Just recently found an interest in firearms and have done a lot of research before making my first purchase. currently I am leaning 90% towards the m&p shield 9mm. Other options I have considered was the fn 5-7 or a glock 19. I also was gonna test out the g2 rip anmo would love to hear feedback on that for the 9Mm m&p shield
M&p shield 9mm
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Jeppo
Member
Hard to find people that don't love their Shield. They've sold more than a million of them. About the ammo, some people shy away from "boutique" brands and prefer the tried and true.
If you don't know how to shoot a pistol, the G19 is easier to learn on.
If you want one to carry, the Shield is great!
As for "rip ammo".......save your money and get a reliable practice ammo to get proficient
There is no magic bullet, just good shots and others
If you want one to carry, the Shield is great!
As for "rip ammo".......save your money and get a reliable practice ammo to get proficient
There is no magic bullet, just good shots and others
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Arik
Member
The ammo is a gimmick! The last thing you want is for the bullet to come apart. Deep penetration, good expansion and weight retention is what you want.
If you want good ammo get Speer Gold Dot or Federal HST. Both are proven performers
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
If you want good ammo get Speer Gold Dot or Federal HST. Both are proven performers
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
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ContinentalOp
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I can't comment on the Shield as I've never tried one, but I agree with those who recommend avoiding specialty (novelty...?) ammo. My personal preference is medium-to-heavy for caliber, so that'd be 124-147gr in 9mm. It's hard to go wrong with either Gold Dot or HST, in either standard pressure or +P. Winchester Ranger also has a good rep. Google "Dr. Roberts ammo" and check out his recommendation list. Anything from that list should serve you well. FWIW, I use standard pressure 147gr HST in my 9mm. Another tip...try to pick something that's available in 50-round boxes for the better value.
More important, though, is how reliable the ammo is in your gun and how well you can shoot it. If you haven't already, and it's within your means, I'd suggest taking a basic firearms class before even purchasing your first gun. Many such classes will provide you with a variety of guns to try to see what might work best for you. Alternatively, you could go to a rental range, if you have one available, and try both the Shield and Glock 19, or any other gun that interests you, and see if any one in particular floats your boat. You may end up going with something you hadn't even considered before, or end up reinforcing your original interest.
I would also echo OKFC05's suggestion to get some practice ammo and develop some proficiency before investing in SD ammo. Once you've got a good baseline established, you can try different SD ammo to see what works best for you and your gun.
Just my opinions on the matter. Take them for what they're worth.
More important, though, is how reliable the ammo is in your gun and how well you can shoot it. If you haven't already, and it's within your means, I'd suggest taking a basic firearms class before even purchasing your first gun. Many such classes will provide you with a variety of guns to try to see what might work best for you. Alternatively, you could go to a rental range, if you have one available, and try both the Shield and Glock 19, or any other gun that interests you, and see if any one in particular floats your boat. You may end up going with something you hadn't even considered before, or end up reinforcing your original interest.
I would also echo OKFC05's suggestion to get some practice ammo and develop some proficiency before investing in SD ammo. Once you've got a good baseline established, you can try different SD ammo to see what works best for you and your gun.
Just my opinions on the matter. Take them for what they're worth.
jyork08854
Member
My first gun ever was a 9mm Full sized M&P. I carry a 9mm Shield. Both great guns but the Full Size is the most fun to shoot at the range. The larger size just "feels" good.
MichiganScott
Member
The Shield is a great choice for a carry gun, but you may be better served with a full size or compact for a range toy. The M&P FS 2.0 has a great trigger and the weight makes shooting accurately easier. Some shooters simply prefer the feel of a 9C.
Chief Wiggums
Member
you didn't define your intent of what may sound as, your first firearm...
Carry
Home defense
Range & target fun
Regarding the Shield, I would suggest starting w the 9.
I wouldn't get all caught up in expense ammo. Keep in mind, the Shield requires a break in period, at least mine did and several others on this site as well. About 350 rounds or so.
The Glock 19 is a fine gun. Some people swear by them , some people swear at em" , its all a matter of preference.
most importantly , training, safety and then some safety training
Carry
Home defense
Range & target fun
Regarding the Shield, I would suggest starting w the 9.
I wouldn't get all caught up in expense ammo. Keep in mind, the Shield requires a break in period, at least mine did and several others on this site as well. About 350 rounds or so.
The Glock 19 is a fine gun. Some people swear by them , some people swear at em" , its all a matter of preference.
most importantly , training, safety and then some safety training
The shield 9 does require a break-in period.Depending on where I am going to be,my EDC will be either the shield 9 or aM&P compact .22.Working around the house or ranch,its the .22,mostly because its a bunch lighter.When ever I leave home,the carry is the 9.Regarding the 9 though,both the mags and the pistol require break in.I kept the 9 heavily lubed and ran 1000 rnds of blazer through it.This really smoothed it up.I have 8 mags and they are always kept fully loaded,with the intent of relaxing the mag springs a bit.I cannot load the mags by hand due to my 73 yr old arthritic hands. I cannot pull the slide back either without a tac-rac and I use a uplula to load the mags.In the EDC mode,I keep a 115gr fmj in the pipe,and 3 mags alternatly loaded with jhp and fmj rounds.The idea being that when I switch to paper punching or clay busting,I use only fmj loaded in the other 5 mags.This keeps me from burning thru the expensive jhp's and still allows me to keep a fmj in the gun w/o slide racking. My "lube" is a mix of Rotella T-6 and Moly-coat in a 1 to 1 ratio.The moly becomes part of the surface weather its steel,aluminum,or plastic and significantly reduces friction.
May I suggest you look at the M&P Compact instead of a Shield. If you compare them side by side the Shield isn't worth the capacity you will lose for a 1/8th inch in width you save.
I'd would much rather have 10-12 rounds. Plus the ability to use the full size 17 round mags.
I'd would much rather have 10-12 rounds. Plus the ability to use the full size 17 round mags.
Arik
Member
It's overall that you save. Size and weight. Same can be said for the compact and full size or G19 vs G26 vs G43. The 43 is a 26 cut in half length. And the 26 is only a hair smaller than the 19. I would much rather have 16 rounds vs the 10-12
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I'm actually sort of amazed at some of the..."things" that companies push at the defensive market.
There are two bits to consider.
One--do you want some hot new fad, or do you want reliable, proven ammunition trusted by thousands of law enforcement agencies, in use for decades, that's already saved thousands of lives? There's a funny thing about being "unique". It either means that you are a true genius, touched by a spark of the divine, or it means that you are pants-on-head retarded. I don't know many geniuses, but I know a bunch of guys who are retarded.
Two--excuse me while I enjoy this nice bucket of popcorn, as a prosecutor and then a civil suit attorney describe to two juries how you used "Rest In Peace" ammunition designed to maim and kill. The only "RIP" will be the sound of your reputation being tattered as your character is assassinated.
And now the harsh part is out of th way.
As to pistols, the Shield isn't bad. I am not sure that I would recommend it for a first-time shooter. You need something to build skills with. The Shield is small and light, with a short barrel, and sights designed for carry, not for range practice.
Normally, this means a .22LR pistol. They're cheap, accurate, and you can shoot them all day. And there's very little recoil, allowing for extended practice without developing a flinch. A Browning Buckmark, Ruger Mk II/III/IV, Smith and Wesson Victory or 22A would fit the bill nicely.
However, my stance on that has evolved a bit over time. I think that having something you're going to practice with trumps the practicality of the .22. If you're not interested in a .22, then me recommending one is rather pointless. And if the major expenses involved in practice time are hourly range fees, squeezing ammo costs doesn't make a ton of sense when an hour's worth of 9mm only runs $10.
Hence, I would suggest a decent, full-size 9mm. Preferably one with okay sights. But really, just find something you're interested in and excited about that fits your budget. Try and get something with a good trigger as well. If I might be so bold, I actually think that a full-size DA/SA Smith and Wesson auto would do nicely. Check out the for-sale section of this forum. You should be able to find a used one for the MSRP of the Shield (or a good deal less) in short order.
The other thing I would suggest is reconsidering your apparent interest in carrying for a while. Carrying a defensive pistol requires a great deal of knowledge and gun-handling skills, and these things take time to develop.
By all means, pick a gun and buy it. But keep your mind open--especially when you're at the range. Be friendly and meet people. Lots of folks are extraordinarily generous with their guns, and it's not uncommon to be offered a chance to shoot someone else's guns. Take them up on it!
Thanks for all the info I have been to the range multiple times and have taken classes and to be honest I want an edc but I shot the glock 19, and the shield 9mm today and a baby eagle and also a fn 40. The shield was very very small would definitely be good for carry but I don't enjoy shooting it to much the glock was a pretty decent shot not sure for edc though I really enjoyed the fn it was a very fun fun to shoot, not sure if just the ranges gun was super worn but the slide release on the shield was very difficult to pull down
ExcitableBoy
US Veteran
I'm assuming that you are considering what to use for concealed carry? If so, then I would highly recommend the Shield. Unless you are a fairly large man, the others under your consideration may be a bit bulky for effective concealment under many conditions. I would also advise, for reasons already stated, that you stick to more conventional defensive loads.
It was hard for me to decide on which lightweight, sub-compact 9mm to acquire to replace my traded daily beater KelTec P11 (I had one of the really good ones that was totally reliable.). As I always carry when awake, I had the need for something I would have no worry about getting dinged while crawling around under vehicles and in engine compartments, while doing repairs, or while out cutting firewood, etc. It was a toss-up between an XDs and the Shield. So I got one of each.
Or so I thought. I let My Lady shoot the Shield on the backyard pistol range... and found that I was now down one personal firearm (She liked it a lot better than the S&W 438 I had gotten her.). She's about 5-foot nuthin', 120 lbs, and just loves the thing, shoots it very well and carries it every day. The only initial problems she had were racking the slide and loading the magazines. Racking was solved by leaving the slide locked open, with tension on the recoil spring, for about three weeks. It loosened up enough that she now has nary a problem with it. Same thing with the mags... load 'em up and let them sit compressed for a few weeks. To make loading even easier, I bought his 'n' hers ADCO SUPERTHUMBS for the Shield... and for the XDs. I needed one, anyway, too, as I've got some major arthritis in my loading thumb. Piece of cake, now.
She's happy with the Shield, and I find that the XDs fits me better, anyway. But she does let me shoot HER Shield every once in a while.
Got the 438 back, too!
It was hard for me to decide on which lightweight, sub-compact 9mm to acquire to replace my traded daily beater KelTec P11 (I had one of the really good ones that was totally reliable.). As I always carry when awake, I had the need for something I would have no worry about getting dinged while crawling around under vehicles and in engine compartments, while doing repairs, or while out cutting firewood, etc. It was a toss-up between an XDs and the Shield. So I got one of each.
Or so I thought. I let My Lady shoot the Shield on the backyard pistol range... and found that I was now down one personal firearm (She liked it a lot better than the S&W 438 I had gotten her.). She's about 5-foot nuthin', 120 lbs, and just loves the thing, shoots it very well and carries it every day. The only initial problems she had were racking the slide and loading the magazines. Racking was solved by leaving the slide locked open, with tension on the recoil spring, for about three weeks. It loosened up enough that she now has nary a problem with it. Same thing with the mags... load 'em up and let them sit compressed for a few weeks. To make loading even easier, I bought his 'n' hers ADCO SUPERTHUMBS for the Shield... and for the XDs. I needed one, anyway, too, as I've got some major arthritis in my loading thumb. Piece of cake, now.
She's happy with the Shield, and I find that the XDs fits me better, anyway. But she does let me shoot HER Shield every once in a while.
Got the 438 back, too!
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Scorpion520AZ
Member
The G19 is the go-to duty pistol for professionals all over the world. In a good rig I personally find it very easy to CCW the G19.
The Shield is designed specifically for CCW purposes and is a run away best seller for S&W. It's a piece of cake to CCW for the average person. I own both and like both a lot.
When it comes to ammo, Federal, Winchester, Remington, Speer, Hornady is where I shop for defensive ammo. They have decades of experience. They're the trusted choice of professionals. They've invested millions of dollars in the research, development, and testing of defensive ammo.
I carry my Shield a lot, but if I had to head for the hills and could only take one all around pistol, G19.
Look inside the holsters of professionals and you'll see consistent answers to your questions.
The Shield is designed specifically for CCW purposes and is a run away best seller for S&W. It's a piece of cake to CCW for the average person. I own both and like both a lot.
When it comes to ammo, Federal, Winchester, Remington, Speer, Hornady is where I shop for defensive ammo. They have decades of experience. They're the trusted choice of professionals. They've invested millions of dollars in the research, development, and testing of defensive ammo.
I carry my Shield a lot, but if I had to head for the hills and could only take one all around pistol, G19.
Look inside the holsters of professionals and you'll see consistent answers to your questions.
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Scorpion520AZ
Member
AMEN, Best advice I've read in a web forum in a very long time.
Ole Joe Clark
Absent Comrade
I have had personal experience with 4 different Shields. One a .40 cal and the other 3 are 9 mm. Never had any problems with them, just took them to the range and started shooting them. The only problems that we have encountered were caused by the reloaded shells or the shooter.
Have a blessed day,
Leon
Have a blessed day,
Leon
Jeppo
Member
Two points...
On the Shield, S&W describes that lever as the Slide Lock. Mine is stiff too so I simply slingshot the slide.
If you decide to go with that G2 ammo, Natchez has it on sale today.
On the Shield, S&W describes that lever as the Slide Lock. Mine is stiff too so I simply slingshot the slide.
If you decide to go with that G2 ammo, Natchez has it on sale today.
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