First gun M&P Shield 9 and new member of the Forum

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VT_gun_owner

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Hi, I'm new to the forum and am a first time gun owner. I bought the M&P Shield 9mm. I am in love with it. I have about 500 rounds through it so far and no issues at all. I have talon grips and a pearce mag extension on the way. Also have a IWB holster on order from Squared Away Customs (a local shop near me). I plan on using it for an EDC/CC once I get a bit more accurate (shot groups are right of center and either high or low).

What advice would you have for a first time gun owner when it comes to EDC/CC?
 
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VT_gun_owner said:
Hi, I'm new to the forum and am a first time gun owner. I bought the M&P Shield 9mm. I am in love with it. I have about 500 rounds through it so far and no issues at all. I have talon grips and a pearce mag extension on the way. Also have a IWB holster on order from Squared Away Customs (a local shop near me). I plan on using it for an EDC/CC once I get a bit more accurate (shot groups are right of center and either high or low).

What advice would you have for a first time gun owner when it comes to EDC/CC?
Click to expand...

No permit or training required in VT, right? Take a class at your local gun shop/gun range before you start packing . . .
 
Welcome to the forum and enjoy your first pistol.

Assuming time and money are constraints for you:) , you'll need to balance buying more ammo, magazines, etc.

The best payoff you might get is from a professional training course from a recognized and proven instructor. Local would be great, but you might need to travel to find one. As a new shooter you probably don't have too many bad habits to unlearn, but good training up-front should keep you from developing any.

AZ is one of the few states like VT, that offers constitutional carry. However, you might want to find either a VT gun shop that offers, or an attorney who is familiar with use of force/deadly force aspects of VT law. "If" ever forced into a deadly force situation and any aftermath (legal or civil liability) can be significant.

Best of luck and enjoy your Shield.
 
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Take a class (or two), buy plenty of practice ammo and practice.

Ton's of vids on YT about cleaning and maintaining your Shield.

Use the search feature on here but feel free to ask any questions.

I have a no thumb safety Shield in 9mm, and 2 other M&Ps (both 9s). Mighty fine firearms.

Welcome to the ward.
 
Do lots of dry firing practice. Doesn't cost a thing and it will get you comfortable with sight picture and the feel for your weapon. Be safe
 
Welcome to the Forum. Lots of big brains here to pick for info.

If you are mentally ready to carry, I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about your group size. that will get better with time. That firearm is to protect your life, not win you bulls-eye trophies.

Enjoy!
 
Like Muss said take some classes. Read everything you can and watch youtube videos when you can. But take live classes as if you are any thing like me you will get more from that and they should be fun as well. Must local ranges offer different levels and I would try them out if I was you.
 
Wear your gun everywhere and all the time at home. Just get used to it.

Another suggestion -- Pick up a full size gun as well. They are A LOT more fun to shoot. Those little guys like to beat you up. Plus one gun just isn't enough!!
 
Congratulations and welcome. If you have kids, or are ever anywhere around kids, please keep your gun away from the kids. Train 'em if they are old enough. Until then.. just keep the gun away from the kids. Always be mindful to keep your gun secured. Especially when you are carrying. Don't EVER get sloppy, or lazy about handling a gun. The safety classes, and videos, and practice, can teach you the rules. You must abide by the rules. Always! No exceptions. No buts. No matter how much training you think you have. No matter how many years of experience. Obey the rules! (stepping down from pulpit now)
 
DeathF.above said:
Do lots of dry firing practice. Doesn't cost a thing and it will get you comfortable with sight picture and the feel for your weapon. Be safe
Click to expand...

I dry fire practice with a dime on front sight. If it falls off when you squeeze the trigger, you're doin' it wrong. use the tip of the trigger finger.
Chuck
 
ChiefStealth said:
Congratulations and welcome. If you have kids, or are ever anywhere around kids, please keep your gun away from the kids. Train 'em if they are old enough. Until then.. just keep the gun away from the kids. Always be mindful to keep your gun secured. Especially when you are carrying. Don't EVER get sloppy, or lazy about handling a gun. The safety classes, and videos, and practice, can teach you the rules. You must abide by the rules. Always! No exceptions. No buts. No matter how much training you think you have. No matter how many years of experience. Obey the rules! (stepping down from pulpit now)
Click to expand...

Good advice. It only takes one time being sloppy to have a tragedy. If I might add, please learn the laws on when you can use deadly force. When you carry you represent all of us gun owners. Be responsible and enjoy that shield. I think it's about the best carry pistol out there.
 
Welcome to the forum. The 9mm Shield was also my first handgun. You have been given some very good advice. Take classes, practice what you learned and then practice, practice, practice. Know and follow the "Four Firearm Safety Rules."
Since you will be carrying your Shield, make sure you get a good gun belt and a decent holster that covers the trigger. When you reach intermediate level or better and you feel secure with your shooting, then take a low light pistol class - a great deal of criminal activity occurs in low light between 6:00PM - 6:00AM.
In case you do need a safe, I recommend Fort Knox Personal Pistol Box. They have 3/16" steel doors and 10 gauge steel body. Their Simplex lock is good but unfortunately that lock only has a limit of about 1,000 possible combinations. This means a teenager or a smart youngster could enter combinations each day after school until they open it. You must train your children about guns and gun safety - if their friend wants to show them their parent's gun immediately leave their house etc. Also learn the laws of Vermont regarding firearms and when they can be used to defend yourself or another and also know when the firearm cannot be used.
WhittSailor's suggestion regarding Grant Cunningham's book Defensive Revolver Fundamentals is on the money - even though you have a semi-automatic pistol. I have the book and it is excellent and has helped me. You shouldn't have any problems finding a good local trainer - as a novice at this point there is no need for you to take courses from a "celebrity trainer."
Follow the principals taught in your classes and remember to take Youtube for what it is worth some of the videos do not contain good and useful information. Go to the range frequent and dry fire everyday in the same place/room that should never contain any ammunition and prior to practicing verify the pistol is unloaded no less than twice - three times is better! Stay safe and good luck.
 
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