M&P c or Shield for CCW?

rosborn

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Hello all,

I've posted here and there on the forum and have decided to get more active.

I currently have a M&P 40 FS that is my only handgun. I love this gun. It just functions perfectly and the aim placement is true. So, though the sample size is small (basing it on one pistol), I am a big fan of M&Ps. I am familiar and comfortable with mine.

I want to get a CCW and it just makes sense to stick with the M&P lineup. It probably makes as much sense to stick with the 40 version - all ammo will work between both guns. So, the "big" question is - M&P c or M&P Shield. My impression is that the M&P c will handle the recoil of the 40 round better than the Shield will because it is a bigger/heavier gun. One other benefit is the higher capacity of the magazine of the M&P c. But, would the added weight be a deal breaker for anyone here?

One more option is fulfilling my lust for a .45 cal and going with the M&P 45c. My concern here is the recoil with the smaller, compact, frame.

What say you?

Thanks,

Rob
 
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M&P c or Shield for CCW?

I you tolerate the snappy 40 most like you will love the 45 or the 9mm. The recoil on the smaller frames like the shield is very manageable, which one to carry depends on what feels more comfortable to you.
I have shot the shield 45 and it is hard to differentiate with the 9mm it feels very similar. The best you can do is try a rental that's what I do before any purchase.


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M&P c or Shield for CCW?

I say go with the M&Pc. More capacity. Easier to handle and accepts your full size mags which make a great spare carry mag. I've never had a time where I couldn't conceal a doublestack compact in just a tshirt and shorts.
 
I say go with the M&Pc. More capacity. Easier to handle and accepts your full size mags which make a great spare carry mag. I've never had a time where I couldn't conceal a doublestack compact in just a tshirt and shorts.

That's what I was thinking. I like the idea of the Shield. I love what I've seen in online video and other reviews on the Shield but I love even more having larger capacity magazines.
 
M&P c or Shield for CCW?

The Walther PPS M2 beats out the G43 and even Performance Center Shield in every comparison I've seen. Better ergonomics and stock trigger. Versatility of 3 mag options with different capacity and base plate lengths. But yea your definitely better of with M&P40c.
http://accurateshooter.net/pix/ppsm204.jpg
 
I say go with the M&Pc. More capacity. Easier to handle and accepts your full size mags which make a great spare carry mag. I've never had a time where I couldn't conceal a doublestack compact in just a tshirt and shorts.

This is probably the best argument...

However, if possible, rent all three (M&Pc, Shield .40, and Shield .45) to see which one suits you best. Or, buy all three and have a ball! :)
 
Some people don't care if they print (or partially print) with a larger capacity weapon. Or some can just get away with bigger bulges so to speak. I'll take a Ruger LCP in a pocket holster if needed, but prefer the Shield 45 in a IWB holster. The wider ones just ain't going to work. It's no contest, as far as I'm concerned. I much prefer the 45 ACP over my 9mm Shield, which no longer goes where I go.
 
M&P c or Shield for CCW?

I have a Shield 9, 45c, and 9c for CCW. I carry the 9c 90% of the time and the 45c 8% probably. My Shield is basically just a car gun at this point.

I'm trying to figure out how to work a LCP 2 into my EDC but I might just sell it. Pocket carry is really a PITA, what are you supposed to do with your light, knife, and keys?
 
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I have a Shiled in 9mm and I love it. For my purposes it serves better than a compact would. If I carry something other than the Shield, it's bigger. Like my Glock 22 or 40 (10mm.). I'm actually going to buy the Shield again in .40 S&W. My vote is definitely in favor of the Shield because if I'm gonna carry a compact pistol, the few extra rounds don't really matter to me, but the M&P compact in .40 can take your fullsize mags, so that's a nice option.
 
I have both the Shield and the Compact (both in 9mm)
I carry both depending on what I can wear for clothing.
IWB I use Stealthgear (onyx for the shield, mini for the 9C).
IWB with these 2 guns and these holsters I can pretty much wear
whatever I want to. (6 foot 210 pound athletic build "34 inch waist")
I tend to prefer carrying OWB though, I find it much more comfortable and being in NewEngland , between October and April it's a non issue. a Fleece top or an LL Ban rain coat conceals just fine.
I use the Stealthgear Flex for my Shield (and my XDM 3.8C .45) and a JM Kustom Kydex V2
with my 9C.
I went to a mall today with my daughter and had the 9C on
OWB under a long shirt and the LL Bean raincoat......Invisible
and super comfy. I don't find the weight difference between the
2 to be very significant.
If I could only keep one it would be the 9C.
I shoot much more accurately with it than I do the shield (which I still shoot plenty accurate, but it fits my hand much better).
As far as .45's go for a CCW, I have the Xdm 3.8C in .45.
It's not much bigger than the 9C.
With my Pierce pinky extension on it it's 10 +1
A real joy to shoot too. it's another good option for a CCW .45
I haven't had the chance to shoot the shield in .45 yet.
XDM_zpsbhrc4ctx.jpg
 
I say go with the M&Pc. More capacity. Easier to handle and accepts your full size mags which make a great spare carry mag. I've never had a time where I couldn't conceal a doublestack compact in just a tshirt and shorts.

When my wife was shopping for a compact 40 auto we looked at both the Shield and the Compact. She liked the feel of the Compact better so that's what she got. With the large grip insert installed, this is the softest-shooting 40 I've ever fired- and I've fired a bunch of them. This girl has had multiple hand surgeries and she handles the 40 Compact just fine.

Anyhow I liked hers so well, I got one for myself. It shoots a tad high and the rear sight is a froghair to the right. Otherwise, it shoots well for a little bitty forty. Five shots, standing unsupported, 25 yards.

2016-10-07%2015.25.40_zpssuqt7fut.jpg
 
I'm reading more posts in favor of the M&P compact. Bottom line is I have nothing at all against the Shield. I just think the compact will feel closer to my M&P 40 FS that the Shield will and, again, the larger magazine of the M&P compact is appealing and...it's not like the M&P compact is huge by comparison with the M&P Shield.


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And add to that your full size mags will work in the compact. Might as well carry a full size backup mag with grip adaptor.
 
That, and it ain't like we're going to ever hang a flashlight on a Compact. Both of ours were police trade ins and I don't have 700 bucks in the pair and all the spare mags. I may make the rail carefully disappear on mine, just to make it IWB a tad better.
 
And add to that your full size mags will work in the compact. Might as well carry a full size backup mag with grip adaptor.

I'm using a 15 round M&P40 factory mag as a backup. Snaps in and works fine w/o an adapter too.
 
The adaptor helps give a full grip and prevents potentially damaging the ejector by forcefully inserting on an open slide. But not necessary.
 
Thank you all. I've got my decision and you all were great counselors!


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