M&P Shield 40 - report on kick

[MacDanny]

new member, 2nd post...

This forum was really helpful for me as I walked through a decision on whether to go Shield9 or Shield40. I posted on another thread that, embarrassingly, I agonized over this decision and flip-flopped a few times. I don't own a lot of handguns - just recently started for personal defense - and had relatively little experience.
To make my decision I shot the following:

• XD 40
• G26
• Sig226 - chambered in 40
• M&P 9C

Shot the XD40 and the M&P9C the best, but liked that Glock for ease/maintenance. Purchased a G19 to get going (plus my wife can shoot a 9mm), then got on a wait list for the Shield. My LGS got a shipment in with 1 40 and 3-4 9s, but the wait list was much longer on the 9mm. Had the chance to be second in line for the 40, so did that and then got the call that the guy who wanted the 40 walked away.

Ultimately I got teh 40, but was really apprehensive. Just shot it this AM and was so excited about how the gun handled that I joined this forum!

I am not big - 5'9", 175lbs and a rookie in terms of shooting. Got some training this AM (supposed to be only on the G19) with grip/stance/trigger. I absolutely can handle this gun and am so happy with the decision.

• 9mm "flip" is slight for me now (with better grip/stance) - like 15 degrees
• 9mm time on-target after a shot is quick - like I think "one-one-th..."
• 40cal "flip" is more but not much (again, new grip/stance) - like 45 degrees
• 40cal time on-target after a shot is longer - but only like "one-one-thou-sa..."
• The Shield40 for me was easier to handle than the P226 (probably the DA-only trigger) and on par with the XD40. Truly.

I was scared I made a bad choice, and after getting instruction and practice am not afraid of this gun at all. SOOOO happy and now want to go shoot it more. Actually put 2 shots through the same hole at 7 yards!

After I get my CCW, this will be my choice. Also put my name on the 9mm wait list... for my wife!

Again, not sure if this helps others that are more experienced at all, but the forum was so helpful to me I wanted to try to give my perspective. Only my report and from a rookie shooter, so take that for what it's worth.

 

[M&P Freak]

Welcome to the forum and a big CONGRATS on making the right choice.

 

[M29since14]

Thanks for your thoughts on that. I have been wondering how folks are reacting to the M&PShield in 40.

 

[Houdini1953]

Welcome as a new member and I was only on a waiting list for a 40 Shield. I just got my M&P full size 40 back from the gun smith that had put an apex trigger job and Tru Glo Tritium sight that show up great in daylight and glow at night without batteries. I also own a Shield 40 and an M&P 40Compact which is or was my EDC until I got my full size "fixed" but my speed increased by being able to get right back on target with my new sights and the trigger is a dream.

But what I went to the gun store for also today was to get my M&P15 "Sport" off layaway which I did so all in all it was great for me, and it sounds from what you have reported that it was a great day for you as well.

M&P 15 Sport, M&P Shield 40, M&P .357 Compact

 

[sonofthebeach]

Welcome to the forum, and I also congratulate you on your choice of the Shield in .40.

I'm also on a waiting list locally for either a 9 or a .40 Shield. I understand your apprehension about buying a pistol model/caliber that you hadn't had a chance to shoot.

I've previously owned Taurus Slims in both 9mm and .40, and I figured the .40 would be a handful. But, as I recall there wasn't much difference in the amount of recoil.

The nature of the recoil was "snappier" in .40, but not so much so that I found it unpleasant. Like you noticed, I also needed a little more time to get back on target, but with practice, I got better.

Earlier in my life, I owned and fired mostly revolvers in centerfire calibers up to .44 mag., and more recently (3 years ago) having owned smaller, lighter semi-auto's in .22, .380, 9mm, .40, and .45, I'm amazed at how much recoil is absorbed by the functional design of the pistols.

With the revolvers, recoil (in any one caliber) is more a function of the weight of the gun, and/or the grip style or grip material, with recoil generally being more of a problem (for me) with lightweight revolvers weighing less than 18 ounces.

I'm really happy that you went forward with your purchase of the .40, and am confident that it will be an extraordinary CCW for you.

 

[TACC1]

Thanks for the report, and welcome aboard. I've never
had a chance to shoot a .40 cal., and have been wondering
how the recoil would turn out.
I had sore wrists after firing a Makarov, and was worried
about the 9mm. Turns out that 9mm is okay, must have been
the grip-angle on the Mak. No problems with 45 ACP, so I'll
not worry about snappy recoil from a forty. TACC1

 

[ccpacker]

I certainly have no regrets about getting the .40 Shield. Self-defense distance is 3 to 5 yards. That's how I practice. I practice both left and right single handed as well as with both hands. I find the Shield .40 very manageable with either hand as well as with both hands. Personally, with the Shield, I think the differential "snappiness" from 9mm to .40 cal. has been overblown.

 

[WrongWay]

MacDanny,

Thanks for the in depth report on the 40 Shield. I was wondering what they would be like recoil wise. Very informative. Welcome to the forum. Have fun, shoot often, and stay safe.

WrongWay

 

[MacDanny]

TACC1,
Completely understand. If it helps give you perspective, I recently had a shoulder dislocation/separation (both) on my strong arm. I was really concerned about the impact of a 40-cal on my body. May have been part of my apprehension.
My experience after shooting the Shield40 was that the impact, or kick, really was more a function of my mechanics. When I used the gun the way it is supposed to be shot, it was amazingly manageable - for me. Seemed to transfer most of the impact from my shoulders/wrist to my elbows - if that makes any sense. Don't get me wrong, the muzzle kicks up, but I found that by lessoning the impact I was able to get it back on target MUCH faster than I thought - with MUCH more accuracy too.

Was really empowering. I felt in total control.

That said, I can completely understand your concern on your wrists. Wish I could help you with advice/tips but I am just learning myself.

 

[ScottieG59]

I am glad to see companies are giving a larger selection of good choices. I tend to be very slow at adopting new products, however, it is just that I keep things a long time.

My primary carry gun is a Glock 27. I have heard all the talk about the kick or snap of the 40 S&W. To a degree, I kind of understand the push toward the 9mm option. However, I feel that if premium ammo is in short supply, a bigger caliber will do better in basic ammo. Maybe it is true and maybe not.

Since they are all fine, the one that makes you feel best is the right choice.

 

[Forsmithers]

MacDanny,
Thanks for the info on the Shield .40 and welcome to The S&W Forum! Keep practicing with your new pistol and post some photos when you get a chance. We LOVE pictures.

 

[MacDanny]

UPDATE
Put around 200 rounds through my Shield40, and lo-and-behold the gun started dropping the extended clip just like I'd read on other posts here. Every shot. Mostly on the extended mag, but just wanted to give that update.
Called S&W today and they asked me to ship it back. The guy I talked with (Jeff) said it was only the 2nd time he'd heard of that problem - which I find hard to believe based on the posts I've read here. If so, he was really quick to pay for me to ship the gun back.

Houdini, I see you have a Shield40. May be reaching out to you to see if you had any similar issues.