I started out with a Shield but I was never really comfortable with the capacity. I don't notice any difference in concealment between the 2 and I like the fact that the grip feels the same as my FS and that the sight radius is almost the same. I also like the fact that I can use the FS magazines in both guns.
Anyone here go from a Shield to a Compact?
- Thread starter checkmyswag
- Start date
I think your concerns regarding capacity are extremely valid. I would rather carry an airweight snub for it's close-quarter advantages over a subcompact single stack 9, which really doesn't offer me anything over the revolver.
If I'm carrying an auto, I'm only doing so to gain a substantial amount of extra rounds in the gun and want at least a minimum of 10 rounds plus larger magazine compatibility. Some make the argument about speed/ease of reloading vs a revolver and carrying extra mags making up for the lack of capacity in the single stack subcompact compared to a larger auto, but civilian firefights are almost always resolved one way or the other with the rounds that are onboard.
If I'm carrying an auto, I'm only doing so to gain a substantial amount of extra rounds in the gun and want at least a minimum of 10 rounds plus larger magazine compatibility. Some make the argument about speed/ease of reloading vs a revolver and carrying extra mags making up for the lack of capacity in the single stack subcompact compared to a larger auto, but civilian firefights are almost always resolved one way or the other with the rounds that are onboard.
bedbugbilly
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I have a Ruger SR9 that I carry once in a great while but usually my carry has been a J frame Model 36 snub - and that only has 5 shots. I bought a 9mm Shield to switch off to once in a while just for a little more capacity but personally, I never carry a semi-auto without an extra mag - regardless of if it's a single stack or a double stack. I want the ability to quickly switch mags if need be due to a mag malfunction. The same as I never carry my J frame without a speed loader or a drop pouch depending on where and how I'm carrying.
I have no experience with the 9c but if the extra capacity makes you feel more secure - then I see that as a personal choice that one has to weigh the plusses and minuses on . . and probably there are very few minuses.
All of my training . . . and I'm talking now when I was using a semi . . . it was stressed to carry an extra mag and to train doing quick change outs just in case you have a mag that for some reason gives you a malfunction. Just because they work at the range, etc. doesn't mean they will always work and problems can't come up. So whichever way you go . . . give that some consideration as well.
I have no experience with the 9c but if the extra capacity makes you feel more secure - then I see that as a personal choice that one has to weigh the plusses and minuses on . . and probably there are very few minuses.
All of my training . . . and I'm talking now when I was using a semi . . . it was stressed to carry an extra mag and to train doing quick change outs just in case you have a mag that for some reason gives you a malfunction. Just because they work at the range, etc. doesn't mean they will always work and problems can't come up. So whichever way you go . . . give that some consideration as well.
I have a 9c and a Shield 9. For me the 9c carries just about as easily. IMO the things that make the 9c better go beyond capacity. My Shield is carried with a Mag Guts equipped 8 round mag so you are really only talking about 1 round. But the 9c shoots more accurately, is more comfortable in my hand, easily handles +p ammo, and most importantly to me, it's far easier to get a solid firing grip on the draw. I like my Shield and I do carry it (along with an extra mag with whichever gun I'm carrying) but if I'm ever in a life or death situation, I really hope it the 9c I'm carrying, with 147 HST +p and the 17 round mag as my spare.
gunny4053
US Veteran
In my case, I sold my Shield, and bought a compact, then got rid of the compact. It just didn't work for me. Nothing really wrong with the compact, but the Shield is a better fit for me.
Interesting and timely thread...
I've had a 9mm Shield for a couple of years. I've been shooting at the range a lot more the last few months. The thinness of the Shield grip makes carrying AIWB easier but it sure is harder for me to be as accurate at the range as I am with my other 9mm's. I've come to realize I enjoy and shoot better with my P229, XDm Compact, and VP9. Maybe I'm getting over a smaller carry gun phase, because I've also given up on my TCP.
I started looking around the web a couple of weeks ago on the pros and cons of the Shield vs the Compact for carry.
Good posts on this thread, keep 'em coming.
I've had a 9mm Shield for a couple of years. I've been shooting at the range a lot more the last few months. The thinness of the Shield grip makes carrying AIWB easier but it sure is harder for me to be as accurate at the range as I am with my other 9mm's. I've come to realize I enjoy and shoot better with my P229, XDm Compact, and VP9. Maybe I'm getting over a smaller carry gun phase, because I've also given up on my TCP.
I started looking around the web a couple of weeks ago on the pros and cons of the Shield vs the Compact for carry.
Good posts on this thread, keep 'em coming.
I have both a 40c and a 9mm Shield. While the Shield is more comfortable to carry, mine, unfortunately, is "atypical". It has had 15 FTEs or FTFs in its first 2300 rounds. That is too unreliable for me to consider using it as a carry weapon. Until it can fire at least 500 consecutive rounds without a misfire, I will not carry it. So far, that hasn't happened, so I carry my 40c. It's really too bad, because when my Shield is working right, which is most of the time, it's a great-shooting gun.
My 40c has had only one misfire in 4400 rounds, so I have great confidence in it. Plus ten 40s are better than eight 9s, in my humble opinion. Despite being a few ounces heavier than the Shield, the 40c is not burdensome to carry. Most of the time, I carry it in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster, but I also carry it in a 5.11 Tactical undershirt holster, or a Galco KingTuk IWB holster. Carrying in all of these is comfortable enough that I'm not sure I really need the Shield. Maybe if it becomes as reliable as the 40c, I can use it as a BUG.
Bottom line: If you're comfortable carrying your Shield, you'll likely become comfortable carrying an M&P compact.
My 40c has had only one misfire in 4400 rounds, so I have great confidence in it. Plus ten 40s are better than eight 9s, in my humble opinion. Despite being a few ounces heavier than the Shield, the 40c is not burdensome to carry. Most of the time, I carry it in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster, but I also carry it in a 5.11 Tactical undershirt holster, or a Galco KingTuk IWB holster. Carrying in all of these is comfortable enough that I'm not sure I really need the Shield. Maybe if it becomes as reliable as the 40c, I can use it as a BUG.
Bottom line: If you're comfortable carrying your Shield, you'll likely become comfortable carrying an M&P compact.
agksimon
Member
I have both a Compact 9 and a Shield 9. At 7 yards, I can slow fire nickel sized groups with the Compact, but the Shield groups open up to golf ball sized or just over. Both have fiber optic sights and I have used both at IDPA events, just to see what they will do. The 9 Compact is much more accurate and easier to shoot at longer distances. It's also less tiring on the hand after 100 + rounds.
I carry the Shield in a pocket holster, wearing Cabela's 7 pocket hiker pants, with bellows front pockets. Can do it with the Compact too, but a little bulky. It's better worn with the Sticky pocket holster IWB, under my belt.
I carry the Shield in a pocket holster, wearing Cabela's 7 pocket hiker pants, with bellows front pockets. Can do it with the Compact too, but a little bulky. It's better worn with the Sticky pocket holster IWB, under my belt.
I have both the shield and 9c, and the shield is easier to carry. I find my accuracy with both almost identical, and neither are going to be missing at CCW ranges. I don't like to wear extra baggy clothes so its the shield for me. I'm really loving that gun.
feelinlucky
Member
April thread, but no matter. It's relevant.
I'm a Shield true believer, but I had a M&P 9c in my hands for the first time at a gun show recently. It's a couple of millimeters thicker and a tad heavier, but that's the only difference I could detect. Just like the Shield, it feels good in the hand. Dealer wanted $470 plus tax for it. I almost bit. I gotta find me one of these.
I'm a Shield true believer, but I had a M&P 9c in my hands for the first time at a gun show recently. It's a couple of millimeters thicker and a tad heavier, but that's the only difference I could detect. Just like the Shield, it feels good in the hand. Dealer wanted $470 plus tax for it. I almost bit. I gotta find me one of these.
Wee Hooker
Member
I tried a shield for a week and went back to my 9c. The shield was actually taller but otherwise about the same footprint as the compact. It was slimmer but that advantage disappeared in a good belt holster. I found I shot SO much better with the 9c due to it's better ergonomics and reduced felt recoil.
I live in CA and with our 10rd magazine cap there would be little to gain by moving to a compact. I use the 8rd mag in my 9mm Shield(gives me 9rds on board and a 7rd mag w Pierce pinky extension in my left.front pocket...... and I'm good to go.
Interesting thread. I just picked up a 9mm Shield yesterday. I've been carrying a Ruger SR9c for a few months, but it has a persistent fail-to-reset issue with the trigger. 3 trips to Ruger have improved but not eliminated it. I've completely lost confidence in carrying that as my primary EDC. So, the Shield.
I also looked at the MP9c, but it is too thick to fit unobtrusively in my Smart Carry holster, my EDC system. I have to carry deeply concealed, being "made" would be a big problem. The Shield just disappears in it. Thickness is the single biggest factor for ease of concealment, and the Shield wins hands down. (Oddly enough, it's not much thinner than my SR9c; I really like that pistol but just can't carry one that's unreliable.).
I've only fired 50 rounds with the Shield. With some practice and figuring out how to get a solid hold on the small grip I think it will be fine. My hands are ridiculously big, and holding the Shield well is going to take a while to develop.
At 15 feet or so I was getting under 2 inch groups. At 21 feet, it scattered some more and groups were more like 3-4". It's driven by the grip; I can feel it. But my one hand grip completely engulfs the whole grip. To open space for a proper two hand grip, left hand palm on the weapon, I have to monkey around with the right hand's position. If I could find some sort of aftermarket grip enhancer, I'd love to have another 1/2" or so front to back "depth" on the grip.
The M&P9c was much more familiar, being almost identical to my Ruger SR9c. Slightly better round count too. But the Shield seems like it carries enough rounds especially with a backup mag I will always carry. The Shield is the winner in the Smart Carry system.
I also looked at the MP9c, but it is too thick to fit unobtrusively in my Smart Carry holster, my EDC system. I have to carry deeply concealed, being "made" would be a big problem. The Shield just disappears in it. Thickness is the single biggest factor for ease of concealment, and the Shield wins hands down. (Oddly enough, it's not much thinner than my SR9c; I really like that pistol but just can't carry one that's unreliable.).
I've only fired 50 rounds with the Shield. With some practice and figuring out how to get a solid hold on the small grip I think it will be fine. My hands are ridiculously big, and holding the Shield well is going to take a while to develop.
At 15 feet or so I was getting under 2 inch groups. At 21 feet, it scattered some more and groups were more like 3-4". It's driven by the grip; I can feel it. But my one hand grip completely engulfs the whole grip. To open space for a proper two hand grip, left hand palm on the weapon, I have to monkey around with the right hand's position. If I could find some sort of aftermarket grip enhancer, I'd love to have another 1/2" or so front to back "depth" on the grip.
The M&P9c was much more familiar, being almost identical to my Ruger SR9c. Slightly better round count too. But the Shield seems like it carries enough rounds especially with a backup mag I will always carry. The Shield is the winner in the Smart Carry system.
Motorsporting
Member
Try some Talon Grips, Pachmayr, or Hogue grip sleeves. They don't add too much thickness, but they help keep a firm hold on the slippery little bugger.
I have both the Shield and 9c. I carry the Shield only if I can't conceal something bigger. Not necessarily for the round counts, but the better grip and perceived recoil.
I have a shield 9mm and 9c to me there is a significant difference in CARRYING the two. Side by side comparison it dosent seem like much, until you actually start packing the shield.
I typically wear my shield in a JP IWB kydex holster and its very comfortable and so so easy to conceal. Magazine capacity doesent really bother me that much any more, I can reload a handgun rather quickly and I always carry a spare mag. My shield (No safety) is laser like accurate and very reliable, Having those two qualities make this gun my number 1 EDC gun. I understand that in in a tense and stressful situation your accuracy suffers some what, But again I feel very comfortable with the accuracy of my shield. Also, I have the magguts inserts which gives me 9 rounds in my 8 round mag without adding an extension and 8 rounds in my 7 round mag without adding an extension. so 10 rounds on tap in my shield is pretty comforting.
out here
1SG
I typically wear my shield in a JP IWB kydex holster and its very comfortable and so so easy to conceal. Magazine capacity doesent really bother me that much any more, I can reload a handgun rather quickly and I always carry a spare mag. My shield (No safety) is laser like accurate and very reliable, Having those two qualities make this gun my number 1 EDC gun. I understand that in in a tense and stressful situation your accuracy suffers some what, But again I feel very comfortable with the accuracy of my shield. Also, I have the magguts inserts which gives me 9 rounds in my 8 round mag without adding an extension and 8 rounds in my 7 round mag without adding an extension. so 10 rounds on tap in my shield is pretty comforting.
out here
1SG
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YNOTASNUBBIE
Member
I made the switch from Shield to 9c simply for added capacity. I think the size and weight difference is negligible and I'd rather have extra rounds for who knows what. I realize that some folks might be sensitive to carrying heavy but for me, it makes no difference. Better to have more insurance than to run dry too soon.
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msr
Member
I did because I shoot the compact better. Never could shoot the Shield as well but it did carry more concealed.
Super Blackhawk
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Extra mag
I'd never make that switch. Shield with an easily carried 2nd or 3rd mag should boost your comfort level... Heck I even have carried an extra mag or two with my Sig P320 40 cal -14 round mags.
I'd never make that switch. Shield with an easily carried 2nd or 3rd mag should boost your comfort level... Heck I even have carried an extra mag or two with my Sig P320 40 cal -14 round mags.
