AndrewX
Member
As the title indicates, I'm considering a Shield .40 as a complement to my current carry guns.
For reference, over the past 15 years of CCW, my primary carry guns have all been .45 Automatics (Kimber Ultra, Glock 36 and now a HK45c) and my secondary carry gun has been a S&W 624.
Over the years, I've found that I carry only about 80% of the time when it is appropriate/legal. While I've never owned a 9mm or a .40 S&W, the new crop of ultra compact carry guns chambered in these potent cartridges has caused me to reconsider as I believe that owning one of those would allow me to carry 100% of the time when it is appropriate/legal. I don't anticipate that the Shield will become my primary carry gun but I'm open to be proven wrong.
After going to several LGS and dry firing the S&W along with the competition (Ruger, Kahr, Beretta, Sig, Kimber Solo, Springfield EMP & XDS), I formed the opinion that the S&W had the best trigger, sight picture and ergonomics. That and I've had good experiences with a number a Smiths over the years.
I then gravitated towards the .40 over the 9mm for the perceived improvement in terminal ballistics and because given the number of rounds I've put down range in compact and full size .45s over the decades, I don't anticipate that the recoil from the .40 will be bothersome.
At this point, my decision is 90% complete so I'm looking for some advice and recommendations regarding the Shield 40:
1. What holsters can you recommend for either an appendix (IWB) or 3-4:30 carry (either IWB or OWB)?
2. Although I've never used one before, can anyone recommend a trigger guard mounted laser sight? And if so, what holsters go with the lasers?
3. Is there a standard/proven/popular .40 S&W load using lead SWC bullets that functions well in the pistol? If not, what is the preferred practice load using jacketed bullets? I have Bullseye, Unique, Accurate #5 and Tite Group on hand.
4. Lastly, is there any other gun that I've overlooked in the single stack 9mm/.40 S&W ultra compact segment? Is there any reason for me to reconsider the 9mm Shield over the .40 S&W?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
For reference, over the past 15 years of CCW, my primary carry guns have all been .45 Automatics (Kimber Ultra, Glock 36 and now a HK45c) and my secondary carry gun has been a S&W 624.
Over the years, I've found that I carry only about 80% of the time when it is appropriate/legal. While I've never owned a 9mm or a .40 S&W, the new crop of ultra compact carry guns chambered in these potent cartridges has caused me to reconsider as I believe that owning one of those would allow me to carry 100% of the time when it is appropriate/legal. I don't anticipate that the Shield will become my primary carry gun but I'm open to be proven wrong.
After going to several LGS and dry firing the S&W along with the competition (Ruger, Kahr, Beretta, Sig, Kimber Solo, Springfield EMP & XDS), I formed the opinion that the S&W had the best trigger, sight picture and ergonomics. That and I've had good experiences with a number a Smiths over the years.
I then gravitated towards the .40 over the 9mm for the perceived improvement in terminal ballistics and because given the number of rounds I've put down range in compact and full size .45s over the decades, I don't anticipate that the recoil from the .40 will be bothersome.
At this point, my decision is 90% complete so I'm looking for some advice and recommendations regarding the Shield 40:
1. What holsters can you recommend for either an appendix (IWB) or 3-4:30 carry (either IWB or OWB)?
2. Although I've never used one before, can anyone recommend a trigger guard mounted laser sight? And if so, what holsters go with the lasers?
3. Is there a standard/proven/popular .40 S&W load using lead SWC bullets that functions well in the pistol? If not, what is the preferred practice load using jacketed bullets? I have Bullseye, Unique, Accurate #5 and Tite Group on hand.
4. Lastly, is there any other gun that I've overlooked in the single stack 9mm/.40 S&W ultra compact segment? Is there any reason for me to reconsider the 9mm Shield over the .40 S&W?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
