Markmontana
Member
So I took a couple of my Shields to the range today. They were both Plus versions, one in 9mm and one in 30 Super Carry. There is a lot being posted on the internet about the 30SC and how it compares to 9mm for defensive duty — some positive some negative. So, I thought I would do my own “shoot-off”. For 9mm I was shooting S&B 124 FMJ and 124 HST. For 30SC I ran the federal 100 FMJ and Remington 100 HTP hollow point. Here are my observations:
1) For the life of me I could not tell any discernible difference in felt recoil, muzzle blast or muzzle rise. I was alternating shots,one with one pistol followed immediately by one with the other. The shooting experience seemed the same.
2) Both ran 100% with all loads. There were zero malfunctions.
3) At 7 yards offhand the 9mm produced tighter group, about 1-1/2-2 inches vs.2–1/2 to 3-1/2. There was more dispersion with the 30SC but all were acceptable in my book for defensive purposes.
4) The 30SC magazines hold 3 more round in both flush and extended form. That’s 13 and 16 (!!!)respectively.
5) The suitability of 9mm for defense has been pretty well accepted but not much history on 30SC. There is a ballistic test of the Remington HTP load on the internet showing impressive results, on par with 9mm. This is my carry load and I don’t feel I’m disadvantaged with it.
6) all being said, I like the extra capacity of the 30SC and if I had only one pistol I’d go with the 30SC for CCW. But, I’ve got both andI like a little variety so both will be in my carry rotation.
1) For the life of me I could not tell any discernible difference in felt recoil, muzzle blast or muzzle rise. I was alternating shots,one with one pistol followed immediately by one with the other. The shooting experience seemed the same.
2) Both ran 100% with all loads. There were zero malfunctions.
3) At 7 yards offhand the 9mm produced tighter group, about 1-1/2-2 inches vs.2–1/2 to 3-1/2. There was more dispersion with the 30SC but all were acceptable in my book for defensive purposes.
4) The 30SC magazines hold 3 more round in both flush and extended form. That’s 13 and 16 (!!!)respectively.
5) The suitability of 9mm for defense has been pretty well accepted but not much history on 30SC. There is a ballistic test of the Remington HTP load on the internet showing impressive results, on par with 9mm. This is my carry load and I don’t feel I’m disadvantaged with it.
6) all being said, I like the extra capacity of the 30SC and if I had only one pistol I’d go with the 30SC for CCW. But, I’ve got both andI like a little variety so both will be in my carry rotation.
