M&p shield 9mm

[Targets Guy]

I've had my 9mm Shield since Sept 2015 and have over 600 rounds downrange. My biggest complaint was loading the mags but the uplula mag loader solved that issue. Not a fan of the grip but a pach rubber band solved that issue for me. Now we are old friends.

Never had an issue with any ammo but currently like the 147 grain 9mm.


the pinkie extender for the seven shot mag is a great enhancement as well

 

[Donn]

Picked up my 9mm Shield soon after they came out. It's been as dependable as the sun rising in the East.

 

[KF-NYC]

Jefe,
Like others above, and YMMV, I would not recommend the Shield for a first time shooter. It has a short sight ratio and most beginners need to work on trigger control and pressing the trigger without moving the rest of your hands. I would suggest taking some lessons with a good instructor. Some schools of thought would recommend that you start with a 22 caliber pistol. On the other hand, others schools of thought would have you start with a compact or standard pistol i.e., not limited to G19, G17, S&W M&P Compact/Full size, the relatively new Sig Sauer P320 Compact/Full Size. Additionally, learn your state's laws - a few states restrict the number of rounds that citizens are permitted to carry in their pistol magazines. IMHO 9MM ammunition is a good round for beginner/novice shooters. It has less recoil than 40, 45 or the 357 Sig. Obviously 22 caliber has less recoil than 9MM. Hopefully, your instructor with have various pistols to provide you to shoot at the range. Try as many different pistols as you can and see what works well for you. After you have shot a 1000 rounds or so you'll get a feeling for the handgun that you like. BTW, should you decide to start with a subcompact compare the Shield to the Glock 43 and the Walther PPS before you lay down your cash. Good luck.

 

[Wise_A]

EDIT TO DELETE PRIOR POST / QUESTION:

Apologies to Wise_A -- I misinterpreted his post but now understand his points re-reading this morning. And good points they are!

I didn't even log back in quick enough to be offended

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

Well, if your heart is set on an EDC, you might consider the Glock 26 (without the pinkie magazine extensions) or 43. The 26 is a double-stack 9mm with a 10+1 capacity. The 43 is a single-stack holding 6+1. Both are really adequate for carry purposes.

Besides the larger capacity, the 26's double-stack grip profile provides a much wider backstrap--the rear edge of the grip--which makes it a bit more comfortable to shoot.

Glocks exist at a very reasonable point in the price/performance curve. They do everything most people need them to do. You can pay more, and get more, with other makers, but the Glock ticks all the "need" boxes. It's also handy that the compact and sub-compact Glocks are quite similar to the full-size versions. You could have, for instance, a 17 to shoot for fun at the range, and a 26 to carry.

On the downside, the triggers--which are very forgiving compared to some other designs--lend themselves to developing bad habits. And the sights can only be described as adequate.

But--sights can be replaced, and you can always upgrade the trigger on a range-duty pistol.

I would suggest avoiding some of the more exotic brands for the time being. You'd be much better served taking that budget and applying it to two decent guns, rather than one great pistol. And exotic pistols have exotic parts. When exotic parts break, it can be tough finding a replacement.

I'd also suggest leaving some room in the budget for holsters and carry gear, plus some educational materials. Figure on buying a good belt, plus at least a couple holsters (don't even bother with the cheap Fobus holsters, or floppy nylon jobs). I rather liked my Alien Gear Cloak Tuck for the price. Also expect to buy a box or two of carry ammunition--a magazine and a spare, and you're going to need to periodically replace the top round that's always getting ejected at the end of the day (another advantage of revolvers).

It's also worth spending some time reading about concealed carry and self-defense realities. Mas Ayoob's On Deadly Force or In The Gravest Extreme aren't bad places to start.

But ultimately, think of this the way you'd think of shoe shopping. Outside of the bargain-basement brands, there are very few bad guns these days. What you're looking for is something that fits you.

 

[tlay]

Before you buy a gun take some self defense classes. I am an NRA pistol instructor and I see all kinds of new shooters. I take to the class many different types of handguns for the students to try. A lot of them show up at class with a gun they can't shoot well or doesn't fit them. Some of them KNOW what gun they want to buy and then try another gun that really works for them.
Don't make the mistake a lot of new gun owners make by buying the WRONG gun, take a class!!!