Shield 9 or 40?

[MikeyMike]

Hey y'all, seems as though I'll be staying in the MP line after all. I went to the local gun store and held a bunch and nothing compared to the Shield, with the extended grip magazine. I was scared to start shopping do to my large hand "issue" but when I held the Shield, it just felt right compared to all the others I felt. Plus, the grip seemed great as stock, although I hear a lot of good things about the Talon Grip which I may also buy. The only question now is.... The 9 or 40?

How did you choose and any advice?

 

[USAF385]

You say you're "staying in the M&P line"... I'm assuming that means you already own an M&P? What caliber? If it's a 9mm or .40, I'd stick with that.

If you already own guns in both calibers..... then I'd say go with your favorite caliber. I owned a .40 and regret letting go of it.

 

[CaptRon956]

I have a M&P shield 9mm. I choose the 9 mostly because of the cheaper ammo. I also installed the Talon grips which I really like and it made a world of difference.... Go for the 9. You love it...

 

[MikeyMike]

Sorry... I bought a 22 to have some fun with and can blast off hundred of rounds without emptying the wallet too much

 

[WilliamB]

If you never shot either caliber the 9 is softer shooting than the 40. If you have shot both pick your favorite. If you reload cost is inconsequential. If you buy ammo 9 is cheaper.

 

[fdw]

9, all day long...

 

[djames7726]

I really enjoy my 9mm Shield. It is my primary carry gun. With the new self defense ammo I believe it is a good choice. If you absolutely need the extra power, I guess the 40 would be a good choice.

 

[Ransom]

9mm: ammo costs less and one more round in the mag.

 

[TTSH]

9, all day long...

Yep, 9mm is the way to go with the plastic Shield. Cheaper ammo, more ammo, easier to control and no "kaboom" reports to date (at least that I'm aware of).

 

[GerSan69]

9 is fine. I got mine because my job required a 9mm or .45 semi-auto, and I'm glad I chose the Shield. There's 1 more round capacity with the 9. The extended magazine with grip adapter feels similar to a full-size. Talon or other rubber grips are very comfortable. If even one .40 had blown up I'd be concerned, but since there have been several, I'm staying with the 9 until further notice.

 

[YNC(AW) TangoCharlie]

I also have a 9 and installed Talon Grips on it. Great ergonomics, easy to aim and soft to shoot. Love it so much I made it my EDC. I definitely would recommend the 9 but of course, I'm very biased.

PS Welcome to the forum.

 

[RobzGuns]

Go with the .40... I shoot 9mm and when the next ammo crunch comes, I don't want you competing for my ammo.

 

[Bozz10mm]

I chose the 9mm and the Talon grips are great. Get them. 9mm ammo is cheaper and with a Premium HD round, just as effective. Plus an extra round of capacity. And less recoil = more control-ability in subsequent shots. Also, a 9 will be a little lighter to tote around due to the weight of the ammo with a full mag.

Stock up on ammo now to get through the next ammo shortage. Actually, that goes for any caliber. It's a matter of when, not if.

 

[Arik]

Shoot the 40 before you buy. Any 40. A LOT of people hate the snappy recoil of the 40.

 

[Richjh]

I recently purchased the M&P 40 Shield. I have two other 40's from Springfield and Sig. I used to have a Colt Delta Elite10mm and the 40 is just a small step down from that. I like the performance of the 40 and reload my own ammo so cost is not a factor.

The M&P 40 has a tight recoil spring so can be harder to load that first round but it controls the recoil well. I have not fired a M&P 9mm so I don't have anything to compare it to except my other 40's. I need a lot more practice to feel really competent as I plan to use mine as my primary carry gun.

 

[Kershon]

I have a Shield 9mm. Ammo is relatively cheap and it shoots any brand I run through it. Never had a fte or ftf. If recoil does not bother you then consider the 40 but 9mm is plentiful and cheap enough I can stock up for the next ammo shortage. With the new technology hp ammo I don't think there is any worry about stopping power if needed in a bad situation. I carry mine every day all day and most of the time I never know I have it on. Mostly carry in an Aliengear iwb holster at 4:00. Sometimes in a little Galco for appendix when situation dictates. Now if I could only find some 124 gr HST's...

 

[ChiefStealth]

I got the 9. Bought 100 factory rounds for it. Fired the 100 at the range. I now have over 400 empty cases for reloading. Could not have done that with a .40.

 

[paulclaark911]

I have both 9mm and 40 S&W, I bought my Shield in 40 S&W, I really like it, it shoots well. How did I decide which to buy. I put a 9mm bullet next to the 40 S&W bullet, and had to go 40! I LIKE BIG BULLETS! I CANNOT LIE!!

 

[EdP1946]

I've got the Shield in 9mm and really enjoy it now that I replaced the Massachusetts trigger with an Apex upgrade. After purchasing the gun, I read somewhere that it you purchased the 0.40, you could then buy a 9mm barrel and recoil spring and then shoot whichever you chose, but since I started with the 9mm it was no longer an option. I'd echo what others have said about shooting the shield in 40 before you buy it.

 

[Arney]

Have the Shield in 40 primarily because I have several other XP's in 40 and wanted to stay with one cal.
This is my favorite carry gun....