If this is an issue, there are some devices which can be added to the frame to help.
Also, the Push the grip forward while just holding the slide still method works pretty well.
Shield m&p 9mm vs .40 question?
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If this is an issue, there are some devices which can be added to the frame to help.
Also, the Push the grip forward while just holding the slide still method works pretty well.
V0OBWxZS16
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I own and carry a Shield 9. I have gotten to fire a Shield .40. For me the .40 is slower and less accurate in rapid fire especially when firing strong- and weak-hand only. In my opinion the 9mm is an all day shooter, but the .40 isn't.
Try them both yourself.
Try them both yourself.
bigsteve113
Member
I have both, the 9mm and .40 Shields. Let me start by saying both are great guns. Both are reliable and accurate. That being said, I carry my Shield 9mm. And this coming from a tried and true .40 fan. With the 9 my follow up shots are noticeably faster. My 9 is just a lil more accurate, probably because I had it first, shot it more, and that caused trigger to smooth out better.
That being said, the .40 version is a great shooter too. The decision of which one was a tough one for me. The extra round that the 9mm holds was the tie breaker for me, but I wouldn't cry if all I had was the .40 to carry. I will definitely never get rid of the .40 because it is a great pistol too.
I suggest keeping the .40, if for no other reason than for the fact that it is a gift from your father. Carry and shoot it till you can get a 9mm version. They are both good enough to justify having one of each!!!
That being said, the .40 version is a great shooter too. The decision of which one was a tough one for me. The extra round that the 9mm holds was the tie breaker for me, but I wouldn't cry if all I had was the .40 to carry. I will definitely never get rid of the .40 because it is a great pistol too.
I suggest keeping the .40, if for no other reason than for the fact that it is a gift from your father. Carry and shoot it till you can get a 9mm version. They are both good enough to justify having one of each!!!
speedyquad
Member
Until I bought my wife a shield 9mm, We had only shot 40s&W(a 40c and a sigma 40). I liked the shield 9 so mucht hat i bought myself the 40 version two weeks later. That day we went to the range. We BOTH shot the 40 version better(quicker, more accurate follow ups). I am guessing that this is because the slightly snappier 40 is what we were used to. After that, she carried the 40 and I carried the 9. Last summer, I sold off the shield 9 to buy the kryptec shield 40. We' are back to one caliber.
Mal Cap
Member
All good comments. For those who really like the idea that you get one extra round in the 9mm Shield which means 7+1, and 8+1 with standard Smith mags, may I suggested getting hold of a Magguts spring kit arrangement which will add even one more round to the standard S&W magazines. I increased my 7 round mag by one round more. The pistol now holds one round less than a Glock M26 and is more compact. You can do the same to the 8 round mag and increase the capacity of the pistol to 10 rounds. I did find it very difficult to get that extra round into the pistol. Eventually I did get it seated with the use of an XDS mag loader. ProMag does have a ten round mag which cannot be expanded but with a compact 8 Round Standard S&W mag and Magguts springs, who needs it? BTW I still can only get 9 rounds into the MagPro 10-round mag.
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I have two .40S&W handguns. One is an M&P .40 and the other is an XD40. I don't find the recoil objectionable in either.
Several years ago while practicing as an ER Physican, I researched one shot stops with three cartridges: .45 auto, .40S&W and 9mm. Since, today, the chances of a potentially life threatening encounter would likely involve a perp that is high on some substance, my choice was for a cartridge with good knockdown ability as well as acceptable recoil. The .40 was my choice because I came across too many reports of individuals that kept on coming after taking a couple of rounds of 9mm.
Thankfully, I haven't yet had to use the weapon in a life threatening situation and hope I never do. But I'm confident that the cartridge will have the power to stop a perp with one well placed round.
Just another thing to consider when you are selecting an SD weapon.
Several years ago while practicing as an ER Physican, I researched one shot stops with three cartridges: .45 auto, .40S&W and 9mm. Since, today, the chances of a potentially life threatening encounter would likely involve a perp that is high on some substance, my choice was for a cartridge with good knockdown ability as well as acceptable recoil. The .40 was my choice because I came across too many reports of individuals that kept on coming after taking a couple of rounds of 9mm.
Thankfully, I haven't yet had to use the weapon in a life threatening situation and hope I never do. But I'm confident that the cartridge will have the power to stop a perp with one well placed round.
Just another thing to consider when you are selecting an SD weapon.
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The report I saw said bigger is better, but the new FBI report states that with the much improved bullets and powders the9mm is more effictive than a .40. A fmj 9mm will make a small wound channel that seals up, which is most likely what the ER docs are seeing.
MARSHALDILLIONDODGECITY
Member
I see you were or are a LEO, most large depts. and most State troopers are given their duty weapon by their agency, which is mostly in 40 cal. however, some depts. allow their men to choose the cal. weapon because they have to buy it themselves,
however, these are small depts. usually in rural areas. My question is what cal. duty weapon did or do you carry ? Also what cal. do you like the best as a duty weapon ?
Update to my first post
Ok so I decided to have a father daughter day and took my 17 year old out shooting. I borrowed my parents two shields the 9mm and the .40, after shooting both guns I have realized that the shield m&p .40 is more to my comfort level. For some reason I can't hit the side of a barn with the 9mm. But with the .40 it was a little snappier but not by much. However I hit the target almost every time with it. Maybe it was the added recoil, maybe it is in my mind but I told my dad since they don't use these guns we will take them to the range once a month for practice. I appreciate all the input from everyone here.
Ok so I decided to have a father daughter day and took my 17 year old out shooting. I borrowed my parents two shields the 9mm and the .40, after shooting both guns I have realized that the shield m&p .40 is more to my comfort level. For some reason I can't hit the side of a barn with the 9mm. But with the .40 it was a little snappier but not by much. However I hit the target almost every time with it. Maybe it was the added recoil, maybe it is in my mind but I told my dad since they don't use these guns we will take them to the range once a month for practice. I appreciate all the input from everyone here.
686wheelgun
Member
Don't know if you have a gun club in your area, but I've always found it helpful to try shooting different guns (preferably with different sights than the typical 3-dot sights on most guns) to see how they shot (and how good/bad I was). Most, if not all of the members in my local gun club are happy to have other members try out their guns. As far as I'm concerned as long as I can hit a paper plate at 10 yards and the gun goes "bang" every time I'm happy. If I go shoot rental guns at my LGS it typically costs me $10/10 shots...much cheaper (free) at the range/gun club. BTW, I just purchased a used 3rd gen S&W 5906 from one of my fellow members and it is oh so sweet! Good luck shooting!
bigsteve113
Member
My department issues GLOCK 40'S. The 22, 23, and 27. I am issued a G23 since I am plain clothed, but I am also authorized to carry my personally owned G27, so those are the 2 I carry on duty and I like them both a lot. I have carried Glock 40's for 22 years now and they have never let me down. IMO the .40 is the best law enforcement round. I has the weight and power for barrier penetration and certainly has enough power to put a BG down quickly and effectively which I have seen personally several times. We use 165 HST's and we are very satisfied.
The FBI can whine all they want about 9mm effectiveness. Yes, the 9mm is more effective than it used to be, but the .40 was always effective! And if bullet technology has finally made the 9mm adequate (with the right ammo), then that same technology has made the .40 more than adequate, since it was adequate to begin with!!!! Don't get me wrong, the 9mm is OK, especially in a small platform, but it cannot outperform the .40!
That being said, my usual off-duty carry is my Shield 9, and my Ruger LCR .357.
supervisor
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The full size S&W MP40 can use a 9mm or 357sig conversion barrel made by Storm Lake using the appropriate magazine. No such barrels are available for the Shield.
Jäger1
Member
The manufacturers - not the FBI - were the ones who originally said that, yes, all service ammunition had benefited from improvement. But they also said that, of all the calibers, the 9mm benefited much more than the other calibers. Nothing magical about that other than, with the majority of service pistols being 9mm, that's where most of the R&D money went.
If somebody thinks a tenth of an inch extra expansion diameter and half an inch more of penetration is the difference between "adequate" and "superior" - well then, that person should buy a .45 ACP, not a 40. Or a 40 instead of a 9mm if they can't handle the 45 to get that difference.
In the real world, tenths of inches in difference in diameter and half an inch more penetration is going to be the very last factor likely to decide a gunfight. And the 9mm is more than just "adequate". This kind of discussion almost always devolves into somebody who carries a .45 explaining to .40 fans that the .40 is just "adequate". For whatever it's worth, Dr Gary Roberts has probably tested more service ammunition, reviewed more OIS reports - and is also a reserve LEO - than anybody out there. He has said that given all of that, his choice is a 9mm with standard pressure 147 gr HST. Although if he worked highway patrol, he might choose a 40 instead. Maybe. This is a guy who carried a .45 ACP before transitioning to a .40, and then finally, the 9mm.
Sounds pretty close to me.
I carried a 40. I carried a 9mm. I started out with a .38 Spl Model 10. I wouldn't lose one second of sleep to be armed with any of them as long as they were loaded with modern service ammunition.
If somebody thinks a tenth of an inch extra expansion diameter and half an inch more of penetration is the difference between "adequate" and "superior" - well then, that person should buy a .45 ACP, not a 40. Or a 40 instead of a 9mm if they can't handle the 45 to get that difference.
In the real world, tenths of inches in difference in diameter and half an inch more penetration is going to be the very last factor likely to decide a gunfight. And the 9mm is more than just "adequate". This kind of discussion almost always devolves into somebody who carries a .45 explaining to .40 fans that the .40 is just "adequate". For whatever it's worth, Dr Gary Roberts has probably tested more service ammunition, reviewed more OIS reports - and is also a reserve LEO - than anybody out there. He has said that given all of that, his choice is a 9mm with standard pressure 147 gr HST. Although if he worked highway patrol, he might choose a 40 instead. Maybe. This is a guy who carried a .45 ACP before transitioning to a .40, and then finally, the 9mm.
Sounds pretty close to me.
I carried a 40. I carried a 9mm. I started out with a .38 Spl Model 10. I wouldn't lose one second of sleep to be armed with any of them as long as they were loaded with modern service ammunition.
Dvan34
Member
I guess everyone has their favorite weapon. I bought the .40 Shield and carry it IWB. As many state it has a strong recoil which you no doubt know from your experience with your father's pistol. It is not a pistol that I enjoy shooting because of the recoil. It is jarring. In qualification for former and retired LEOS we are required to shoot around 35 rounds or more. Toward the finish I can't wait to complete the qualification.
One point that might help would be using a lighter .40 SW round a 135 or 165 than the 180. This should reduce the recoil. Carrying a lighter HP defensive round also makes sense to me.
Another point is that the 9mm is not only a lighter round but in most instances allows your magazine to carry a larger capacity. 9mm rounds have also came a long way from when they first came out. Recently the FBI announced that they were looking into going back to the 9mm. Whatever I wish you success. I do like the SW MP Shield.It is a great concealed carry.
One point that might help would be using a lighter .40 SW round a 135 or 165 than the 180. This should reduce the recoil. Carrying a lighter HP defensive round also makes sense to me.
Another point is that the 9mm is not only a lighter round but in most instances allows your magazine to carry a larger capacity. 9mm rounds have also came a long way from when they first came out. Recently the FBI announced that they were looking into going back to the 9mm. Whatever I wish you success. I do like the SW MP Shield.It is a great concealed carry.
The 40 and 9 frames are the exact same.
Take the 40 from your father and if you don't like it, pick up a 9mm Shield barrel AND magazine and you now have a two caliber handgun.
Problem solved.
FYI: this only works for a 40 Shield frame. If someone purchases a 9mm Shield you cannot easily convert it to 40 the same way.
Take the 40 from your father and if you don't like it, pick up a 9mm Shield barrel AND magazine and you now have a two caliber handgun.
Problem solved.
FYI: this only works for a 40 Shield frame. If someone purchases a 9mm Shield you cannot easily convert it to 40 the same way.
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Do you need to worry about the ejector lining up with the smaller diameter casing of a 9mm when converting from a 40cal to 9mm?
Magload
US Veteran
Good luck getting a 9 Shield barrel. If you can find one on EBay you will pay about as much as buying a new 9. This has been discussed on several threads on this forum. You used to be able to get them maybe with the more demand Storm Lake or someone will start making them.
Don't Pull Back the Slide
I believe the original post was concern over someone having trouble pulling back the slide on a pistol. When I give instruction to people who have trouble pulling back the slide, I tell them not to pull the slide. Hold the slide steady with the weak hand and push the frame of the pistol forward with the strong hand. Along with this, I have them concentrate on having a good grip on the pistol (finger off the trigger) before chambering the first round. Of course, there are variations between pistols on how much force is required to chamber a round. For instance, I have found that the 3rd generation Glock 19 pistol requires less force than the original Springfield XD-9. This is one of the reasons a Glock 19 is among the pistols recommended for a new shooter.
I believe the original post was concern over someone having trouble pulling back the slide on a pistol. When I give instruction to people who have trouble pulling back the slide, I tell them not to pull the slide. Hold the slide steady with the weak hand and push the frame of the pistol forward with the strong hand. Along with this, I have them concentrate on having a good grip on the pistol (finger off the trigger) before chambering the first round. Of course, there are variations between pistols on how much force is required to chamber a round. For instance, I have found that the 3rd generation Glock 19 pistol requires less force than the original Springfield XD-9. This is one of the reasons a Glock 19 is among the pistols recommended for a new shooter.
Remember one thing - The M&P .40 was built ground up as a .40 Whereas some other manufactures ( Glock being one that I know of ) started with a 9mm and then adapted to the .40 in the same gun. As a retired machinist I can tell you that when you build something from start to finish as one thing but make another by changing only some of the parts can make for unseen problems , some that are huge and others ( like here in this discussion ) that make only a small difference , but enough to make that difference when your life depends on that change.
Roamingdoc
Member
Arthritis
"..due to arthritis..."
Look, do NOT buy a .40 cal anything if your Dad has arthritis. As a doctor and shooter I will advise the 9mm. I have handled both calibers in this model and, while the grip is very comfortable, you will find:
1. manipulating the slide, 'racking' a round, about the same, perhaps a bit harder with the .40
2. recoil is significant in the .40. The 9mms terminal ballistics are excellent. Less recoil, probably a bit easier to chamber, same grip, same size, a bit lighter when loaded.
Go with the 9mm, you will be happier.
"..due to arthritis..."
Look, do NOT buy a .40 cal anything if your Dad has arthritis. As a doctor and shooter I will advise the 9mm. I have handled both calibers in this model and, while the grip is very comfortable, you will find:
1. manipulating the slide, 'racking' a round, about the same, perhaps a bit harder with the .40
2. recoil is significant in the .40. The 9mms terminal ballistics are excellent. Less recoil, probably a bit easier to chamber, same grip, same size, a bit lighter when loaded.
Go with the 9mm, you will be happier.
