Ideas and opinions appreciated...40 FS, .40 c, and Shield .40

[Expygator]

I have a FS .40 with a pic mount laser that I keep in the night stand and I enjoy at the range. I have a BG .380 that I carry all of the time ( even in the house) in a sticky or N82 tactical holster. I love both of these guns for very different reasons. The FS was my first ever handgun and the .380, I can carry anywhere. I wanted a shield .40, but decided on the BG because of the concealment in any situation. I carry it in church even. I'm wanting a larger frame cc ( because of the carry the biggest thing you can conceal theory) . I'm considering trading the FS for a .40c or a .40 Shield. I could always just wait a while and buy a Shield in addition. However, is there enough difference in the 40c and the FS to consider trading for one? It seems like it would be about the same to carry both, with the exception of another 1.25 inches of barrel. And with a gun that size, I believe I'd have to go OWB. I'm a smallish frame 5' 8", 165. Would a Shield be a good all around gun.....night stand and cc when wardrobe allows? Sorry for the dissertation. This was supposed to be a question, not my senior thesis.

Thanks.

 

[ballista216]

As far as going with a 40c or shield is concerned I say go to your lgs and check them both out. I just recently bought a 40 shield myself. I had gone to my lgs with every intention of buying the 40c till I held the 40 shield that is. To me the shield just felt like it was molded to fit my hand where the 40c seemed a bit bulky to me ( it had the medium sized grip on it). Just go check them both out and see which one will fit you best and good luck on your decision it took me almost 30 minutes to decide.

 

[Expygator]

I tend to agree. I hold the shield every time I go to the range/ lgs. I believe the size difference in the shield and the 40c is greater than the diff in the 40c and my FS. My big dilemma is do I get rid of my FS 40 for a shield, and keep the shield as my all around night stand and edc, or should I just wait and buy one when I can justify the expense.

 

[jimmib]

I also have the FS40 and the BG380....I just bought the 40 shield for my second carry....for me personally the shield conceals better and I wanted a larger CC at times...I will still carry my 380 when the situation dictates it....I think it is a matter of personal preference....they are both good CC weapons

 

[ginzo]

I'm 5'6" and I carry either a .40 FS or a .40c no issues. OWB. Using the proper belt and holster I can carry indefinitely as needed.
I do have a 638 snubbie ordered for those "special" occasions.

Whatever you choose, buy it when you can justify the expense. I wouldn't give up anything you have unless absolutely necessary.

 

[mtnwinds]

The 40c has been my EDC for about a year now. Many times I don't even notice I have it on. I've carried it both IWB & OWB with equal ease.

I chose it over the Shield because it fits my hand better, it carries more rounds (11), the spare magazine carries even more rounds (15), and it accepts the CT grip laser which is fantastic.

It also functions 100% reliably with my lead bullet reloads for range work which makes shooting more rounds cheaper and fun. What's not to like about that?

The FS 40 with a laser is an excellent choice for a home defense pistol. It's what I use. I would keep it and wait till I have enough $$ to purchase either a 40c or a Shield, whichever you decide on.

 

[Expygator]

Thanks for the informative, positive responses. I will keep the FS and will have to decide on the 40c or Shield when funds are available. I too want a larger cc for when I'm able to carry larger.I also agree that in these times, I probably shouldn't let go of any current fire arm, and should just add to the collection.