9mm S&W Shield Adequate?

[jeffhughes]

Lehigh Defense 105 gr appears to be a favorable round. View its ballistic videos. It's expensive, but as mentioned earlier, what price do you put on your life?

Bob.

Do you want to roll the dice on a round that has virtually no actual street data or credible outside testing and is not used by one single LEO or Federal agency?

There are several proven choices like HST, Gold Dot, and Ranger.

These are all available in 147g standard velocities which works awesome at the lower velocities of subcompact guns(like the shield)

 

[Don 73]

I wouldn't worry too much about +P ammo in your Shield, I am required to carry 115gr +P+ in my 9c, and was also required to carry the +P+ in a S&W 39-2, a Beretta 92FS and a S&W 915 all without mishaps. In addition, in my department at one time we were allowed to carry (almost) any 9mm and with several different manufacturer's weapons being used, not one had a single ammo related problem. In my case, like in yours, the HOT ammo only need be used during an "encounter" and standard pressure ammo used for practice. After all, it's not like you're going to be shooting a year's worth of matches with the hot rounds, just a few here and there, maybe a magful to see how they work in your gun and if you have an "encounter" a few rounds then.

If it makes anyone feel better, I will write S&W to get an official answer.

 

[Fat B]

I use 9mm for the simple fact that I can practice more with the 9mm round then I do for the same cost as practicing with a 40. If you can't hit your target, it doesn't matter what you shoot.

 

[JNewell]

The FIRST one is the most important one. Make it count and there should be no need for follow ups.

The bold part is humor, right? Are you guaranteeing one-shot stops?

 

[team sidewinder]

The 9 is fine for selfdefense and will get the job done at SD distances if you do your job. Todays 9 mm HP ammo isn't what it was years ago and SD performance has improved 10 fold. I also don't feel the need for a .40 or +P 9mm. I feel 100% confident that my Shield 9 loaded with Federal Tactical 124gr HST will deter any threat to my person if I do my part with being to able to put bullets on target in a SD situation. No need for anything else. Of course this is all IMHO.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

When I still had my Shield, I tried several brands of 124gr. +P through though it with zero malfunctions. Test with whatever ammo you intend to carry and you'll be GTG.

 

[hoytpotater]

Seven shots to the chest from a 9mm shield is plenty!

 

[Smitty357]

The bold part is humor, right? Are you guaranteeing one-shot stops?

I never said the first shot was a guaranteed stop. But u can bet after the first shot is placed correctly the follow ups (if needed be) will come with ease. You wont have to get in a hurry to blast off all ur ammo. For the fact the perp will likely not be going anywhere fast.

Of course if the first shot isnt placed correctly. Then u'll likely be shooting at a perp like he's a scared rabbit jumping around trying to dodge bullets. Of course in this case, u'll likely need follow ups and even more so u'll likely need about 3 more mags. But the problem here is the "shooter". Lack of training with his/her defense weapon.

 

[G33IWB]

Yep, like others have said... I would worry more about shot placement then what caliber to use.

If you shoot 9 well then go with it.

Remember people don't typically fall over dead from being shot from a pistol round.

 

[Plinker99]

I chose a .40 because
1) I already have a .40 FS and love it
2) I don't want to "stock pile" another type of ammo.
3) .40 ammo was available in my area when 9mm was not.
4) I could get my hands on a .40 shield when the 9mm was not available anywhere.

Just get good defensive loads and empty the magazine into whoever is coming at you. You'll get one extra shot with the 9mm. I wouldn't want to be shot repeatedly with either a 9mm or a .40.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

The 9mm is inadequate....If you don't hit the target. Otherwise, you should be fine. And if you can't hit the target with a 9mm, you're not likely to do any better with a 40.

 

[RussC]

The 9mm is inadequate....If you don't hit the target. Otherwise, you should be fine. And if you can't hit the target with a 9mm, you're not likely to do any better with a 40.

+1

Horseshoes and hand grenades about it for scoring points when you miss.

Russ

 

[BBMW]

Jm,

Your answer

9mm Federal 147 Grain HST +P Clear Gel Test - Short Barrel - YouTube

This was shot out of a Kahr PM9, which IIRC has an even shorter barrel than the Shield.

 

[Hammerdown77]

I never said the first shot was a guaranteed stop. But u can bet after the first shot is placed correctly the follow ups (if needed be) will come with ease. You wont have to get in a hurry to blast off all ur ammo. For the fact the perp will likely not be going anywhere fast.

Of course if the first shot isnt placed correctly. Then u'll likely be shooting at a perp like he's a scared rabbit jumping around trying to dodge bullets. Of course in this case, u'll likely need follow ups and even more so u'll likely need about 3 more mags. But the problem here is the "shooter". Lack of training with his/her defense weapon.

Only if you put one through their brain, or sever the spinal cord between the throat and nipple region. Any other hit, even dead COM, guarantees nothing.

But yeah, you're right that the first shot is most important. Or better said, he who hits first usually has the best chance.

 

[RIDavid]

You could stop someone with a .22 if you shoot right.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Dump a mag of 9mm on an offender and if that doesn't work, you have bigger problems (no pun intended) and I assure you that having one caliber higher wouldn't have mattered either.

OK, all you "bigger is better advocates," argue against that one.

 

[JNewell]

The 9mm is inadequate....If you don't hit the target. Otherwise, you should be fine. And if you can't hit the target with a 9mm, you're not likely to do any better with a 40.

Almost spat out what I was drinking. Right on target.

 

[rwsmith]

They make cartridges and bullets....

Some ammo brands have the powder loads optimized for short barrels. And some bullet makers produce bullets that are designed to perform at lower velocities.

Ammo makers have cartridges that have both aspects. Speer makes 'Gold Dot Short Barrel' ammo as well as separate bullets for reloading and they have short barrel bullet/powder combinations in their reloading manual.

Oh, and is it adequate? Well you ain't trying it out on me!