Question about M&P Shield

[Jboutfishn]

Thinking about an M&P Shield and not sure about a S&W 40 or a 9mm. What is the difference in recoil? Any other issues? I will reload so cost of ammo is not an issue.

Looking for your thoughts, thanks.

 

[DR505]

In my experience and with the firearms I've shot, .40 S&W has a much snappier recoil; harsher than either .45 ACP or 9mm. If you reload, 9mm is still way cheaper. Personally, I'd get the 9mm.

 

[AZretired]

Ya might get more answers in the Auto Forum. This is Revolvers.

 

[Enzo]

I've had the Shield 9 for about a year and love it. I've never shot the 40 but early on S&W had some problems with the 40 that I think have been fixed.
For me, I'd rather the extra round that the 9 gives you. IMO with modern day defensive ammo, 9 mm is not lacking.

 

[Arndog123]

I have the Shield 40 and my wife has the 9. We both have had them for a couple weeks now and have shot 300+ rounds out of both. My wife and I can shoot better groups with the 9 due to less recoil. She's actually more accurate than I am. Anyway I need to shoot/practice more to get used to the 40 and she's very happy w/ her 9.

 

[turbo38gn]

I have both 9 and 40, I carry the 40, I like the bigger bang... I actually own most all of the M&P line, but have always carried the 40's more than the 9's, from my 1st FS M&P40 to my 40compact to now carrying the 40 Shield. I have also bought the 9mm barrel conversions for all of my M&P's except the Shield 40. I like the idea of buying 1 gun and adding barrels for cheaper options to having multiple guns.

You can't go wrong with either caliber... heck, I bought the 9 first because the 40 wasn't available..

 

[Jboutfishn]

I see the Mods moved my post, thanks, I did not even think about where I posted this as I usually lurk around the revolvers and reloading.

Any way, I went to my LGS to pick up the Lyman Case Prep Xpress unit as my old hands and finger need all the help they can get. While there I checked out the S&W 9C and 40C. Error on my part.

Thinking about the California M&P Shield with the"loaded flag" and how well the 40C fit my hand, the decision was made. I only have 9 days and 18 hours to pick up my new MP40C!

 

[robkarrob]

Get the 40 and for around $80 buy a stock 9mm barrel. Then you have two calibers in one gun. This barrel swap works for all M&P's: Shield; Compact; and Full Size. Please don't ask if it works, as there has many threads showing that it works great. I have the Shield 40, and carry it as a 40, but often practice and plink using the 9mm barrel. Sure the 40 does have a bit more recoil and snap, but it should, as the 40 is a more powerful caliber, and as such has a better chance of a one shot stopping power. Since I have both barrels I can state that there is a difference in felt recoil, but not much of a difference, and definitely not being anywhere near uncontrollable recoil. Maybe an extra 1/2 second longer to get back on target, than the 9mm.

You can go 9mm to 40, but that swap is not just a barrel swap, as the 40 barrel would need a little modification to the tang width, for it to fit into the 9mm slide, while the 9mm barrel just drops into the 40 slide.


Bob

 

[v3nom3nom]

Small barell and .40, it is snappy! But great gun nonetheless

 

[turbo38gn]

I see the Mods moved my post, thanks, I did not even think about where I posted this as I usually lurk around the revolvers and reloading.

Any way, I went to my LGS to pick up the Lyman Case Prep Xpress unit as my old hands and finger need all the help they can get. While there I checked out the S&W 9C and 40C. Error on my part.

Thinking about the California M&P Shield with the"loaded flag" and how well the 40C fit my hand, the decision was made. I only have 9 days and 18 hours to pick up my new MP40C!

Great choice!!! Another neat benefit.... if you want a little more grip for your fingers, buy a full size magazine and you'll be able to wrap your whole hand on the grip... better control..

 

[Ryan.VR6]

I was in the same dilemma, I went with the 40 and plan to get a 9 barrel soon.

 

[Der Biermeister]

At least you know when the 40 goes BANG, you are holding a gun!

 

[Wsb103]

9 or 40

Thinking about an M&P Shield and not sure about a S&W 40 or a 9mm. What is the difference in recoil? Any other issues? I will reload so cost of ammo is not an issue.

Looking for your thoughts, thanks.

I purchased the 40 because at the time here in CT the guns were very difficult to get. I believed I wanted a 40 all along. I love the gun. Easy to carry but when your on the range and pushing rounds thru it its a bit much. When I purchased the gun I was also interested in an XDS. They had a 9mm XDS there with the Shield. I purchased both, Shield for me and XDS for my wife. The 9mm is much more easier to deal with on the range.

My LGS gives you the opportunity to test fire guns. I would recommend that if possible. The 40 will definitely do the job for personal protection. The 9mm is cheaper and easier on the hands on the range.

If I had to do it over I would get the 9mm. It will do both.
Good luck.

 

[turbo38gn]

I purchased the 40 because at the time here in CT the guns were very difficult to get. I believed I wanted a 40 all along. I love the gun. Easy to carry but when your on the range and pushing rounds thru it its a bit much. When I purchased the gun I was also interested in an XDS. They had a 9mm XDS there with the Shield. I purchased both, Shield for me and XDS for my wife. The 9mm is much more easier to deal with on the range.

My LGS gives you the opportunity to test fire guns. I would recommend that if possible. The 40 will definitely do the job for personal protection. The 9mm is cheaper and easier on the hands on the range.

If I had to do it over I would get the 9mm. It will do both.
Good luck.

Get the 9mm barrel for the Shield and you have a 9MM Shield. It drops right into the upper slided

 

[vegasgunhand]

One thing I have come to know after 33 years as a law enforcement firearms/tactics instructor is this. When it comes to ANY handgun, the caliber does not make much of a difference. What does make the difference is bullet placement. If you don't get a good hit in a vital area, a larger caliber will not make up for a poorly placed shot.

This being said, which caliber you can shoot the best, and you are the most comfortable for you, is the correct one. I have a Shield in 9mm because I can shoot the most accurately, and I'm more comfortable with it. Plus I like having to one extra round.

 

[DeeBee]

With the Poor reliability of the newer 9s I would definitely get the .40!

 

[shawn mccarver]

Thinking about an M&P Shield and not sure about a S&W 40 or a 9mm. What is the difference in recoil? Any other issues? I will reload so cost of ammo is not an issue.

Looking for your thoughts, thanks.

My vote goes to the 9mm. I think the "bugs" have been worked out of the 9mm version better. In addition, you get an extra round and with the advent of the very recent premium self defense ammo,* 9mm is not the disadvantage that it once was. Plus, due to the weight of the ammo in the gun, the 9mm version is lighter - a small amount, but noticeable. Also, recoil is more pleasant allowing better use by non-dedicated persons and quicker follow-up shots.

* By premium self-defense ammo, for this purpose, I refer to Winchester RA9T, RA9B (if you expect auto glass barrier) or RA9TA. Those are my favorites, and others swear by their favorites.

 

[DeeBee]

My vote goes to the 9mm. I think the "bugs" have been worked out of the 9mm version better. In addition, you get an extra round and with the advent of the very recent premium self defense ammo,* 9mm is not the disadvantage that it once was. Plus, due to the weight of the ammo in the gun, the 9mm version is lighter - a small amount, but noticeable. Also, recoil is more pleasant allowing better use by non-dedicated persons and quicker follow-up shots.

* By premium self-defense ammo, for this purpose, I refer to Winchester RA9T, RA9B (if you expect auto glass barrier) or RA9TA. Those are my favorites, and others swear by their favorites.

I just bought a brand new 9 ands it started FTEs at about 400 rounds. My other Shield 9 has been back 3 times for FTEs still isn't right. I don't even want a replacement because I know it will do the same thing.
There is an issue with the newer 9s that needs to be adressed, but S&W is turning a blind eye to it.
My .40s work flawlessly, so I will stick with them.
BTW I was using Winchester Ranger ammo in my 9 and it had a phase 3 malfunction after the first round. I would not use the 9 shield for any form of self defense... At least not the newer ones.

 

[timn8er]

I see the Mods moved my post, thanks, I did not even think about where I posted this as I usually lurk around the revolvers and reloading.

Any way, I went to my LGS to pick up the Lyman Case Prep Xpress unit as my old hands and finger need all the help they can get. While there I checked out the S&W 9C and 40C. Error on my part.

Thinking about the California M&P Shield with the"loaded flag" and how well the 40C fit my hand, the decision was made. I only have 9 days and 18 hours to pick up my new MP40C!

I don't think you'll be sorry. I have the Shield in .40 & a 40c. The Shield carries very well & that's what I use it for. If I take one to the range, though, it'll be the 40c. Its so much more comfortable to shoot than the Shield, for me.

 

[accessbob]

I fired the .40 and the 9mm side by side and I couldn't really tell any difference. I think that some people think it is snappier simply because they expect a .40 to be snappier because most of the time it is. Maybe that isn't the case but I sure couldn't tell and would have gotten the .40 if I could have found one. (I ended up with a 9 which I traded for an XDs45 - and then spent 67 days without it due to the recall).