M&P9c VS Shield 9

[jyo]

Well, a few years before the Shield came out, I bought a pair of Kahr CW9s for the wife and I---I have a number of choices in firearms---I choose the CW9 because of it's long trigger would be better for the wife---no ADs---Myself, I can handle pretty much any trigger system. I definitely prefer the thinner pistols for CCW---the Kahrs become unnoticeable to carry in just a few minutes---so light and thin---you almost forget they're there.
So between the two pistols you're considering, I would choose the Shield...

 

[rlbellco72]

I carry the 40c with an Alien Gear IWB holster. Very comfortable and hides well. I have been considering going with a 40 Shield, but haven't tried it yet. In any case, go with what you are comfortable with.

 

[LiftNw8]

I have the 9c and intend to use it as my EDC once I get my permit. I have replaced the trigger with the APEX trigger which is far better than the original. I also have the full size M&P in 9mm as well. Was thinking of looking at the Shield as well and still might, just because.

 

[micocyco]

LCP for pocket carry great little gun, sometimes you just need small.
M&P9c for IWB carry always with outer shirt, love this pistol.
Stainless steel 1911 45 acp for open carry.

 

[PirateJim]

This has been an interesting thread. More interesting than I had thought it would be when it started. I hope this has helped the OP in making a decision, but I certainly think that it has resolved the question of whether there is a place for both the Compacts and Shields in the S&W lineup.

 

[CaptRon956]

My EDC 40 Shield with pearce grip on the stock 6rnd magazine. Alien gear cloak tuck 2 IWB holster & a OWB holster for OC days...

 

[Destryrides]

Not free to choose

I purchased the Shield 9mm, but that's because California made the choice for me. That said, I just received my CCW permit this week and the Shield has been very comfortable to carry, even during the current hot weather. It's also accurate for a 3" barrel and there's less recoil than expected. I might have picked the 9c given the option, but I'm very happy with the Shield.

 

[Destryrides]

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.

Thanks for the recommendation on the SHTF magazine holder. I just ordered one on Amazon.

 

[paladin**]

Looking at getting a smaller CC gun. Sick of hiding a full size 1911 haha

Any recommendations? I've held both guns in my hand, I like the ammo capacity of the 9C and I think it would be a tiny bit easier to shoot. But carrying a full size 1911, I want to go to something that's easy to conceal and carry all the time, and I think the Shield 9 will be a breeze in that category. But it's not a whole lot smaller than the 9C. So let's hear it guys!!!

I carry the 9c, got it for the 12 round vs 10. Despite what others may say if pushed I can carry it in my pocket. Generally carry it on strong side belt either outside or inside. Careful though as the cheaper Blackhawk holsters make it imprint very easily.

 

[jimandhank]

Just received this 9c review from a friend. Hope you can open it. Might be old news for those who have a 9c, but I think it's good info for anyone in the market. Not pushing the gun although it and my Shield are my primary carry guns depending on dress and both are great.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj0de_Tzq9s&feature=em-subs_digest[/ame]

 

[FBH]

LOVE MY M&P 9C

Bought my M7P 9c last November and dropped in an Apex conceal carry trigger + Trijicon HD sights. I've put close to 1,000 rounds through the gun and it just shoots sweeter every time! I'm sure the Shield is a fine weapon, but I feel a lot more comfortable with 12 + 1.

 

[Jim G]

Have a S&W 1911 alloy with 4" barrel that is a good carry gun but have a Kimber Solo 9mm that is excellent for warm weather clothing carry. Very reliable, after a trip back to Kimber to fix its choking problems and has an excellent trigger and accuracy for such a tiny gun.

 

[bnoonan]

I own both. Usually I carry the Shield because it is lighter. The single stack mag is a drawback from the standpoint of a possible protracted gunfight, but some gun is better than no gun.

Truth is, I think the Shield is very accurate for such a small firearm at 21 feet. I only like it with the larger magazine so my pinky fits on the grip. For teaching defensive classes and demonstrations, I always use the 9c (or the 40c) so I don't have to change magazines so often. It is a bit heavy to carry when the mag is loaded. With the Shield I don't have to hike up my pants so often! Best solution: buy them both!

 

[jgriff50]

There are two Pro Series models, the 5" in that link with a fiber optic front sight and a 4.25" that comes with night sights. As the owner of a 5" Pro I can assure you that they do NOT come with an Apex trigger. However, an Apex trigger does make them mighty nice.



However, neither is going to fill the original poster's desire for a smaller carry gun!

Haha true! I already have a 5" Pro 9mm for my completion gun

 

[SpartanZeroOne]

Look into shooting the 40c if you have a chance to shoot before you buy !

Recoil is surprisingly light for a 3.58" barrel. I enjoy mine more each time I shoot it ! I have 2 pistols in 9mm and the 40c hasn't much more recoil then them.

I concur. I own a M&P 9mm FS, M&P Shield 9mm and a M&P 40c. Out of all of them, the 40c is my favorite, and that's saying something because they're all GREAT guns... well over 1,000 rounds through both of the 9's and not one issue yet! I like the 40c because you can get the Storm Lake "40 to 9mm" conversion barrel and shoot 9mm out of your .40c if you so chose. (You cannot upgrade the 9c to .40 though, from what I understand.) So I see the 40c as extremely versatile... you can shoot .40 or 9mm... you can carry the flush fitting mag, the pinky extension mag or you could even bring a full size 9 or .40 mag as a backup in case of a real serious situation (X-grip adapter works well to fill the extra space with the full size mag in). Heck, you can even buy a .357 SIG barrel for the M&P 40c and shoot that caliber if you want (and the .357 SIG rounds work with the 40c mag - if you look on the .40 mags it says ".40/357") So, to me the 40c is just very versatile. The Shield is a little thinner, but you give up noticeable round count... and there's no option to carry a 17 round backup mag with the Shield.

Just my $0.02

 

[Roccaas]

"If you can't get your man with six bullets you might as well go at him with a tank"

Paul Newman as "Murphy", Fort Apache the Bronx, 1981

 

[Radco]

I picked up a Shield last week for its size. Like the feel of the C but I have a Ruger SR9E when I want to carry 17 +1 . I live in a low crime area! If I still live in Ct. I would have got the C . Main thing I have to watch out for here in Maine are Moose and Deer crossing

 

[Roccaas]

I picked up a Shield last week for its size. Like the feel of the C but I have a Ruger SR9E when I want to carry 17 +1 . I live in a low crime area! If I still live in Ct. I would have got the C . Main thing I have to watch out for here in Maine are Moose and Deer crossing

You my friend need a 10mm.