Not sold on the Shield

[clockworkjon]

Please don't ban me! I checked out a Shield today side by side with a 9c and I wasn't all that impressed. The hard part of a gun to conceal is the grip, and it is actually longer than the 9c. They shortened the barrel, but I would think that would affect accuracy. They slimmed it down, which sacrifices capacity. So you get a longer handled, less accurate, lower capacity gun with no interchangeability of mags or accessories between other M&Ps. I would rather have the 9c. Hopefully the prices will come down a little now!

Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2

 

[kris7047th]

I promise that I won't flame you .. lol .. S&W offered a choice of mags, the extended with one extra round and the flush floor plate. The shorter one is shorter than the 9c. I am a small trim lady and the grip length was never the issue as the width was. But then I appendix carry. Most guys say that the Shield disappears IWB even with the extended mag. To each their own. Just can't expect this gun, or any other fit everybody.

 

[gremlock686]

I think that the gun was design for women, for todays gun market, guns are selling so good, and women are buying guns like never before. Women make up a lot of sales in this gun world. Guns are made smaller to fit the women, I have a full size m&p .40 and I'm a man, but that's my opinion.

 

[Fastbolt]

Hey, everybody's entitled to their own opinions & preferences? Why wouldn't they be?

I've got at least my fair share of full-size, compact & subcompact pistols I can use for my instructor roles and as retirement CCW weapons. I tend to like smaller guns than larger guns for my daily activities, though. I spent enough years lugging around larger all-steel, alloy & then plastic "full-size" handguns.

I can't speak directly to the Shield, yet, since the LE models won't be out for a bit and I haven't been able to do any comparison work with one and my M&P 40c, SW999c, 3913, CS9, etc.

That said, I'd offer that a shorter barrel doesn't necessarily mean less inherent accuracy. It's the shooter & firearm interaction that create practical accuracy problems long before the machinery itself usually gets held responsible (sight radius differences often coming into play).

For example, my 3" CS9 can keep pace with my 3 1/2" 3913 all day long as far as practical, realized accuracy.

As far as concealment and the grip? Harder to call. Yes, grip length can be an issue, as far as printing, and even comfort (pressed against and/or into the waist).

However, it's also the relative thinness or thickness that can create an issue for many folks, and sometimes a longer, thin grip profile might actually work ... and feel ... better for lawful concealment. Just depends.

Capacity? Hey, you're talking to a guy who carried a 6-shot revolver as an issued & off-duty weapon for a number of years until they made me turn in my Magnum revolver and accept one of the latest & greatest hi-cap Wonder Nines. I carried (and still do, a 1911, too ... as well as one or another 5-shot J-frame. My CS9 uses 7-rd mags (as does my 4040PD) and my 3913 uses 8-rd mags. I'm not exactly losing sleep worrying about "capacity" issues.

Personal firearms selection is just that, though ... personal. As long as you're not restricted to something, suit yourself.

I'm cautiously optimistic that the Shield 9 will eventually (after I order one) influence me to retire my 3913 & CS9 to an even greater degree than at present.

Just different strokes.

I'm not putting away the J-frames for even smaller, easier to carry options, though.

 

[dannybot]

I think it is nice to have choices, 9c was ours. If the Shield had been out, we probably would still have gone 9c to buddy up with FS M&P we already have. But I do see that there valid needs/uses for the shield like gremlock, or undercover police work.

 

[tgmorris99]

I've got the M&P9 4.25" Pro, a 9c and the Shield. The Shield is not designed to be a target pistol and is certainly more than accurate enough at SD distances.

 

[TRUST8383]

I have absolutely no problem concealing the shield under a thin fitted t-shirt. I carry IWB appendix carry, so one of the more important dimensions of a carry gun for me is the barrel length. I usually carry an XD9 sc, walther PPS, or 3" 1911. The shield fits nicely into my carry rotation and as far as accuracy is concerned....at 7-10 yards, I can get all the holes to touch if I do my part, so accuracy is great with this little gun. I suggest you shoot it first before passing on one. The slimness and light weight package really do go a long way for conceal and carry. I forgot I had it on me today. =)

 

[crracer_712]

Yesterday I grabbed the 9 shield, by mistake, and put it in my Tagua holster. That should been my first clue, it was a little loose, but still, not bad. I just thought to myself, I hadn't used this holster in a couple weeks...

It was only that evening when I unholstered that I realized I had the 9 shield instead of my 40c. But I must say, it was a very comfortable wear that day. I didn't notice the grip on my side like I normally do the 40c.

 

[S&W Rover]

It's a good point - it's not for everyone, or every situation.

I took mine to the range tonight. Here's what I learned:

- It shot far more accurately with 124gr Speer Lawman ammo than with 115gr Federal "Wal-Mart" ammo. It stunned me to see the difference; the 124gr stayed on target in a tight group 3" at 20 feet, while the 115gr strung out in a group about 6" high and 3-4" wide, below the center of the target. Sometimes it is the ammo!

- It was somewhat hard to control with the smaller magazine - when I didn't grip it properly (tightly) it seemed to want to jump out of my hand.

- It is a little snappy. I had to work on holding it properly to keep it from rising a lot with the recoil. To be expected with a light gun. But after 200 rounds, the recoil is such that the palm of my hand hurts a bit - possibly attributable to the narrow rear grip strap (a ying to the yang of a very thin, concealable pistol).

- Added: the previous two points make me wonder if the M&P40 Shield might be a handful. Probably very effective as a pistol, but maybe not as much fun to shoot. The classic advice we see here so often -- rent or borrow one and take it to the range to try it out before buying -- might be particularly appropriate for the M&P40 Shield.

- The M&P 9 Shield was 100% reliable. And no issues with a full round count in the mags or in chambering the first round by releasing the slide with either the lever or by pulling the slide back.

- Great little gun, but will take work to shoot well. Not at all as easy to shoot as my Apexed FS M&P9 or my Sig SP2022. Both of those are a joy to shoot and make me look accurate (although they are doing most of the work!).



-

 

[toocool]

I've mentioned several times my issues with the M&P compacts for me. While they were relatively easy to carry, I had issues with the short, fat grip vs. the full size grip. A couple of times when I was removing the gun from its holster I had issues gripping the gun. I don't really know how to describe it, but it concerned me enough that I decided against carrying either of my compacts, and sold them off, going instead with my FS 9. That is, until I found the Shield. While I prefer the extended magazine over the shorter one, so far I've had no issues whatsoever as far as gripping, drawing or shooting the gun. I find the recoil almost non-existent, and the Shield is as accurate as my FS 9 at 10 yard ranges, that is to say, I can shoot 2" groups to point of aim with either of them. I don't have overly large hands, which is why I use the small grip insert on my FS, and why I really like the thin Shield.

 

[mn_doggie]

I think that the gun was design for women, for todays gun market, guns are selling so good, and women are buying guns like never before. Women make up a lot of sales in this gun world. Guns are made smaller to fit the women, I have a full size m&p .40 and I'm a man, but that's my opinion.

Then pistols like the Bodyguard 380 (and LCP) must have been designed for children...

They weren't designed for women, they make 'em small so they are easier to conceal.

(the number of small .380s that have been returned by women 'cuz they hurt to shoot is pretty large says my LGS)

 

[Moonman]

I love my 9MM Shield and I believe the 40 will be a handful, but I'm going to be trying one.

The Firearms and Ladies market is growing rapidly for the more astute marketing and manufacturing firms.

 

[WGSNewnan19]

i did exactly the same thing. my lgs held one out for me cause he just new i would have to have it. unfortunately, i just happened to have my 9c on my hip for comparison purposes. im sorry to say that i just couldnt bring myself to buy it. i really couldnt find any reason to swap at all. no advantage for me at all.

 

[kris7047th]

I think that the gun was design for women, for todays gun market, guns are selling so good, and women are buying guns like never before. Women make up a lot of sales in this gun world. Guns are made smaller to fit the women, I have a full size m&p .40 and I'm a man, but that's my opinion.

The vast majority of people whom I know have bought the Shield are guys, not women. But I will agree that it does make a perfect choice for women in a 9mm platform. Most women today have been opting for .380 due to size and don't consider the recoil with a smaller gun will be much more .. until the Shield made it's entry.

 

[Old cop]

I rented a Shield recently and found it easier to shoot (less recoil) than any of my J's, but heavier and not really a pocket gun (my preferred method). Great product but I'm still undecided about purchasing one.

 

[Stu Honea]

Hey, everybody's entitled to their own opinions & preferences? Why wouldn't they be?

I've got at least my fair share of full-size, compact & subcompact pistols I can use for my instructor roles and as retirement CCW weapons. I tend to like smaller guns than larger guns for my daily activities, though. I spent enough years lugging around larger all-steel, alloy & then plastic "full-size" handguns.

I can't speak directly to the Shield, yet, since the LE models won't be out for a bit and I haven't been able to do any comparison work with one and my M&P 40c, SW999c, 3913, CS9, etc.

That said, I'd offer that a shorter barrel doesn't necessarily mean less inherent accuracy. It's the shooter & firearm interaction that create practical accuracy problems long before the machinery itself usually gets held responsible (sight radius differences often coming into play).

For example, my 3" CS9 can keep pace with my 3 1/2" 3913 all day long as far as practical, realized accuracy.

As far as concealment and the grip? Harder to call. Yes, grip length can be an issue, as far as printing, and even comfort (pressed against and/or into the waist).

However, it's also the relative thinness or thickness that can create an issue for many folks, and sometimes a longer, thin grip profile might actually work ... and feel ... better for lawful concealment. Just depends.

Capacity? Hey, you're talking to a guy who carried a 6-shot revolver as an issued & off-duty weapon for a number of years until they made me turn in my Magnum revolver and accept one of the latest & greatest hi-cap Wonder Nines. I carried (and still do, a 1911, too ... as well as one or another 5-shot J-frame. My CS9 uses 7-rd mags (as does my 4040PD) and my 3913 uses 8-rd mags. I'm not exactly losing sleep worrying about "capacity" issues.

Personal firearms selection is just that, though ... personal. As long as you're not restricted to something, suit yourself.

I'm cautiously optimistic that the Shield 9 will eventually (after I order one) influence me to retire my 3913 & CS9 to an even greater degree than at present.

Just different strokes.

I'm not putting away the J-frames for even smaller, easier to carry options, though.

Fastbolt,I always enjoy your posts and your technical knowledge on the third gen S&W's especially.
That first paragraph really rings true with me. Seems the older I get,the smaller I like them,after lugging all that weight for those years.

 

[kris7047th]

The only criticism with the Shield is that the serrations are too weak, making it harder to grip for racking, and locking back.

 

[Martimus]

Speaking for myself, I have always preferred firing 1911's and other full frame pistols. To me the increased weight gave me the feel of better control of the handgun. That all changed when I purchased my Shield. I enjoy firing the Shield! It's comfortable in my hand, the trigger is smooth and feels better to me than my better half's G17 (and now I think she wants the Shield), and it conceals just about as well as my old Colt GM380.

For me, at least, the Shield was an excellent investment and I'm glad that I got it...

 

[zelda]

Dad has a delete

 

[kris7047th]

Then pistols like the Bodyguard 380 (and LCP) must have been designed for children...

They weren't designed for women, they make 'em small so they are easier to conceal.

(the number of small .380s that have been returned by women 'cuz they hurt to shoot is pretty large says my LGS)

My first semi auto was the LCP which had easier recoil than my J frame shrouded hammer. Then came along the BG.380 and I discovered that it was easier to shoot than the LCP .. less recoil probably because you can get one more finger on the grip and I can rack/lock the slide back. I could not do that with the LCP. Needless to say .. the LCP went bye bye I now have a dilemma. Do I sell the BG.380 now that I have the Shield? The whole idea with the Shield was to help to narrow down to the 9mm. I have plenty of .380 stashed away, bought cheaply over a year ago. I just may wait a while to decide. Being a woman .. it's my birth right to do that ..lol