I must have held the Shield and 9c for 20 mins and really couldnt decide. The one thing that was turning me off to the 9c was the shorter grip with the 11 rd mag. I couldnt quite get used to the shorter grip on the 9c when the shield had the 8 rd mag and the 9c had the 11 rd mag. While thats better for concealment, it just didnt feel as good. To try and solve this, i would use the bigger mag with the 9c......but then that would make the 9c grip longer than the shield(thus harder to conceal). How far am i willing to go to dress around the gun?

So thats why i ordered the Shield.

The one thing thats giving me second thoughts is round capacity. I will be taking the TDI handgun course next year and it woukd be nice to have larger mags for the course. One of these two guns will be the one i take with me. Also, the more the merrier if i were actually in a sd situation.

I also own an lc9. This is not the gun i want to take to tdi because of the trigger. I suppose i could just dump the lc9 and grab both the 9c and the Shield lol.

So thats my rant and conundrum. Any thoughts would be welcome. I realize this has probably been covered, but i havent been able to find this condensed in one topic.

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Seems like a no brainer. Dump the LC9 and buy both!

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^^ This.

Personally I'd get the weapon that feels most comfortable to you... and that you are comfortable firing.

In terms of capacity, it shouldn't be much longer before S&W releases spare magazines for the Shield. If you want additional capacity you can always invest in some spare 8 round magazines to carry with you.

Otherwise I agree with the others... consider selling the LC9 and purchase both the Shield and the 9C!

I don't know. I do not see owning both a shield and a 9 or 40c.
Why? Because the compacts are barely bigger than the shield, goes with out saying the shield is barely smaller than the compacts. So, IMO the little bit of weight, and size the compacts have do not make the shield a viable option for me.
The shield is a good gun, (I have held and shot one now) but it doesn't fit. I mean its to big to be a great pocket gun, sure you can "make" it work but there are other options that do work without trying. Its just smaller than the compacts, so I don't see where any advantage is gotten there since, IMO, both will be holstered.
The shield should've been smaller. One less round, shorter grip, and alittle off the end, and this would fit. It would go from a good gun lost with nowhere to go, to a great pocket rocket with the option to use a holster also.

Rent both and run some lead downrange, after 100 rounds each you will have your answer.

__________________
Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

I have a Shield and 9 Compact. My wife had a LC-9 that she carried everyday, and also a 9 Compact. The first time she shot my new Shield she wanted one. We traded the LC-9 the next day on her own Shield. She disliked the LC-9 trigger, plus the fact you had to put the "Safety" on "Fire" to clear the gun. Having both gives you options when it comes to dressing for the weather. The Compact is easy to carry in Winter clothes...easier to conceal in heavier clothing. The Shield is perfect for summer carry...fits in my front pocket of my shorts, carried in a Blackhawk pocket holster. I don't worry too much about magazine capacity. If I can't end the threat with the rounds in the Shield, I doubt if anymore in the Compact would help. Self defense should not turn into an all out gunfight like the OK Corral........

I own both the Shield and the 9c. The Shield is quite a bit slimmer and is a great a carry gun. If you add a full size mag and x-grip adapter the 9c feels like more of a full size 9mm. It also has a rail to add a light/laser. I would get both since they are both great pistols. I dumped my LC9 when I got my Shield and I'm not looking back.

I have a 9c sitting at my LGS waiting on my getting the purchase permit from the state of NC
I went with my wife to the LGS yesterday and although they did not have a shield in the case a salesman let us hold his personal shield. Lets say it will not be hard to get the Shield also after my wife handled it. But she also liked the 9c. Life is good.
I do not think you can go wrong with either. Shooting both is the way to go but there are no Rental shields around it seems.
If you decide to cancel your shield Just put my Name on the line.

In reading this thread and others and also watching youtube I have to wonder just how many Ruger LC9's have been sold or traded in for the Shield. I would go with the Shield, of course I might be bias Perhaps get the compact later, you can never have too many

__________________
John 3:16, Carry Everyday!

I think i agree with what blkpitbull said. They are so close in dimensions, i think it might be a waste having both(owning more guns is never a waste lol)
I keep wanting to love my lc9, but firing a few fast rounds off is way easier on my single action guns. I hear wheelgun guys tend to enjoy the lc9 more.
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I wish I could find a Shield 40 to have second thoughts about. Having said that…. Everything is application driven.

The Shield is a belly gun in a belly gun class (Micro). It is not designed as a duty weapon or even as an all-around carry gun.

TDI is a serious tactical training facility for serious civilians, Police and military. I wouldn’t take a Shield there as my primary weapon. I would use my full size M&P 40 as my primary with my M&P 40C or 1911 as a back-up if something catastrophic happened to my primary.

I won’t be getting rid of my full-size or compact when I get the Shield. It fills a void in the Smith & Wesson product line that is currently filled by my Kahr MK40. (Every handgun I own is a Smith & Wesson with the exception of the Kahr.)

The Compact is as thick as the FS M&Ps in the slide and grip. The Shield's advantage is for IWB carry and for pocket carry for those that have the pockets for it. For me, it will be a year round IWB carry gun as long as it proves itself. I've tried to carry thicker double stack guns and I don't feel like buying pants and shirts a size or two bigger than what I normally wear.

The video ad for the Shield shows people in everyday normal clothes concealing and carrying the Shield and that what it's geared towards. I'll throw an extra mag in a DeSantis Mag-Packer in my front pocket (like I do with my Ultra Carry 1911) if 7+1 rounds don't seem to be enough.....which means I'm in big trouble.

I had a brief conversation with one of the instructors at tdi. He seemed pretty high on the shield, although we didnt talk about it going through the class. I have a .40 xdsc, but am not willing to buy 1800 rounds of .40. He stated, most of them use 9mm anyway. He also mentioned helping out some local trauma professionals shooting pigs and letting them treat them. He said the wounds between the .40 and 9mm were indistinguishable. Thats another topic though. I want to bring the gun im going to carry most often. If that means buying another one later, so be it.

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Buy a full size M&P 9mm or 45 acp get a good holster iwb preferably.Get used to carrying it.The shield to me is more of a backup gun than a primary carry weapon to me.I will always pick a full size over a sub compact or even a compact for daily carry.Not that much harder to conceal,has more ammo capacity and easier to shoot.My back up is a j frame 340 pd carried in a pocket holster on my off side.

Droid:

How big are you? The 9c isn't hard to conceal. What kind of belt and holster are you using because those are critical components to carrying concealed properly.

I'm 5'7" 150lbs. By no means a large person and I can conceal a 9c with extended basepad for my pinky even with a Hanes t-shirt.

To me the shield is just too thin for my tastes. Looks like the premature baby of the full size M&P's on crack.


Exactly.

I've owned a 9c since about 6 months after they were available.

I bought a Shield the week after they were announced. Both are great guns. But to me, different guns for different purposes.

I carry my 9c as an off-duty gun (issued a M&P9). The Shield is my new BUG for when at work. The 9c was just too thick and heavy for the method of carry for my BUG.

The Shield is a sub-compact gun for deeper concealment, that I just happen to be able to shoot like a bigger gun. This is something I can not say about many of the other sub-compact guns I've owned and/or shot.

Personally, I can easily justify owning both.

You might want to rethink this. Not sure you really want to shoot 1800 rounds out of bug while attending a training class. This is why folks often own more than one gun. For example, they may train with a full size 1911 and then carry a compact 1911. Of course, you might sometimes use the compact for training, but not for the lion's share of the work. I'd bring a bigger version of the M&P and then maybe rotate into the Shield for some, but not all, of the training. At the very least I would suggest you talk to the instructor, tell him your plans, and see what he has to say. My guess is you will be buying a full size 9mm M&P.

Ive tried carrying a xd40 4" and just didnt like it. Not comfortable at all. My lc9 is very comfortable. Xdsc40 is pretty comfortable also.

Im 5 9 190lbs, but a fullsize pistola just aint comfy for me. I will only get something i will carry day in and day out.

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I see what ya mean.

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From the FAQ section of TDI website....

"3. Are we really going to shoot that much ammunition?

Maybe, we ask you to bring 1800 rounds for level I through III handgun. Most people will not shoot that much but we have had some shoot more. We allow people to train to their level, if we tell you to shoot 50 rounds and your hands are sore and can only shoot 20 good rounds we would rather see that. No one at TDI will berate you shooting less, its your choice and your body – you know how it feels, we don’t.

That ammunition will not go bad, now you have something to practice with at home.

4. What firearm should I bring to class or what type of firearm should I purchase?

Handguns:

If you do not own a handgun do not purchase one prior to attending class. TDI keeps about 20 firearms on hand for students to use for free. That way you learn what is best for you and what works rather than buying something that is sold to you for one reason or another. TDI DOES NOT sell firearms; we want you to go to your local gun store for the purchase but forewarned is forearmed.

If you have a handgun, bring it, you should train with your firearm, if you have more than one bring several."

Give them a call. Maybe they have a full size M&P they can loan you. My guess is you will be bringing home much of your ammo if all you shoot is the Shield. I can also tell you from my personal pistol journey that the more you shoot, the more you will appreciate a larger platform. When I first began to shoot and purchase pistols all I wanted was small handguns that were easy to conceal. However, when you begin working through drills and going to competitions you quickly realize that your proficiency and enjoyment are enhanced with a bigger pistol.

I had the choice between a compact 9 or the Shield. The compacts do not feel right in my hand. I had both a 9c and a .40c, and sold them both, because I didn't like how they fit me. The grip was too short, and even with the finger extension I had issues with where the back of the grip hit my palm. The Shield is about the same size, but the slimness of the gun/grip fits my hand much better. I also have a full-size 9 that I occasionally carry when it's cooler, but for the warmer months, the Shield is an ideal primary CC weapon for me. I don't find the 8+1 round capacity to be a handicap, just as I didn't when I used to carry a 3913 20-odd years ago when I was LEO. And now that I'm not LEO, I only need worry about my own protection, and that of my family. 8+1 with a back up mag should do what I need it to do.

__________________
Gary

Really depends on what you are looking for. Both are great guns and both are easily concealable but the shield just disappears so its a bit better for cc.

I have no plans to dump my LC9 for the Shield, especially since I would take a loss on the LC9. The Shield looks nice, but the LC9 is smaller and lighter, and those two characteristics are what I care about when choosing a carry gun. Every ounce does matter. I frequently carry my LC9 in my pocket, and the one belt holster i DO have for it rarely gets used. What does the Shield get you that the LC9 does not? A slightly better trigger? It's an up close personal defense gun, not a target gun. At 10 yards I can dump all 8 rounds into a paper plate with my LC9. Not having to take the Shield off safe to rack the slide? I LIKE that feature on my LC9. An ignorant person who ever got a hold of it wouldn't be able to rack a round in.

The Shield looks nice, but the LC9 is a better choice for me.

A weapon used for carry should ALWAYS have a round in the chamber, thus the safety on the LC-9 isn't as safe as the Shield thumb safety. The Shield has a much better trigger, better sights, no magazine safety, and carries more rounds. Ruger had a good idea, S&W just made it better........

The trigger on the Shield is more than slightly better. I dumped my LC9 because I shoot my Shield much more accurately.

I'm not harping on the lc9 too much. I just would prefer a single action over the double action all the time. I shoot pretty well with it though.

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I'm totally with ya on the 9c grip. The length of grip and width made it feel like I couldn't grip it well. I too, believe the thinness of the shields grip is what makes it feel better. I don't have small hands either.

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Was mulling over what I would sell my lc9 for. I was thinking 370 bucks for the lc9 with lasermax, spare mag and Crossbreed style holster. I would be losing my money on the spare mag and holster, but I could live with that.

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When I carry, it always does have a round in the chamber. When it's in the safe with the other guns, chamber is clear and safety is on with mag in gun. When I do to carry it, I drop the safety and rack the slide, then re-safe it to carry. And while the Shield does have a better trigger, it's heavier and bigger, and the better trigger is moot in a short range self defense situation. Don't think the bad guy is gonna measure my groups in his chest. If the Shield was the same size and weight( or lighter) than the LC9, I'd sell the LC9 for it, but for me, concealed carry is all about weight and size. Why do you think the Airweight and Airlight revolvers are such bigg sellers. A 3 ounce savings is a big difference. And I like the mag safety. Big reason why I got the LC9.

You're gonna be out over $150 to trade for a gun that is bigger and heavier, and offers nothing more than a slightly smoother trigger. it's your choice, bu with the extra mags and holster, you're invested in the LC9. I've taken losses on guns before, but not to buy a gun that doesn't offer me something more over what I already have.

I used to carry my S&W 642 daily until I bought my Shield. I prefer the 9 rounds of 9mm in my Shield against the 5 rounds of .38 Special in my 642. They both go in the same pocket of my shorts, and the weight difference for me isn't a problem...I have a good Wilderness belt to hold my pants up.

I'm going to sell my LC9 because of the trigger - It sucks compared to the Shield's trigger, IMO. Figure around $300 with the extra mag I bought as they are showing up at the LGS's around here for that price.

As you know, you will loose money ever time you trade or sale and the more stuff you add into the deal (Mags, holsters, lasers, etc.), the more money you will loose...

Maybe I'll just hold onto it and do the Galloway Precision trigger bar and hammer mod.

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I too thought about that - I'm still on the waiting list for those parts. And, several have reported issues - Seems like many of the Galloway kits out there now have the owners working as Beta Testers - No thanks.

Don't read me wrong - I love my LC9 but dislike the trigger...

You could also check out the trigger systems at rtk-holsters.
(interesting that a holster maker did an LC9 trigger mod)

Excuse me a minute... this is a typo, right? They shoot the pigs, and then treat them for their injuries?

Apparently a pigs flesh is very similar to ours. Good for simulating human trauma.

It's a win -win situation. If you saved a pig, you did your job. If he didn't make it, you get bacon for breakfast!

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My guess is there would be more traded if there were more shields available at our LGS. I should be picking mine up later this week! I never bought an LC9, but I do have an LCP w/crimson trace which I shoot pretty accurately. I didn't mind the DAO trigger on the LCP, but didn't want 2 guns with that action. Glad S&W came through with the Shield!!

If the self defense situation isn't resolved by the time you empty the Shield, you may need a Tommy Gun. I'm betting you are going to really like the Shield.

I am sticking with the Shield. Just don't know what the future holds for me lc9

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Keeping a gun that will never be used is 100% loss in my view. Better to sell it at a loss for something you want. My guess is Ruger will be upgrading the LC9 to compete with the Shield making it worth less as time goes by.

I say bring the gun you intend to carry to the training course. Put your ego aside and learn something about the gun you carry. If you intend to carry the shield, bring that. You'll either get good with it or learn that this gun is not worth carrying.

You absolutely DO NOT want that Shield... you hear!

You DO NOT want it!

SELL IT TO ME!

Lol. Lord knows when I'll get it.

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I have both the 9c and a Shield. To me the 9c is more comfortable in hand and is easy to conceal. Shooting the two side by side the 9c is a little more controlable due to the slightly wider grip. Accuracy wise they a nearly equal with the edge again going to the 9c. The Shield with it's thin grip is very susceptable to how much or how little trigger finger you use. The main advantage for the Shield is ease of carry, especially in warm weather. I like my Shield and after a couple range sessions with it feel comfortable carrying it. If I had to choose one it would be the 9c but I'm happy owning both.

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