M&P Shield or M&P9c *Which do you prefer?*

[BryanD]

Hello,
Which do you guys prefer the Shield or M&P9c ? I am big on having a manual safety. What are the pros/cons of the 9c over the Shield.

 

[hokiefyd]

The Shield is already large enough for me to want to carry on a daily basis. I prefer the Shield's thin cross section in that regard. I understand that the safeties on the larger frames (including the compact and full size) are very easy to flick off, but also sometimes re-engage during shooting...in other words, they don't seem to be all that reliable...at least from what I've read. The Shield's manual safety is very flush...so it's very hard to accidentally engage or disengage. That may or may not be a pro for you.

 

[MSG Glenn]

A lot of that depends on personal preference. I have an M&P40C as well as a full size 40. Love them both & have no problems concealing either.

I almost bought a Shield 40 or 9. At that time the wait for one was long so I got the 40C. I already owned the full size 40 & then it hit me - I can use the full size mags in the compact. I had read about that & using the X-Grips it feels just like the full size 40.

A compact even with stock mags carries more rounds than a Shield. To me that's important. There's not telling where your first half a mag of rounds will go when you're in the middle of something that makes adrenalin flow more that you ever experienced. I've seen Soldiers fire a half a mag into absolutely nothing at the beginning of their first firefight. Even some who've been around the block many times (me, LOL).

Will I ever get a Shield? I'd love to. After I've saved enough to get an M&P45C. It might take awhile, LOL.

 

[mark32812]

I shoot my full size 40 at least once a week, so the Shield feel too thin in my hand to enjoy shooting it, but the Shield is easier to carry. I suggest getting both a M&P9c and a Shield.

 

[Rowlette]

The diffence in size is minimal and weight is nominal. My preference is the C I been concealing it for years. Feel good in my hand and very versatile. As stated by Glenn it will take full size magazines which is a blessing when at the range.
BTW if you buy the 40c it can become a 357Sig or 9mm with very little effort. Three times the fun 1/3 the cost and if ammo comes scarce again you have options.

 

[JWH321]

I have Shield 9 and a 9c. Different guns for different purposes. I like them both. The Shield is very easy to carry. The 9c, not so much. The 9c is a better range gun and for daily carry, I like it because of its capacity, especially with the 17-round FS mags.

If I had to give up one, it would be the Shield. Totally subjective, I just like it better. You can't go wrong.

 

[MichiganScott]

I checked the Shield out when it first came out and decided the difference in size and weight was not enough for me to give up carrying my 9C.

It's my belief that the only reason these guns have a manual safety is so S&W can sell them in certain restrictive states. It's not necessary. My family owns four M&P's without manual safeties.

Simply point and shoot. No forgetting a safety under stress.

 

[Rowlette]

The safety is between the ears not with the weapon.

 

[RobzGuns]

I use the Shield for Front Pocket Carry.
For IWB, I prefer either the XDMc, or G26 over the M&Pc.

 

[whitestang]

The Shield is too small for my hands,making it uncomfortable to shoot. The 9c fits just fine and I carry it with no trouble and I enjoying shooting it. At the end of the day it comes down to what works best for you.

 

[Grail Knight]

I checked the Shield out when it first came out and decided the difference in size and weight was not enough for me to give up carrying my 9C.

It's my belief that the only reason these guns have a manual safety is so S&W can sell them in certain restrictive states. It's not necessary. My family owns four M&P's without manual safeties.

Simply point and shoot. No forgetting a safety under stress.

If one trains with their firearm there should be no forgetting the safety is engaged or not no matter how much stress one may be put under.

 

[jrs70]

I have both a 9c and a 40c. I carry the 40c more(owb). If I need or want something smaller I like the Ruger LC9s. I always have my 642-1 in my front pocket.

 

[Grail Knight]

I prefer the slim lines of the Shield and carry mine daily.
I do not have an issue with the Compact it is just a personal
preference.

 

[hardluk1]

In my younger hard working years it would be the shield sized pistol . Now retired , its a larger heavier double stack . Went from a kahr cw9 full size 40 m&p

 

[motorcyclejoe]

A few months ago I purchased both. The Shield sits in the safe. The 9c, with thumb safety, comes out every day. I love the feel of the 9c in my hand. I love the 12 rnd mags and the ability to use the 17rnd mags. I love the choice of back straps. I have medium size hands and the Shield just feels too slim in my hand. The 9c fits like a glove. The 9c feels much more stable. The 9c slide is much easier to operate.
Of course all of the above is personal preference. I wish I had tried both before purchasing. Doubt I would have purchased a Shield if I did.

 

[Engine 21]

I had a Shield 9 and really want to make it my everyday but for some unknown reason I did not shoot it as well as some other compacts. No matter how much effort and research I did I could not get better groupings with it.

The 9c much better and tight groups. The Walther PPS - tight groups. The Ruger SR9c - tight groups. I can't explain it. So now I carry the PPS or the S&W 9c.

 

[JAMMAN]

I just got back from the range and put 100 rounds through a 9C after trying a shield. Shield too thin IMO personal preference. I can see where the shield would be easier to carry but only mildly.
The fact I can throw a 17 round mag in the 9C is a big plus, I plan on getting a couple of them to compliment the 12's that came with it.

I ended up putting money down on the 9C and even got the carbon fiber finish.

 

[kozmic]

This topic might have been covered once or twice before. If you use the search function you'll find gobs of useful threads/posts about this and other similar comparisons.

I have both the 9 Shield and the 9c. My wife has pretty much stolen the Shield. I do occasionally get permission to carry it.

I used to carry the 9c quite a bit, but now it takes a back seat to a few other guns (J frames, an XDs .45 and even my FNP 9). It has become one of my house guns and I'm ok with that.

If I could only have one it would be the M&P9c. I don't find the 1/4" additional thickness a big deal. I find it more comfortable to shoot and the extra rounds are a plus. My wife would prefer the Shield because of the external safety and it fits her hands better. Although she has an easier time racking the slide on the 9c!

Both are very well made and reliable. I trust both to protect my family and myself.

 

[MichiganScott]

If one trains with their firearm there should be no forgetting the safety is engaged or not no matter how much stress one may be put under.

Agreed. I might train with mine and you might train with yours, but that doesn't mean everyone does. I simply prefer point and shoot for the average concealed carry permit holder.

 

[poolie]

I've got both. Considered getting rid of the 9c because the Shield shoots darn near as good as the 9c, but until the day comes where I need to get rid of something the 9c will stay too.