45 Compact vs 45 Shield

[FortyFiveACP]

I've been looking to get either an M&P 45 compact or the Shield 45. Originally, I thought I would get the 45c and use it mostly as a home defense option with the 10-round magazine but also have it as a secondary carry option if I wanted it. I thought the heavier weight would also make it a little more enjoyable to shoot.

Lately, I've been looking at the Shield (about $150 or so cheaper locally with the rebate) and thinking about it more because the recoil is reportedly not terrible at the lighter weight and I think the smaller size would make it significantly more useful as a carry option. When I started looking at getting one, I didn't want a small single stack that would wear me out at the range but virtually everybody on the web says the Shield recoil is surprisingly tolerable.

I'm kind of on the fence between the two. The two ranges local to me don't have either for rent so I can't go shoot them. I've shot Glock 30 and 30s and couldn't feel much difference. I figure the 45c would probably feel like the 30 and the Shield might have a slight amount more recoil than the 30s but I don't know for sure. Figured it couldn't hurt to ask for opinions here on the 45c vs Shield.

Thanks...

 

[Whitwabit]

I looked at the Shield before ending up buying the compact and was strictly because of the adjustable back straps on the compact .. I use the large back strap on mine .. but the compact isn't what I would call a pocket pistol !!
Now the Shield is out in 45 and is slightly different in size .. but still no adjustable back strap on it ..
The Shield in 45 is suppose to be slightly larger then the 9/40 Shield .. my range doesn't have one to rent or to hold either .. in fact haven't seen one yet in the stores here ..

 

[icemn]

I've had my 45c for a few years now ( pre 45 Shield ). It's a home defense gun and I really like it. It shoots great, is reliable and quite accurate. I have no intention of getting rid of it. My carry is a Shield 9 or a 442 depending on what works best. Tough to beat those guns too. Basically, I have no need for a Shield 45, but I did have a chance to handle one in MA and I was not a fan of the grip texture or the MA trigger. Also, I've seen enough comments about Shield 45 issues to make me think twice if I were looking, which I'm not.

 

[Shield9mm]

I had a 45c compact, that later got replaced for a full size, since the main purpose was for range gun and HD, nothing against the compact just personal preference. Last month got me a shield 45 after shooting a rental I got very impressed with it, recoil is very manageable and it is very accurate. IMO the 45c has less felt recoil and it is more controllable than the 30/30s even the g21.

The backstraps made the difference for me, that's one of the main reasons of my M&P conversion. If you plan to carry the gun I suggest getting the shield it is thinner, smaller, and lighter for a carry gun. If you can conceal a 45c then it will be a better choice for both purposes I can't so my main carry is a shield9. My shield 45 is pretty much and haven't taken it to the range yet, once it gain my confidence to carry it I will.

FYI.
M&P 45 Compact Comparison Request

 

[ontargetagain]

I had a full size 1911, sold it. I missed not having a 45 semi and couldn't resist the offer and also the lure of what everyone was saying good about it.
My first time at the range with it I went through 104 rounds, I am about 165 lbs, medium large hands but not thick. I kept grinning on just how nice the 45 Shield was to shoot even with the aggressive texture it did not bother my hands nor did the recoil which I honestly think was less than my 1911.
I do think it is important to not be a 'limp wrister' with any compact gun for proper function, I had zero issues with feed and eject. The gun does not 'twist' under recoil, the short rise and drop of the barrel is easy to manage in my opinion as I expected to feel more than I did. To put it another way, it is not a bruising nor snapping recoil, it is an easy to handle recoil................assuming you shoot two handed as I do. I will adventure in to one handed shooting of it soon though

Get one and enjoy it!
Karl

 

[LAA]

Basically, I have no need for a Shield 45, but I did have a chance to handle one in MA and I was not a fan of the grip texture or the MA trigger. Also, I've seen enough comments about Shield 45 issues to make me think twice if I were looking, which I'm not.

I'd say the positive Shield 45 comments, versus negative, across the internet, are at least 50 to 1. I like everything about the 45, including that excellent textured grip!

In fact, for several months after the 45 was put on the market, I just didn't have an interest in it. I already owned the 9mm Shield, which had been working just fine. Then, thanks to so many positive reviews about the 45, I figured I'd give it a try. In the last six months of owning it, I still can't believe how it's the perfect CC gun. It's been flawless! Well over a 1000 rounds so far.

 

[FortyFiveACP]

I appreciate the comments so far. Good reading. My standard carry is a Kahr CM9 so the Shield 45 is about an inch taller and longer and only about a tenth of an inch wider.

I felt one of the new M&P 2.0 guns at the LGS and I was surprised at the new grip. Made me think I was grabbing a porcupine around the neck but I work a desk job so I don't have tough-man hands. I know Youtuber Justin Opinion put Talon rubberized grips over his Shield grip. I would probably have to do something but that's a minor deal.

In all my searching of the internet on this question, I haven't found a lot of comparisons between these two options. The 45c owners seem to really like them for the most part but I just haven't found a lot in the way of comparisons.

 

[MP1SG]

i have the 45c, shield 45, a Glock 36 and Had a Glock 30. Of the 4 the G30 was definitely the softest shooting, BUT its also the biggest. The G36 recoiled the most BUT is very slim and concealable. My 45c is very accurate BUT my shield is just as accurate.
Fat guns G22 23 G30 Most M&P's full size IWB carry have been bothering my back lately, to the point where as soon as I take the gun off i feel better. So for now I've been packing my Shield 45 which is so comfortable to carry.
Its actually not even more concealable its just more comfortable. I can conceal my G22 as we all as my Shield 45

 

[Bozz10mm]

The first time I took it to the range, I put 216 rounds through my Shield .45 within about 90 minutes. The recoil is not bad at all, and I'm no youngster. But I did develop a tiny blister on the bottom of my trigger finger.