9C or 9FS

[Smith Wesson]

Why has this become such a hard decision for me.. i am currently savings for my next gun.. it was supposed to be a 9c.. .. but while ive been saving ive seen so many post on full size 9 thats it makes me wonder. Is there any reasons that i should be considering the 9fs over the 9c..could there be something im not factoring into the equation. .... i currently have the 9shield .. ive handled both 9fs and 9c and feel both i could conceal about the same. Imma huge guy... i like going to the range about 1a month. Im pretty much a homebody type....... personally i would rather have the 9c only based on the fact that it looks cooler... can anyone tell me why i should make the 9fs my next weapon ove the 9c.. sell it to me ....

 

[Fox4506]

I have a 40FS and a 40c and I barely even shoot the FS anymore...mainly because I carry the 40c and I feel I should practice with that more.

Also, I believe that if you can shoot a smaller pistol with a shorter barrel that you can also shoot a bigger pistol with a longer barrel. I think practicing with smaller handguns makes me a better shot. It's much easier to shoot a full size better than a compact...in general. I could be wrong though...

Fox

 

[Kanewpadle]

You could get the compact, add an Xgrip adapter and use full size magazines. You get a full size grip with a little bit shorter sight radius.

 

[smitty_bs]

I had the same problem. I've had a Shield for a while and was planning on getting the Compact. But then I handled a FS and really liked it. The Shield and Compact are very close in size except for the width. So I went with the FS and never looked back. It has the newer audible reset trigger which is nice too. The gun has functioned flawlessly and is accurate - I have no regrets.

 

[Tanners Owner]

While no one can make this decision for you, recommend you ask yourself what purpose ( and future purpose) you are getting the gun for. Simply stated if you intend on carrying, I'd recommend the 9c, if for range, home use, the FS would likely serve your needs better.

I got a FS 9 for competition a while ago and recently a 9c for carry. Never really intended to carry the FS, as I had other options.

Regardless - think you can't go wrong w/ either. Both great guns.

A nice problem to have

 

[BlackTalonJHP]

I'd have to take the 9C over the 9F if I had to pick.
9C can take the FS magazines, easier to conceal, and can still mount lights and lasers if desired.

 

[Smith Wesson]

Have you found yourself able to carry the fs concealed..?
And if you wanted could you use the fs for competition why or why not?

 

[Bkreutz]

Have you found yourself able to carry the fs concealed..?
And if you wanted could you use the fs for competition why or why not?

I carry the 9c, however if I already had a Shield, I would get a full size. I have 3 full size M&P's, all of which I use for competition. I could CC the 4.25" 9mm but both the 5" guns are pretty much competition only (I could CC them if I wore a MuMu) The first 2 pictures are of my comp only guns and the last 2 are CC possible. If I lived in a part of the country that gets hot weather, I would probably own a Shield, but the shorts and t-shirt days are not plentiful around here .

 

[Ranger17]

my first "non-.22" was a 9c, mainly as it was such a good deal i could not pass it up. Wanted something like it for a training tool and maybe some defensive needs (have a permit but do not yet carry). I enjoy shooting the C but as my range time is also my hobby i tended to run it with the full size mags and adapter.
So started thinking of just adding a full size, recently did when the 3 free mag promo hit. For me, the FS is just a tad more accurate at my range's distances (-10 yds) over the C and feels a little better in my hand. Really love how it shoots and feels.

Guess if i had a Shield first (and it worked well for carry), i would have skipped over a C and went to a FS for a second option, just my .02 of course.

 

[hokiefyd]

I second (or third) the recommendation to ask yourself what the gun will be used for. If you're going to carry it, buy the C (and sell/trade the Shield). As noted prior, as far as size goes, the C is just a wider Shield. I personally don't see much of a point in owning both a C and a Shield.

In that vein, I bought a Shield last summer and, lately, wanted something from the larger M&P line also. I looked at both Cs and FSs, but didn't pay much mind to the Cs, and bought an FS a few months ago. (In my mind, the perfect carry piece from Smith, if you want more capacity than the Shield, is the SD9VE.)

If you do buy an M&P, C or FS, don't waste any time: the 3 free magazines rebate offer is good on purchases made through 31 May (Sunday).

 

[Rintimtin]

If you already have the Shield, I would go with the FS.

 

[Smith Wesson]

For some reason i have the feeling that the 9fs shoots better over the 9c(groups and more on target).. is this fair to say?
Is this why noone uses the 9c in competition

 

[Ranger17]

For some reason i have the feeling that the 9fs shoots better over the 9c(groups and more on target).. is this fair to say?
Is this why noone uses the 9c in competition

for me, there is a slight improvement in accuracy with the FS.
BUT take into account I've only been shooting a couple years total and just a year with my 9c (month with FS), i can do pretty well but still am learning, and my range here only goes to 10 yds... so others' results could easily vary.
I pasted below a recent thread i did on comparing my 2 MP's with a couple result pix, just for an fyi.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/427879-new-fs9-vs-9c.html

 

[wittmeba]

If you already have the Shield, I would go with the FS.

Makes the most sense.

 

[Bkreutz]

For some reason i have the feeling that the 9fs shoots better over the 9c(groups and more on target).. is this fair to say?
Is this why noone uses the 9c in competition

There are a number of people who use the 9c in competition. IDPA has a new compact carry division as well as BUG (back up gun) competitions. But as a general statement, the longer the barrel, the more accurate the gun. (this is one of the reasons rifles are used for long range shots. ) Inside of 10 yards the difference isn't that great, most people can hit the target at 10 yards by throwing the whole pistol at it, never mind firing it.

 

[Linejudgemick]

I have a FS and a compact. For me (not suggesting others should do this) I use the FS in a home defense role and the C for a CCW. If I could only have one, I'd go C with an X-grip to equal the FS capacity. In actuality I normally use a single-stack as my CCW.

 

[ScottN]

There is no guarantee you'll shoot the FS better than the 9c. Theoretically the FS has an advantage with a longer barrel and sight radius, and more weight to reduce felt recoil.

That said, I shoot my 9c better than the Pro 9L I used to own. The FS grip did not feel comfortable no matter what backstrap I used. The grip felt like it slipped a little in my hand. I have a long but very narrow hand. The 9c grip fits me like a glove. I can comfortably fit my pinky on the 9c grip with the flush magazine.

There really isn't a wrong answer. Both options offer quality and enough accuracy for a variety of uses. I'd suggest that you go with the one that feels best and test them out if you can. You really won't know which shoots best in your hands until you run some rounds through em.

 

[MSG Glenn]

I have both the fs 40 & the 9C. The fs was bought used from a police trade in & the compact was bought new. I wouldn't part with either although I find myself carrying the compact more often especially in the warmer months. Many times I carry the compact loaded with a fs mag & X Grip. I have two of those dedicated for use in the 40C.

I haven't noticed any difference in accuracy between the two. The feel of the compact with the full size mag is identical & it's not a whole lot different using the stock mag with pinky extension.

I'd be perfectly happy with either two fs 40s or two 40Cs. I believe in redundancy.

 

[Bowserb]

I have to agree with a few others here. If I had a shield, the next one would have to be the full size--with the 4.25" barrel. I'm not a fan of short grip handguns, so I lean toward those with room for three fingers on the grip. My experience with grip and mag extensions is not good and includes disconcerting rattles, pinches, and more difficult mag changes. Qualifier: My experience does NOT include S&W extensions and extended mags, although I've read of pinching from the extended mag on the compact...someone here can surely qualify or dispute that story.

I've concealed carried full size guns for several years, including a 1911, as well as compacts and subcompacts. I feel like I have a more secure grip on the full size guns, and the added mag capacity doesn't hurt either. With a good holster and good gun belt, the larger gun really isn't a problem, and the 9mm 4.25" full size M&P without a mag, is only 24oz.

Finally, if the shield is you only other handgun, you really need to experience a full size pistol. Here it is: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57954_757781_757781_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

 

[Ranger17]

Qualifier: My experience does NOT include S&W extensions and extended mags, although I've read of pinching from the extended mag on the compact...someone here can surely qualify or dispute that story.

i have roughly 1500 rounds in the past year thru my 9c, a good portion using a full size (17rnd) mag with the x-grip adapter. No issues with pinching from it.

 

[paladin**]

I selected the 9c as a concealed carry after having the 9FS. Did not want the shield (too few in the mag!). I shoot them both about the same, and really way too little! I let my "Love my Glock" Brother shoot them and he was more than impressed.

I would have no trouble justifying either or both. Suggest you trade in the shield and get both. If you can carry the FS that the compact would be just as nice and even better on a long day.

 

[Dodge City]

I have the 9c and 40c and like them both. You can conceal the C easier. Less print with the smaller gun. If your only going to use it for home protection, I would get the FS.

 

[bnoonan]

Go for the 9c for concealed carry

I have the 9c and 9 Shield, 40c and FS 40. I prefer the 9c or 40c for concealed carry (double stack mag) as it gives me more ammo than the Shield if I need it. I could carry extra magazines for the Shield, but they consume seconds to reload if I ever got in a gunfight. I find concealed carry of the 40 FS problematic. The extra weight (including more ammo in the magazine) makes me feel lopsided. I guess it comes down to personal preference.

 

[Bill0756]

I go with the shield and 2 eight round mags when weather or dress restrict carrying the 9fs, which I prefer, with 2 additional mags. Follow the old boy scout motto, Be Prepared. We carried Federal Hydra Shok when we switched from revolvers to auto loaders. With today's newly designed ammunition, think the 9's have evolved into quite an effective round, especially with 17 available in the mag. So overall, go with the 9FS, gives me the security to know that hopefully, if anything ever happens, I will have sufficient resources to protect myself or other. For what its worth.

 

[bootman]

You could get the compact, add an Xgrip adapter and use full size magazines. You get a full size grip with a little bit shorter sight radius.

I don't own either one. My full size S&W is a SD9VE and it is every bit as good as the FS M&P. I am not a fan of full sized guns for CCW. I own the 9mm Shield , and the 380 Bodyguard. My favorite CCW is the Shield or my pocket North American 22 Mag. But the SD shoots very well and is reliable. If I ever think I need a FS M&P I will go out and buy one..I recently acquired the 9C M&P and think I like it. It is very reliable and easy to shoot. Note: I have noticed that new S&W guns have dark spots in the bores. Anyone know what this is? It doesn't seem to be a problem though just a curiousity.

 

[motorcyclejoe]

I have both the 9c and 9fs. Purchased the fs first. After about a year with the fs I purchased a 9c and a shield 9mm. I absolutely love the 9c. The fs and shield collect dust. The 9c is a perfect balance of size, stability, and magazine capacity. It carries, shoots and handles like a dream. I now pick up the fs and it feels like an over sized canon with no more capability than the perfectly balanced 9c. Why would I want all that bulk with no gain in fire power or accuracy?

 

[Smith Wesson]

I have both the 9c and 9fs. Purchased the fs first. After about a year with the fs I purchased a 9c and a shield 9mm. I absolutely love the 9c. The fs and shield collect dust. The 9c is a perfect balance of size, stability, and magazine capacity. It carries, shoots and handles like a dream. I now pick up the fs and it feels like an over sized canon with no more capability than the perfectly balanced 9c. Why would I want all that bulk with no gain in fire power or accuracy?

this is what i wanted to here... mega thanks

 

[Texas Holdem]

FS or Compact/Sub Compact

Apples to Oranges,
My 1st non 22 was a XD40 4" then I got a G27
just to see "What's the big deal",,, Well the
First shot showed me. So I put the XD up for
sale And it was 4 mo. after taking my ccw that
I was finally comfortable keeping the XD
loaded & Chambered But that was the night the
Bergeler hit my house. It was also the 1st time
I forgot to take it to bed, Well the bad guy
got it & after waking me braking 3 ribs said
for the 3rd time "give me money or i'll shoot you"
That's when I believed him So as I role over
my bed "Thinking This is gonna Hurt And All
the ccw training flashed through my mind then
pulling the G27 from holster racking a
round Role back & Fire. So That's Proof that
a Sight picture don't matter, "at Least that Close"
. After the police
was taking my statement I heard they found him
in the ER.
{ See the Vid }
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Touwva_JMfw[/ame]

Long story short he got 10 yrs And it took
2 yrs to get my 40's back. In the mean time I
"Wanted" to get the M&P 9c But I got a Deal
on the Ruger SR9c & like the 9c it takes the
FS Mag's And the trigger Spoiled me, Also I hated
the Shield trigger Plus "for Me" at least the
anticipating recoil of trigger pull on the fs 9
I wouldn't have a fs pistol Especially for
Concealability And I keep a couple 17 rounders
in my pocket So I would Stay with the 9c
BOTTOM LINE In a Close Range life or Death Shoot Out you Don't have time to Think about a Sight Picture So what ever you get Make Sure it has a Great Trigger

 

[Smoke]

Have you found yourself able to carry the fs concealed..?
And if you wanted could you use the fs for competition why or why not?

I carry the FS concealed without an issue. How do you dress?

I tried the C and it just felt wrong in my hand.

 

[Smith Wesson]

I carry the FS concealed without an issue. How do you dress?

I tried the C and it just felt wrong in my hand.

loose fit clothing,, i love button downs .. solid colors... boot foot