I am new to the Forum. I have been reading about conversion kits.
1. If you convert a M&P Shield 40 to a 9mm, it is safe to shoot and carry every day as a 9mm?
2. Is it recommended to convert or not convert from 40 to 9mm?
3. Lastly, are there any disadvantages to conversion?
I don't think there is a "Conversion Kit" or aftermarket barrels for the Shield's.
I've only read about people buying factory 9mm barrels and putting them in their 40's. I think they buy 9mm mags too.
Whether it's safe to use the factory 9mm barrel in a 40 Shield some say it's not, some say they've successfully shot many rounds through theirs without any problems.
As for finding a 9mm barrel for a Shield...good luck, S&W won't sell them to the general public. But if you really want one, I"ve seen a few on ebay...for $250+ !
Nope... Nobody (yet) is making Shield 40/9 conversion kits, or Aftermarket 9mm barrels. An aftermarket conversion specific barrel would lock up better in a Shield40 than a factory 9mm barrel.
S&W stopped selling factory barrels almost 2yrs ago to anyone... Not to armorers, not to 'parts' stores (like Midway), not to owners.
Do a search in this Sub-Forum for 'Shield conversion' and you'll find a few debate threads. The factory 9mm barrel doesn't fit as tight in the Shield40 slide as the .40 barrel. Some say this bit of 'slop' should not be trusted, while others (who got their 9mm barrels before S&W stopped selling them) have put Hundreds of rounds through theirs without issue.