Hey gang,

Does anybody have or know of a comparison of the grip sizes for the different calibers in the Shield line? From what I've read, I think the 9mm and 40cal have the same grip, but the 45 is larger. At least with one holster company the 9mm and .40 can share the same holster. But I've read conflicting information online. Some say the .45 is larger (other than just longer), some don't. But I haven't found a pic online comparing the three. I'm looking for actual width of the various grips and possibly depth (front to back) if there's a difference. I have giant meat hook hands. I tried a 9mm in a store, but they didn't have a .45. The 9mm felt uncomfortably narrow to me, but if the .45 is any wider, I might give it a shot and order one online.

Thanks

The 45 is larger/longer/thicker(slide), I put hogues beaver tail grip on my 9 and I love it, ordered one for my Shield 45 too.

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M&P 9, Shield9.

Thanks for the response. Any idea how much wider/thicker? Would you be willing/able to post pics comparing the two? Thanks.

The grip is about the same on both. The hogues grip adds a bit to the grip wide it is very comfortable and gives you a secure grip.

I have large hands and with the regular mag my pinky barely grabs the base plate but with the larger mag and the pinky extension I can get full grip.




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M&P 9, Shield9.

Thanks for all the pics. It looks to me like your 9 with the Hogue beavertail on it makes the grip a bit wider than the .45 without. Unless that's an optical illusion. the 9 may be the way to go, if that's the case. More easily concealed (if only slightly), cheaper ammo, and higher capacity.

Plus, I'm primarily looking for a pocket carry piece. I've read a lot online, including in these forums, where some say the shield is too big, some say it is just right, depending on the pants. But if there's a question about one's ability to pocket carry the 9mm, the difference in thickness and length of the .45 might push it over the top. Granted, I'm a large guy, 6'6", 400lbs, with necessarily large pants, so the pocket size might not be as big of an issue for me as it is for the average sized human beings out there.

Somewhere in here in another thread I posted up some pictures comparing the 45 Shield to a Glock 19. If you can find that thread it might give you an idea of the size of the 45.

In a nutshell, the Shield in 45 ACP is roughly the same size as a Glock 19. In fact, with the seven round magazine the grip on the Shield is actually longer than the Glock 19. Obviously, being a single stack the Shield is a bit thinner.

I guess if you can pocket carry a Glock 19 then the Shield in 45 would work for you. Personally, I find the Shield in any caliber a little too big to carry in a pocket.

That's kind of my fear, that regardless of what I decide either one will be too big to pocket carry, and I'll wind up spending money on something I'll never use. But they're so ridiculously cheap right now with the rebates that it almost seems stupid NOT to buy one to try it out.

I can pocket carry the g43, g42 and BDG380 anything bigger/heavier feels uncomfortable and the shield is one of those, of course everybody is different and have different opinion.


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M&P 9, Shield9.

I have an M&P 40 Compact as my primary everyday carry. It is bulkier and heavier than the Shield 9 or .45, which I also own. I have no trouble pocket carrying any of them. I just have to be careful to buy pants with large enough pockets. I prefer pleated pants because they are usually a bit looser around the pockets and are less likely to print. The best news is that you only have to buy one pocket holster to fit all three of the above pistols: The DeSantis Nemesis (SKU: N38BJE1Z0). The outside of the Nemesis clings to the inside of the pocket. It stays put when you draw the gun, which slides right out when you need it to. The shape of the Nemesis also disguises your carry, so no one is likely to notice. When I first started to pocket carry, it did feel a bit strange, but I got used to it in just a few days.

My advice: Get the Shield .45. It's a fine self-defense gun, especially at today's prices. Just be sure to field strip it before you hand over your money. Once in a great while, one of them will come through with a defective recoil spring assembly, which will fly apart upon removal. It is not repairable, and you'll have to wait for a (free) replacement from S&W.

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What, me worry?

FWIW, I did find a Gander Mountain nearby that had both the 9mm and .45. I liked them both, and was able to get both of them easily in and out of the pocket of my khaki pants, though the .45 is obviously slightly bulkier. The difference in the grips - when using the extended mag on the 9mm - was negligible. The only real difference (in size and feel) being the more aggressive stippling on the .45's grip, which I actually liked a lot. But I intend to put a sleeve over the grip anyway to add a little girth, so it's a moot point.

I know some have said the .45 is a better gun. It's newer, got a better trigger, .45 makes big holes, etc. But I decided to try the 9mm, and ordered one this morning. One, because it was stupid cheap ($224.99 after the rebate, with two extra 8rd magazines). And two, because since the only reason I want it is for pocket carry, I think the difference in weight between the fully loaded 9mm and fully loaded .45 would be significant enough to stick with the 9mm so my pants aren't constantly falling down. And three, I had a compact .45 previously (Springfield XDS-45) that I couldn't shoot for anything and wound up selling.

Thank you for the feedback, everyone!