M&P 9c or Shield?
- Thread starter Foofer23
- Start date
Wee Hooker
Member
I owned both.
In my side by side tests, my 9c had better capacity, better grip/ergonomics, shot more accurately with less felt recoil. Footprint was a near wash and the 9c was actually shorter along the grip height that the shield.
The shield shined only in slimmer width and weight which disappeared completely when a good belt holster was used. ( I'm guessing this might change in a IWB holster but I don't carry that way. ) The slimmer width and lower weight no doubt had something to do with it's poorer ergonomics and recoil control during my tests.
I sold the shield within two weeks in favor of the 9c.
In my side by side tests, my 9c had better capacity, better grip/ergonomics, shot more accurately with less felt recoil. Footprint was a near wash and the 9c was actually shorter along the grip height that the shield.
The shield shined only in slimmer width and weight which disappeared completely when a good belt holster was used. ( I'm guessing this might change in a IWB holster but I don't carry that way. ) The slimmer width and lower weight no doubt had something to do with it's poorer ergonomics and recoil control during my tests.
I sold the shield within two weeks in favor of the 9c.
MichiganScott
Member
I looked at the Shield when it first came out and decided instead to buy a FS for a dedicated house gun to go with my 9C. I didn't find the Shield enough smaller than the 9C warrant giving up the additional rounds when carrying concealed. A second mag for the Compact and I have as many rounds on board as a Shield and two mags.
Linejudgemick
Member
I have a 9C and a couple other single-stack pistols. The 9C is absolutely a fantastic pistol, but I find I carry one of my single-stacks the majority of the time. They just aren't as heavy, or as large and easier to conceal. However, if I was faced with choosing one or the other, the choice would be difficult. The 9C has more capacity, fits my hand easier, controls better and still conceals, just not as easily. Thankfully I'm not forced to make that decision.
Either would make a fine choice if you are talking it only being used for CCW, but you did not specify what you wanted to use it for...
If you plan for it to be used for more than CCW duty, to me the advantage begins to lean more towards the compact model due to their greater versatility.
On a personal note, I found the shield's grip where it meets the web of my hand was too narrow for my liking. So I ended choosing the MP40c because it fits my hand better and carry it regularly with no regrets in my choice.
Hopefully you live in a free state so if you find later you picked the wrong one for your needs, you can always go back and get the other one later...
If you plan for it to be used for more than CCW duty, to me the advantage begins to lean more towards the compact model due to their greater versatility.
On a personal note, I found the shield's grip where it meets the web of my hand was too narrow for my liking. So I ended choosing the MP40c because it fits my hand better and carry it regularly with no regrets in my choice.
Hopefully you live in a free state so if you find later you picked the wrong one for your needs, you can always go back and get the other one later...
Sorry, thought it was given it would be a carry gun. I guess I should have clarified. I'm glad you like your 40c. The compact does seem like a "Do It All" firearm. I'm scoping one out at this present time. Still not ruling out the Shield. Thanks.
Lee in Quartzsite
Member
I've had a 9c since they first came out, and it has been my daily carry gun. I bought a Shield when it first came out, carried it for about a month and went back to my 9c. I didn't like the stiff recoil spring and hard to rack slide, plus even though I never had the Safety on I didn't care for it on a carry gun. After about 6 months I traded it for a M&P 45c. Love the fact it makes a bigger hole, feels like my 9c, and all of my holsters fit both my 9c & 45c. I do carry the 9c more often because it has a Crimson Trace grip. When they make one for the 45c, then it will be my everyday gun.
I've got a Shield 9 and a Pro 9 and am looking to possibly trade my XDs45 for 9c with new Trijicon night sights this week. Never did take to the XDs45, but the 9c feels right at home in my hands, just like every M&P I've ever held, with the slight exception of the 45, but I've got enough other .45's that I've pretty much got that base covered pretty good. 
Now to try and find a CT grip laser (LG661) for it.
Now to try and find a CT grip laser (LG661) for it. I can carry my M&P40 FS & M&P40C concealed well. I like the mag capacity & the fact I can use the FS mags in the compact if I want more capacity. I can also convert either to 9mm or .357sig which I plan on doing on one or both of them. I was debating on getting a Shield for my next firearm but I think I'll go to the M&P45C.
Avery11
US Veteran
BINGO. Start from the starting point. There is much to consider here and the gun is not first.
The more I read from Rastoff, the more I see that he is consistent, logical, and sincere without any condescension toward new shooters. I agree with his advice in this thread 100 percent. In fact, I was giving very much the same tip to a friend at dinner last night.
Of course, this assumes that my endorsement carries any more weight than the "ink" on this post.
An Answer to the Question
Both are well respected handguns, but I don't have much experience with the M&P line. Sigs, yes. Glocks, yes. Rugers, yes. XD, yes, Berettas, yes, but not M&P's.
Again, I realize this can be like comparing apples with oranges depending on what a guy is look for. But I'm primarily interested in gun owners who own the compacts and the Shields. Pick one and what is the thing(s) that landed you in that particular camp? I'm simply gathering data and no better place to do so than on a Smith and Wesson forum. Hope this helps.
OBTW, I'm not offended at the question
Fairly extensive. Certainly not a novice. I'm just curious b/c I've seen a fair amount of Shield owners as well as M&P compact owners, and I'm wanting an honest opinion of which firearm to select if you could only have one.BINGO. Start from the starting point. There is much to consider here and the gun is not first.
The more I read from Rastoff, the more I see that he is consistent, logical, and sincere without any condescension toward new shooters. I agree with his advice in this thread 100 percent. In fact, I was giving very much the same tip to a friend at dinner last night.
Of course, this assumes that my endorsement carries any more weight than the "ink" on this post.
Both are well respected handguns, but I don't have much experience with the M&P line. Sigs, yes. Glocks, yes. Rugers, yes. XD, yes, Berettas, yes, but not M&P's.
Again, I realize this can be like comparing apples with oranges depending on what a guy is look for. But I'm primarily interested in gun owners who own the compacts and the Shields. Pick one and what is the thing(s) that landed you in that particular camp? I'm simply gathering data and no better place to do so than on a Smith and Wesson forum. Hope this helps.
OBTW, I'm not offended at the question
Springfield Bob
Member
CC guns in general.
[QU
I own the S&W M&P 9, 40 & 45.All in FS. I also have S&W 1911's. I also have my share of Glocks as well. What do I carry on a daily basis? I
carry one of the two S&W CS-45's. IT's 6 in the mag one down the tube.
I also carry a spare 7 RD mag from my 4516-1. I qualify on the police range with it very nicely. I carry it IWB and it is very comfortable. My
extra mag is carried in an old buck knife pouch. I like the size hole the .45 makes. With hydra shocks I think I'm pretty well set.
Regards,
Bob
OTE=Glock2740;137712434]I've got a Shield 9 and a Pro 9 and am looking to possibly trade my XDs45 for 9c with new Trijicon night sights this week. Never did take to the XDs45, but the 9c feels right at home in my hands, just like every M&P I've ever held, with the slight exception of the 45, but I've got enough other .45's that I've pretty much got that base covered pretty good. Now to try and find a CT grip laser (LG661) for it. [/QUOTE]
[QU
I own the S&W M&P 9, 40 & 45.All in FS. I also have S&W 1911's. I also have my share of Glocks as well. What do I carry on a daily basis? I
carry one of the two S&W CS-45's. IT's 6 in the mag one down the tube.
I also carry a spare 7 RD mag from my 4516-1. I qualify on the police range with it very nicely. I carry it IWB and it is very comfortable. My
extra mag is carried in an old buck knife pouch. I like the size hole the .45 makes. With hydra shocks I think I'm pretty well set.
Regards,
Bob
OTE=Glock2740;137712434]I've got a Shield 9 and a Pro 9 and am looking to possibly trade my XDs45 for 9c with new Trijicon night sights this week. Never did take to the XDs45, but the 9c feels right at home in my hands, just like every M&P I've ever held, with the slight exception of the 45, but I've got enough other .45's that I've pretty much got that base covered pretty good.
Now to try and find a CT grip laser (LG661) for it. [/QUOTE]
Rastoff
US Veteran
OK, thanks for the response. I asked because in my experience it makes a difference in gun selection and ease of use.
First, I picked the compact for my own use. I have relatively large hands. This gives me trouble with trigger control on small guns. So, the compact is better for me personally.
Secondly, people with little handgun experience tend to have more trouble with small guns. The compact is small, but still has a reasonable sized grip. With the finger extension on the mag I find the grip to be comparable with full sized guns.
I prefer the compact. It's small enough to be easy to conceal. The weight difference makes no difference to me (I carry a 1911 normally). As a larger gun, I tend to shoot it better. Also, the compact has a slightly longer barrel. It's not enough to make a significant difference in accuracy, but it does make a difference in power. The extra 1/2" allows more of the powder to burn and this results in higher velocity. More power is always better in a self-defense situation.
Because you have experience with handguns, I have no qualms about recommending the Shield for you for carry purposes. With proper fundamentals many here shoot the Shield as well as the larger guns. As I've said before, being able to shoot the gun well trumps everything else for self-defense.
It would be great if you could shoot both. This would resolve this for you. If you can't, the best choice in my mind is the compact.
Rastoff, "Secondly, people with little handgun experience tend to have more trouble with small guns. The compact is small, but still has a reasonable sized grip. With the finger extension on the mag I find the grip to be comparable with full sized guns."
Thanks for the advice. Small handguns aren't an issue for me. I have small hands. I also like the adjustable back straps on the Smith compact.
Hey, anyway we borrow some that nice weather from Edwards and bring it here to Wright Patterson AFB?
Thanks for the advice. Small handguns aren't an issue for me. I have small hands. I also like the adjustable back straps on the Smith compact.
Hey, anyway we borrow some that nice weather from Edwards and bring it here to Wright Patterson AFB?
Rastoff
US Veteran
Give me a job and I'll bring it with me.
CommonCents
Member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2014
- Messages
- 71
- Reaction score
- 18
It's really something to see people of all sizes say they can easily CC the 9C and others say they can't. Good to get opinions and when people give them, however it is very helpful if they list their height/weight for reference too. I've even seen posts/videos of small size people saying they can CC a full size no problem.
Last edited:
Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
Good morning:
I have the 40C and am very happy with it. The 40C works well for me, so I don't plan on buying a Shield anytime soon. I don't know if you are aware of this, but if you buy either a M&P or a Shield in .40S&W,you can then buy conversion barrels in 9mm (you'll also need 9mm magazines) or .357Sig (the .40S&W and .357Sig use the same magazines) for a quick, tool less, multi-caliber handgun. I have the Storm Lake 9mm barrel for my .40S&W, and use the 9mm M&P magazines for my conversion, and it works very well. I do have a .357Sig barrel on back-order, but have been told they are somewhat difficult to buy at this time.
Regards,
Dave
I have the 40C and am very happy with it. The 40C works well for me, so I don't plan on buying a Shield anytime soon. I don't know if you are aware of this, but if you buy either a M&P or a Shield in .40S&W,you can then buy conversion barrels in 9mm (you'll also need 9mm magazines) or .357Sig (the .40S&W and .357Sig use the same magazines) for a quick, tool less, multi-caliber handgun. I have the Storm Lake 9mm barrel for my .40S&W, and use the 9mm M&P magazines for my conversion, and it works very well. I do have a .357Sig barrel on back-order, but have been told they are somewhat difficult to buy at this time.
Regards,
Dave
Attachments
Good to know Dave. That' definitely something to consider and that's one of the reasons why I purchased a Glock 27 at one time. I like options
CommonCents has made some good sense suggesting height and weight. Although the weight thing is becoming a bit more embarrassing to reveal. I keep accusing my wife of shrinking my clothes after she's done doing laundry
I have both, (all 3 if you count my FS), and like them. The 9c's up sides. More capacity. With a grip adapter, you can use full sized mags. Longer sight radius. Bigger accessory rail. Down sides, it's heavy/bulky for summer carry. Not easy to conceal wearing shorts and t-shirt. Too big for pocket carry.
Shield ups. Easy to conceal all year round. Light, but still a very capable, well mannered firearm. More capacity than a snubby, easier to shoot as well. Downs. Recoil spring requires a solid effort to rack/lock the slide. Stiff magazine springs make the mags difficult to reload. Thumb safety's a redundant component. MHO? If you can only have one, get the Shield. Mine's EDC year round these days. A more versatile piece.
Shield ups. Easy to conceal all year round. Light, but still a very capable, well mannered firearm. More capacity than a snubby, easier to shoot as well. Downs. Recoil spring requires a solid effort to rack/lock the slide. Stiff magazine springs make the mags difficult to reload. Thumb safety's a redundant component. MHO? If you can only have one, get the Shield. Mine's EDC year round these days. A more versatile piece.
