Nano vs Shield

[Smitty357]

Beretta or S&W. OMG i'd rather carry a can of pepper spray than get laughed at for carrying a Beretta.

 

[LS1LT1]

I know for many the Shield is like Santa. Does the Shield really exist?

No joke, I have visited 16 (actual number) different gun stores in 3 different states since July and not one of them had one or had even seen one in at least a month or two+.
Two of them did have the plastic 'blue gun' that I was able to play with so I was happy for that at least LOL.
That alone should tell us that the thing must really be that good (or that S&W is just deliberately limiting production of the damn thing LOL ).
I assumed that it would be at least another 6 months before I would find one (or at least find one for under MSRP as I don't pay retail for ANYTHING LOL ) so I decided to get the Nano for a dirt cheap price before my 'Permit to Purchase' (silly New Jersey) forms ran out.
I will own a Shield someday too though, nothing wrong with having two nice CCWs/BUGs even though most of us can't even legally carry in this goofy state LOL.

 

[pyro]

I don't think the Nano is a close comparison with the Shield. It is much closer to Kahr PM9 or PM40. I have owned three kahrs and have handled the Nano. It is a lot like a kahr, but a little chunkier and heavier. I suspect the Nano may be a little more comfortable to shoot than the Kahrs and is also a good pocket carry. The Kahrs are a dream to pocket carry. I am not sure what a previous poster meant by the Quote: "the Kahr was a problem from the get go and Kahr could never cure the issues with its two decades old design". I still have one of the first K9's that was ever produced and have never had a problem. If I could only have one of those guns however, it would be the Shield.

 

[mag318]

I don't think the Nano is a close comparison with the Shield. It is much closer to Kahr PM9 or PM40. I have owned three kahrs and have handled the Nano. It is a lot like a kahr, but a little chunkier and heavier. I suspect the Nano may be a little more comfortable to shoot than the Kahrs and is also a good pocket carry. The Kahrs are a dream to pocket carry. I am not sure what a previous poster meant by the Quote: "the Kahr was a problem from the get go and Kahr could never cure the issues with its two decades old design". I still have one of the first K9's that was ever produced and have never had a problem. If I could only have one of those guns however, it would be the Shield.

Pyro, I have to agree with you on the Kahr K9. I too have an early one and though all steel it's one of my favorite small pistols. The Kahr is still in my carry rotation. I almost feel bad for those still having trouble finding a Shield, I bought 2 of them within a week, one online for $420 then the second from my local dealer for $341. My XDs on the other hand was $548 and my Nano cost me $385.

 

[RussC]

No joke, I have visited 16 (actual number) different gun stores in 3 different states since July and not one of them had one or had even seen one in at least a month or two+.
Two of them did have the plastic 'blue gun' that I was able to play with so I was happy for that at least LOL.
That alone should tell us that the thing must really be that good (or that S&W is just deliberately limiting production of the damn thing LOL ).
I assumed that it would be at least another 6 months before I would find one (or at least find one for under MSRP as I don't pay retail for ANYTHING LOL ) so I decided to get the Nano for a dirt cheap price before my 'Permit to Purchase' (silly New Jersey) forms ran out.
I will own a Shield someday too though, nothing wrong with having two nice CCWs/BUGs even though most of us can't even legally carry in this goofy state LOL.

I wonder if the lack of Shields has anything to do with the State you live in. If NewJersey makes gun owners jump through hoops to own a gun it wouldn't surprise me if they make it a financial challenge for gun manufactures to ship their product into those restrictive states.

I know for a fact S&W is shipping Shields daily and when I spoke with customer service last summer they informed me the Shield production line was operating 3 shifts.

Good luck locating a Shield especially in New Jersey. Living in Utah I take for granted my gun rights. Today if I wwnted to own a hand gun the only steps is a 5 minute questionaire the Federal Government requires and a 5 minute on the spot background check and I am done and with my Utah conceal permit the cost of the back ground check is waived.

I love Utah. The economy is strong, my gun rights are protected and if you hold a concealed permit you are looked upon as the good guy.

Russ

P.S. Does New Jersey allow you to purchase a handgun from out-of-state via internet or phone transaction and have the firearm shipped to a FFL in New Jersey? If yes I would bag searching New Jersey gun shops and look in less populated red states for a Shield.

 

[swrdply400mrelay]

Is the break for the Nano clean like a Glock?

Can you feel the trigger reset pretty well?


TIA!


mike

 

[mag318]

It's hard to believe some states are more restrictive than my beloved Illinois, where you're a nobody in politics until someone indicts you.

 

[LS1LT1]

I wonder if the lack of Shields has anything to do with the State you live in. If NewJersey makes gun owners jump through hoops to own a gun it wouldn't surprise me if they make it a financial challenge for gun manufactures to ship their product into those restrictive states.

That could be part of it but it wasn't only in NJ. I'd been to shops/stores in PA and even in IN and WV (when I drove out to IN for a drag racing event this past October) and none of them had one in stock nor had even had one come in in months. When they did get them they went to those on a long waiting list and/or were simply gone inside of an hour or two.
I'll finally get to see one sometime in 2013 I'm sure.

Good luck locating a Shield especially in New Jersey. Living in Utah I take for granted my gun rights. Today if I wwnted to own a hand gun the only steps is a 5 minute questionaire the Federal Government requires and a 5 minute on the spot background check and I am done and with my Utah conceal permit the cost of the back ground check is waived.

I love Utah. The economy is strong, my gun rights are protected and if you hold a concealed permit you are looked upon as the good guy.

Ok, that's it, I'm moving to Utah! LOL
I'm VERY jealous!
Sounds a lot like Vermont or Arizona as well. Heck I'd even be happy with Texas or Florida type gun laws if we could have them.

P.S. Does New Jersey allow you to purchase a handgun from out-of-state via internet or phone transaction and have the firearm shipped to a FFL in New Jersey? If yes I would bag searching New Jersey gun shops and look in less populated red states for a Shield.

Yes, and that's even exactly how I've bought ALL of my pistols so far. I do feel bad not patronizing (the few) local gun shops that we have as I always encourage people to support them otherwise they could go away but their prices are simply INSANE around here. Even after paying shipping and FFL fees it is STILL much cheaper for me to get most firearms via mail order versus buying them locally.
Even most of my ammo is bought via mail order.
But even across the nation, I haven't found many Shields available. I did come across a couple of .40 cal versions (sold out in minutes of course) at over MSRP at one online store but I want a 9mm and I want it for under $400.00 too! LOL

 

[LS1LT1]

I almost feel bad for those still having trouble finding a Shield, I bought 2 of them within a week, one online for $420 then the second from my local dealer for $341.

Wow $341.00?! And that wasn't a LEO or Military price?!
I would buy both a 9mm and a .40 at that price LOL.

It's hard to believe some states are more restrictive than my beloved Illinois, where you're a nobody in politics until someone indicts you.

I don't think we're quite as bad as IL (not yet at least) or even MA or CA, but it's still pretty damn bad here.

 

[vtac]

I bought one from my LGS for $399, he hasn't had one since. For me, it is head and shoulders above any other similar pistol. Of course, I love M&Ps, so I am biased.

 

[alatour]

I just ordered a set of Trijicon night sights for my Nano. I really like the fact that all I need to change them is the supplied 1.3mm wrench and no sight pusher. The Nano has a short grip that you'd think would be uncomfortable, but it is not. The truly suprising thing with the Nano was how accurate this tiny pistol shoots. I'm sure the long, smooth trigger has something to do with it, I can actually stage it like I do with all my S&W revolvers. The recoil impulse is also very comfortable. But I have to admit that after putting 200+ rounds through it in one session the sharp backstrap checkering did cause some discomfort to the palm of my hand. I was having so much fun though I shot this thing until there was no more

ammo to shoot. Some Nano owners have put Talon grips on theirs so I'm going to check these out too.
Being a big M&P fan the Shield is a wonderful pistol I just find the Nano better suited for pocket carry. But that's me, you have to experiment with several pistols to see what works for you. I have no plans for getting rid of my Shield and enjoy carrying it in an IWB holster. I think for my next comparison test I'm going to shoot it side by side with my M&P9c, which by the way has a shorter grip.

I also have both, I just ordered night sights and an od grip frame for the Nano. I really like the modular frame and the possibility of other mods to come however slow they might be. I like the trigger on the Shield better, but the Nano trigger is very smooth.
My Nano has quite a bit of wear on the slide, I think the Shield has a better finish on the slide. The Nano is a half inch shorter and that makes it better for pocket carry. All in all they are both good guns.

 

[exdetsgt]

A few months ago I bought - on a friend's recommendation - a Beretta Nano. First Beretta I've owned. It must be a later model as ALL ammo brands and grain weights (115-147gr. etc.) have functioned effortlessly. As the sights and the trigger were better than my Kahr, I sold the Kahr.

I visit the range almost weekly, fire a box of whatever's on hand and have yet to experience an FTF or FTE. After several months of perfect performance, it's become my EDC (except, of course, when I carry my M36). Also, I commend the original poster for a top notch evaluation of the two pistols.

 

[mythree]

Well like you, I had both: My opinion, hands down the Nano for all the reasons you gave plus three more you didn't mention that made this my choice over the Shield (which BTW I have sold)

1. less controls no slide release on the side, as many know with a small pistol when shooting two handed some have a tendency to hit the slide release (no need on such a small pistol)

2. Ease to change out the sights on the Nano - owner can change sights without any special tools making the addition of night sights a snap.

3. Modular framed the Nano can be changed out into different frame sizes and different frame colors all offered for sale on Beretta web site (as in the SIG 250) making it a much more versatile pistol all around

 

[FredBart]

I'm just about giving up on a Shield order

I have had one on order since July 25, 2012. No answer or ETA from the gun store. I know that S&W must be working overtime to get guns out, but how many months can it possibly take? This is not a Performance Center or a full custom 1911.

I am going to look at the Nano. I hope that it proves a comfortable fit for my hand. I know that Beretta may be more troublesome for warranty claims than S&W, but I think that the retailers are more to blame than the factory. Some of the guns must be getting diverted to large retailers who charge above MSRP.

I am basically paying full list price for a gun that apparently does not exist in normal retail channels. I will stick to my J frames until I make a final decision. The Nano looks OK and I appreciate the valuable reviews and input given above.

 

[skip4309]

Love the Shield 9mm. Got lucky Thursday at Academy...right place, right time...picked one up for the wifey ($399 + tax). Looked hard at the Ruger LC9 (didn't like trigger) and the no slide lock turned me off on the Nano. This is the first S&W auto I have owned (owned many revolvers). I think they did their homework and this one is a keeper IMHO. I carry a G26. For the price its an excellent choice if you can find one...

 

[xcutter]

I have had one on order since July 25, 2012. No answer or ETA from the gun store. I know that S&W must be working overtime to get guns out, but how many months can it possibly take? This is not a Performance Center or a full custom 1911.

I am going to look at the Nano. I hope that it proves a comfortable fit for my hand. I know that Beretta may be more troublesome for warranty claims than S&W, but I think that the retailers are more to blame than the factory. Some of the guns must be getting diverted to large retailers who charge above MSRP.

I am basically paying full list price for a gun that apparently does not exist in normal retail channels. I will stick to my J frames until I make a final decision. The Nano looks OK and I appreciate the valuable reviews and input given above.

They are out there. I paid MRSP for mine last week at Gander Mountain. I never even heard of the Shield until 3 weeks ago. I went looking and found one. I would forget about the store you ordered from and go looking elsewhere.

 

[LS1LT1]

Looked hard at the Ruger LC9 (didn't like trigger) and the no slide lock turned me off on the Nano.

The 'no slide lock' thing is actually one of the factors that I like most about the pistol, I do tend to be a bit of a 'sometimes less, is more' kinda guy though LOL.

They are out there. I paid MRSP for mine last week at Gander Mountain. I never even heard of the Shield until 3 weeks ago. I went looking and found one. I would forget about the store you ordered from and go looking elsewhere.

Wow, I don't know WHERE some of you are finding these things. I know these 15-20 stores I'm referring to aren't the only sources out there of course but, if you go look online across the country right now there is not one, not a 9mm or even the ever so slightly less desirable .40 cal showing available ANYWHERE.
'Out Of Stock' is all I see.

 

[exdetsgt]

On the Nano the slide locks back automatically after the last round in the magazine is fired. If you want the slide to stay back for whatever reason just insert any empty mag (the Nano comes with two magazines) and rack the slide.

 

[RussC]

Well like you, I had both: My opinion, hands down the Nano for all the reasons you gave plus three more you didn't mention that made this my choice over the Shield (which BTW I have sold)

1. less controls no slide release on the side, as many know with a small pistol when shooting two handed some have a tendency to hit the slide release (no need on such a small pistol)

2. Ease to change out the sights on the Nano - owner can change sights without any special tools making the addition of night sights a snap.

3. Modular framed the Nano can be changed out into different frame sizes and different frame colors all offered for sale on Beretta web site (as in the SIG 250) making it a much more versatile pistol all around

My three

I owned a Nano before I traded for a Shield and I have to disagree with no slide lock is better.

My Nano experienced a few FTE in every box and no slide lock was not fun when you have a spent shell still in the barrel and the next round is stuck underneath the partway out spent shell and the slide under tension pressed up against the round underneath the spent shell.

How do you clear the weapon with no slide lock as I described?

Not fun unless you have a third hand to hold the slide back while you clear the FTE.

Russ

 

[beschissen]

I have had a nano for about 2 years, fantastic little pistol. At the same time I had a glock 22 that I just never really used, and another full sized 40. I put the glock up for consignment and put the $ towards a shield 40. I already had a M&P 9C and loved that pistol, though that wasn't a summer carry for me. a 40 made sense since that was almost 1/2 of my pistol ammo.

Taking them both to the range, the shield and nano are really fun to shoot, reliable, consistent, and accurate enough for me. I enjoy them both immensely...and am very happy with my shield purchase.

My only gripe about the nano was the grip *before* I got a rubber talongrip on it. I am looking forward for the talongip for the shield. With the exception of my sig, I put those grips on ALL of my pistols.

I just don't see anything wrong with both pistols. Even though Beretta is Italian, the nano is made in the US. That is one of the primary reasons I am a happy to have 2 S&W pistols as well.