AZretired
Member
I'll stick with my J frames. BTW who says the Shield is more accurate?
J frame or Shield
- Thread starter Axis223
- Start date
Chief Wiggums
Member
Big hands -> Shield is eliminated & swapped out for :
M&P 2.0 Compact (sku 11688) has a larger footprint than the Shield, yet , comfortable for all day carry.
9M 15+1
Bottom line
whatever suits you best , whatever provides you the highest level of confidence , is the answer.
M&P 2.0 Compact (sku 11688) has a larger footprint than the Shield, yet , comfortable for all day carry.
9M 15+1
Bottom line
whatever suits you best , whatever provides you the highest level of confidence , is the answer.
Biggfoot44
Member
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Even though I like revolvers , I have to say the Shield is quite accurate for a subcompact poly 9mm .
But multiple options not offered :
Carry J frame And Shield .
Carry larger than J revolver
Carry larger than Shield semi
But multiple options not offered :
Carry J frame And Shield .
Carry larger than J revolver
Carry larger than Shield semi
No offense
No offense to Axis223, perhaps redo the poll with more options like Biggfot44 suggested. The option of carrying the shield with the j frame is interesting. I often carry a N frame revolver in 44 with a j frame. I've also been know to carry a N frame 44 with a Glock 27.
No offense to Axis223, perhaps redo the poll with more options like Biggfot44 suggested. The option of carrying the shield with the j frame is interesting. I often carry a N frame revolver in 44 with a j frame. I've also been know to carry a N frame 44 with a Glock 27.
Recusant
Member
IMO the advantage the Shield has over the snubs is the ease of reloading. An extra mag loads faster than a stip. I carry a Ruger SP101 when I walk the dog, or if I'm out in the woods. The Shield is easier to conceal during the summer than a revolver.
Have had a 9mm shield for several years now. CC only once or twice.
Rather have my J or K frame RB.
Rather have my J or K frame RB.
I've got to admit that the two shootings a few days ago got me wondering about this very question. I'm *reasonably* sure I'm going with one of my single-stack 3rd Gen 9mms (3913, 3914, 908) or my 6906. I have the Shield in 9 and 45, but those Gen 3's, the 3913 in particular, have just been so doggone reliable that I'd be lying if I said I have the same level of confidence in everything in the safe. I'll still have the Kahr 380 in my pocket, because why not, and the Chiefs will still be good for the ATV ride down to the mailbox.
photoman
Member
Go ahead and carry the Shield but keep carrying your J frame too so that you will have it when the Shield jams. ROFL
fredj338
Member
FOr all those that really think a 5shot J frame is enough, go shoot your j-frame in a local idpa match just once. Even in a 2-3 target per stage match, you quickly see just how fast your 5shots go. even if you connect with all of them. Then you have a poor club. JMO, I keep thinking it would be nice to AIWB a revo but 5, even 6 shots, virtually no reload, no thx. You do not even need an active shooter scenario, just more than one attacker armed or not.
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cd228
Member
If the Shield is too small for your hands, I'd look at a S&W 3913, M&P 9mm C (the old 12 round version), or a SIG 239. All will get you higher capacity, the ability to mount night sights or other high vis sights, longer sight radius, etc. Or you could look at the M&P 2.0 Compact 3.6, Glock 26 or the new SIG X-compact. I'd recommend asking your shooting buddies what they have available and try shooting some of their pistols until you find one that you can shoot accurately.
I'd also recommend getting some targets that have marked vital areas and use them for accuracy comparison.
I'd also recommend getting some targets that have marked vital areas and use them for accuracy comparison.
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Shield with a Magguts spring all the way.
I have four 5-shot j-frames, but my EDC is an LC9 - so the Shield gets my vote. I can and do pocket carry it or carry it in an IWB holster at 3 o'clock or carry it in a inner breast pocket of my vest.
The 38 and 9mm are roughly equivalent in ballistic terms and 7+1>5
In terms of additional capacity my philosophy is
"It's better to have and not need than to need and not have..."
Besides, a carry gun gets beat up, and I'd rather see a cheap, easily replaceable plastic fantastic take the beating instead of one of my classic S&Ws
The 38 and 9mm are roughly equivalent in ballistic terms and 7+1>5
In terms of additional capacity my philosophy is
"It's better to have and not need than to need and not have..."
Besides, a carry gun gets beat up, and I'd rather see a cheap, easily replaceable plastic fantastic take the beating instead of one of my classic S&Ws
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Since 1976, I have carried either a K frame or S&W auto with an S&W airweight snub as a backup. Currently, I prefer a 3913 and a custom 642. The way your poll is phrased I'd prefer the snub. I have a lot of practice shooting a revolver. If that weren't the case, I might go with the Shield. I do own and shoot a Gen 1 Shield with the Apex trigger but i still prefer the 3913.
Force me to choose between those two and I will choose the J-frame. Just more versatility and easy-peasy to pocket carry. I can stoke it with anything from tgt wadcutters to fire-snorting Buff Bore/Underwood ammo.
Might want to add a Crimson Trace laser grip to it, though. IMO, the CTLG is THE killer app for the J-frame. Beats any tritium night sight setup for low-light shooting. And be sure to pack a speed strip with it.
The Shield seems a rather small step up from the J-frame to have to pay the belt holster penalty. If I am going to gear up with a holster, I want what I have holstered to be worth the effort. For me that means, at minimum, a snubby K-frame. More likely one of my 1911s: OACP, CDR, or GM. Many other good belt-holster handguns out there with more capability than J-frame or Shield.
Also, I think folk get the impression that it will be CCW-er going toe-to-toe vs rifle-armed mass murderer. Eff that, sideways. Sure, you might roll snake eyes and that is what you must face, but if I have ANY time/distance to work with, my first action will be to preserve my hide and the hides of my family. Get off the X and seek cover/concealment. Then see about engaging the mass-murderer. Preferably from a position with cover and with support, head shots at 25 yards are no big whoop with my SW638, especially if I shoot SA.
In any case--J-frame, Shield, or other--being armed increases your chance of survival.
Might want to add a Crimson Trace laser grip to it, though. IMO, the CTLG is THE killer app for the J-frame. Beats any tritium night sight setup for low-light shooting. And be sure to pack a speed strip with it.
The Shield seems a rather small step up from the J-frame to have to pay the belt holster penalty. If I am going to gear up with a holster, I want what I have holstered to be worth the effort. For me that means, at minimum, a snubby K-frame. More likely one of my 1911s: OACP, CDR, or GM. Many other good belt-holster handguns out there with more capability than J-frame or Shield.
Also, I think folk get the impression that it will be CCW-er going toe-to-toe vs rifle-armed mass murderer. Eff that, sideways. Sure, you might roll snake eyes and that is what you must face, but if I have ANY time/distance to work with, my first action will be to preserve my hide and the hides of my family. Get off the X and seek cover/concealment. Then see about engaging the mass-murderer. Preferably from a position with cover and with support, head shots at 25 yards are no big whoop with my SW638, especially if I shoot SA.
In any case--J-frame, Shield, or other--being armed increases your chance of survival.
Fastbolt
Member
I remember a time when it wasn't uncommon to hear that competition shooters used their full-size revolvers and pistols for competition, but carried snub nose revolvers away from the range.
I remember not too long ago when you could talk to LE firearms instructors and find that while they liked their hi-cap duty weapons while working, the snub nose revolver was the most commonly carried off-duty weapon?
The common response to asking an experienced LE instructor why "just" a snub? Because it was considered generally adequate against potentially encountering 1 or 2 attackers while off-duty.
What's changed?
Now, OP ...
If you can't experience consistently good accuracy when shooting your J-frame, and you're unable to consistently obtain a firm and solid grasp of the little Shield because of the size of your hands?
Well, maybe you need to look at something other than a J-frame or a Shield.
Or, maybe you need to get some training and learn how to shoot the snub better. Or go ahead and try the different holster (but that won't change the size of the grip frame).
While there are times when I'll still belt on one of my larger guns for retirement CCW, more often than not I still prefer to pocket holster one of my J-frames. I invested some years of the range time I worked as a LE firearms instructor in running my snubs in training conditions and drills. Whether it was the typical 3-11yd, 3-15yd or 3-25yd courses-of-fire (depending on the courses being used at the time), or just checking my basics by shooting paper or steel silhouettes out to 35-50yds with my DA/DAO snubs, I worked to maintain skill with them.
If I can't fit a snub into the short and tight front pocket of some particular jeans? Well, that's why I eventually picked up a couple of LCP's. They saw range and qual time in the same drills and qual courses as the snubs saw.
The main difference, for me, is that while I found the LCP .380's were a bit more difficult to run out at 35+yds. Then again, I don't carry one of the LCP's expecting to ever use one to try and engage an active shooter at longer distances.
Capacity is fine, if that's a concern. It's not so much of one to me.
If you can't get a good grasp/grip on the gun, though, or you can't get consistently good accuracy, it might be the gun/shooter "interface", or it might be the shooter's skill. Figure out what needs to be addressed and how to best address and resolve it.
Just some thoughts.
I remember not too long ago when you could talk to LE firearms instructors and find that while they liked their hi-cap duty weapons while working, the snub nose revolver was the most commonly carried off-duty weapon?
The common response to asking an experienced LE instructor why "just" a snub? Because it was considered generally adequate against potentially encountering 1 or 2 attackers while off-duty.
What's changed?
Now, OP ...
If you can't experience consistently good accuracy when shooting your J-frame, and you're unable to consistently obtain a firm and solid grasp of the little Shield because of the size of your hands?
Well, maybe you need to look at something other than a J-frame or a Shield.
Or, maybe you need to get some training and learn how to shoot the snub better. Or go ahead and try the different holster (but that won't change the size of the grip frame).
While there are times when I'll still belt on one of my larger guns for retirement CCW, more often than not I still prefer to pocket holster one of my J-frames. I invested some years of the range time I worked as a LE firearms instructor in running my snubs in training conditions and drills. Whether it was the typical 3-11yd, 3-15yd or 3-25yd courses-of-fire (depending on the courses being used at the time), or just checking my basics by shooting paper or steel silhouettes out to 35-50yds with my DA/DAO snubs, I worked to maintain skill with them.
If I can't fit a snub into the short and tight front pocket of some particular jeans? Well, that's why I eventually picked up a couple of LCP's. They saw range and qual time in the same drills and qual courses as the snubs saw.
The main difference, for me, is that while I found the LCP .380's were a bit more difficult to run out at 35+yds. Then again, I don't carry one of the LCP's expecting to ever use one to try and engage an active shooter at longer distances.
Capacity is fine, if that's a concern. It's not so much of one to me.
If you can't get a good grasp/grip on the gun, though, or you can't get consistently good accuracy, it might be the gun/shooter "interface", or it might be the shooter's skill. Figure out what needs to be addressed and how to best address and resolve it.
Just some thoughts.
Squarebutt
Member
I own a 642-1 and carry it often, but in some situations it would be inferior to almost any autoloader, assuming comparable ammo strength. In a street robbery at close range with one or two adversaries it's fine.
But in a mall or other open area with no avenue of escape, a Shield with a spare magazine or two is a much better choice. I recently bought a Shield .45 and I'm finding it easy to carry and easier to to hit targets with, especially at a distance. It's not too small to grip, and my glove size is XXL. Here in MA concealment is critical, as a glimpse of your holstered pistol will almost certainly result in a call to police. The Shield conceals better than any double-stack gun.
I'll never get rid of my J-frames, but I think the Shield will earn a place. Just one man's opinion.
But in a mall or other open area with no avenue of escape, a Shield with a spare magazine or two is a much better choice. I recently bought a Shield .45 and I'm finding it easy to carry and easier to to hit targets with, especially at a distance. It's not too small to grip, and my glove size is XXL. Here in MA concealment is critical, as a glimpse of your holstered pistol will almost certainly result in a call to police. The Shield conceals better than any double-stack gun.
I'll never get rid of my J-frames, but I think the Shield will earn a place. Just one man's opinion.
snowman.45
Member
When I entered law enforcement in 1977, the standard back-up and off-duty carry for most of us was a S&W J-frame (usually a Model 36 or 60) or Colt Det. Special (or Agent , Cobra, etc.). I carried a J-frame for a vast majority of my off-duty carry, while carrying a Model 28-2 or Model 19 until the semi-autos came along. At that time, they were the S&W 645/4506 and 4516. I carried the 4516 or a 3913 off-duty after that. Then, it was Glocks, Sigs and Glocks again until I retired in 2014.
Most of these years in two departments, I was a firearms instructor, which gave me a lot of time and opportunity to work with my carry guns. I felt complete confidence in the J-frames, as well as the compact S/A S&Ws and compact Glocks. Regardless, I always carried reloads; strips or speed loaders for the J's and at least one magazine for the S/A's.
The point in my age and nostalgia-driven ramble, is that either will serve you well, depending on your needs and what you can consistently shoot and conceal well. Statistically, it's not likely that you'll ever need to use your gun. If you do, it's most likely going to be within bad breath range and result in 2-3 shots fired. But you know how statistics work. They tend to show the most usual circumstances and don't cover every potential situation.
To get back to the question at hand, I carry a compact, single-stack semi-auto most often; usually a Shield in 9mm or .45 ACP and always with at least one reload. At times, i will carry either my M&P 340 or one of my 640's with Buffalo Bore 158 gr. .38+P SWCLHP loads and a speed strip or speed loader. However, with the current state of affairs, there may be times when we all find that we are headed into an area or situation where the potential for an armed encounter could be greater. In those times a Shield 9mm, even with MagGuts 9 or 10 rounds may seem pretty thin in terms of security.
My response to that "bad feeling" has been to carry a M&P 2.0 9mm compact with the 3.6" barrel. It's very little bigger than the Shield with the extended magazine in height and width. It's a little wider, but not terribly and it has a 15+1 capacity. It conceals nicely IWB and helps to restore that sense of security when conditions or circumstances are not optimal.
For me, most days I'm well served with Shield or similar (Glock 43/43X). The longer I'm retired (5 years now) the more I find it very rare that I get that feeling that the Shield or J-frame might not be enough.
Most of these years in two departments, I was a firearms instructor, which gave me a lot of time and opportunity to work with my carry guns. I felt complete confidence in the J-frames, as well as the compact S/A S&Ws and compact Glocks. Regardless, I always carried reloads; strips or speed loaders for the J's and at least one magazine for the S/A's.
The point in my age and nostalgia-driven ramble, is that either will serve you well, depending on your needs and what you can consistently shoot and conceal well. Statistically, it's not likely that you'll ever need to use your gun. If you do, it's most likely going to be within bad breath range and result in 2-3 shots fired. But you know how statistics work. They tend to show the most usual circumstances and don't cover every potential situation.
To get back to the question at hand, I carry a compact, single-stack semi-auto most often; usually a Shield in 9mm or .45 ACP and always with at least one reload. At times, i will carry either my M&P 340 or one of my 640's with Buffalo Bore 158 gr. .38+P SWCLHP loads and a speed strip or speed loader. However, with the current state of affairs, there may be times when we all find that we are headed into an area or situation where the potential for an armed encounter could be greater. In those times a Shield 9mm, even with MagGuts 9 or 10 rounds may seem pretty thin in terms of security.
My response to that "bad feeling" has been to carry a M&P 2.0 9mm compact with the 3.6" barrel. It's very little bigger than the Shield with the extended magazine in height and width. It's a little wider, but not terribly and it has a 15+1 capacity. It conceals nicely IWB and helps to restore that sense of security when conditions or circumstances are not optimal.
For me, most days I'm well served with Shield or similar (Glock 43/43X). The longer I'm retired (5 years now) the more I find it very rare that I get that feeling that the Shield or J-frame might not be enough.
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Shield vs J Frame
I chose the Shield. That was tough, and could have gone either way. I love J frames. I love them. However, I just bought a Shield myself. So I voted for the Shield.
The reality is however, you can't go wrong either way.
I chose the Shield. That was tough, and could have gone either way. I love J frames. I love them. However, I just bought a Shield myself. So I voted for the Shield.
The reality is however, you can't go wrong either way.
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