you're at home but with enough capacity to at least give you some ability to respond to a home invasion.

I also like the fact that in my case since I have a 9 full size I only have to buy the full size magazines and they will fit both guns.

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Retired Career Security Guard

Thanks for all the replies.

Just placed an order for a M&P9 Full Size with crimson trace green (at an amazing price) to accompany the Shield. The Shield is currently with SW to look over the trigger (very heavy trigger pull) and check sight alignment while it's there.

With the Shield away, I realized it's far better to have 2 firearm than 1. Going to put a green crimson trace on the Shield when it gets back to me.

I ran drills at the range mimicking a self defense encounter and missed the target completely. Those who can draw and instantly put rounds on target are not the norm and are in the realm of professionals (Seals, Delta, SWAT, competitive shooters, or just extreme training).

I can do 4-5" clusters all day long at the range but don't think I can draw, find and focus on the front sight while taking focus off the target. I'm just being realistic with myself and my ability...in a real SD situation, I'm most likely going to just draw, point and shoot (don't think I'll have the discipline to find the front sight and take my eyes off the target). That's why I must have a crimson laser on my firearms...if I don't see/find that incredibly bright green laser, it means my sights are off target.


If the CTC grips and a safety are truly incompatible how about an Apex carry trigger spring. that's what I did. Makes the initial pull heavier but also the final pull is heavier. I got the final pull much nicer w/ the home DIY polishing and a little tweek on the trigger bar hook. BTW I have CTCs on all our HD guns. i won't buy a gun they don't make a grip for. I don't think they are toys.

I live near chiraq, and like lots of bullets for carry guns. Just yesterday, Tuesday, 6 shot dead, and 8 injured. If I go anywhere near there (frequently) I want to know I can shoot back.

The 9c is a nice choice, for concealability, the 2.0 Compact is even better if you can live with the longer grip to try to hide. I like them both. Keep the Shield for when you need to hide a smaller gun, or even consider any of the little mouse guns like the Bodyguard for ultra carry.

If only one choice, stick with the 9c.

Probably won't be long and there will be a filler piece to use the new 15 round mags in that 9c, which will almost make it a 3.6" 2.0. Add the 17 rounders with filler pieces on the mags, and you have them all!

Lots of bullets is good!

MHO

I have the Ruger LC9S for my pocket or IWB pistol. I bought the 9C a couple of weeks ago because I use to have one and remembered how much I liked it (bought used for $365) could not pass it up. Great pistol but very noticeable IWB. But same foot print as the Shield just wider. Really like the 9C. For home bed side the 9C is current. I will probably end up getting a 5" 2.0 M&P in the near future for my Home defense pistol. I have a Streamlight HD laser and light combo that will not fit the 9C and I would like to have it on a full size for home defense. Right now I find myself carrying the 9c more than my BG380 and my LC9S. Really like the pistol.

...the 9c. I thought I wanted one until I handled it. The Shield isn't perfect, but it does both carrying and shooting well. I don't need a small gun in my house. I have a full size sig and a third gen Smith, but I'm sitting on a Shield right now and if I want to carry, it's my top choice.

I also have some J frames that would be good to carry.

I DO have a problem with using so many guns. I drive three cars, but when I get in one I think I'm in another one until my mind gets in tune with where the controls are. In a shooting situation where you have to be somewhat instive, having a gun that operates differently can hold you up a few precious seconds.

I can pick up any and start off fairly lousy, but warm up after a few shots. I'll have to tell an attacker to give me a few practice shots so I can defend myself adequately.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Guys, the OP bought a Shield, sent it back due a finish issue, and hopefully has been happy with it since he last posted a year ago .

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Perhaps you missed his other posts on this string, wanting a 9c, buying as full sized, keeping the Shield as a BUG, etc?

Plus, strings evolve, as others post and get involved. It never hurts to add, explain, reason why. Strings seem to have lives of their own, and that is a good thing - as it helps lots of people make choices from knowledge gained from others.

MHO