Ordered M&P Shield, but having second thoughts

[tocohillsguy]

From the FAQ section of TDI website....

"3. Are we really going to shoot that much ammunition?

Maybe, we ask you to bring 1800 rounds for level I through III handgun. Most people will not shoot that much but we have had some shoot more. We allow people to train to their level, if we tell you to shoot 50 rounds and your hands are sore and can only shoot 20 good rounds we would rather see that. No one at TDI will berate you shooting less, its your choice and your body – you know how it feels, we don’t.

That ammunition will not go bad, now you have something to practice with at home.

4. What firearm should I bring to class or what type of firearm should I purchase?

Handguns:

If you do not own a handgun do not purchase one prior to attending class. TDI keeps about 20 firearms on hand for students to use for free. That way you learn what is best for you and what works rather than buying something that is sold to you for one reason or another. TDI DOES NOT sell firearms; we want you to go to your local gun store for the purchase but forewarned is forearmed.

If you have a handgun, bring it, you should train with your firearm, if you have more than one bring several."

Give them a call. Maybe they have a full size M&P they can loan you. My guess is you will be bringing home much of your ammo if all you shoot is the Shield. I can also tell you from my personal pistol journey that the more you shoot, the more you will appreciate a larger platform. When I first began to shoot and purchase pistols all I wanted was small handguns that were easy to conceal. However, when you begin working through drills and going to competitions you quickly realize that your proficiency and enjoyment are enhanced with a bigger pistol.

 

[toocool]

I had the choice between a compact 9 or the Shield. The compacts do not feel right in my hand. I had both a 9c and a .40c, and sold them both, because I didn't like how they fit me. The grip was too short, and even with the finger extension I had issues with where the back of the grip hit my palm. The Shield is about the same size, but the slimness of the gun/grip fits my hand much better. I also have a full-size 9 that I occasionally carry when it's cooler, but for the warmer months, the Shield is an ideal primary CC weapon for me. I don't find the 8+1 round capacity to be a handicap, just as I didn't when I used to carry a 3913 20-odd years ago when I was LEO. And now that I'm not LEO, I only need worry about my own protection, and that of my family. 8+1 with a back up mag should do what I need it to do.

 

[mazdaspeedrx8]

Really depends on what you are looking for. Both are great guns and both are easily concealable but the shield just disappears so its a bit better for cc.

 

[kbm6893]

I have no plans to dump my LC9 for the Shield, especially since I would take a loss on the LC9. The Shield looks nice, but the LC9 is smaller and lighter, and those two characteristics are what I care about when choosing a carry gun. Every ounce does matter. I frequently carry my LC9 in my pocket, and the one belt holster i DO have for it rarely gets used. What does the Shield get you that the LC9 does not? A slightly better trigger? It's an up close personal defense gun, not a target gun. At 10 yards I can dump all 8 rounds into a paper plate with my LC9. Not having to take the Shield off safe to rack the slide? I LIKE that feature on my LC9. An ignorant person who ever got a hold of it wouldn't be able to rack a round in.

The Shield looks nice, but the LC9 is a better choice for me.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

What does the Shield get you that the LC9 does not? A slightly better trigger? Not having to take the Shield off safe to rack the slide? I LIKE that feature on my LC9. An ignorant person who ever got a hold of it wouldn't be able to rack a round in.

A weapon used for carry should ALWAYS have a round in the chamber, thus the safety on the LC-9 isn't as safe as the Shield thumb safety. The Shield has a much better trigger, better sights, no magazine safety, and carries more rounds. Ruger had a good idea, S&W just made it better........

 

[ponchsox]

I have no plans to dump my LC9 for the Shield, especially since I would take a loss on the LC9. The Shield looks nice, but the LC9 is smaller and lighter, and those two characteristics are what I care about when choosing a carry gun. Every ounce does matter. I frequently carry my LC9 in my pocket, and the one belt holster i DO have for it rarely gets used. What does the Shield get you that the LC9 does not? A slightly better trigger? It's an up close personal defense gun, not a target gun. At 10 yards I can dump all 8 rounds into a paper plate with my LC9. Not having to take the Shield off safe to rack the slide? I LIKE that feature on my LC9. An ignorant person who ever got a hold of it wouldn't be able to rack a round in.

The Shield looks nice, but the LC9 is a better choice for me.

The trigger on the Shield is more than slightly better. I dumped my LC9 because I shoot my Shield much more accurately.

 

[Droid]

I'm not harping on the lc9 too much. I just would prefer a single action over the double action all the time. I shoot pretty well with it though.

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[Droid]

I had the choice between a compact 9 or the Shield. The compacts do not feel right in my hand. I had both a 9c and a .40c, and sold them both, because I didn't like how they fit me. The grip was too short, and even with the finger extension I had issues with where the back of the grip hit my palm. The Shield is about the same size, but the slimness of the gun/grip fits my hand much better. I also have a full-size 9 that I occasionally carry when it's cooler, but for the warmer months, the Shield is an ideal primary CC weapon for me. I don't find the 8+1 round capacity to be a handicap, just as I didn't when I used to carry a 3913 20-odd years ago when I was LEO. And now that I'm not LEO, I only need worry about my own protection, and that of my family. 8+1 with a back up mag should do what I need it to do.

I'm totally with ya on the 9c grip. The length of grip and width made it feel like I couldn't grip it well. I too, believe the thinness of the shields grip is what makes it feel better. I don't have small hands either.

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[Droid]

I have no plans to dump my LC9 for the Shield, especially since I would take a loss on the LC9. The Shield looks nice, but the LC9 is smaller and lighter, and those two characteristics are what I care about when choosing a carry gun. Every ounce does matter. I frequently carry my LC9 in my pocket, and the one belt holster i DO have for it rarely gets used. What does the Shield get you that the LC9 does not? A slightly better trigger? It's an up close personal defense gun, not a target gun. At 10 yards I can dump all 8 rounds into a paper plate with my LC9. Not having to take the Shield off safe to rack the slide? I LIKE that feature on my LC9. An ignorant person who ever got a hold of it wouldn't be able to rack a round in.

The Shield looks nice, but the LC9 is a better choice for me.

Was mulling over what I would sell my lc9 for. I was thinking 370 bucks for the lc9 with lasermax, spare mag and Crossbreed style holster. I would be losing my money on the spare mag and holster, but I could live with that.

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[kbm6893]

A weapon used for carry should ALWAYS have a round in the chamber, thus the safety on the LC-9 isn't as safe as the Shield thumb safety. The Shield has a much better trigger, better sights, no magazine safety, and carries more rounds. Ruger had a good idea, S&W just made it better........

When I carry, it always does have a round in the chamber. When it's in the safe with the other guns, chamber is clear and safety is on with mag in gun. When I do to carry it, I drop the safety and rack the slide, then re-safe it to carry. And while the Shield does have a better trigger, it's heavier and bigger, and the better trigger is moot in a short range self defense situation. Don't think the bad guy is gonna measure my groups in his chest. If the Shield was the same size and weight( or lighter) than the LC9, I'd sell the LC9 for it, but for me, concealed carry is all about weight and size. Why do you think the Airweight and Airlight revolvers are such bigg sellers. A 3 ounce savings is a big difference. And I like the mag safety. Big reason why I got the LC9.

 

[kbm6893]

Was mulling over what I would sell my lc9 for. I was thinking 370 bucks for the lc9 with lasermax, spare mag and Crossbreed style holster. I would be losing my money on the spare mag and holster, but I could live with that.

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You're gonna be out over $150 to trade for a gun that is bigger and heavier, and offers nothing more than a slightly smoother trigger. it's your choice, bu with the extra mags and holster, you're invested in the LC9. I've taken losses on guns before, but not to buy a gun that doesn't offer me something more over what I already have.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

Why do you think the Airweight and Airlight revolvers are such bigg sellers. A 3 ounce savings is a big difference.

I used to carry my S&W 642 daily until I bought my Shield. I prefer the 9 rounds of 9mm in my Shield against the 5 rounds of .38 Special in my 642. They both go in the same pocket of my shorts, and the weight difference for me isn't a problem...I have a good Wilderness belt to hold my pants up.

 

[OpsMgr]

Was mulling over what I would sell my lc9 for. I was thinking 370 bucks for the lc9 with lasermax, spare mag and Crossbreed style holster. I would be losing my money on the spare mag and holster, but I could live with that.

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I'm going to sell my LC9 because of the trigger - It sucks compared to the Shield's trigger, IMO. Figure around $300 with the extra mag I bought as they are showing up at the LGS's around here for that price.

As you know, you will loose money ever time you trade or sale and the more stuff you add into the deal (Mags, holsters, lasers, etc.), the more money you will loose...

 

[Droid]

Maybe I'll just hold onto it and do the Galloway Precision trigger bar and hammer mod.

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[OpsMgr]

Maybe I'll just hold onto it and do the Galloway Precision trigger bar and hammer mod.

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I too thought about that - I'm still on the waiting list for those parts. And, several have reported issues - Seems like many of the Galloway kits out there now have the owners working as Beta Testers - No thanks.

Don't read me wrong - I love my LC9 but dislike the trigger...

 

[RobzGuns]

Maybe I'll just hold onto it and do the Galloway Precision trigger bar and hammer mod.

You could also check out the trigger systems at rtk-holsters.
(interesting that a holster maker did an LC9 trigger mod)

 

[baccusboy]

He stated, most of them use 9mm anyway. He also mentioned helping out some local trauma professionals shooting pigs and letting them treat them. He said the wounds between the .40 and 9mm were indistinguishable.

Excuse me a minute... this is a typo, right? They shoot the pigs, and then treat them for their injuries?

 

[Droid]

Excuse me a minute... this is a typo, right? They shoot the pigs, and then treat them for their injuries?

Apparently a pigs flesh is very similar to ours. Good for simulating human trauma.

It's a win -win situation. If you saved a pig, you did your job. If he didn't make it, you get bacon for breakfast!

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[Shark88]

In reading this thread and others and also watching youtube I have to wonder just how many Ruger LC9's have been sold or traded in for the Shield. I would go with the Shield, of course I might be bias Perhaps get the compact later, you can never have too many

My guess is there would be more traded if there were more shields available at our LGS. I should be picking mine up later this week! I never bought an LC9, but I do have an LCP w/crimson trace which I shoot pretty accurately. I didn't mind the DAO trigger on the LCP, but didn't want 2 guns with that action. Glad S&W came through with the Shield!!

 

[bigmoose]

Also, the more the merrier if i were actually in a sd situation.

If the self defense situation isn't resolved by the time you empty the Shield, you may need a Tommy Gun. I'm betting you are going to really like the Shield.