I’m a newbie. Only have a Shield Plus and not excited about spending money on any more guns. BUT, recently I came to the conclusion I’d be more comfortable if I had a 2nd/backup handgun for both conceal carry and home protection, in case my Shield Plus is in the shop (happened recently) or so other family members always have access to one for home defense. First thought was a 2nd Shield Plus, but then read that a lot of people use the 15 round M&P Compact as an all around solution. Anybody have thoughts on these 2 options or have a better suggestion for a 2nd/backup handgun?
2nd/backup handgun after Shield Plus
- Thread starter pjsabella
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What gun do you want? I'd be tempted to just get a reasonable sized handgun that I enjoy shooting (like the compact, Glock 19, CZ whatever, etc.) and deal with carry being slightly more annoying (don't worry, its still super doable) than with the plus if you're ever without the plus again.
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OldCop and I seldom disagree, but unless you have a specific reason to try something different another Shield Plus means you can use the same mags and holsters if your concern about repair downtime comes to pass.
Both seem to be good guns. For someone who is just getting started keeping it simple has a lot of value.
Both seem to be good guns. For someone who is just getting started keeping it simple has a lot of value.
WK1025
Member
I agree with the others who said another Shield plus, especially with the 13 round mag. Also you might want to consider one of the older Shield models. You will need different mags but the cost is quite a bit less to purchase esp. a good used one and all my accessories except mags will interchange (holsters and lights, sights)
good luck.
good luck.
Get another Shield Plus...
If you're that concerned, it makes the most sense to me that you get another Shield Plus. As stated above, all accessories will fit. If you haven't noticed, those 13-rd magazines take a little breaking in- the spring is very strong and getting that 13th round into the magazine (even with a Maglula loader) takes some work. I loaded and unloaded all of my 13-rd magazines with 13 rounds a few times, and then loaded them and let them sit in the safe for a while to let the springs compress a little. BTW: To me, carry guns and home defense guns are totally different animals. For carry, I have a Performance Center 9mm Shield Plus, and my backup carry gun is a Model 642 revolver. I do keep a full-size M&P .45 with Nightstick TWM-850XLS light in the nightstand for home defense. Just my 2 cents. Good hunting!
If you're that concerned, it makes the most sense to me that you get another Shield Plus. As stated above, all accessories will fit. If you haven't noticed, those 13-rd magazines take a little breaking in- the spring is very strong and getting that 13th round into the magazine (even with a Maglula loader) takes some work. I loaded and unloaded all of my 13-rd magazines with 13 rounds a few times, and then loaded them and let them sit in the safe for a while to let the springs compress a little. BTW: To me, carry guns and home defense guns are totally different animals. For carry, I have a Performance Center 9mm Shield Plus, and my backup carry gun is a Model 642 revolver. I do keep a full-size M&P .45 with Nightstick TWM-850XLS light in the nightstand for home defense. Just my 2 cents. Good hunting!
Bumpus13
Member
A good many of us here were in your shoes at one point. (myself included) While there is definitely something to be said for uniformity, I’ll add a contrasting voice. After all, variety has its benefits as well.
Different firearms serve different purposes, and having options (size, caliber, etc…) can be of benefit as well. In times like we’re experiencing now, limiting oneself to a single option can be problematic if you aren’t able to obtain sufficient ammunition to continue practicing in order to maintain proficiency. After all, if you NEED to use it, then you NEED to hit your target.
Now, initially, this can seem to be somewhat of a daunting financial issue. However, you don’t necessarily have to buy everything immediately. Adding supplies a bit at a time is how the vast majority of us have accumulated our collections - whether they be quite large or much more modest in size.
Perhaps something in a K-frame revolver would be a good choice for a 2nd handgun. If so, I’d lean toward a 4” barreled .357 Magnum specimen. (The 4” is a good all around barrel length - easily long enough for accuracy, yet still concealable) The obvious benefit here allows two more calibers as options … .357 Mag for plenty of power, or .38 Special as a lighter recoiling (yet still quite effective) option. S&W Models 19 (blued) or 66 (stainless) offer this with adjustable rear sights, while Models 13 (blued) or 65 (stainless) feature a fixed rear sight.
I own all 4 of these options, and highly recommend them. (However, my personal 19 & 66 have 6” barrels)
Whatever you choose, you should probably know that when you add a second firearm to your possession - well, they tend to start multiplying from there.
pic below is M13, M19, M65, M66, M686 (the M686 is a great gun as well, but is a bit larger sized frame and somewhat heavier)
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hyena
Member
I'm in the snub nose revolver camp as your second gun. Two reasons:
1. You said it could serve as a backup concealed carry piece.
2. The other family members may not have any proficiency with handguns. I don't know whether they do or don't. But in a crisis anybody can shoot a revolver. The snubbies are very difficult to master, but not hard to point and shoot at bad breath distance.
Be warned. Once you start carrying a snub nose, your Shield Plus might become the backup.
1. You said it could serve as a backup concealed carry piece.
2. The other family members may not have any proficiency with handguns. I don't know whether they do or don't. But in a crisis anybody can shoot a revolver. The snubbies are very difficult to master, but not hard to point and shoot at bad breath distance.
Be warned. Once you start carrying a snub nose, your Shield Plus might become the backup.
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Depends on how much it will be a backup vs how much it will be a second gun. And there are a lot of choices between something that is strictly a backup and something purchased with no regard to what you already own. The best pure backup would be another Shield exactly like the one you already own.
From what you described I think your first thought would be your best choice. But maybe get one with a different barrel length. If you already own the 3.1 inch model get the 4 inch version and use the 3.1 for carry and the 4.0 for home defense.
The only accessory that would be unique would be a holster for the 4 inch gun. The magazines would be the same and you would not need to buy different types of ammo. The 4 inch model would have a little less recoil due to the extra weight and the longer sight radius would make it a bit easier to shoot accurate. Having 2 Shields mean you would not have to practice or train with different types of guns. Shooting a DA revolver is a lot different than shooting a Shield. Learning how to shoot one type of handgun well is hard enough without adding a gun with a completely different manual of arms or trigger into the mix.
From what you described I think your first thought would be your best choice. But maybe get one with a different barrel length. If you already own the 3.1 inch model get the 4 inch version and use the 3.1 for carry and the 4.0 for home defense.
The only accessory that would be unique would be a holster for the 4 inch gun. The magazines would be the same and you would not need to buy different types of ammo. The 4 inch model would have a little less recoil due to the extra weight and the longer sight radius would make it a bit easier to shoot accurate. Having 2 Shields mean you would not have to practice or train with different types of guns. Shooting a DA revolver is a lot different than shooting a Shield. Learning how to shoot one type of handgun well is hard enough without adding a gun with a completely different manual of arms or trigger into the mix.
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CGhelofxr
Member
I have a shield for concealed carry with 3 spare magazines. For times when it is appropriate I carry a M&P9c with two 15 round spares. And for bedside a 5 inch M&P.
The controls are the same. No fumbling with different makes or models so that if SHTF I will have a familiar feel and not have to think about which pistol I have.
So in other words give yourself options for changing situations.
The controls are the same. No fumbling with different makes or models so that if SHTF I will have a familiar feel and not have to think about which pistol I have.
So in other words give yourself options for changing situations.
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If money is an issue try to find an older shield 2.0, if they can be found near the 200$ mark. Otherwise a 15 round compact of almost manufacturer will work and be a better range pistol. Or a shield 45. Or be blasphemous and get a Taurus gx4.
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Welcome aboard from coastal North Carolina.
The M&P series are fine handguns.
For a second home defense weapon that is easy of the pocketbook, I'd opt for a S&W model SD9VE with 16 round mags rather than the older SW9VE with 10 round mags.
Check the classified section here on the forum or one of the auction sites.
The M&P series are fine handguns.
For a second home defense weapon that is easy of the pocketbook, I'd opt for a S&W model SD9VE with 16 round mags rather than the older SW9VE with 10 round mags.
Check the classified section here on the forum or one of the auction sites.
wormraper
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I'd also get a 2nd shield plus. Get one in the 4 inch barrel as you'll have the same mags and accessories, but the extra barrel length will make it shoot like a bigger gun for home defense.
southchatham
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I would suggest you not worry about a second gun at this Point. Just get used to it and practice with the gun you have.
And if you really feel you need another one I would suggest a full-size.
And if you really feel you need another one I would suggest a full-size.
youngolddude
Member
I would get another Shield for CC. For home, I would suggest a shotgun.
sousana
Member
It may just be me, but I prefer my PC and my BUG be able to use the same mags.
PC since 1981 is the Colt 1911a1 platform, full sized and Metaloyed
BUG since 1981 is the Colt 1911a1 Officers platform, metaloyed.
Currently my PC is the Kimber Raptor 5", Metaloyed
BUG currently is either a Colt Officers or a Kimber Ultra Raptor, Metaloyed.
PC since 1981 is the Colt 1911a1 platform, full sized and Metaloyed
BUG since 1981 is the Colt 1911a1 Officers platform, metaloyed.
Currently my PC is the Kimber Raptor 5", Metaloyed
BUG currently is either a Colt Officers or a Kimber Ultra Raptor, Metaloyed.
Personally, I see no sense in a compact handgun for use around your residence, except any weapon is better than none. You only need four magazines or so, and a holster. That’s not a big expense and a bigger gun has advantages over a compact model, IMO. Contrarily, compactness in a handgun has no significant advantage in a home defense weapon. I would suggest the M&P 15-round model, or the full-size M&P - with controls similar to your Shield. I’m no great fan of a shotgun in this case, unless you are willing to put in the time and expense to learn it.
