Shield 9 vs Compact 9: Speed & Accuracy

[Lead Pipe]

It seems logical that the Compact should shoot better - longer barrel, more weight, and thicker grip/controls. My Shield is the last resort for carry, and I'm confident I can put all 8 rounds center mass at 10 yards in a short amount of time. That's good enough to carry for defensive purposes IMHO.

Exactly, I think too many people get wrapped around the wheel with group size with a self defense weapon. As long as I can stop a threat at 10 yards, I have faith in the weapon. You don't need to put 7 rounds in a 2" area unless you're being attacked by a broom stick.

 

[Whitwabit]

Don't think the difference in barrel length is that critical between the two .. were talking only 4 tenths of an inch .. But the mass of the two I believe is the deciding factor ..

My 40c .. same frame as the 9c shoots under 2 inch groups at 30 feet if I do my part .. the shield 3 ounces lighter and 1/2 inch narrower .. feels much different in ones hands .. and with the adjustable back straps will adjusts much better to ones hand size .. thus I believe the difference in accuracy !!

 

[Resqu2]

If concealment is the chief and lone consideration, the Shield will a better choice, however, any target out more than 7 yards has a fighting chance to get away unharmed.

Are you saying it's because of the size of the Shield or it's just not accurate out past 7 yards? I just got one but not shot it yet but I have a little SIG P238 that for me shoots better at 25 yards than I do full size pistols. I would sure hope I can hit a target out past 7 yards with the Shield.

 

[Pondoro]

Well the compact has a grip that is a lot more similar to your competition gun. I'm not at all surprised that you shoot better with it.

I've shot full size M&P's and a compact, the transition is not too bad for me. I've never shot a Shield (dry fired one a couple of times), but it has to feel a lot different. Your natural M&P grip when applied to the Shield will probably give you a different natural point of aim and I'm sure the thinner gun will move more in your hand.

If you shot competition with the Shield for a few years this might reverse.

But I'm a massive M&P fan, so I'm not criticizing your choice.