Help with Shield versus M&P 9c

[Somac8]

I would appreciate some help. Each LGS tells me something different. Some say the 9c is completely tuckable. Others say it's to big and the Shield is the way to go. I wear button down Oxford shirts tucked in. I want a gun I can carry in a tuckable IWB. So, what are peoples' experiences with each?
Thank you all.

 

[Linejudgemick]

I don't have a Shield and an M&P9C, but I do have a Beretta Nano and an M&P9C. Being able to tuck a pistol IWB is all about having the right holster and clothing. There is no doubt the Shield is narrower than the 9C, but with the right clothes (pants an extra size larger and a quality belt) and a good holster, it can and I have carried it tucked in. I personally prefer my single-stack for IWB carry though. It's simply thinner, smaller and more comfortable to me. Each persons mileage varies though and some people are willing to make the adjustment so they can carry a 9C, or even larger pistol.

 

[Dohmein]

I carried the 9c fine before I had my Shield. Depending on the holster you should have no issues if you prefer the 9c. That being said concealing the Shield is easier for me but really this is a holster issue, not the gun. I can carry my full size 9 with no issues as well (many do). Crossbreed supertuck comes to mind. I personally like n82 tactical pro holsters but I bet you will get some other ideas on this thread as well.

Enjoy

 

[longhornfan69]

I carry a 9c everyday and have no problems concealing it in my FusionPac holster. I was wanting a Shield until my wife bought hers and after comparing it to my 9c the difference is minimal. Either is a fine weapon for edc.

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[AFrost20]

I also have a MP9c and a Beretta Nano. Anyone telling you that "can't" carry tucked with a 9c has either never tried, or is using a sub par holster, IMO. I use Harwell tuckable IWB for both. Once they are in the holster, I am hard pressed to tell which gun I am carrying. The most noticeable thing is the weight difference, but it isn't bad at all. I would shoot both and see which you prefer....that is the most important attribute. I can't speak to the shield, but it is basically the same size of the nano. If I could only keep one, it would be the 9c for EDC. I have both cause I like to pocket or ankle carry sometimes, and the nano fits the bill perfectly for that.

 

[DanMN]

I have a shield and a 40c. The only real difference is the shield is thinner and a little shorter barrel. They are about the same size. A good holster will make either tuck able, etc.


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[Zjnovak]

It all comes down to what you prefer. I would go with the compact, though. It's easily concealable, although not as light as the single stack. Another good point with the compact is that you can load it with a 12 round mag, then throw a 17 round mag in your pocket. No mag-interchanging with the shield.

 

[Maddmax]

I have both but like the c,do to being able to carry the larger mags. As said above,the holster is the key.

 

[RussC]

I have been pocket concealing my Shield until today when I picked up a Desanti tuc.

I just am not sure about concealing IWB with my body frame.

I have an athletic build and I have tried 3:30 and 5 and my slacks and belt really protrudes and makes my belt line look unnatural.

Is there anyone else with a athletic body frame having difficulty concealing IWB with slacks and a fitted dress shirt?


Russ

 

[Fir3hawk]

I actually almost made a similar post yesterday but my account logged out and I locked myself out trying to log back in. Ill summarize my thoughts..

Size: shield is thinner and lighter. May be able to pocket carry the shield.. less likely with the 9c. [Shield]
Capacity: 9c has 10/12 round mags. Shield has 7/8 round. Shield is single stack. You could run a m&p 9 mag with xgrips in 9c [9c]
Price: shield is $449, 9c is $479-499. [Shield]


I may be missing a point or two.. Posting from my cell. For reference I have a m&p .40 fs. I just bit the bullet on a shield 9 myself.

I held both at the gun show... You will be happy with either purchase IMO.

 

[AFrost20]

That last sentence in the above post is key, IMO. You really can't go "wrong" with either choice.....both are arguably the best guns in their respective class. Good luck!

 

[N4KVE]

I carry the 40c because my brother bought a Shield, so I got his 40c. It feels better in my hand than the Shield, & that's all I care about. Yeah, it prints a bit, but big deal. I concealed a USP 45, & while it printed more, this is Florida, & people here could care less. GARY

 

[k31scout]

I wear XL or 17 1/2 button down dress shirts but when I got my CCW I went to the Tall versions of those shirts for the extra tuckableness. I like that word. lol My shoulders are wider than my waist so my shirts are a little blousey. I use a Crossbreed Quick Clip with one belt clip and it's comfortable.

 

[zotzer]

Russ,
A lump of steel and polymer is a lump of steel and polymer. There are no magical invisibility cloaks. LOL.

If one is wearing form fitting clothes, a lump will show. No getting around it, if you are not willing to wear looser clothing or a cover garment like a sport coat.

Maybe try an ankle holster. Although, having just returned from Holland where many young men wear very skinny pants and pointy shoes, even an ankle holster couldn't conceal well in that attire. LOL

Tracy

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[bmgcat]

I have both the Shield and the 9c. I much prefer to carry the Shield due to a few things..
If the flat floor plate is inserted in the 9c, its actually shorter than the Shield by maybe 1/4'', maybe. Although they only differ by a few ounces in weight, i find it uncomfortable and unbalanced while shooting to run the flat floor plate in the 9c. I much rather my pinky rested on the grip for the extra balance but of course the extended floor plate makes the 9c longer by a good 1/2''. Now the flat floor plate on the Shield is very comfortable to hold and fire.

The overall length is not horribly different between the two but of course the Shield is shorter, by a 1/2'' or better..

The shield comes in at .95 of an inch where the 9c is about 1.2''.. IMO, thats a very big difference.

For me, Smith hit a home run with the 9c but hit a grand slam with the Shield. Good luck, i trust that either direction you go, you wont be disappointed!!

B.

 

[Lost Lake]

I have a shield and a 40c. The only real difference is the shield is thinner and a little shorter barrel. Oh and the 40c can use .357 and 9mm barrels, has interchangeable back straps and you can use full size mags for range shooting then put in short mags for carrying. They are about the same size. A good holster will make either tuck able, etc.


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Fixed that for ya.

They are almost identical in every way. The real difference is you can get a compact with or without a safety, mags swap with other M&P's, you get interchangeable back straps so your gun fits your hand, and round capacity is higher.

I have them all, I've posted pics of the Shield and 9c side by side, hold them both and pick one. Then get the other in a few months.

 

[Soldiernurse]

It all comes down to what you prefer. I would go with the compact, though. It's easily concealable, although not as light as the single stack. Another good point with the compact is that you can load it with a 12 round mag, then throw a 17 round mag in your pocket. No mag-interchanging with the shield.

LOL, I have small hands but something about a flat grip does not work for me.

I had a Shield, pre-DECshooting, but did not like the flat grip... same reason I did not like my PPS (sold both). However, love my MP9c & Walther PPQ. Both have rearward (hump) curve that feels right to the palm of my hand.

Also, I prefer the mag versatility of the 9C with flat base 10rd, pinky rest 12rd, and XGrip 17rd. I'm gonna have to lose some weight before I consider tucking in my shirt using any Double Stack in an IWB holster. No problem with IWB & shirt not tucked in. I have a Bersa BP9cc (very reliable, never a malfxn), which is a very good deep conceal single stack IWB. Of course, if both 9C & Shield are a good fit, then I'd suggest plan on buying both. Why pick A or B when you can have C, all of the above.

 

[Dieselscout80]

LOL, I have small hands but something about a flat grip does not work for me.

I had a Shield, pre-DECshooting, but did not like the flat grip... same reason I did not like my PPS (sold both). However, love my MP9c & Walther PPQ. Both have rearward (hump) curve that feels right to the palm of my hand.

Also, I prefer the mag versatility of the 9C with flat base 10rd, pinky rest 12rd, and XGrip 17rd. I'm gonna have to lose some weight before I consider tucking in my shirt using any Double Stack in an IWB holster. No problem with IWB & shirt not tucked in. I have a Bersa BP9cc (very reliable, never a malfxn), which is a very good deep conceal single stack IWB. Of course, if both 9C & Shield are a good fit, then I'd suggest plan on buying both. Why pick A or B when you can have C, all of the above.

Unless you bought a restricted 10 rd mag all the 9c standard mags are 12 rd whether flat or with pinky rest. The full size 17 rd mags work fine with or without the x-grip.

 

[Somac8]

Thank you all. As further info, I am constrained by MA law to 10rd max. I really like the 9c better but am concerned about not being able to carry tucked. That's why it is difficult for me because in MA you really can't let anybody see you are carrying.

 

[DanMN]

Thanks Lost Lake! Nice add to my post. You are correct!


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