For a carry piece, which one? M&P40c vs M&P40 Shield

Whichever fits your hand and you shoot best.
I like the c myself.

Have shield, should have bought the 40c

I have a 40c and a Shield 9. I carry the 40c. It's an easy choice: more accuracy, more reliability, and more rounds.

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What, me worry?

I have both. I started with the 40c because I could not find a shield. I pocket carried it. We eventually found a shield 9 for my wife. A week after we bought her shield, I was running errands that wold have be passing by the house about half way through. I stopped and switched from my 40c to the shield. It didn't take long to realize how much bigger the 40c was at that point. The main thing was the weight. I had a shield of my own the following week. That was almost 3 years ago. I've carried the 40c maybe 10 times since.

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SDMF

I've got both.

40c, me personally I didn't like the way the Shield felt i hand.

I chose the 40c over the Shield. At the time, the 40c didn't seem all that larger. Plus the fact that it can take the full size mags and 9mm conversion barrels appealed to me.

Have you fired both? Personally, i would like having a rail which is why i want a 9c over the shield. But as you said it is for concealed, the shield may be better since it is single stack....the shield 40 is a single stake right? And 40c is double stack?

Shield 9 w/ trigger guard laser for summer carry. Love it.

I assumed the Shield would have left the compact way behind. Myself I have a 40c and really love the way it fits my hand.

In my experience (with several of both), ergonomics and resulting control /performance of the C series is head and shoulders above the Shield in any caliber. Size wise, it's a wash in every dimension but thickness anyway.
( In fairness I haven't tried the 45 shield yet but will as soon as it is available)

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Dave

My choice was between the 9c and the 9 shield but the logistics were the same.

If you already own or are planing to own a FS .40 then the C is the obvious choice because you can carry a C with a FS magazine for a spare.

Other than that the C gave me 50% more capacity in the same foot print as the shield. I chose the 9C

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Retired Career Security Guard

Have the 40c, the Shield 40 was a little too snappy. Just purchased a 9mm barrel and magazine for the 40c. Extra rounds with the 40c/9c plus use of full size mags for back up. I like shooting my 40c and it and I shoot well with it. I'm keeping it!

I have a 40c and a 9mm Shield and am very surprised by the poll results thus far. The ergonomics between the 9mm and 40 Shield are identical.

Because my hands are larger, I have difficulty inserting the mags on either gun. I can do it, but it takes a concerted effort. If I don't think about it, I will pinch my hand when using the Shield and pinch it about 70% of the time with the 40c.

Therefore, I prefer the 40c. It's large enough that I can still operate it and shoot it well. I can shoot the Shield fine, but reloads are slow for me. That's unacceptable when my life is on the line.

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Freedom isn't free.

Well i have a M&P 40 Shield that carry from time to time!

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Life is short,live it fully.

40C used to be my everyday carry until I got the 40 Shield. The Shield isn't as bulky and as the 40C, which makes it easier and more comfortable to carry IWB or even in a pocket. For me the 40 Shield is just as accurate as the 40C. I've had the 40C since they came available, but have traded it off now that I have the 40 Shield.

KO

40c is by far my favorite M&P. It just feels right.

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USPSA CRO
Patriot Guard rider

I was with you every step until you said "traded it off"! Couldn't find any satisfaction in owning the 40c?

Please reference and qualify your "reliability" statement. I never heard that the Shield is not reliable as the S&W compact or full size models.

I no longer had any use for the 40C so it went towards the purchase of a SW1911. If I want to carry something bulkier or higher capacity than the 40 Shield I have a CZ P-06, FNH FNS-40 or 1911s.

KO

I prefer the compact to the Shield.

It's a little more difficult to use for deep concealment but I'd rather have it in my hand if things turn to **** and I need a handgun to save my life.