M&P .45 Compact vs .45 Shield

[Amishman44]

It's been awhile since I've been on here but wanted to get a few opinions from those who have them to get a better idea of which way to go?

Which is preferred, a S&W M&P .45 Compact or a .45 acp Shield?

I stepped into a LGS, one I rarely visit, and they had a slightly used M&P Compact in .45 acp with the variable grip option. I have smaller hands and the small-sized grip option really 'fit' in my grip just right. He had it listed for $450 + tax.

I've also held a .45 acp Shield and it fits pretty nicely as well...I'm seeing deals on these in the $325 range?

I'm thinking more along the lines of it being a dedicated night-stand pistol...and that gives the Compact a slight advantage due to the 8-round magazine (and can take the full-size mag as well?) vs. the 6 or 7 round magazine that the Shield offers.

I also think I like the Compact's 4" barrel a bit better for increased accuracy and longer powder burn time for increased velocity and kinetic energy development.

Who has what and what do you like best about it?

Which, in your opinion, would be better for the application I think it will fit?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Shield9mm]

Both are great pistols, can't go wrong with either for Home Defense I would get the 45c it will accept 10 rnds mags with the xgrip, also you can attach a light on the rail. The shield is more a conceal type of gun.

 

[kthom]

Well, Sir, I'd ask what your intended main purpose will be for the weapon. If you are thinking of carrying it for personal protection, etc, then look no further than the Shield. I love the full sized frame, and those would be my choice for pleasure shooting, but not by much! I confess to be surprised at how much I like the Shield in .45ACP. I'll tell you that I'm hard pressed to shoot any better with my full size. I don't own a compact, but I can't imagine that it would shoot better than my full size.

For me, the Shield shoots like a dream. I have had no issues with it whatsoever for nearly a thousand rounds. I can find no real concerns about it at all. I can also say the same for my full size model. The big 'un holds more rounds of ammo, and it is a soft shooting bugger, and I like it very well. But the Shield shoots so well and comfortably for me and carries so much smaller that I'd not consider the full size for EDC. Yeah, I'd rather have the full size if I knew for a fact that I was gonna need those extra rounds, but what I'd choose then if I had the chance was just to not go or be where those extra rounds were needed!

I've been carrying my Shield every day, all day and part of the night, since shortly after purchasing it not long after they became available. Had to buy it sight unseen beyond a picture, and I have NOT been disappointed. My question to you remains, and only you can answer that. Either one will not be a bad choice. Matter of fact, my only real suggestion is that you buy one of each and then you'd be completely ready for whatever comes, when ever it comes! Good luck with your choice because in the end, you've got to satisfy yourself.

 

[Amishman44]

My main purpose/intent would be as a designated night-stand pistol...hence the ability to have more rounds available via the larger pistol.

What I really liked was the feel of the smaller grip (3-size options on the M&P Compact) in my somewhat smaller grip...it just 'fit' my small hands.

I do like the idea of being able to mount a light on the rail as well.

Not intending for it to be an EDC pistol...but one that I can grab comfortably and know what it'll do if I need it.

 

[scott_0]

My main purpose/intent would be as a designated night-stand pistol...hence the ability to have more rounds available via the larger pistol.

well I certainly wouldn't choose a Shield then, as said, it's designed to conceal well, since that isn't a concern for you, I wouldn't limit myself to the single digit round capacity of a Shield........



Sent from my S7 Edge on Tapatalk

 

[kthom]

I agree! My nightstand gun is actually an M&P 9MM full size but with a 4 1/4" barrel. The magazine holds 17 rounds plus one in the pipe, and the gun has a Crimson Trace Lasergrip sight mounted. I also keep a spare magazine in the same location along with a good small flashlight. This gun with a couple spare mags also travels with us in our vehicles. My wife shoots it very well, but she does not often carry on her person. I have my Shield on my person and she has the full size 9 at her disposal when alone or as backup when we are in the vehicle. I also have a full size M&P 45 with a 4" barrel that I like very much. But the magazine capacity of the 9 makes it our choice at the head of our bed. I only carry the Shields on my person, and they are also very good anytime since they are at hand where ever, when ever except when I'm sleeping! I sure hope not to need all those rounds in the full sized 9, but it's a comfort to have them without a reload if things go bump in the night!

 

[Smoke]

Well, Sir, I'd ask what your intended main purpose will be for the weapon. If you are thinking of carrying it for personal protection, etc, then look no further than the Shield.

The OP stated very explicitly that the gun was going to be a dedicated nightstand gun

I'm thinking more along the lines of it being a dedicated night-stand pistol...and that gives the Compact a slight advantage due to the 8-round magazine (and can take the full-size mag as well?) vs. the 6 or 7 round magazine that the Shield offers.

 

[kthom]

Point taken, Smoke. However, I will point out that he did say he was "thinking more along the lines of it being a dedicated night-stand pistol". I took that to mean that his mind was not yet fully made up so I presented both sides of the question from my perspective and experience for whatever it might be worth. No intention here to change his mind. Some folks have to make do with one gun at times, so that one needs to be the best possible compromise. I appreciate getting all the information I can from someone else's experience, but whatever information I present here is just my own opinion and all are free to take it or leave it. We all have different needs and preferences, likes and dislikes. Obviously, I didn't comprehend the OP's comments in the same way you did. I sincerely hope I haven't offended the OP or you with my commentary. If so, please accept my apologies.

 

[Amishman44]

No offense taken...to add to the original post, grip comfort is a huge factor in pistol selection for me as I have smaller hands and comfort is a huge factor in how well one operates a pistol consistently.

That...and while I used to be in to short-barreled pistols and revolvers, these past 3+ years, I've leaned more towards the longer-barreled pistols and revolvers in order to get better (longer) powder burn leading to increased developed kinetic energy.

I think I'm leaning more towards the M&P 45 Compact for the purpose of home-defense...when the small grip is installed, the pistol is slightly more comfortable in my grip than the Shield...and has a 4" barrel to boot!

Thanks for the feedback everyone...greatly appreciated!

 

[kthom]

I also use the small grip insert on my M&P45. It works best for me too! However, mine is, of course, the full sized frame. My advice to you it to handle and hold, and shoot if you have the opportunity, as many of your possibilities as you can. They are all good guns, IMO! The one that's best for you for any possible self or personal protection use is the one that fits your hand the best and gives you the best grip and reach to the trigger. There are lots of good guns available, but one that does not fit your personal hand the best is one that you cannot shoot the best. Regardless of caliber, you will have the best results with the gun you can shoot the best, and that is very likely to be the one that fits your hand the best! There are other considerations, but fit and function for you personally is your best choice. That's my opinion of course! But I think you are on the right track to finding your best choice! I like the way you are thinking> Good luck, Sir!

 

[Bonephish]

I carry the .45 Shield and my HD gun is my 9C with green laser.

 

[Smoke]

Point taken, Smoke. However, I will point out that he did say he was "thinking more along the lines of it being a dedicated night-stand pistol". I took that to mean that his mind was not yet fully made up so I presented both sides of the question from my perspective and experience for whatever it might be worth. No intention here to change his mind. Some folks have to make do with one gun at times, so that one needs to be the best possible compromise. I appreciate getting all the information I can from someone else's experience, but whatever information I present here is just my own opinion and all are free to take it or leave it. We all have different needs and preferences, likes and dislikes. Obviously, I didn't comprehend the OP's comments in the same way you did. I sincerely hope I haven't offended the OP or you with my commentary. If so, please accept my apologies.

Sorry, I was in a pissy mood that night. I intend no offense.

 

[Smoke]

I think I'm leaning more towards the M&P 45 Compact for the purpose of home-defense...when the small grip is installed, the pistol is slightly more comfortable in my grip than the Shield...and has a 4" barrel to boot!

I'm sure it's been said but a compact model will take a full sized magazine where a Shield model won't. That alone is enough to make me pick the C

 

[LAA]

I'm sure it's been said but a compact model will take a full sized magazine where a Shield model won't. That alone is enough to make me pick the C

For the same reason, that's why I use the Shield. I really prefer the slimness of the single stack magazine. For me, it's a very noticeable difference. Both in comfort, and the ability of keeping the gun discreet. I do realize this preference varies with people.

 

[kthom]

Sorry, I was in a pissy mood that night. I intend no offense.

No worries, Smoke. We've all been there and done that at some point. I did not take offense, but I appreciate your words. Forget about it. Besides, sometimes I get in a hurry when reading posts and do not read them carefully. That's gotten me in trouble more times than I like to remember. I don't mind being reminded that I need to slow down and read more carefully. Thanks again for your last post. I appreciate it!!!

 

[DMSC]

I don't have a Shield 45 yet but i do have a Shield 9 and a 45c. Honestly, I don't see how you can go wrong with either choice.

Since I prefer to have my light on the gun, for HD, I'd use the 45c. Opinions vary on the on gun/off gun light use. I practice both because ya never knwo which you'll need to use.

Here's my 45c...