Considering M&P Shield 9MM for Concealed Carry~Any Suggestions~

[BryanD]

Hello,
I'm fixing to start conceal carry & I'm considering purchasing a M&P Shield 9mm. What are your opinions on it compared to the Sig P938 and the Springfield XDS? All opinions appreciated.
THANKS!!

 

[RobzGuns]

All Three are great contenders and all have their Pro & con.
You really need to find a way to shoot all three (side-by-side, if possible) and see which one shoots better (comfort, as well as accuracy) in you hands. Rent (perhaps a "5 for $5" program, Borrow a shooting buddy's, Try the guy's in the next shooting bay, whatever.

Of the three, the Shield was the most comfortable to shoot. With the P938 and XD-S, I found myself needing to readjust my grip every couple shots... Not so with the Shield... Plus (to me) the Shield's perceived recoil felt better to my old hands... Perhaps a lower bore axis?

But that's just me. You may find that the XD-S (or P938) feels better to shoot. Don't lay out your bucks based on what WE like... Try before you buy.

 

[AGoyette]

All 3 are good guns. I was planning on getting the xds before the recall. After the recall I didn't like how the trigger felt. That is just me though. The eldest daughter's boyfriend just got a xds and he really likes it. My daughter, who doesn't shoot a lot shot it, and liked it. She also shot it well.
I carry a M&P 9c. I often find it too heavy though. I recently got the Sig 938. Extremely accurate gun. Firmer (best word I can come up with to describe the recoil) recoil than the Pros we have. Easily controllable though. Much easier to hide when I am carrying. I am really enjoying the lighter weight.
I never got into the Shield. It just never felt right in my hands. No excitement, no buying, when it comes to my guns.

 

[hokiefyd]

Of all the various guns I've shot (even a number of full-size 9mms), the Shield is just nearly unbelievably comfortable to shoot. Every time I shoot it, it amazes me at how flat it stays and how negligible the recoil is. Sure, you can certainly feel it, but there's very little muzzle flip -- it seems to push back in your hand as much as anything else. I was out shooting my CZ 75 yesterday, a gun known for being easy to shoot, and the Shield is at least as comfortable to me to use.

I'm impressed with the Shield every time I go to the range. I have probably 500 rounds through it now, including Winchester 115 gr, Federal Champion 115 gr, Perfecta 115 gr, Hornady XTP 124 gr JHP, and Federal Hydra-Shok 147 gr JHP......and not a single malfunction of any sort.

It's just a real sweetie.

 

[mustangman]

To me the Shield is the perfect CCW. A small concealable gun that doesn't feel small, is reliable, has a decent round count for its size, and is affordably priced. Biased? Yes, but that's the nature of the beast, as I have had no problems with mine, and trust it daily.
I have no experience with the other two choices, other than what I have read online. I'm sure they are both fine options, and would suggest that you go to their respective forums to read/solicit opinions as well.
In the end its your $ and your choice, and whatever it is, I hope it works out great for you.

 

[Lockback]

Here's another vote for the Shield. Best CCW gun I've ever owned. Great performer at a fantastic price.

 

[HarryD]

Still waiting on the state to issue my CCL but shot a Shield and XDS at the local indoor range in Jan. and the Shield felt better in my hand and I shot it better so it was an easy choice for me. If you can try to shoot them all before you decide. So far I have shot 500-600 rounds through it and have not had a single problem with it.

 

[Iwant2shootlikehickock45]

Get the shield. I had a xds 9 mm and traded it in and now have a shield and 380 bg.
Shield is cheaper.
The xds is top heavy. Shield is balanced.
I did not like the grip safety. Now you have the option of one or not on the shield.

 

[Dandecoteau]

I own a shield 9mm myself. I think you need it. It's so incredibly thin, it's made for concealed carry. I carry one and I forget I'm wearing it. I keep it it a crossbreed super tuck with the j hooks. For how small it is, it fits great in my hand and is a tack driver. I can't tell you how much I love this gun. You can't beat smith and Wesson quality. 7+1 Car-bon 115gr +p. Awesome. It's probably the most reasonably priced one on your list. I got mine for 369 at cabelas in Denver. I've shot plenty of rounds through it without any problems at all. It will eat anything you give it.

Just get the shield. What do you expect posting that question on a smith and Wesson forum?

 

[Bishop99]

I was on the fence too when I was in the market for a small concealable single stack. I was leaning towards the xds because I have others in the xd line. My wife was looking for her first gun at the time. A Kahr in robin egg blue. For some reason she thought that gun came from Tiffany's. Lmao. I saw the shield there and ask her to try it. She like the weight and feel of the shield better. We went to the range with it and I was impressed. Shoots like a dream for me compared to the xds in 9 and 45. I purchased a shield for me the following week. I carry the shield in a Remora iwb holster. Very concealable. I still might get the xds. Just don't tell my wife. I have a problem there's to many guns that I got to have.

 

[baldmedic]

Another vote for the Shield. My wife and I both carry the Shield 9 and it's the best concealed carry pistol I've ever had and it converted my wife from a revolver only to an auto lover....Can't go wrong.

 

[Arndog123]

I have all 3 and carry my Shield's more often. The Sig is a little on the small side and the XDS is a little bulky. Shield's are just the right size for my hands and I shoot them more accurately. I like them all though.

 

[Dave329]

I have both the xds 9 and the shield. I like both guns either does what they are supposed to. The xds is a higher price for practically the same gun. I do however like the fiber optic sights on the xds. Both shoot well and are both very dependable. Never a malfunction in either of mine. But In all fairness I haven't had the shield long. About 150 rounds through it so far. But it's ate everything from blazer aluminum to Wolfe and federal hydra shocks. No issues. Both are what I would call combat accurate. But like many more here the shield feels better in my hand and its a very well built heavy duty gun for a sub gun. A few more rounds and it will replace my xds as warm weather carry. Good luck n buy what you like...

 

[chiro972b]

I have started carrying a glock 19 instead of my shield because I convinced myself that I needed 15+1 rounds without having to do a mag drop, but to be honest, I prefer my shield in every other regard. I also like the shield's safety. It is small, won't get activated by mistake and the biggest reason is that I can put it on safe, holster it and then slide my thumb in and take it off safe for when I need it.

Every time I holster the glock I'm afraid some clothing will get caught in the trigger guard and I will shoot myself in the behind. Which, by way is how most people including police who have a negligent discharge end up shooting themselves.

So unless you are delusional like me and think you need to have 16 rounds immediately at your disposal, I cannot think of a better concealed carry pistol than the shield with safety.

 

[treedoc1]

Shield +1

Shoots as well as my M&P 9 w/apex FSS and my 1911 govt 45acp

 

[Florida J Frame]

Shield 9mm is an easy shooting gun that can be pocket carried. Very happy with mine.

 

[Mapko]

I join the chorus for the Shield 9 mm. Shoots as well as I am able to aim. Light enough and thin enough for CC.
I have no clue as to the others you've mentioned.

Mark

 

[STCM(SW)]

I let my wife try several small ones.
The Shield 9mm is the one she picked out.
Did have to have the trigger pull reduced to 5.5 lbs for her and Talo grip wrap.
I don't get to shoot or CC it now....
It's hers!

Then, again, I CC "J" "K" "L" frame revolvers or 1911's of .45 ACP & 9mm/38 Super.
I think the Shield in 9mm is better then most.
But, you do have to try each one.
As stated, everyone is different.

 

[Protected One]

Are you seeing a pattern here?

Well here's one more vote for the shield 9mm. In my opinion - the perfect cc gun.

 

[crittrgittr]

+1 for pretty much everyone else above. I have a shield 9 and love it. Great trigger, balance,feel, price, etc. Just pull the trigger and get one.