Is this sound rational behind going with the Shield .40?
- Thread starter tjkober
- Start date
I hear ya, problem is I don't have reasonable access to shoot a .40 and am concerned if it is a wise choice in this size of firearm for me. I've never shot a .40 and just want to make a good decision for my future ccw companion. I love the thoughts of the experienced shooters in this thread.
AZ115
Member
As someone else stated here in the forum "The .40 is a 9mm on steroids".
After exclusively shooting 9mm for years. I finally purchased my first .40, a M&P 40C mostly for CCW, but I found the 40C to be an easy transition to be my main "go to gun" at night time with a Streamlight TLR-4 rail light attached. I have a few friend that don't shoot much and a 9mm is about as much as they can handle.
I still shoot 9mm's more just because of the ammo cost less. I'll shoot 200-300 9mm and about 150 .40 for about the same cost. I would really like to shoot my 40C more though. It's my only .40, so I' ll track down a 9mm barrel for it someday and be able to practice more with it.
I will say the 40C is a great shooter, comfortable, accurate, reliable and good looking
.
After exclusively shooting 9mm for years. I finally purchased my first .40, a M&P 40C mostly for CCW, but I found the 40C to be an easy transition to be my main "go to gun" at night time with a Streamlight TLR-4 rail light attached. I have a few friend that don't shoot much and a 9mm is about as much as they can handle.
I still shoot 9mm's more just because of the ammo cost less. I'll shoot 200-300 9mm and about 150 .40 for about the same cost. I would really like to shoot my 40C more though. It's my only .40, so I' ll track down a 9mm barrel for it someday and be able to practice more with it.
I will say the 40C is a great shooter, comfortable, accurate, reliable and good looking
.AZ115
Member
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mazdaspeedrx8
Member
I was looking for 9mm shield but happened to find a 40 so i bought it yes it is a bit snappy but its very manageable. It is my first 40 but i dont have any issues hitting the target even when rapid firing. Im now waiting to get my 9mm shield as my lgs doenst have it in yet.
mazdaspeedrx8
Member
Thanks for the feedback, I feel like this -->
Guess a guy/gal can't really go wrong all factors considered, the Shield is just that good obviously. Now finding either caliber is another matter.
Get on a waiting list or just check out your local GS's you might get lucky and find one that the had literally just put on the shelf like i did. Both are great guns and you cant go wrong with either.
Does anyone really think this bullet would have the same effect on real live tissue???? And a .45 hitting an arm causes the person to spin like a top...
You got a lgs with great ammo pricing. Locally 9mm is $12.99 and .40/.45 over $20 for a box. Wallmart has ammo cheaper, when it's in stock, $10.99/box, or the 250box for $60. I have not looked at the .40/.45 pricing at wallmart but everything not 9mm seemed at or over $20.
TwistedCopper
Member
The first subcompact handgun I ever owned was a Springfield XCSC in .40 S&W. Yes, it was snappy, but I trained often and grew more and more comfortable with it.
I now have a Shield in .40. Going to take it to the range for the first time in a couple hours.
The recoil will depend on several factors. I used the 135 grain Federal Hydrashok Low Recoil Personal Defense rounds for my wife to shoot the XD40SC. You might want to try them in the Shield. While a hit with a 9 may be better than a miss with a ,40, I prefer a hit with a .40. That is just my personal preference, as I certainly do not want to enter into a caliber debate.
I have very large hands and although my pinky stands little chance of grasping the grip with the standard mag, I expect a Pearce grip extension to hit the market soon. I don't think the pinky makes a difference for controlled shots with a 2 handed grip. Now one handed that's another story, but honestly 9mm, if using full +P loads isn't much better.
I plan on shooting a wide variety of ammo today. I'll post a report in a different thread tonight or tomorrow evening.
I now have a Shield in .40. Going to take it to the range for the first time in a couple hours.
The recoil will depend on several factors. I used the 135 grain Federal Hydrashok Low Recoil Personal Defense rounds for my wife to shoot the XD40SC. You might want to try them in the Shield. While a hit with a 9 may be better than a miss with a ,40, I prefer a hit with a .40. That is just my personal preference, as I certainly do not want to enter into a caliber debate.
I have very large hands and although my pinky stands little chance of grasping the grip with the standard mag, I expect a Pearce grip extension to hit the market soon. I don't think the pinky makes a difference for controlled shots with a 2 handed grip. Now one handed that's another story, but honestly 9mm, if using full +P loads isn't much better.
I plan on shooting a wide variety of ammo today. I'll post a report in a different thread tonight or tomorrow evening.
Will41
Member
I don't own a 40. But, the cost of ammo around here is $13 for 9mm and $15 for 40.
During the ammo shortage, the 40 was still available everywhere. The 9mm was out of stock around here, but I can't remember one place that did not have the 40.
This is one reason I am considering getting a 40 in the future. The 40 is always the easiest ammo to find around here.
I was also considering the 45, but that is more expensive ($18) and very difficult to find if there is a shortage.
During the ammo shortage, the 40 was still available everywhere. The 9mm was out of stock around here, but I can't remember one place that did not have the 40.
This is one reason I am considering getting a 40 in the future. The 40 is always the easiest ammo to find around here.
I was also considering the 45, but that is more expensive ($18) and very difficult to find if there is a shortage.
Houdini1953
Member
Don't let the recoil of the 40 spook you it is manageable, when you fire the weapon take a proper stance and with the assistance of someone who can help you fire the weapon and make adjustments as necessary. There is not handgun on the market that can not be shot one handed, but using both is a good idea when first getting used to the weapon you choose.
You might be interested in my post about the M&P 40C being a great first gun http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/251835-why-i-feel-m-p40c-best-first-gun.html for many reasons, and yes I have a Shield 40!
M&P Shield 40, M&P.357Compact
You might be interested in my post about the M&P 40C being a great first gun http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/251835-why-i-feel-m-p40c-best-first-gun.html for many reasons, and yes I have a Shield 40!
M&P Shield 40, M&P.357Compact
Yep, the .40 was always available here as well during the dark days of the ammunition shortage. I have both 9mm and .40 Shields. I can tell you that the .40 is a handfull with 165gr or 155gr HSTs, but still easily manageable for a seasoned shooter. The 9 has a touch less recoil with 124gr +P Gold Dots and quite a bit less with non +Ps. If I was a new or a recoil-sensitive shooter I would go with the 9 without question. The difference in results with the newer quality 9mm rounds (GD, HST, Ranger) is insignificant according to the experts vs. the tradeoff in recoil. JMO.
In this article, 9mm wins...
"Being Wrong is Important... and, Admitting It is too!
Or: Why Rob Pincus now prefers the 9mm over .40 S&W for Personal Defense. "
Why Rob Pincus prefers the 9mm over the .40 for personal defense)
Thanks!
"Being Wrong is Important... and, Admitting It is too!
Or: Why Rob Pincus now prefers the 9mm over .40 S&W for Personal Defense. "
Why Rob Pincus prefers the 9mm over the .40 for personal defense)
Thanks!
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The best reason to get the Shield in .40 S&W is it's not available in .45 ACP - yet. I don't have a micro in .40, but I do shoot 230 +P in my Kahr PM45 - which approaches the low end of .357 Mag energy. The recoil is not that stiff, and the muzzle flip is something you learn to deal with. These small pistols are not intended for the target range. They're for self defense, and shoot targets only with that end in mind.
If you're not sure bigger is better, try knocking over a bowling pin or a 35# steel silhouette. A .40 will work 2 times out of 3, and a .45 nearly every time. You might get lucky with a 9.
If you're not sure bigger is better, try knocking over a bowling pin or a 35# steel silhouette. A .40 will work 2 times out of 3, and a .45 nearly every time. You might get lucky with a 9.
vigil617
US Veteran
TJ you might have more reasonable access to a .40 than you think. Take an hour drive down here to Cumberland County and visit the GS and range that's on Yadkin Road (no names so I don't sound like I'm shilling for 'em) in Fayetteville. Fine indoor range and many choices in rental pistols from .32 to .45, including several in .40.
There's also a GS in Aberdeen near Pinehurst that has been able to get a bunch of Shields so far, including .40s. You'll need to get on a list, but you should be able to get what you want before too long.
Both shops are well worth the drive.
As for 40 v. 9mm, I bought a 40 Shield as my ccw primarily because they're not made in 45 (yet), which I'm accustomed to shooting. Yeah, both ammos can be pricey, but I found good pricing on target ball at Super Wal-Marts in the $18/box for 50 rounds range. It's more than for 9mm for sure, but to tell you the truth, I like shooting the higher calibers and don't mind the added cost. Like my ccw instructor told me, in supersonic (9mm and 40) v. subsonic (45), the difference is like prizefighters -- some are lightning fast and hit hard, and others are like George Foreman, a tad slower but knocks the living you-know-what out of the opponent.
Have fun.
