On the Fence. Shield, M&P9C or 642

[MP1SG]

I have a 9c but find that it is not much more concealable than a FS. For me, there are two levels of concealment - holster or pocket. If I have to wear a gun in a holster, then I can typically conceal a FS as well as a compact.

I was ready to buy a J frame revolver to pocket carry when the Shield came out. Got the Shield and I routinely pocket carry it now.

To me, the answer to the OP's question is fairly simple. If concealment is the most important issue, then get the Shield. If firepower is the most important issue, then get a FS pistol. I think that the Shield has made the 9c obsolete. The J frame is too hard to shoot accurately, unpleasant to practice with and too hard to reload.

I wouldnt say obsolete by any strech. The 9c/40c will continue to be as popular (maybe more) than the shield. I just think if you want a weapon with Capacity,Power and concealability The 9c/40c is the way to go.

 

[CrossRifles2008]

Agreed I would carry a shield only as a back up for my 40c. Even then I prefer carrying a 15Rd extra Mag with grip X

 

[hkyplr]

I wouldnt say obsolete by any strech. The 9c/40c will continue to be as popular (maybe more) than the shield. I just think if you want a weapon with Capacity,Power and concealability The 9c/40c is the way to go.

I 2nd that.

 

[Fabius]

The 9c has been my EDC for a couple of years now. Too often i didn't carry because the 9c, while somewhat easier to conceal than FS pistols, was still an effort to fully conceal, mainly because of the thickness.

The Shield conceals effortlessly and comfortably, so I find myself carrying it much more.

 

[CrossRifles2008]

I don't worry about it. 40c is plenty concealable for me.

 

[MP1SG]

The 9c has been my EDC for a couple of years now. Too often i didn't carry because the 9c, while somewhat easier to conceal than FS pistols, was still an effort to fully conceal, mainly because of the thickness.

The Shield conceals effortlessly and comfortably, so I find myself carrying it much more.

I dont think thickness play's a role in concealment. People Conceal 5 and 6 shot revolvers easily. I think its the weapons length at the barrel/slide and the grip. Which is why the 9c/40c conceals just as easy as the Shield.

 

[dwp10mm]

I'll add another opinion here. I have both a compact and now a Shield. While I now like the thinner width, I don't think I've seen anyone mention another factor. Weight! When picking both up side by side, the Shield really feels much lighter. Enough so that it can make a difference for long term carry. I never thought my compact was a heavy pistol until I got the Shield.

 

[Grjfer]

Just wanted update everyone. Read it here http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/269710-fence-no-more.html

 

[Maximumbob54]

And here I was hoping you just bought them all. I went 40c, 9c, 45c, and I don't know what's next... Cough, Shield 9, cough, cough...

 

[Super Senior]

Have them all and find the 9mm Shield the best all-around pick for every day carry. It has a fine crisp trigger and outstanding accuracy. Unless you expect significant trouble the 8/9 round Shield is ideal. Buy one and you won't look back.

 

[davidwilp]

I own a Shield in 9mm, a 642, and multiple GLOCKS including a G26 and here is my take on your pick if it were me.

Shield 9mm: The Shield fills a niche in the gun world which almost doesn't exist. It is just a bit too big for pocket carry
Edmo

I differ when it comes to the opinion on pocket carry. While I don't have the shield, I do have to M&P 40 compact and I do pocket carry that sometimes with no problem.

 

[Dave460]

Carry decision

I have the S&W642, the Shield in .40 and Glock 19 & 22. The 642 is more compact than the Shield and best for me for summer carry in a pocket holster. The Shield's long grip makes it somewhat large for pocket carry in jeans or shorts. I plan to switch to the Shield when cooler weather gets here using the larger pockets in my winter pants. The Shield is now my new most favorite carry gun. I was concerned that the .40 would be too snappy in recoil, but have been very pleased after about 200 rounds. Very ergonomic and powerful. btw, I have, so far, avoided iwb carry as I find it must less comfortable as compared to pocket carry. When I am in risky environs, I keep my hand on the 642 while in the pocket...not an option with iwb carry.

 

[MDB1056]

Im a 3913 and 908 fan myself as well as having a 637. I personally like the 3rd gen slim 9's for feel'function'and yes even the weight. I have never had one hiccup through thousands of rounds. My daily CCW908 i believe has dimensions about the same as the Shield. Bought the j frame got the wife but love it as well. 637 is definitely easy carry as disappears with a pocket holster. Shields are very nice but again I'm struggling with any advantage over the 3rd gen slims.

 

[MDB1056]

Surprised nobody is touting the 3rd gen slim 9's as contenders against the Shield. 3913 or 908 are I believe as slim and also 8+1. Also love the double single s DAO. I woulk like to have a Shield for fun but not instead

 

[hudsonvalley]

Just my 2 cents...why do we carry? Are we thinking gun fight at 25yds or if something does occur, will it be at arms reach? I personally feel better with my J frame because I don't worry it'll go boom. Magazine gets knocked around, a button gets pressed, a miss fire...will I have a chance to tap, rack etc...? With a Revolver, you just keep pulling the trigger...kinda like a semi auto without the box magazine...

 

[IllinoisCCW]

Just my 2 cents...why do we carry? Are we thinking gun fight at 25yds or if something does occur, will it be at arms reach? I personally feel better with my J frame because I don't worry it'll go boom. Magazine gets knocked around, a button gets pressed, a miss fire...will I have a chance to tap, rack etc...? With a Revolver, you just keep pulling the trigger...kinda like a semi auto without the box magazine...

Totally agree. I own all 3 and carry all 3. Although I've only carried the 642 for a month now, it's by far my favorite.

 

[C&R Bill]

I don't currently own any of the three, but if I were making this purchase I would get the Shield first, followed by the 9c and lastly the snub.YMMV

 

[robert98597]

Tough Choice

I have a 638 & it is sweet to carry but my shield (9mm) is great to carry. I carry it in a whitehat holster. Its got a sweet trigger pull and it carry better then any other of my CCW gun's. I own many concealed carry handguns & this is the best.