Recently purchased two S&Ws for summer carry.

An M&P Shield 45 2.0 and a M638.

Nothing fancy, but both have a good track record.

This is my first Shield pistol.

Seems like about the lightest and slimmest .45 one can get these days. How’s reliability and durability? Anything to watch out for?
The smallest .45 I’m used to is the Colt Defender, and those have always been reliable for me (just need a firm grip).

Thanks.

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Great summertime carry choices.

The last four summers, my EDC was a S&W Model 3953 which replaced my Walther PPS40 for summertime CCW.

I think the .45 Shield will surprise you with how soft a shooter it is and I am a micro .45 lover. Mine is also very accurate. The M638 shouldn't have any surprises although I always preferred the all stainless M649 when I carried it as a uniform backup gun.

i carry a 4 inch barrel compact slide full size frame m&p 2.0 fde with thumbsafety holstered and strapped to the inside of a tan sling bag. i don't look too conspicuous when i'm half naked on the beach since i use the same bag to hold my sun screen lotion and i have a towel to cover the gun when i have the bag open if a bikini girl were to look towards my direction

I don't change my carry by season, it's always a 4" compact which I have in both 9mm and .45, and since they fit the same holster either will do.

But I will say there are times when a smaller gun could work better when I only have a tshirt as cover garment. I probably won't make a change though. It's an old dog new tricks thing.

I have a Shield 45 I use for IWB carry. It is slimmer than a 1911 which I also use for IWB. Since I carry OWB most of the time I haven't had a lot of time to shoot it. I was out on a friends range a month ago and grabbed it from my bugout bag in my truck to shoot it a little. I rang steel all day with it and found it quite useable for a baby gun. My groups with it were only slightly larger than my groups with a Commander. For a plastic gun it was just fine. I wouldn't want to reach across a parking lot with it off hand, rested maybe, but it would do fine for a get off me gun. I have only run a 100 plus rounds through it but I found no reason to think it would not be reliable. All and all I think it is find for a hide away gun.

P.S. I have a Kimber 3" 1911 and I would carry the Shield over it hands down any day of the week.

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Jason Adams

I don't understand "seasonal" carry EDC. If you like a gun-- why not carry it EDC?

I pocket carry a j-frame most of the time except on the days I feel less optimistic, then it's a gubmint model in the Lord's caliber.

As long as they work for you … those are 2 very nice choices. I, too, like those smaller 45’s. I’ve got several large frame 45’s but I should pick up a Shield 45 for myself, too. Thanks for reminding me that I need another pistol ��.

You know I have to agree I have a 40 shield I thought it was a bit snappy once I figure out the grip needs to be firm I like it shoots good 👍

I pocket carry a M649 virtually every day except if I decide I am going to be in a target rich environment (think malls, houses of worship, etc.) and then I carry a Walther CCP or a S&W CS-9. Pocket or belt. I don't change with the weather.

Is that M638 nickel plated? My M649 glistens like that, too! Or I'm just an idiot and don't recognize the difference between the metal of the frames. The latter, probably.......

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Come and take it!!

I carry micros all year round but, sometimes in the winter months with flannel shirts and a jacket I'll carry a 1911 OWB just because it just feels good to strap on some big iron.

I've been a fan of the 638 since "concealed carry" became legal here (with permit) in the early to mid 90's!

The Shield 45 has been another favorite of mine since they appeared on the market.

Two great choices!

My 45 is on me now, and the 638 has also doubled as a "yard gun" with some shot shells up for the first two rounds. Many Mr. Wiggles have met their maker from these 38 shotshells as well.

I like full wadcutters in my 638 for street packing.

I often pocket carry a Shield 45 with no thumb safety in a pocket holster. I shoot it better than I shoot my Shield 9.

Initially picked up a Shield 9 for summer carry. Found it to be so comfortable, (and got so good with it), started carrying it year round. Added a Shield 45 when they came out, am good with it too, but since the 9's a bit smaller & lighter, it usually gets the nod.

Looks like a few of us think alike. Here’s a pair I carry when I need to go lighter on active days .

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Two Handguns every day

I carry the same pistol, winter or summer, for 20 years. I recently changed to Underwood +p copper ammunition. It shoots very nice, so it was a positive change.

"Seasonal" is not a concern for me: "Consistency" is. I am carrying a M649 24/7/365. I have become proficient, consistent, and comfortable with it. On bad days I will carry a reload or two.

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NRA Endowment Member

My M2.0 Compact 4” 9mm is my daily carry gun. If I must go somewhere that requires me to be more discreet than that, the Bodyguard .380 is the one that gets the call.