catcus-jack
Member
Thats why I carry full size pistols for ccw in iwb holsters they don't print.
New to pistols
- Thread starter tcfirerescue13
- Start date
cactus
IWB for me is a challenge because I wear dress shirts that are tucked in with no jacket.
I have tried working my shirt around an IWB holster but it doesn't work and I can't walk around work with my shirt un tucked and I am not going to wear a suit coat all day.
Glad IWB works for you. Pocket conceal in pleated slacks of my Shield in a Desanti model "E1" holster (made for the Glock 26) for the last 6 months has not been brought to my attention at work even by my closes friends.
I remember the first few days I started pocket concealment 18 months ago. I was packing a Kahr CM9 and it did not feel natural. I remember constantly looking down at my pocket and even touching my weapon from time-to-time.
I don't care if you are packing a Ruger LCP, you are going to get noticed if you act like you are packing. Fast forward 18 months. I know my Shield is in my pocket but I don't act any different and that I believe is important to concealment. Also I don't talk about guns at work with co-workers. If you act weird and nervous and constantly touch your weapon you are going to draw attention.
Russ
Last edited:
OP
tcfirerescue13
Member
after reading some other threads, talking to a few coworkers, and getting my hands on 1. i think i have decided to go with the 40c. i can buy the 9mm barrel and a few mags and i can shoot til my heart is content. thanks for all the advice. feel free to keep disagreeing about pants.
I handled the M&P 40c at my local gun shop, nice gun. Now the real fun starts. Holsters, belts, trying different ammo in both .40 and 9mm, lotsa shooting and lotsa practice. Training? Lasersights?
Most importantly, ya gotta get the right pants.
Most importantly, ya gotta get the right pants.
catcus-jack
Member
Pants are the most important part of the whole outfit.
SMMAssociates
Member
The 9mm is not my first choice, but like Old Cop, I've been at this for a very long time.... (40+ years, semi-retired rent-a-cop.) My 9C is on consignment at a local dealer's (I want a Shield40), but I have an old M39 for my daughter. She likes the 9mm....
That said, either the M&P9C or 9FS would be a good "learn to shoot" gun, as would the .22 version, although I don't consider any rimfire a reliable carry. Recoil is minimal (particularly with the 9FS), and most new shooters should be able to handle either one. The 9FS makes a good "house gun", too, when the time comes, but IMHO it's not a particularly good carry. That thing is BIG.... (I have a 40FS.) Overall, not a lot different than my old S&W M&P10HB .38 Revolver, although it's quite a bit lighter. The 40FS is a little snappy unless you're used to it (I am), but not a bad choice either as a "house gun"....
IMHO, you'd do about as well with a 9C as with the 9FS as a carry, although as a double-stacker, it's kind of thick. A 9mm Shield might be suitable, but will take some getting used to. I thing you could get either double-stacker under control very quickly. Add the Shield later....
My EDC rotation is a pair of Officer's sized 1911's. A little heavy, but with a good belt, not a problem. Other than the seven round limitation, they are good solid guns that I trust. Lasers and night sights on both, too, but I don't think I'd go the extra money again. I'm not sure there's really any advantage....
'Round the house, it's an M&P40C. Mostly 'cause it's quite light, and doesn't require a special belt like the .45....
I don't get a lot of interest in the weight issue. I'm kinda big, which may have something to do with it, but with a good belt & holster the extra weight just doesn't seem to matter to me.
In the end, you really have to find a way to try these things. Little things can bite you.... My buddy Joe has a beautiful S&W M41 pistol. That's an expensive .22LR target semi. My very petite daughter can shoot her M22A (which is a very cheap copy of the M41
) all day, but can't shoot the M41. The rear joint of her thumb whacks the M41's thumb safety with about each shot. She prefers the M39 anyway.... 
Pants.... I was in the local gun pusher's a couple years ago when a kid from a local PD was trying on an ankle holster. While wearing shorts.... I reminded him of the first rule of ankle holsters: "Pants"....
Regards,
That said, either the M&P9C or 9FS would be a good "learn to shoot" gun, as would the .22 version, although I don't consider any rimfire a reliable carry. Recoil is minimal (particularly with the 9FS), and most new shooters should be able to handle either one. The 9FS makes a good "house gun", too, when the time comes, but IMHO it's not a particularly good carry. That thing is BIG.... (I have a 40FS.) Overall, not a lot different than my old S&W M&P10HB .38 Revolver, although it's quite a bit lighter. The 40FS is a little snappy unless you're used to it (I am), but not a bad choice either as a "house gun"....
IMHO, you'd do about as well with a 9C as with the 9FS as a carry, although as a double-stacker, it's kind of thick. A 9mm Shield might be suitable, but will take some getting used to. I thing you could get either double-stacker under control very quickly. Add the Shield later....
My EDC rotation is a pair of Officer's sized 1911's. A little heavy, but with a good belt, not a problem. Other than the seven round limitation, they are good solid guns that I trust. Lasers and night sights on both, too, but I don't think I'd go the extra money again. I'm not sure there's really any advantage....
'Round the house, it's an M&P40C. Mostly 'cause it's quite light, and doesn't require a special belt like the .45....
I don't get a lot of interest in the weight issue. I'm kinda big, which may have something to do with it, but with a good belt & holster the extra weight just doesn't seem to matter to me.
In the end, you really have to find a way to try these things. Little things can bite you.... My buddy Joe has a beautiful S&W M41 pistol. That's an expensive .22LR target semi. My very petite daughter can shoot her M22A (which is a very cheap copy of the M41
) all day, but can't shoot the M41. The rear joint of her thumb whacks the M41's thumb safety with about each shot. She prefers the M39 anyway.... Pants.... I was in the local gun pusher's a couple years ago when a kid from a local PD was trying on an ankle holster. While wearing shorts.... I reminded him of the first rule of ankle holsters: "Pants"....
Regards,
"No mas pantalones"
This is my M64 (K frame snubby) in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. Wider and heavier than a Shield. The dress pants are Red Head from Bass Pro. Keep them ironed and they're perfect for the office.
This is my M64 (K frame snubby) in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. Wider and heavier than a Shield. The dress pants are Red Head from Bass Pro. Keep them ironed and they're perfect for the office.
Last edited:
Donald Paul
Member
--- 2 inch .38spl revolver {S&W 36 or 37 or equiv}.
Small and RELIABLE.
Small and RELIABLE.
"No mas pantalones"
This is my M64 (K frame snubby) in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. Wider and heavier than a Shield. The dress pants are Red Head from Bass Pro. Keep them ironed and they're perfect for the office.
Blujax
Thanks for the pictures.
I am tired of people on this forum thinking the Shield is not for the pocket. As you demonstrated you can pocket a revolver which is bigger than the Shield and I can't see your weapon from the picture.
Russ
cliff54
Member
I learned to shoot courtesy of Uncle Sam and continued to develop my skills with a M&P 40. Best handgun I have ever shot but too big to carry. I am smaller than average and picked the Ruger LC9 as a carry weapon. It was an easy transition although the 40 is not in the closet - it's the primary for HD.
OP
tcfirerescue13
Member
hey all. just an update. i made my decision! went with an m&p 357c. coudnt find a 40c in the price range i wanted. so i just need to purchase a 40c barrel so i dont have to pay $1+ a round to shoot 357sig. thanks everyone for all the input!
bobnieder
Member
- Joined
- May 5, 2012
- Messages
- 151
- Reaction score
- 37
You pick it -- you are the one who will live with your choice.
That said, I'll put in a minority opinion -- Shield .40, and get a factory Shield 9mm barrel and a mag or two from Guns and Gear Outlet Best of both worlds. Cheaper practice ammo and a lot of LEO defense rounds available for the .40 cal. But that's just my opinion. Worth exactly what you paid for it.
Enjoy the process and whichever (single or multiple) pistol you choose!
That said, I'll put in a minority opinion -- Shield .40, and get a factory Shield 9mm barrel and a mag or two from Guns and Gear Outlet Best of both worlds. Cheaper practice ammo and a lot of LEO defense rounds available for the .40 cal. But that's just my opinion. Worth exactly what you paid for it.
Enjoy the process and whichever (single or multiple) pistol you choose!
bobnieder
Member
- Joined
- May 5, 2012
- Messages
- 151
- Reaction score
- 37
Didn't see your update. It was on page 2 by itself.
You can still also get a 9mm barrel from Midway or Brownells and mags (if you can find them). I got a FS 9mm barrel from Midway and picked up a couple of mags. I have over 600 rounds of 9mm without a glitch (and over 400 rounds of .40 cal.)
At least with the .357 to .40 switch, you use the same mags, since .357 Sig is a necked down .40 cal. cartridge.
You can still also get a 9mm barrel from Midway or Brownells and mags (if you can find them). I got a FS 9mm barrel from Midway and picked up a couple of mags. I have over 600 rounds of 9mm without a glitch (and over 400 rounds of .40 cal.)
At least with the .357 to .40 switch, you use the same mags, since .357 Sig is a necked down .40 cal. cartridge.
You've picked a good brand and product in the S&W M&P series.
Don't over think this issue. Pick the gun you are most comfortable with, get some training, and practice.
I used to advise the 9mm mainly because the ammo was plentiful and cheap. Not necessarily the case anymore though.
I find the 9mm softer to shoot, but since you won't have anything to compare it to, the 40 might work fine.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Don't over think this issue. Pick the gun you are most comfortable with, get some training, and practice.
I used to advise the 9mm mainly because the ammo was plentiful and cheap. Not necessarily the case anymore though.
I find the 9mm softer to shoot, but since you won't have anything to compare it to, the 40 might work fine.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2005
- Messages
- 8,020
- Reaction score
- 7,101
If it is a first pistol, I recommend a full size. The FBI issues a full size pistol for concealment. They have always done so, even when they issued revolvers. Concealment of a full size pistol is easy with the right holster.
Certainly, it is easier to learn to shoot with a full size pistol for many reasons, including, less perceived recoil, longer sight radius makes it possible to shoot more accurately (not because the pistol is necessarily more accurate, but because errors in sight alignment are greatly exaggerated in shorter barrels), the grip is often more comfortable, etc.
I say learn to shoot first, then "graduate" to a smaller, pocket type pistol.
Actually, truth be told, if you are new to firearms, you should consider getting a nice 22 pistol first to learn the fundamentals. Consider the S&W 22A, Model 41 or even the K22 (Model 17 or 617) or Ruger's MK III or 22/45. You can learn to shoot for far less money and the 22 will be more pleasant and economical in the long run.
So, get a 22 first, then the full size .40 caliber. Only after you have mastered both of those should you consider getting a pocket pistol of any caliber.
all357mag
Member
Forget those lame 9mm & 40 cals. Get a 45 and don't look back!
TCfirerescue13
If you must have an M&P you need to decide how do I plan to conceal the weapon.
I own a Shield and I pocket conceal but I would not want anymore gun in my pocket. In fact I traded out the stock sights for XS Big Dot night sights in part because the rear sight kept catching on my pocket as I would draw.
In my opinion if the weapon is for concealment and you are sold on M&P I would put my name on the waiting list for a Shield 9mm. (Check buds guns to see if you qualify for public service M&P discount)
If you can't wait Buds guns on the internet has a Sig P938 nightmare with night sights available with free shipping for $665 right now.
I have shot a Sig P938 and honestly comparing to my Shield I would be happy to own either firearm.
The Sig P938 has the edge with pocket conceal but the Shield fits a large hand a little better.
Good Luck
Russ
OP
tcfirerescue13
Member
FF112173
Member
Whacker gear, lol. JK, I'm one of you.
