Hey guys - got a tough choice and was hoping for some feedback. My LGS has a new full-size M&P .40 available w/3 mags for $469 (monthly special). Or I can get the Shield .40 for $429 (w/standard 2 mags). I'm not sure which way to go, but here are some factors I'm considering:

I'm somewhat concerned about the Shield .40 mag drop issues, although I hear that it was limited to early release guns (any recent updates to confirm this?).

I already have a Shield .9mm (my CCW) which I love and is a great shooter. But, I also have a full-size .40 Glock for HD. The idea of buying the full-size M&P 40 and a .9mm "conversion" barrel from Midway is a real incentive (2 different calibers for only $70 = win).

However, I would probably use a Shield .40 as my new CCW (an upgrade in caliber w/ good concealment). So as you can see there are advantages to having either. I am very happy with my Shield 9mm, and would be disappointed if the new .40 Shield didn't perform equally as well in all aspects. The full-size M&P 40 has outstanding reviews and a proven track record.

This forum has a wealth of knowledge and I highly regard any opinions/recommendations that members have. Thanks for any feedback.

That is a very good price.

You have the tools needed to do the job and you are already comfortable with them. I really don't buy into the caliber debates... 9mm, 40 & 45 it all gets the job done.

If I had my CCW and FS HD firearm I would look outside those practicalities.

My guess is that you have some disposable income and love guns... I just don't see the point in getting another FS or CCW if you are happy with what you have.

Have you considered the M&P 22 or 15-22 as a fun range gun? Maybe a revolver? Start an AR build? Get one of those great Ruger target 22 pistols? How about a 1911 for the collection?

I am funneling my disposable income into an AR build myself. I have an M&P 22 for training and cheap range use and my 40c which I consider to be the multi-tool of the S&W M&P lineup.

I agree with WBlacklidge here. I have my Shield 9 for CCW and my Glock 30 for HD. I am now starting to collect the range toys. Just purchased a Dan Wesson 15-2 .357 with the 6" barrel and target sites at an estate auction (had never been fired..) and am still looking for a .41 magnum and .44 magnum to go with it. I would like a .40 at some point but it is low on the list right now.

Thanks for the feedback. I have several other guns (ARs, revolvers, etc.) as well as the M&P22 (very fun to shoot). I really wanted to add an additional .40 cal to the collection which is why I've narrowed it down to the the Shield or the full-size M&P (great price)

Ha! Well it looks like you have a lot of toys!

Given that new information... M&P 40 with 9mm barrel!

Despite my wife's approval

My Shield 40 was built in Feb and does not have the drop issue. Everything was perfect about the gun, but I went ahead and did the Apex trigger mod anyway, because I like less trigger pull. Also I have the AmeriGlo tritium sights. Had another range day yesterday and a friend of mine, who knows his stuff, shot the Shield, looked at me and couldn't believe how sweet it was. "THIS is a nice shooting gun" he said.

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M&P-9FS,Shield40,642,32ColtPPS

The Shield .40 mag drop issue has long been fixed. I dont recall any of the newer ones coming out with a mag issue. Also mine is one of the older Shield .40's and i'm still yet to have any problems with mine at all. I'm sure i've put far too many rounds through mine to say its well broken in by now.

With that being said, i really dont see either weapon being a bad choice. The question would be, what is your main intentions of this weapon. If its for a CCW, i'd go with the Shield. If its for OC, home SD or just for range, i'd go with the standard .40.

I just don't see the point in 22 pistol fun gun. I practice with what's in my EDC rotation. I do see a valid use w/22's regards to a pre-teen learning to shoot. Maybe I agree w/why another Shield but that FS 40 special price is better than good, it's a no brainer.

LOL, now that I'm retired military I have no desire for Sport Utility Rifles, aka Assault Weapons that have the cosmetic appearance of military rifles. IMO, either folks are civilians I want to play Soldier, or the Veteran & Retirees just can't let go. On the other hand, I fully support the 2A, including the right to Assault Weapons (that really needs a different name) & despise those states with anti-gun ban legislation stupidity. God Bless Texas!

OP, do not pass go. Grab the NIB FS 40 w/3 mags for $469. Some deals can not / should not be passed up, IMO. If, I came across the same great price on a NIB FS M&P 45, even though already own a Gen4 Glock 30, I'd buy it a heartbeat. ... just say'n

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Shield40&9C w/ApexDCAEK/TFO's

Sir, almost a year ago I had a Shield .40S&W that had a PITA, unwanted mag drop. Fact! Even after the suppose mag fix I sold it. Since owning & very pleased w/recently purchased used 9C (test fire date 2011) I'm much happier with M&P, even though it took an Apex DCAEK, which provided a more pronounced & shorter reset, and resulted in < 5lb trigger pull. I digress.

Last week purchased a NIB Shield .40S&W (test fire date 5/8/13) w/one 6+1 & one 7+1 mags for $449. Already been to the range and did great w/one-handed shots w/o a single malfxn. I did buy two more M&P 7rnd mags, which are very easy to have on person.

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Shield40&9C w/ApexDCAEK/TFO's

That $469 is a GREAT deal on the FS with three mags. Snap it up.

P.S., I carry a FS .40 concealed with no problems, so this gun could do both for you, but since you already have both, it's really more of a matter of what you prefer. I have shot the Shield .40 and it's only a little bit snappier than the FS. Nice gun. My only problem with it is that it only carries 6+1 or 7+1 vs. 15+1 for the FS.


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I have a Shield 40, 4.25" M&P40, 5" M&P40L CORE, do you see a trend here. I carry the Shield the most, but I like to carry the 4.25" FS 40 also either on my hip, or in a shoulder rig.