M&P Shield 40 S&W

[Cal44]

I'm thinking of getting a 40 S&W M&P Shield first generation.

They are still on the California roster, and are still available -- who knows for how long.

The version 2.0 will likely never get on the roster, so now is the time if I want a new gun.

I kind of a contrarian by nature, and if everyone else hates 40 cal, I figure now is the time to buy one.

I have to believe it's an effective choice -- even if the FBI has decided to drop it.

Bigger bullet, heavier, with more energy (than 9mm) can't be too wrong.

During the last ammo crisis, the only thing you could get around here was 40 S&W -- even 9mm was hard to find.

History probably won't repeat itself, but who knows?

What's the real advantage of the Shield 2.0?

 

[swsig]

If you haven't seen it, there's a thread about the Shield .40 here:
Opinions on the S&W .40 Shields

I've never shot a Shield .40, but I own Shields in 9mm and .45acp. My Shield 9 has always been somewhat problematic, so I don't carry it. After some early teething problems, my Shield .45 has turned out to be an excellent gun, and I do not hesitate to carry it. If Shield .45s are "legal" in CA, I suggest you check them out. They're very accurate, and have surprisingly modest recoil.

That said, I'm a big fan of the .40, and my primary carry gun is my trusty M&P .40 compact. I've carried it for three years, and for me, it's the perfect carry weapon: Small enough to fit in a pocket, but large enough to hold 10+1 rounds of 40 caliber goodness.

Despite a lot of negativity directed its way, I think the 40 is a great round. It achieves an excellent balance of power and compactness. And it's always available. If the Shield .45 or the M&P 40 are denied to you by the geniuses in Sacramento , then I'd say go for the Shield 40.

 

[wingriderz]

I have a M &P 40C bought new 2015. My 1st ever 40. Been ccw for a very long time. I found from 1st magazine of 40 I shot it better than 30 plus years with differant calibers. Can't say enough good things about it. Don't know why I waited so long

 

[spricks]

Yep, love the 40cal and think it's in the middle best for what one needs in a handgun.

 

[NCW Ray]

I've been shooting the .40S&W since 92 and don't find it snappy, painful, uncomfortable, etc. but then again, I'm only 63 so probably younger than most of the complainers.

I've had my Shield 40 for going on 4 years and qualify with it at least yearly, usually twice a year, for my LEOSA carry certificate which includes right and left one handed shooting and have never failed to qualify. Before the Shield I did the same with my 40c.

 

[Realrez]

The Mrs. Has a shield 40 and she has no problems shooting it. I shoot hers every time we go and I like it.

 

[richbuff]

The .40 S&W cartridge (with high performance loads) and the .40 Shield both occupy a nice balance point between all that are smaller/less potent stoppers, and all that are larger/more potent stoppers. I like the hotter 10mm due to its attractive muzzle energy, and I like the tiny 9 due to its attractive carry-ability, but the former is bulkier and the latter is weaker than a common sense middle of the road compromise. If you are looking for a common sense everyman balance between a super mega zapper and a tiny ease of carry, the .40 Shield in the preferred guise is a wise choice.

I alternate between the above three items and sometimes a fourth item: a stainless eye candy 3-inch .45 1911 loaded warm for self-defense. But I select the .40 Shield on days when my mind is focused on plain old common sense middle of the road compromise.

 

[jejb]

Nothing wrong with a 40 Shield. I have a couple of them, one a PC version with a CT green laser. Good shooters and easy to carry. Not what I'd call a fun range gun, though. I have a lot more fun punching holes with a full size 9mm. Less recoil and easier to be accurate with, especially as the distance grows.

 

[serger]

I picked one up last March (3/17). I ran 1750 rounds of 180gr cast thru
it before freeze up. Nice little pistol.

You'll get a lot of folks telling you to get an Apex kit for the trigger. I did
the Smith equivalent of the Glock 25 cent trigger job on it. Runs great.

The only other things I got for it were more 7 round magazines and a
9mm conversion barrel. 9mm gives more options if needed. Only
200 rounds of 9 so far, but it runs.

 

[kgpcr]

I love my .40 Shield. I like the extra punch. bigger, heavier and faster bullets are all good things! My Shield has never missed a beat after 450 or so rounds. it ate all I could throw at it!