Help me make the decision 9mm or .40

[ATGglobal]

I have the option of getting a Shield from my local GS. They have both the 9mm and .40 in stock. Here's my dilemma. I have both the FS and Comp in .40 should I stick with consistency and go with the .40 or get the 9mm? Has anyone shot both to compare them? I've heard that the .40 Shield is a lot snappier then the compact due to the size. Does anyone agree? Thoughts please.

 

[SavageSmoker]

I have both and they shot pretty similar to one another. The .40 obviously has a bit more recoil but I was surprised by just how well it handled the first time out. In all honesty, I think the whole recoil hype between the two should not be the deciding factor about which one to get. Yes, the .40 has a bit more bite but it is certainly manageable and with some practice will not be an issue at all. If you want to stay with the same caliber get the .40 Shield.

I was used to shooting in the 9mm platform with my Glock 19 but could only find a Shield in .40 so I bought it. Not too much difference to me and it made me really appreciate the .40 platform. So much so, I switched my primary home defense gun to a .40cal.

One word of caution...there is not a huge difference between the Shield and it's compact version counterpart. I originally got an M&P .40C and I was so surprised by the similarity in size I sold it two days later and got the full size M&P .40 for HD. Now my wife uses the 9mm Shield and Glock 19, while I switched to .40cal versions. My Shield is perfect for me as a CCW and the full size M&P is a good HD gun.

Good luck in your decision...Brian

 

[OldLawman]

Given the current problems with the .40s (mag dropping issues), I would opt for the 9mm.
I have been around long enough to remember when the .40 first came out, and was never that impressed. No handgun is a death ray, and there are many good 9mm loads. Obviously, my very personal and subjective opinion, but if you want or need something bigger, get a .45 and be done with it.
And don't point to LE agencies going to the .40 - whenever there is a new product, the firearms guys (I know. I was one of them for years) jump all over it. Some agencies have even gone back to the 9mm from the .40.

 

[Maddmax]

I stuck with the 9 because that's what I have (along with 45's) and there isn't a 45 shield. I'll get to the FS 40's (maybe) soon enough and I'd get the 40 Shield over the 40c and stick with a FS 40.

IF,you'll eventually get to the FS 9's, I'd get the 9 being you already have a 40c.

 

[nickn10]

Stay with the 40 ( if you reload ammo cost is about the same) There is no problem with recoil if you are reasonably used to shooting handguns. I have over 200 rds through my Shield, some VERY HOT 135 grn 1300 fps loads and have not had a problem with the magazines dropping. Factory 180 grn also no problem.

 

[Capt_Destro]

Can you barrel swap with the shield? Also is the mag dropping issue only for the shield? I got a full sized M&P40 yesterday and I plan on getting a 9mm/357 barrel/2 9mm magazines down the road

 

[Broker50]

I don't own a Shield in either caliber, but have several 9's & 40's. Just as a general observation, I find the 9MM to be more accurate than any 40 cal. I have a couple of 10MM's too, & find them extremely accurate, don't see why a slightly shorter case would make a difference in accuracy, but it does for me. Especially in a smaller gun like the Shield, I would choose the 9MM.

 

[Mij Scaasi]

I have both the 9mm shield and the .40 shield. Recoil difference between the two is almost negligible. With the 40 you can change barrels and mags and drop down to the 9, not so the other way around. Ammo price difference is a consideration.

 

[MP22]

Go with the 9mm. Love mine.

 

[Skootertrash]

I chose the 9mm for two reasons. The magazine issues on the .40 and the 9mm was the only Shield they had. I really want to take it to the range and put a few boxes thru it, but I will have to wait a couple of weeks.

 

[oufree]

9mm hands down! You'll thank me later!!

 

[Shielded]

I'd go with the 9mm. The mag drop issue would then be a non-issue & ammo is a bit cheaper. I love mine, best gun I've bought in a long time.

 

[GregoryJ]

I have a 9MM Shield, fantastic gun, couldn't be happier with it. So you would think that is what I would recommend. No, I think sticking with .40 is the better choice myself, no need to buy separate ammunition. Whichever you decide to buy, I believe you will be very pleased.

 

[Tman72]

I have the .40 ...... while all ammo is inherently different I carry Hornady critical defense 165 grains which muzzle energy is 506 ft.lbs the identical 115 grain 9mm Hornady CD is 271 ft.lbs at the muzzle to me this is a big difference . I know 9mm is cheaper to practice with and wouldn't want to get hit with either. Being as they are the same size I chose the .40



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[Tman72]

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[Ransom]

I'd go with the 9mm. Mags hold one more round and ammo costs less.