My next M&P

tectrry

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I got my first M&P in January, a full sized 9mm. Followed 30 days later by a M&P22 to let me kids shoot with me. After about 2k rounds I figured that it doesn't do much good locked away in its case (unless I'm at the range). So...now I'm starting the process for a CCW and looking at probably a 40c. My reasoning for a 40c is that I can drop a 9mm barrel into it and use my supply of ammo and existing 9mm full sized mags at the range, but also carry it with the 40 barrel. I also like the Shields but they take different mags if I wanted to drop the 9mm barrel into it would need to find new mags too.

But, I figured that I would ask the forum to see if that is smart thinking or if I should consider more factors.
 
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I have seen several post of people doing just what you are planning on doing.

I would give Shield a close look, I have both the Shield and 9C. The Shield is easier to conceal and very comfortable to carry. With that being said, concealing the 9c is not that difficult.

As far as carry conceal license it depends on where you live on the challenges you face getting a license. My understanding parts of CA can be a little more difficult to get a license, but I don't know that for a fact.

Good luck and enjoy.
 
I also have the 9c and the Shield 9. I am a huge fan of the compact and only luke-warm on the Shield. I think your logic is spot on in many ways. But if you buy a compact you will want to use compact mags to carry. So I think you would need to buy 9mm mags at some point regardless.

Check out the mannnnny threads about the differences between the two and figure out what's important to you. Try to get some range time with both. The only thing I would question that is often written on the Shield is that many folks say it's a great pocket pistol. They must have HUGE pockets!

If in fact you decide to change formats and go with the Shield, I would suggest you think about some of the Shield competitors as well. There is a plethora of very nice small 9's and 40's out there. I know this is a S&W forum but.....! In fact, you'll find a lot of info on others right here.

This is not a Shield bashing. It is a great gun. I carry one occasionally and trust it with my life. Just food for thought and MHO.

Good luck!
 
I can see your reasoning to have a pistol that's compatible with the one you already own & it's sound. With mags hard to get these days it might be awhile before you are able to get Shield 9MM mags to complete the conversion.
 
I understand that you're trying to be frugal, but I'm not a fan of conversions. Why not just carry the FS 9mm? I carry a FS .45 and have no trouble with it.

In either case you can't go wrong. Buying a .40C will just enhance your collection.
 
I have really liked my M&P's. 2 years ago I started with a 4.25" M&P40 with the thumb safety. Last summer I placed an order, and paid in advance for 2 M&P40 Shields, the first came after Thanksgiving and the second came 1-31-2013. Last week I picked up a new M&P40L CORE 5", man I like all these guns.
My Shield is carried with me the most either on my ankle or inside mt front pocket in a BlackHawk pocket holster #4. I wear carpenter jeans all the time so the front pocket is big enough for my Shield and very comfortable. Enough said for now,----Riflemann
 
I understand that you're trying to be frugal, but I'm not a fan of conversions. Why not just carry the FS 9mm? I carry a FS .45 and have no trouble with it.

In either case you can't go wrong. Buying a .40C will just enhance your collection.

This is how i see it ^. Besides the 357sig/40 conversion i would not feel comfortable converting anything else for the purposes of SD.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2
 
I have an M&P 9mm full size on the nightstand.
I have an M&P 9mm Shield for concealed carry.
I carry in my pocket using a Blackhawk #4 pocket holster.
My pockets are most often in cargo pants and cargo shorts.
I tried various In Waist Band holsters and none worked as well for me as the Blackhawk #4 pocket holster.
If I have to wear a suit or tighter pants I'll carry my Ruger LCP.
But I feel a lot more secure with the M&P Shield for carry.
 
I would love to have some 17 round mags on my person while I carry the 9c. I had to back order a couple, ETA 6 months. If one of the reasons you are looking at the 40 is because that is what is on the shelf, check out gunbroker. I found my 9c for $475 factory new, no tax plus $25 shipped plus FFL fee $40 for a total of $540. Easy peasy.
 
Thanks for all of the great thoughts. I figured that this would be the best place to get advice. I will kick around all of these ideas and talk to my FFL a little more before making a final decision.
 
In a 3 month period I bought a M&P22, M&P9, and a M&P9C. Went from owning Springfield XD, and Glock to Smith and Wesson. Couldn't be happier.
 
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