FOR CCW IS M&P SHIELD BETTER THAN M&P COMPACT 9MM?

[marathonrunner]

Guys, I am on a roll now. But I currently own an MP Compact 9mm and love it. But it is a bit chunky but I can still carry without printing. The fact is has a 12 round magazine makes is superior to any revolver. The only downside other than chunky is it is uncomfortable. But looking at the Shield, it is only 3oz lighter so not much difference in weight but the fact it only has a 7 round magazine, it seems a snub nose .38+p revolver would be more concealable and a better option. I don't think 7 rounds would be enough to offer a better advantage than a revolver. If you all were me, would you go out and by the Shield or keep your Compacy 9mm and use that instead? Plan on keeping that regardless.

 

[Brucenterry]

Looks like you're concerned w/ capacity and thus will have to sacrifice some comfort. Me, I carry the Shield..it's just too slim and light! Remember, it's all about shot placement.

Have you evaluated different holsters? That may help.

 

[RobzGuns]

Find one to try (rent, borrow, etc) and compare them side-by-side. If you like how it feels to shoot and can live with having fewer rounds, go for it.
Also... Since you're considering a revolver... How well do you do with a true DAO revolver trigger?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD

 

[marathonrunner]

weight

The Shield is only 3 ounces lighter! That is not a huge difference. I have tried paddle holsters, they are fine as long as you don't sit down. The belly band with pistol right under arm pit seems to work but the weight still makes it now so great. I have a Smith and Wesson Wyatt Earp Deep Cover J frame revolver which is very comfortable. Too bad I can't say the same with the 9 compact.

 

[Maddmax]

You should have an 8 round mag that came with it too. I carry a FS 9.

 

[John H/PA]

If capacity is your concern, 7 is still more than 5. If you are attacked and must defend yourself, the fight is going to be over in seconds, you won't be in a long drawn-out gunfight. The first shot or two is what counts.

 

[Florida J Frame]

I pocket carry a Shield or a 642 depending on the day. The J Frame is a little more comfortable but the Shield carries 3 additional rounds. You said the Shield has a 7 round mag but don't forget the one in the pipe.
That's better than a 50% increase in fire power.

 

[bmb96mus]

7 rds are better then none. I have a shield 40 that I just purchased. I also a 40c. I like that its thinner and I can conceal easier wearing just a tshirt and short's. If my compact didn't print I wouldn't have bought the shield. So I decided to buy something that I could carry 365 if need be. Still have the 40c when it gets colder and I layer up.

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[B3500]

Welcome to the never ending search for your carry gun nirvana. No matter what you do, the grass will always appear greener on the other side of the fence.

Get a single stack in addition to your compact double stack and you will be able to better meet more of your carry situations that are bound to come up.

Does it need to be a Shield, maybe yes, maybe no. If you write down your list of carry criteria you can better research and see what else may better fit all the needs you list.

For instance do you want quicker reloads? Semis are likely faster to reload than revolvers without a lot of practice.

How do you want to carry it? There are many different ways to carry and some ways are better for certain pieces than other pieces. For instance IWB and AIWB can accommodate a much wider variety of carry pieces, but deep carry methods like a smartcarry holster, seem to prefer smaller pieces, perhaps smaller than a Shield, but it depends on your build and tolerance level.

Concerned with weight? Maybe something like a Kahr cm9 or an airweight j-frame would be lighter than a Shield.

These are some examples of criteria to consider. You might make less gun purchases in the future if you take the time to understand what your real needs are. Although the greener grass syndrome will always be calling.

 

[C/O]

I've been carrying my Shield IWB with the N8 squared Pro holster, and can hardly tell I have it. The N8 is by far the most comfortable holster I have ever used.

 

[Ofc.JL]

Flatter, a little lighter, smaller(a touch, not much). Just easier to pack on your hip all day. Try a buddy's, if possible You will be amazed at how much easier a Shield is to carry. Yes, you may have to reload sooner, but the chance of getting into a protracted firefight is very slim. Carry 2 spare mags. They are easy to carry because they are flat, too. Been there, done that. The Shield goes on when the uniform comes off. Much easier on me. at least IMHO, of course. YMMV.
Best of luck.

 

[Mountain Walker]

If you are carrying IWB, the thicker gun may require larger pant size and a larger belt for proper carry and comfort. That "just a little bit" thinner profile of the Shield or LC9 does translate to comfort.

 

[timn8er]

7 rds are better then none. I have a shield 40 that I just purchased. I also a 40c. I like that its thinner and I can conceal easier wearing just a tshirt and short's. If my compact didn't print I wouldn't have bought the shield. So I decided to buy something that I could carry 365 if need be. Still have the 40c when it gets colder and I layer up.

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Same for me. There's not much difference in size between the Compact & the Shield, but its enough to make a BIG difference in ease of carry. The Shield is so easy to carry;I pocket carry mine with no problem. OP: If capacity is such a concern to you, carry an extra magazine. I sometimes do in a small nylon knife pouch that goes on my belt.

 

[Arndog123]

I have a 40C and Shield 40 and I carry the Shield 99% of the time. The extra thickness of the compact is very noticeable especially when pocket carrying like I do.

 

[Jonzim]

Keep your money and the Compact 9mm.

 

[mustangman]

I have a Shield 40 that I carry OWB, and the thinness and shorter barrel length make it easier for me to conceal. I carry + 1, and 2 xtra mags for a 21 round total. In my opinion comparing the difference in size with numbers on a page, doesn't tell the whole story. In hand with loaded mags, and shooting if possible are the best way to get a true reading. If you can do that, the decision should be easy, one way or the other. If you can't, just get the Shield, you'll be pleased.

 

[Jaysq]

Here is the question: If you just keep your compact, will you carry it everyday? If the answer is yes, there you have it and the extra ammo as well.

If the answer is no, look at the Shield or something else. I carry the Shield everyday I go out. I do not worry about printing, weight, bulk or even the 7 round mag.

 

[ivanwi11iams]

I have a Shield 9MM, I say rent one to see how it feels for you...

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

Is X better than Y.

Bad question.

Why is X different to Y and which one will suit me?

If one was better than the other, S&W would only make one of them.

 

[marathonrunner]

thanks everybody for chiming in and it has been a huge help. I think I do got the "Grass is greener" syndrome...lol....but the shield also has a better trigger as Smith and Wesson admitted and after asking them why they don't make it for the MP compact, they said they are kicking it around but afraid if they do, then they will have every owner wanting to send their existing one in as a recall. They made that trigger that way because of Law enforcement officers wanted it that way. anyway I do think and agree most gun fights are over in a few shots so maybe I will pick up a shield.