Is this sound rational behind going with the Shield .40?

[TwistedCopper]

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.

 

[Will41]

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.

 

[Houdini1953]

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

 

[elde]

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.

 

[MA_GA]

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!

 

[Neumann]

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.

 

[vigil617]

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.

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.