Anyone here go from a Shield to a Compact?

[FBH]

FBH

I carry a 9mm C everyday (12rds) with an extra magazine, I shoot extremely well with it and attribute that to slightly more length and the fatter grip suites my hand. I've held the Shield, but haven't fired it. It's a nice weapon, just a little small and my 1971 combat experiences made me paranoid about sufficient fire power. I highly recommend the 9c.

 

[PeterBergh]

I initially bought a Shield, but the springs are too hard for my arthritic hands. I sold the Shield and bought a 9c. I liked the 9c so much that I bought a second one.

I noticed no difference in carrying, but I'm fairly large (6'2" and 185 lb.).

 

[roperdan]

Shield stove pipes

I have not shot a compact, but have been a little disappointed in my 9mm shield. Accuracy is only fair and, after shooting about 1200 rounds in it, I still get "stovepipes", failures to eject occasionally. Even got one at an NRA course. Doesn't give me a lot of confidence as a carry weapon.

 

[Martimus]

I currently own both a 9mm Shield (with external safety) and a 9mm Compact. I have N82 Tactical holsters for each and have used each for concealed carry. Personally I like them both!

S&W is complicating my life right now given that they are releasing a Performance Center model of the 9mm Shield. I have an urge to get one (assuming I can even find one) and then sell my existing Shield to help re-coup my investment.

 

[jimmib]

I have had a 40 shield for a few years and just recently bought a M&P 9c to carry when I go to certain areas...the weight difference isn't really noticeable but it does print a little bit more....I carry IWB for everything...I am a firm believer in different carry for different area

 

[SteelOnSteel]

I have the 9mm Shield and the 45c. Can carry the Shield all day long, no problem, the 45c is a little more tiring. The Shield works great with a IWB On Your Six Designs holster. I just wear an untucked polo shirt over a t-shirt, can't see the Shield. The 45c is a little heavy for the On Your Six holster, so my task is to find a good holster for the 45c. Tried the White Hat, but it squeaks too much and is just too difficult to put on and remove. I would like to find a good, so what comfortable OWB holster for the 45c that will lay flat, plan to carry it in the winter when I wear a jacket. Any suggestions for the 45c?
BTW, Apex duty carry in the Shield, will do the same for the 45c, huge difference!

 

[Squash15B]

The Opposite Direction works better

My first M&P was a 40c with a CT laser. That is my numero uno gun that is used for ATV riding or if I have to go into an area that is known for trouble. My EDC is a 9mm Shield in a Hidden Hybrid Holster. The differences are significant for concealment and weight between the two. If you want to go the other way for EDC, suggest that you buy another magazine for the Shield.

 

[Jboutfishn]

Depending on what I am wearing, I carry a Shield 9 or 40C. That little difference in size does make a difference.

 

[Dr De]

I carry a .380 Bodyguard in a pocket holster or a 9C (OWB and IWB) depending on what I'm wearing. I've tried a borrowed Shield 9 and there is a slight edge in favor of the Shield compared to the 9C in both comfort/weight and concealability. It's not enough of an edge for me to change from my 9C but if I was starting out I'd go with the Shield 9...from my standpoint an extra mag is a standard not an option on whatever I carry.

 

[B/STOCK]

wish i would have waited before buying my shield.. because now after doing research i see it would have been better off getting the 9c... the 9c could take a full sized mag vs carrying an extra mag with the shield.. not much of a size difference in the 2... .. this video is what sealed the deal for me... if this is going to be you first gun buy, go with the compact.. you might still end up buying both,, the compact has the ability of filling all your need , it can take the 17rnd mag for shtf, going to war or it can take the 10mag or 12mag for shield like concealment.... personally i dont even keep my shield 8mag full i keep it at 5+1 (for me i feel it runs better that way) and if i had the 10 or 12 mag 9c, i would prolly carry it 8+1 (in 10mag) or 10+1 (in 12mag) ......still waaaay more then the shield at very close to the same size..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2_kmG221Xg

Does the 5 rounds in the eight round mag make the pistol function better or is it you personal choice like some put 28 rounds in their 30 rd mags?
If there is a function problem with 8 rounds mags send the pistol back to S&W. I bought two 14 round mags from S&W for my full size M&P .45. I broke a loader trying to get the 14th round in but after the mag broke in and I got the 14th in the first round would not strip off the mag and go into battery. Keep the original tens in it now. Might try 12 in the 14 round mag and see they work 100%. They are nightstand guns so the size and weight don't matter.

 

[guns_gold_cash]

Full Size Fits

In regards to your "world getting crazy" I'm carrying now days a full size MP .40 from an HK .45c from a few days ago.

I went from a Shield to a Full Size M&P. I was in the "you need to carry a compact firearm (concealed)" until I bought a good gun belt and OWB Comfort-Series Holster from Cooks. I gave my Shield to my daughter.

 

[jimandhank]

I have both a Shield 9mm and 9c which I owned about 3 years before the Shield. Both great guns and pretty close in size. But, I live in south Florida and often where tee shirts. The Shield with an IWB is almost invisible and although not optimal it can fit in a pocket with baggy pants. The 9c is preferred with looser clothing in an OWB (occasionally IWB)primarily due to the higher capacity. But an extra mag or 2 helps any capacity issue with the Shield.

 

[alleycat7002]

Getting 12 ga pump go with mine