M&P 9c or Shield?

[Foofer23]

I'm sure others have perhaps asked the same question in previous threads, but it doesn't hurt to inquire. I'm considering the purchase of a M&P 9c vs. the 9mm Shield.

I know the answer is conditional i.e. based upon the owners likes, dislikes, pro, cons, and purpose for the firearm. I guess what I'm look for is an opinion from someone who owns them both and has a preference of one over the other. However, any and all are free to chime in.

OBTW, it might help to point out that I can get the M&P 9c for $449.00 and the Shield for $379.00. I know what you're thinking... get them both right?

 

[CommonCents]

I'm getting the 9C as an all around gun, carry/conceal, range, home with the hi capacity mag available and rail for any light/laser options. I'll prob catch the gun fever and start a collection but the 9C seems like a great all around for a 1 gun solution as I found it as easy to carry for me iwb as a shield would be.(i'm 6', 230) I've seen many vids of guys much much smaller who carry dang full size guns too.

The shield could also be considered if you think 6-8 rounds are plenty or just carry an extra mag if you want more capacity. It's personal preference according to your philosophy and intended use profile.

I'll see how carry goes and might look at a thinner/smaller gun such as shield/bodyguard for summer carry or pocket.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Silly rabbit.

BOTH.

 

[Jagrmaister]

The compact if only choosing one. A lot more firepower for not a whole lot more dimensionally. Added bonus of being able to use the FS mags. You could carry a 17rd full size mag as your spare and still conceal comfortably with a flush fit. Improved shooting as well with the slightly longer sight radius and reduced recoil.

 

[longhornfan69]

I own both but carry the 9c because it holds more rounds and I am a little more accurate with it. The difference in thickness is minimal and they both conceal just fine. Try to go to a range and shoot both and see which one feels better to you. Both are fine weapons and you can't go wrong with neither.

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[AGoyette]

I have the 9c and I find it to be a great all around gun. The shield interest me, but with all the horror stories out there, I am leery to get one. Plus with the 9c being easy to conceal, there is not really a need for me to get the shield.

 

[Decipher]

I'm not sure which horror stories you're referencing, because my Shield 9 has ran flawlessly after well over 800 rounds. I mean, not a single hiccup.

OP, handle both and take an honest look at them. The Sheild is just the right size to carry comfortably year round. I love the capacity arguement, but it's valid. I'm a good shot and feel comfortable carrying 9 rounds. At least it's in a gun that's comfortable enough to carry. A weapon is not effective at all if it's so uncomfortable that you don't want to carry it and leave it at home.

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[Ransom]

When I was buying my first pistol, I chose the Shield because I wanted a gun that is more concealable and comfortable for every day carry. Now I own several handguns and I am still happy with my choice--the Shield is on my side all day, most days. I do not own any of the larger M&P pistols, but I've read plenty of posts on this forum that confirm the Shield is easier to carry.

 

[Bagstrap]

Silly rabbit.

BOTH.

I agree. Have had the 9C since July and have put thousands of rounds thru with no issue. Work horse! Bought a Shield 9 this week because they have become more readily available and it will get just as much use. Put 500 thru it already and it still hungry.
2 entirely different guns and love both.

 

[GregoryJ]

I have both and they are great guns in their own right. The Shield is my preferred CCW hands down. The 9c is an adequate (12 round magazine) home defense gun. There have been many posts from 9c owners that they have no problem using it for CC. If I was able to keep only one it would be the Shield. However, I bought the 9c first. If you are only going to purchase one at this time, I think the 9c would be a great choice.

 

[AGoyette]

I'm not sure which horror stories you're referencing, because my Shield 9 has ran flawlessly after well over 800 rounds. I mean, not a single hiccup.

OP, handle both and take an honest look at them. The Sheild is just the right size to carry comfortably year round. I love the capacity arguement, but it's valid. I'm a good shot and feel comfortable carrying 9 rounds. At least it's in a gun that's comfortable enough to carry. A weapon is not effective at all if it's so uncomfortable that you don't want to carry it and leave it at home.

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There is the topic ".40 Shield Kaboom" where the guys gun blew up in his hand and then there is 2001GMC's post, "Shield 40 mishap" where it too blew up in his hand. There are many posts where people have had to send their shields in 2-3 times or more for issues. There are almost as many posts about issues with the shield as there are people who have no issues. It seems that if you get a bad one, you really get a bad one.

 

[Rastoff]

Foofer23,
What is your experience with handguns?

 

[Decipher]

There is the topic ".40 Shield Kaboom" where the guys gun blew up in his hand and then there is 2001GMC's post, "Shield 40 mishap" where it too blew up in his hand. There are many posts where people have had to send their shields in 2-3 times or more for issues. There are almost as many posts about issues with the shield as there are people who have no issues. It seems that if you get a bad one, you really get a bad one.

I read the kaboom thread. That's both scary and unacceptable.

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[Mumbleypeg1]

Here is an older thread on generally the same topic. http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...n-those-you-own-shield-compact-full-size.html. You might find it helpful.

As for my opinion regarding the c vs. Shield argument (btw I own both), if you plan to carry then the Shield is hands down the best choice. That quarter inch or so less in thickness and those several ounces less in weight of the Shield may not seem like much, but they make a BIG difference in comfort when you carry it. As any experienced backpacker will tell you, an ounce in the morning feels like a pound by afternoon. The argument about capacity is moot if your gun is so uncomfortable that you leave it home. I used to carry the c. Since I got my Shield broken in several months ago (it has been flawless) it has been my EDC of choice. The compact sits in the safe.

 

[Ruger_Up]

I bought the 9c as my first pistol. (I don't count the hi point since I sold it about as fast as I bought it, but that's a whole other forum).
Being a lefty, I liked the ambi controls on the 9c and it feels amazing in my hand. Once I became more proficient with the my 9c I started itching for another. I just picked up a Shield 9 last week on trade for a Sig p250 and took it to the range tonight. 200 rounds down range with one stove pipe. I attributed that to limp writing because it felt like it got away from me with the 7 round mag. The 9c has over 1000 rounds through it and never an issue. You really can't go wrong either way.


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[Rastoff]

...if you plan to carry then the Shield is hands down the best choice.

I have to disagree with this. Just because a gun is easy to carry doesn't mean it's the best choice for self defense.

"Owning a gun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician." -Jeff Cooper

Just having a gun doesn't make you safe; you have to be able to use it. So, carry the gun that you can hit with. I suspect that most new shooters will be able to hit better with the compact than the Shield.

The argument that you'll carry a gun because it's light and leave a gun at home because it's heavy is moot when you consider ability. I'll always carry the gun I have confidence in over the one that's light. Now, if you can shoo the the light one well, all the better.

 

[TheMystro]

I agree. The Shield has replaced a G26 that was small but too thick. IMO, the Shield can pull both duties with either small or large mag. It points so natural for such a thin handgun. There is a reason it has been sooo popular since it came out.

Here is an older thread on generally the same topic. http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...n-those-you-own-shield-compact-full-size.html. You might find it helpful.

As for my opinion regarding the c vs. Shield argument (btw I own both), if you plan to carry then the Shield is hands down the best choice. That quarter inch or so less in thickness and those several ounces less in weight of the Shield may not seem like much, but they make a BIG difference in comfort when you carry it. As any experienced backpacker will tell you, an ounce in the morning feels like a pound by afternoon. The argument about capacity is moot if your gun is so uncomfortable that you leave it home. I used to carry the c. Since I got my Shield broken in several months ago (it has been flawless) it has been my EDC of choice. The compact sits in the safe.

 

[Blue9]

I have to say the 9c. It is the best do-it-all pistol on the market (IMO). I CCW the pistol in the Texas heat without a problem in most circumstances. If I could only have one, it would be the 9c.

I do have, and love, the Shield 9, and it does come in handy on the hottest of days, but I have yet to have someone call me out for wearing cargo shorts and a t-shirt with a 9c tucked in the waste with a Theis IWB holster (the crossbreed works great too) and a 5.11 brown leather gun belt. A decent belt and a GREAT holster goes a long way in concealing a pistol.

Only one (or a first M&P) get the 9c. You can always grab a Shield later on when/if you decide you need deeper concealment.

 

[AFrost20]

I own both the 9c and the Shield. I love them both, but I have got to where I carry the Shield 99.999% of the time. Inside of the typical "self defense" shooting distance, I am just as accurate with the Shield as I am with the 9c. Because of how thin the shield is, it just feels much more comfortable to me when carrying and I have the same manufacturer IWB holster for both. If you shoot them and you're much more accurate with the 9c, I wouldn't let the better "feel" of the thinner shield over ride that.....but if you are like me and it's pretty much a wash accuracy-wise, then it's pretty much a no brainer to roll with the Shield. Good luck!!

 

[Mumbleypeg1]

I have to disagree with this. Just because a gun is easy to carry doesn't mean it's the best choice for self defense.

"Owning a gun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician." -Jeff Cooper

Just having a gun doesn't make you safe; you have to be able to use it. So, carry the gun that you can hit with. I suspect that most new shooters will be able to hit better with the compact than the Shield.

The argument that you'll carry a gun because it's light and leave a gun at home because it's heavy is moot when you consider ability. I'll always carry the gun I have confidence in over the one that's light. Now, if you can shoo the the light one well, all the better.

Agree with this totally. That's what I meant (but didn't say very well) when I said "once I got the Shield broken in". To me broken in means at least several hundred rounds down range with positive results. I would never carry unless I am confident in both the gun and my ability to use it safely and proficiently.