I have both and I carry the Shield 40. I am thinking of trying the 9c as it has more rounds and it has a CT laser grip. I haven't carried it so far as it is clunkier, but I like the idea of having more rounds. We'll see.
M&P9c VS Shield 9
- Thread starter jgriff50
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I carry a few things... Sig P6, Officer 1911, FS 1911, H&K compact 9mm and a M&P in .40c and fullsize M&P 40. The .40c by far is the snappiest of the bunch. In stiff loads, it can be a handful. The good news is that with a good steady grip you can place all 10 round within a 8-9-10 at 25yrds.
For me, i'd probably get a M&Pc in 9mm. I've been eyeing the Shield in 9mm. A Shield in .380 would be awfully nice.
Good luck
-bix
For me, i'd probably get a M&Pc in 9mm. I've been eyeing the Shield in 9mm. A Shield in .380 would be awfully nice.
Good luck
-bix
steelerfan
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I have an M&Pc in 9mm that I purchased for concealed carry because my full size was a little bulky, I love it however I bought it a couple years before the Shield came out, my wife got the Shield in 9mm & now I'm wishing I had waited & got a Shield as well, it conceals much better, especially in summer clothes
I purchased an M&P Shield 9mm a few months ago. I did not like the slick finish on the grip. Ordered the Talon grips and installed them. Very sweet now! I did not have any problem with the trigger operation.
I have an older Browning 9mm High Power and it is my favorite auto pistol. In colder Weather I will carry it. Very accurate!
The Shield is my summertime carry pistol. The Shield is very accurate for me. 25 to 30 yards away I would want that Browning in my hands. For me a concealed carry pistol needs to be smaller and used in a life or death situation. The Shield fits that scenario nicely. I purchased a Springfield Armory TRP Operator for my Son a while back. Pricey, but I wanted him to have a good pistol. Anyway, he went to his friends house who is a Deputy Sheriff and they were shooting on the range at his house. First shot from my Son's friend was at a 2" PVC pipe sticking out of the ground at 80 yards. He broke it on the first shot. A few weeks later I had the chance to shoot it also. Shot my Son's 40 cal Glock and the TRP. Did not like the Glock. The TRP was excellent for me. Great Forum! Find what is best for you all and practice whenever you can.
I have an older Browning 9mm High Power and it is my favorite auto pistol. In colder Weather I will carry it. Very accurate!
The Shield is my summertime carry pistol. The Shield is very accurate for me. 25 to 30 yards away I would want that Browning in my hands. For me a concealed carry pistol needs to be smaller and used in a life or death situation. The Shield fits that scenario nicely. I purchased a Springfield Armory TRP Operator for my Son a while back. Pricey, but I wanted him to have a good pistol. Anyway, he went to his friends house who is a Deputy Sheriff and they were shooting on the range at his house. First shot from my Son's friend was at a 2" PVC pipe sticking out of the ground at 80 yards. He broke it on the first shot. A few weeks later I had the chance to shoot it also. Shot my Son's 40 cal Glock and the TRP. Did not like the Glock. The TRP was excellent for me. Great Forum! Find what is best for you all and practice whenever you can.
I've been carrying the 9c in an appendix holster, with a spare mag, for about three years and love it, love it, love it. Recently I decided to start carrying a backup and considered the Shield since I love the 9c so much. Did I mention how much I love the 9c? In the end I decided to go with a second 9c in a DeSantis ankle rig, which I've been using for the last few months. I went with 9c instead of the Shield for the extra capacity and for mag compatibility, plus I haven't been able to wrap my head around the need for a single stack gun. Just my opinion, YMMV. In fact I installed Mec-Gar +2 mag extensions for a little more capacity on my primary 9c and spare mag. I've run the mag extensions through a two day Fighting Pistol class with no issues.
Carrying the 9c's appendix and on my ankle has been very comfortable, reinforcing my belief that the Shield is a solution looking for a problem, at least for me it is. I don't even notice the ankle rig any longer and any straight leg, relaxed fit, or boot cut pant will have plenty of room to hide a 9c. Trust me, I've tried them all. Besides, boys in skinny jeans are destroying the planet and shouldn't carry a gun anyway, cuz "guns super scary".
Regarding the Apex triggers, I installed their Duty Kit on my first 9c and agree it's a huge improvement over the factory trigger. That being said, the factory trigger on my new 9c is much better than the factory trigger was on my first 9c. The only thing I'll probably do is install the Apex Striker Block kit to take the grittiness out of the take up; everything else about the trigger is good to go.
Carrying the 9c's appendix and on my ankle has been very comfortable, reinforcing my belief that the Shield is a solution looking for a problem, at least for me it is. I don't even notice the ankle rig any longer and any straight leg, relaxed fit, or boot cut pant will have plenty of room to hide a 9c. Trust me, I've tried them all. Besides, boys in skinny jeans are destroying the planet and shouldn't carry a gun anyway, cuz "guns super scary".
Regarding the Apex triggers, I installed their Duty Kit on my first 9c and agree it's a huge improvement over the factory trigger. That being said, the factory trigger on my new 9c is much better than the factory trigger was on my first 9c. The only thing I'll probably do is install the Apex Striker Block kit to take the grittiness out of the take up; everything else about the trigger is good to go.
What To Carry
If you're going to carry occasionally, pick what you shoot well and can hide. If you carry 16 hrs a day 7 days a week, get comfort. I've carried several different sizes and calibers. I settled on the shield 9 for comfort, shoot-ability & quality. I loved my sr9c but it is too wide and heavy after a long day. Think of your personal habits and tailor your weapon to your needs. I end up with either my shield 9 or my Bodyguard 380.
If you're going to carry occasionally, pick what you shoot well and can hide. If you carry 16 hrs a day 7 days a week, get comfort. I've carried several different sizes and calibers. I settled on the shield 9 for comfort, shoot-ability & quality. I loved my sr9c but it is too wide and heavy after a long day. Think of your personal habits and tailor your weapon to your needs. I end up with either my shield 9 or my Bodyguard 380.
shield was my choice
I went with the shield and I'm quite happy. It's a thin gun and that the important part. In my book (and many others) the 2 hardest things to hide when carrying are the thickness and grip length. The shield pares both to a minimum while still offering a functional gun in a functional caliber. It may only be 1/4" but that matters...I know, I know! It's also why I carry with the 7rnd mag vs 8. Sounds like you've got other range toys etc, so go for a CC piece. Only caveat is if it just doesn't fit your hand or you can't shoot it well.
I went with the shield and I'm quite happy. It's a thin gun and that the important part. In my book (and many others) the 2 hardest things to hide when carrying are the thickness and grip length. The shield pares both to a minimum while still offering a functional gun in a functional caliber. It may only be 1/4" but that matters...I know, I know! It's also why I carry with the 7rnd mag vs 8. Sounds like you've got other range toys etc, so go for a CC piece. Only caveat is if it just doesn't fit your hand or you can't shoot it well.
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M&P9c
I bought my wife the M&P9c 2 years ago and she refuses to consider anything else. While too small for a comfortable grip in my huge paws, the interchangeable back straps make all the difference for her. The only issues she has are the toughness of the spring when she is chambering a round (she has slight nerve damage), and the wide projecting safety switch( when in her purse). I have put hundreds of rounds through it and find the recoil easy, the reliability flawless and the accuracy laser like. Rent one, you will not be disappointed.
+1
I bought my wife the M&P9c 2 years ago and she refuses to consider anything else. While too small for a comfortable grip in my huge paws, the interchangeable back straps make all the difference for her. The only issues she has are the toughness of the spring when she is chambering a round (she has slight nerve damage), and the wide projecting safety switch( when in her purse). I have put hundreds of rounds through it and find the recoil easy, the reliability flawless and the accuracy laser like. Rent one, you will not be disappointed.
Have the Shield, M&PC and M&P Full Size. For EDC, the Shield is much more concealable. For ATV trail riding, the gun is the M&Pc, and for the house gun, it's the full size gun the wins.
Think of the Shield as being the Ford Focus that you go to and from work in on a daily basis. The Ford Fusion becomes the M&Pc when you need something bigger, while the Ford Taurus becomes the full size vacation vehicle.
No car will do all things well, but neither will a certain size gun. For me, the single gun would be the Shield because of its convenience for EDC.
Think of the Shield as being the Ford Focus that you go to and from work in on a daily basis. The Ford Fusion becomes the M&Pc when you need something bigger, while the Ford Taurus becomes the full size vacation vehicle.
No car will do all things well, but neither will a certain size gun. For me, the single gun would be the Shield because of its convenience for EDC.
You might want to check out the LC9s too. Lighter and slightly thinner than the Shield. Also has a 9 round mag available. I have the LC9 and love its smooth rounded corners. Very slick, comfortable 9mm carry. Fits my hand very well. Nothing against S&W, I have and am a big fan of those too.
If I were trying to decide, I'd have to hold each one in my hand first. But then of course there's the chance I'd want them all.
If I were trying to decide, I'd have to hold each one in my hand first. But then of course there's the chance I'd want them all.
jimandhank
Member
9c vs Shield
I bought a 9c about 2 1/2 years ago and love it. It has all the qualities I need: good size for concealed carry, good capacity (standard mag plus one extra is 24 rounds plus one in the chamber) although I generally load to a max of 11 in the spare, easy to shoot, and fine as a range gun. I attend several weekend classes a year where many students use full size higher capacity guns and have no issue with respect to keeping up on drills. Especially with a couple of additional 17 round mags. And I'm all about training with my carry gun.
That said about a year or so ago I bought a Shield 9mm to carry for those occasions where I want to use an IWB holster which prints less. I live in Florida where weekends are shorts and a tee shirt. And I"m 5'11" and 200 lbs so not exactly tall and lanky. The difference in width makes it slightly easier to carry IWB whereas I found the 9c to be strictly OWB.
But if you want strictly carry, no high round capacity with your carry gun for class use, and minimal print I would suggest the Shield with an extra mag. Your preference for 9mm or .40. If you have a body type to carry a 9c IWB or can usually dress for OWB then the 9c would be my overall choice.
I bought a 9c about 2 1/2 years ago and love it. It has all the qualities I need: good size for concealed carry, good capacity (standard mag plus one extra is 24 rounds plus one in the chamber) although I generally load to a max of 11 in the spare, easy to shoot, and fine as a range gun. I attend several weekend classes a year where many students use full size higher capacity guns and have no issue with respect to keeping up on drills. Especially with a couple of additional 17 round mags. And I'm all about training with my carry gun.
That said about a year or so ago I bought a Shield 9mm to carry for those occasions where I want to use an IWB holster which prints less. I live in Florida where weekends are shorts and a tee shirt. And I"m 5'11" and 200 lbs so not exactly tall and lanky. The difference in width makes it slightly easier to carry IWB whereas I found the 9c to be strictly OWB.
But if you want strictly carry, no high round capacity with your carry gun for class use, and minimal print I would suggest the Shield with an extra mag. Your preference for 9mm or .40. If you have a body type to carry a 9c IWB or can usually dress for OWB then the 9c would be my overall choice.
My EDC is a Kahr CM9 because I pocket carry. It is smaller than the Shield. I have the Shield 40 and pouch carry. Bought a 40 primarily for defense against large dogs while walking/jogging. I do not find the recoil bothersome. I have small hands and placed a 1.75" cut off bicycle inner tube over the grip. Accuracy; I shoot the Kahr better, but neither are made for long range guns, nor for extended shooting at the range. Both are fine for me combat accuracy at 10 yards and closer. I just put the front sight on target and do not use rear sight. Sights on the Shield for me are impossible to move,need a dedicated sight pusher. I have a (don't laugh) Taurus G2 PT111 9mm which is similar to the M&PC. I belt carry it because the extra weight and thickness are more difficult for me to conceal in a pouch or in pocket. I bought the Taurus because I wanted a smaller, larger capacity carry pistol with a thumb safety. When I shoot my S&W M&P full size 40 ,twice every magazine, I inadvertently hit the thumb safety during recoil. I do not find the recoil objectionable, but going on safe is not something wanted while shooting in a defensive mode.. The Shield and Taurus both have the smaller thumb safety unlike the M&PC. Hope some of this helps.
What feels good in your hand
So I have a 9mm Shield. That is my carry gun. I do enjoy shooting it and it feels right and fits my large hand well.
I have held a 9c and really don't like the feel/fit of the gun compared to the Shield. It just hit me in the wrong place. I was at DSG and the Lodge guy said his wife didn't like the Shield but loved a 9c as it felt/fit better.
I also have a FS9 that also fits well.
So, if you can try them out that is likely the best way to choose the one you would shoot and carry.
So I have a 9mm Shield. That is my carry gun. I do enjoy shooting it and it feels right and fits my large hand well.
I have held a 9c and really don't like the feel/fit of the gun compared to the Shield. It just hit me in the wrong place. I was at DSG and the Lodge guy said his wife didn't like the Shield but loved a 9c as it felt/fit better.
I also have a FS9 that also fits well.
So, if you can try them out that is likely the best way to choose the one you would shoot and carry.
Bodyguard 380
Everyone has an opinion, but for concealed carry I prefer the Bodyguard 380 or the LCP 380 (I have both). I don't really enjoy shooting them for fun, but they are deadly accurate at self-defense range.
S&W Bodyguard 380
S&W 39-2 Stainless Auto 9mm
LCP 380
Ruger Single 10 22
Colt Woodsman 22
Davis Industries Derringer 32
Ruger P345 Auto 45 ACP
Everyone has an opinion, but for concealed carry I prefer the Bodyguard 380 or the LCP 380 (I have both). I don't really enjoy shooting them for fun, but they are deadly accurate at self-defense range.
S&W Bodyguard 380
S&W 39-2 Stainless Auto 9mm
LCP 380
Ruger Single 10 22
Colt Woodsman 22
Davis Industries Derringer 32
Ruger P345 Auto 45 ACP
sw195611
Member
I have both the Full size M&P 40 and the Shield in 40 cal. and I carry my Shield everywhere I go. I really don't notice I'm carrying it anymore. It shoots great, accurate and light. I also carry an extra mag in my pocket. Remember when we only had revolvers with 5 or 6 rd capacities? If you can't hit your target in 7 rds you need some range time or shouldn't be carrying. My opinion
redwood0_7
Member
I have all three, shield,9c and fs. I can't tell much difference between 9c and fs for carrying. The shield is about the easiest carrying pistol I've ever owned. Don't know it's there.
ckcc
Member
I edc a Shield 9 nts with MagGuts kit in the extended mag.... so I have 9+1, not too far off from the 9c. The 9c feels too chunky to me... the Shield just fits nicely and is just an excellent shooter. either one is a great choice.... whichever one feels right to you.
Dodge City
Member
I like the 9C , 40C & 9 Shield. I have them all. I carry with a holster on the belt (not inside the waistband). With a DeSantis mini scabbard, which is a perfect fit for the 9 Shield, it fits close to the body and is comfortable for me. I don't like the pinky extensions on the magazine so the Shield fits close and barely prints. I think all S&W M&Ps are fantastic guns and all have great triggers and trigger resets.
S&W MP 9 Shield benefits
Regarding the 9C carrying extra ordinance in a side by side magazine over the Shield single stack, I carry a second Shield magazine horizontally on my support hand side using a SHTF black leather Velcro magazine holder. My preference is the Shield for EDC given the thinner profile. I prefer the balanced weight of the Shield and grip over the slightly wider 9C.
One problem I've encountered is finding a good leather holster for my Shield with a pistol trigger guard mounted light.
Regarding the 9C carrying extra ordinance in a side by side magazine over the Shield single stack, I carry a second Shield magazine horizontally on my support hand side using a SHTF black leather Velcro magazine holder. My preference is the Shield for EDC given the thinner profile. I prefer the balanced weight of the Shield and grip over the slightly wider 9C.
One problem I've encountered is finding a good leather holster for my Shield with a pistol trigger guard mounted light.
