CCW 40c or Shield

[erj_pilot]

I currently carry an M&P 40c in a High Noon Alter Ego High Ride Tuckable holster in the 2:00 position. As we "speak", I'm awaiting a quote from my FFL for an M&P Shield 40, as I intend on adding that to my inventory. I'll be carrying that in a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2.

 

[ScrapmasterFlex]

I personally carry a Shield, because of the slim grip.

I got away from my intended points while rambling my post with long long paragraphs but I fully meant to type this too. The Shield has one of the most amazing grips I have held in a gun - the narrow feel is amazing - the narrow width feels perfect, the angle is perfect, and the size overall combined with the bore axis, is perfect. I LOVE the way my Glock 23 feels in my hand, it feels like a full, powerful main gun, but the Shield feels like it belongs to me and is meant for holding in my hand.

it's amazing to me that I can carry my Shield 9mm with nothing more than khakis and a t-shirt (IWB) and it is 100% concealed, and feels like it's not even there.

This is also dead on. Part of my experience with getting into CCW was also dealing with the Florida heat... I got here in the first week of April and it was over 90 the first day- and just never cooled off yet. By the time my CCW was approved the first of June, it was hot hot hot. I like my G23 and tried carrying it, but it was difficult to conceal and felt like I was heaving to and fro. Plus two loaded mags, and the rest of my stuff I have in my pockets ,it was a big load for me and the clothes i wear now don't help. Switching to the Shield immediately made a difference - but with a nice leather belt, a Galco King Tuk IWB holster, and the Shield, even regular shorts and t-shirt/polo/etc completely hide the Shield and I forget it's there. Just now walking the dog, 20 mins into the walk, I realized, OH YEAH, I am wearing my Shield in the holster on my back hip. Now in the winter, if I am in pants/jeans and long shirts/sweaters, I might go back to the G23 once in a while, but for now, this Shield is the way to go!

 

[B3500]

Who carries either or both of these? I currently carry a BG 380, and I can carry it anywhere any time. I am small in stature and either appendix carry or 4 pm. I'll put it a back pocket if my shirt is tucked in.

I'm wanting a Shield but only because I feel that I can carry it better with my small frame. How much different is it to carry a 40c vs. a Shield?

Dean

Either can be cc'd with a good belt and holster. The 40c is a few ounces heavier and a little wider than the Shield 40.

If 6+1 rounds instead of 10+1 rounds in 40sw works ok for you, I'd bet the Shield would have a quicker acclimation period for you since you are used to a 380.

If you need the piece to double duty as a home defense piece then you may want to look a little closer at the 40c since it can use the full size magazine for 15rds. Or maybe plan on eventually getting both and split the difference.

Me, I would never have just one gun for carry.

 

[Lycan]

I carry the Shield because it fits better as a carry gun for me. IWB with a Hidden Hybrid Holster, Little Foxx holster, or Wright Leather Works holster. I usually keep an extra mag in one of my pockets. The 4 extra rounds that come with the "C" are not worth the extra width IMO. Honestly, I have never come across an SD story that required the use of more than one magazine's worth of ammo. If it happens, it doesn't happen very often...and in the rare event I would need the extra rounds...well, that is what the extra mag is for.

I'm sure either one "the Shield" or the "C" will work just fine, it really comes down to what "fits" you better.

 

[canes555]

Picture of 40c on Weekly News Letter

Can someone tell me what that extension is on the magazine in the picture of the 40c. I called S&W and they know nothing about it. They said the only finger rest is the one with the small curve. This one is at least 3/4" long. I would love to get the 9mmc but just can't get three fingers comfortably on. This would be just perfect. Any thoughts. It even says M&P on that part of the extension.
Thanks

 

[erj_pilot]

Can someone tell me what that extension is on the magazine in the picture of the 40c. I called S&W and they know nothing about it. They said the only finger rest is the one with the small curve. This one is at least 3/4" long. I would love to get the 9mmc but just can't get three fingers comfortably on. This would be just perfect. Any thoughts. It even says M&P on that part of the extension.
Thanks

Are you talking about this?

 

[gotbass]

I have been using Spec Ops belts instead of leather. Cuts way back on weight and these babies are stiff enough for holster carry. They also have a great buckle system which does not loosen up like most web belts.

 

[retiredpd]

Recommend 40 shield

Who carries either or both of these? I currently carry a BG 380, and I can carry it anywhere any time. I am small in stature and either appendix carry or 4 pm. I'll put it a back pocket if my shirt is tucked in.

I'm wanting a Shield but only because I feel that I can carry it better with my small frame. How much different is it to carry a 40c vs. a Shield?

Dean

I'm a retired police officer and carry the 40 shield, primarily apendex carry and sometime pocket carry ( always with a holster). It's reliable, concealable, accurate, and comfortable to shoot. I've put a lot of rounds through it, between state mandated twice yearly qualifications and a lot of range time, the gun functions flawlessly. My son is an active duty police officer and is issued the 40c but carries the 40 shield off duty. He concurs, the gun is a great carry gun easy to conceal and reliable. Based on your stated carry preferences, I recommend the 40 shield. You wouldn't be disappointed with either handgun purchase.

 

[greg409]

I carry a Shield 40, have tried (4) different holsters, found just carrying in my waistband or cargo pocket is great.

(front hip pocket always have junk in them)

(I'm 6'2", 190#, 35" waist, for reference)

greg

 

[cc4600]

I have the 40 Shield, 40C and the full size 40 Pro series. Living in FL like you, the shield is my every day CCW in a Crossbreed MiniTuck and it is very comfortable and 100% concealed wearing only an untucked shirt. I will occasionally carry the 40C in a MiniTuck on the rare cold winter day in FL and it is not nearly as comfortable or concealable as the Shield. I do love to shoot all three of them though and the full size with Crimson Trace Laser Grips and Light Guard is on the bedside stand every night.

 

[71velle]

I own a Shield 9 and like it. A guy I shoot with has the Shield in 40 I have not shot it but he says its a handful to shoot. I know that recoil is a subjective thing but something to consider. Plus the 9 holds 1 more round.

 

[Hobbi Cop]

I carry the Glock 21 Gen 4 when on duty. Off duty I carry the 9m Shield. It real easy to conceal IWB. No problem while seated. I have carried it in the front pocket of jeans. It will print but not much.
Adjusting from a big grip to the slim shield took a while. I shoot monthly with the Glock. Have not shot much with the shield but still accurate. It is a trust worthy weapon. good luck--be safe

 

[Bruce118]

good iwb holster

Need a good IWB holster for Shield 9 live in Florida shorts & tee shirt weather most of the time

 

[Ydtrack]

it's amazing to me that I can carry my Shield 9mm with nothing more than khakis and a t-shirt (IWB) and it is 100% concealed, and feels like it's not even there.

Exactly why I bought the Shield and carry it everywhere!
My IWB holster of choice is the StealthGear Onyx.

 

[Drh]

Who carries either or both of these? I currently carry a BG 380, and I can carry it anywhere any time. I am small in stature and either appendix carry or 4 pm. I'll put it a back pocket if my shirt is tucked in.

I'm wanting a Shield but only because I feel that I can carry it better with my small frame. How much different is it to carry a 40c vs. a Shield?

Dean

I have owned the 40C and Shield in both 9mm and 40. They are all great guns but in my opinion none of them are pocket guns. The 40C is a sweet shooter and I am wanting another one cause you can switch out the barrel to a 357 SIG which I think is a fantastic self defense round. I carried the 40C on my right hip and it concealed ok. Certainly not as easy as the shield. The shield was a little snappy but very controllable. Ultimately I decided to move to Kahr (CW380, CM9, CM45) as they are very concealable and have fantastic trigger and shoot very nicely.
Don't get me wrong S&W makes great guns and I am waiting in anticipation for a Shield 45.

Dan

 

[1hatchet]

Don't get me wrong S&W makes great guns and I am waiting in anticipation for a Shield 45.

Dan

A Shield in.45, now that would be awesome,
not to start rumors though.

 

[sw195611]

I have owned the 40C and Shield in both 9mm and 40. They are all great guns but i"n my opinion none of them are pocket guns. The 40C is a sweet shooter and I am wanting another one cause you can switch out the barrel to a 357 SIG which I think is a fantastic self defense round. I carried the 40C on my right hip and it concealed ok. Certainly not as easy as the shield. The shield was a little snappy but very controllable. Ultimately I decided to move to Kahr (CW380, CM9, CM45) as they are very concealable and have fantastic trigger and shoot very nicely.
Don't get me wrong S&W makes great guns and I am waiting in anticipation for a Shield 45.

Dan

If you think the 9mm and 40 are a little "snappy", what do you think a Shield 45 would be like? You seem to love Kahrs over S&W's. Shame on you.

 

[DepOne]

WIth all of the quality small 9mms now available why would you even think of carrying a 380 for personal protection? Get something with a little more power than a 380, that is just as comfortable to carry and is not a marginal calibre. sorry, but in a real protection situation, a 380 just does not cut it.

 

[M&Pmeister]

WIth all of the quality small 9mms now available why would you even think of carrying a 380 for personal protection? Get something with a little more power than a 380, that is just as comfortable to carry and is not a marginal calibre. sorry, but in a real protection situation, a 380 just does not cut it.

I've got a P938 and a PF9, which are the smallest 9mm I could find. I can pocket carry either of them in some of my pants, but not all. BG380 is still considerably thinner, lighter and smaller. Of course, I try to CC the biggest firepower per any given any given attire, and these days, I shop for clothing with CC in mind always. Still... there are occasions where nothing else but a 380 would fit. Marginal or not, 6+1 of 380ACP is still better than throwing rocks.

 

[adams484]

I make holsters and my advice is always single stack IWB and double stack OWB. While I do often carry my Beretta 92FS (Full size civilian version of the M9) in an IWB holster and barely notice it, most people will not be able to tolerate a double stack with IWB carry.

While it is highly subjective if you just get a decent holster you can carry the double stack IWB if you just get used to it. Note that double stacks usually don't make good pocket carry. If Pocket carry is a must get the Shield.

Personally I just wear a cover garment and go OWB most of the time. I could carry either one of those and the only thing I would complain about it the sight radius. I want to be accurate out to 50 feet but that is more than needed for defensive carry.