M&P9c vs. Shield in 9mm

[M3Stuart]

Thanks for all the input!

With my 9c I can keep my shots in about a 3-4" group at 5-7 yards with no problem. I have not tried carrying my 9c yet and have not got a holster for it yet - I'm mostly a revolver guy right now and carry my 60-9 in either my pocket or IWB. But it's only got 5 shots... So either of these options will beat the round count in the M-60. And I think both of these options are thinner. I think the weight (loaded) is about the same too...

Anyway, I got a great deal on this 9c from somebody who didn't like it (went with something in an XD and wanted to unload their 9c) so I'm just starting this learning curve.

It looks like the round count is the main advantage of the 9c - offset by the slightly larger size vs the shield.

I think I'll get a holster, carry it for awhile, then if it is too big/uncomfortable, maybe sell it and get a shield (if I can ever get my hands on one).

Thanks for all the input!

 

[M3Stuart]

I'm not leaning towards any particular weapon for self defense. I'm sure any is better than none. But i personally dont see capacity as being and excuse "not" to carry a more comfortable weapon (Shield) vs the 9C. ............ Or do I plan on working 12hrs a day carrying a bigger (more uncomfortable) weapon with a larger mag that is capable of engaging targets a little farther distance.

IMO, comfort is the #1 priority for me. I will use the comfort a hell of a lot more than I will ever use a high capacity mag, lol. Now on the other hand, I dont mind carrying my 1911 on occasion. Of course for short amounts of time (maybe a few hours). But lets face it, whats the point when its not comfortable at all times.

I wasn't going to weigh in on this part of the thread, but I just couldn't resist;

Whenever you get in a discussion about comfort, "A gun vs NO gun", capacity, caliber wars, shot placement, etc... I always have to post this:

BEHOLD! The MIGHTY Bobcat! (in .22LR) I actually have two of them and they will fit in ANY pocket. Single stack mag holds 7+1 (stingers of course).

I don't mean anything by it. I do tend to suggest to people that they start with SOMETHING and that the natural tendency is to gravitate to a larger caliber/capacity, more potent, etc firearm for CCW over time.

I think that the process is evolutionary and we're all getting there on our own time.

Years ago I was using this, yesterday the S&W 60-9 was my choice, tomorrow it'll be my nifty 9c...it's all good.

 

[kisportolt]

Considering you own it, might as well see if you like the 9c as a carry gun. With the right holster and clothing choice, I'm sure you will be able to carry it just fine. That aspect of the two guns is purely a personal opinion. As for your actual original question (accuracy, recoil): accuracy is again based primarily on the person, especially since at SD distances and scenarios the bit of a difference in barrel length wont make too much of a difference. I have read that people are fond of the dual spring in the Shield as it reduces recoil well.

On the round count issue: 1911's, the "gold standard" of guns, often have a 7+1 capacity... seems like there are a good amount of people who think that is plenty given it's popularity and that there are many who will carry a 1911 and nothing else.

 

[plisken]

Capacity should never be an issue when statics show that intruders are stopped in 3 or less bullets 99% of the time.

I guess what im saying is........As long as you have 3 rounds, you should be good to go. So why carry more rounds (more weight) if 99% of the time u'll never need it.

Unless Mr Murphy decieds to show up.

 

[plisken]

Right now Im carrying my 9c in a Galco king tuk holster under a t-shirt. Its doin fine. And its a little bigger than the shield but I dont think its that much bigger. And Ill take the comfort of the extra rounds. Stay safe everyone.

 

[Storm40]

My cousin handled my Shield 9 when I bought it will get one when he is lucky enough to find one around here. He has the M&P9c and will not give it up anytime soon but he still wants a Shield.
As for the round debate, I mostly carry a 5 shot .357. Sometimes I go with 6-17 rounds of .40 or 15 - 20 rounds of 9mm. Either way carrying an extra mag or speed-loader is not much of an inconvenience. Practice with your choice of carry option is essential.

 

[MP1SG]

Carrying a M4 or an AK, Is a little crazy. Yes you have a higher round count by concealing might prove to be a challenge.
The 9c is only slightly larger than the Shield 9 (same for the 40c/Shield 40 I have all four guns). For a while I was bouncing between the Shield 40 and the 40c, I finally setteled on the 40c for its round count and size. UNTIL i recently bought the 9c which now is my EDC. THis offers me the Power, Magazine capacity and size that fits my needs. I feel the 9c/40c conceals/wears just as well as the Shield 9/40. Currently I use a TT Gunleather Hi Ride Pancake holster and a Single mag carrier. This is a great holster that conceals very very well and is extremely comfortable
Thanks
1SG

 

[Smitty357]

No need to conceal when u live in an open carry State. It pretty much says you can carry anything you want, as long as its visible and of course as long as you can legally possess a firearm. So yeah you can carry your AK, AR, BAR or anything else you please.

Of course that is "if" ammo capacity is your concern, lol

 

[agksimon]

Capacity should never be an issue when statics show that intruders are stopped in 3 or less bullets 99% of the time.

I guess what im saying is........As long as you have 3 rounds, you should be good to go. So why carry more rounds (more weight) if 99% of the time u'll never need it.

For the one time you do need it. Better to have it and not need it, than the other way around.

 

[Smitty357]

For the one time you do need it. Better to have it and not need it, than the other way around.

More the reason to carry your AK or your AR, huh?

 

[MP1SG]

More the reason to carry your AK or your AR, huh?

Huh?? No actually it's not. I would think it would be awkard (Open carry or not) to walk around walmat,the mall or mcdonalds with a M4 ot Ak strapped across your body. And as a Police Officer responding to a person carrying this type weapon (open carry or Not) I would probably challenge him/her until I can identify their status.
Additionally I would imagine that having the strapped M4 or AK would make it some what cumbersome going into bathrooms etc etc (securing the weapon) SO please lets be realistic here Generally when people (IN the know) speak about magazine capacity generally they are talking about Hi cap PISTOL Magazines (12 to 15 rounds).
Usually its the Mall comandos that wanna carry M4 AK type weapons in public

 

[Fate]

3 rounds? I don't think gunfights are static events. People, unlike paper targets, MOVE!

 

[Smitty357]

Ok so lets try this one more time. If capacity is the "big" issue. How come you dont see many carry guys walking around carrying one of these. Keep in mind, this is 33+1 (34 total). Surely this has more capacity than your average pocket pistol.

 

[Rundel]

I have both the 9c and the Shield. I also have a Bodyguard .380. What I carry depends on the situation. Today, in church I had the 9c on my left ankle and a 17 rd mag in an ankle vault on my right leg. Knowing I would likely be the only person so prepared, I had 30 rounds of ammo available.

As I sit here at home, the Shield is my my blue jeans pocket. Tomorrow when dressed for work, the Bodyguard will be in a leather pocket holster and discretely carried.

Golfers don't carry one club in their bag. They pick the club they need for the situation.

 

[MP1SG]

Ok so lets try this one more time. If capacity is the "big" issue. How come you dont see many carry guys walking around carrying one of these. Keep in mind, this is 33+1 (34 total). Surely this has more capacity than your average pocket pistol.

Smitty
You have used the crazy crazy picture several times before. Unless this is a spare magazine it would be ridiculuos to conceal. considering it takes about 1.2 to 1.8 seconds to reload my G26 or M&P 9. I see no advantage to this magazine

 

[Smitty357]

Smitty
You have used the crazy crazy picture several times before. Unless this is a spare magazine it would be ridiculuos to conceal. considering it takes about 1.2 to 1.8 seconds to reload my G26 or M&P 9. I see no advantage to this magazine

The advantage is the "capacity", which is what people seem to be an up-roar about. The claim the advantage of the 9c over the Shield is the "capacity". My claim is the Shield is more comfortable, and I will 99.9% of the time use the comfort-ability over capacity.......So why should we use capacity as an excuse. If its an excuse, then I see nothing wrong with carrying a Glock and a 33rd mag.

I'd prefer my 1911 (if capacity was an issue). But honestly, what is a few more bullets, lol

Speaking of 1911, I believe I will own another one in 2013. This should be all one should ever need to carry.

 

[MP1SG]

Comfort?? there is so LITTLE size differemce between the shield and th3 9c,that shouldnt be an issue. The slight difference is in the weight IMO I also believe the few more rounds is a HUGH difference.
I also own several 1911's Kimber Pro Carry II Para LTC and a Old remington Rand, if they could make a 1911 thats 100% raliable then i would also but another one

 

[dereksfl]

I have both, the Shield and Compact c in 9mm. The compact I use the x-grip extended mag for the extra mag and the compact has the Crimson Trace Laser. I carry both handguns concealed even at work and use the "Smart Carry" appendix holster. Neither weapons prints with the Smart Carry. I carry the Compact late in the day at at night when off duty because of the Laser for low light situations. The compact has more heft to it and the recoil is less. I also carry the 380 Body Guard as a back up weapon. With the Body Guard I use Buffalo Bore flat nose +P which gives it about the same punch as a 38 Special. Both M& P's I use Federal LE 147 gr HST Hollow Points. Less recoil, low flash and subsonic. That is what we use in our duty weapons in the 9 mm .

 

[Smitty357]

Yeah the Shield has more comfort of the 9c any day of the year. The size as well as the weight (fully loaded) makes a big difference. Keep in mind I carry on average 12-16hrs a day. If i were carrying a few hours, i'd pack my 1911.

Me personally I see no advantage of the 9c over the Shield. Unless of course u want to argue "capacity". But if capacity was to be my concern, i'd carry the Glock with the 33rd mag. Once again, comfort is the concern IMO. I will use the comfort 1 million more times than I will ever use the capacity.

And in most case, so will everyone else.

 

[MP1SG]

Ok, we agree to disagree, I perfer capacity over comfort. I get both with the 9c.
I cant speak for everyone else, I assume just as many people who choose comfort will choose capacity.