Shield: 9mm or .40 S&W

[plumber84104]

I read the deepest lows on the opinions on the S&W handguns...All handguns for that matter...Proud owner of a M&P 9 (a no brainer)...Now thinking EDC, the Shield fits in there perfectly...

So...

Shield in .40 would give me a bit more kick as a EDC...
Same physical size as the 9mm...Ammo not much more $$$...

Shield in 9mm, I have the M&P 9 so 2 guns same ammo...Perfect EDC...

Shield in .40 and am told I could get a 9mm barrel and swap out?...Opinions vary on swapping out barrels versus getting a gun in one specific caliber...Thinking if the .40 kicks a bit too much, could go to 9mm...

M&P 9 Compact and could use same magazines from my M&P 9...I know the mag sticks out the bottom...Would EDC with the smaller, but the mag swap is an option if my M&P 9 failed, I could use the mags in the Compact...Higher mag capacity than the Shield 12 versus 7-8...

M&P 9 Compact is a bit longer and wider than the Shield...Anyone carry both?...Much difference?

So EDC:
Shield in 9mm
Shield in .40
Compact in 9mm

 

[SpringGunTunes]

Either one. Can't go wrong.

 

[wtburnette]

I agree that either would work, but I had the same decision to make 2 weeks ago and decided on the Shield 9mm. I think the .40 would be a bit more snappy than I'd personally care for at that size and plus sharing the ammo with my other 9mm handguns sounded like a better idea. I really enjoy this gun a lot. I had previously carried a G19 in a hybrid IWB holster and I never did find it truly comfortable. The Shield is thin enough and small enough that it conceals easily and is very comfortable in an inexpensive DeSantis SOF Tuck holster at 3:30 - 4:00. I believe the Shield is much thinner than the Compact M&P, but of course you lose capacity. To my mind, the Shield is the perfect balance for a carry weapon, easy to conceal, comfortable to carry and nice to shoot.

 

[HeavyDuty Ken]

I didn't feel much difference between shooting the Shield in 9mm and in 40, so I bought mine in 40 to simplify things a little - my other CCW is a 40c. I would be just as happy with it in 9mm.

The Shield is definitely an easier carry than my 40c, that difference in thickness doesn't look like much on paper but is huge when you stuff it into your pants.

 

[Dirty*Harry]

I'm a big fan of 9mm. Most of my pistols are 9mm. I do have some in 40. Plus you get 1 extra round with the 9mm. I vote 9mm.

 

[emory]

If you are looking for a CCW chambered in 9mm, there many excellent options available. Some are lighter, thinner, and arguably much nicer than the Shield.

If you are looking for a CCW chambered in .40 S&W, the Shield and PPS are the best there is.

For this reason, purchasing a Shield in .40 is less likely to interfere with future purchases.

 

[The Sarge]

In a smaller pistol like the Shield the 9mm makes a lot more sense. In reality what the 40 really gives you is recoil. Bill

 

[mustangman]

I love my Shield 40, and wouldnt trade it for the world. I'm no handgun expert, but the recoil to me is nothing outrageous. That being said, if I already had a FS 9, I'd get a Shield 9. Ease of carry and interchangeable ammo.

 

[Ransom]

The Shield 9 would be my pick: same ammo as your other pistol, holds one more round, ammo costs less per round, lower recoil, and there are fewer reports of problems than the Shield 40.

 

[fdw]

I've sorta being thinking buying about a shield too. I've got a fs9. If i do it will be a 9mm, just not interested in the 40, especially in that size.


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[Lockback]

I'd opt for the 9mm: less recoil, no appreciable "stopping power" difference, an extra round. It's what I bought.

 

[Nomadic Vagabond]

I have a FS .40 Pro 4.25" and thought to buy the Shield 40 to keep the calibers the same.

I should have gotten the Shield 9. Problems I've had aside, the Shield 40 is too snappy for a handgun this small. My FS 40 is a dream to shoot, but the Shield is definitely made for 9mm.

Go with the Shield 9.

Once I get my Shield 40 back from S&W with all issues addressed, I will look to sell it with the 6 mags I have.

 

[Bleumoo34]

I love my Shield in 9mm. It's a real pleasure to shoot. I have mine about 2 months now and it's one of the best handgun purchases I've ever made.


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[Smitty357]

My ole lady shoots her Shield .40 better than she shoots it converted to 9mm.

If she can shoot it accurately with each squeeze of the trigger. I dont see why a grown man cant handle the same weapon. But hey, some guys are sissy's, i guess. =-)

 

[renatboost]

I look forward to seeing how I shoot with the Shield .40

Just got into my 10day waiting period! The clock is ticking!

Cant be that bad for someone my size!

 

[Dirty*Harry]

I look forward to seeing how I shoot with the Shield .40

Just got into my 10day waiting period! The clock is ticking!

Cant be that bad for someone my size!

10 day wait??!! What communist state do you live in?

 

[ditto1958]

OP, I think I'd go with the 9.

Can think of two reasons to get the .40:

1. So you can buy ammo the next time there is a panic and you can't buy 9mm.

2. You just want one.

Other than that, everything else points to the 9mm.

 

[Smitty357]

OP, I think I'd go with the 9.

Can think of two reasons to get the .40:

1. So you can buy ammo the next time there is a panic and you can't buy 9mm.

2. You just want one.

Other than that, everything else points to the 9mm.

3. The .40 can shoot 9mm with just the swap of a barrel. So u can have one gun that shoots both calibers of ammo when the next panic comes around.

4. Real men carry calibers that start with .4 and or .5

 

[formernuke]

This is personal preference and which YOU SHOOT BETTER. I personally prefer the .40 and in general I'm more accurate with it. As such I have the shield 40 and a 40 fullsize, the next is .45 full size. I don't even own a 9mm even more. I have a conversion barrel for my fullsize 40 just in case ammo get scarce.

 

[nevada72]

I was torn between the 2 myself. As others said, the 9 seems to make more sense to some. But, I'm a fan of the .40 round so I ended up buying that. Yesterday was the first day I fired it. I love it! Yes, it is snappy. But, it is super accurate. We rented a 9 to use for my gf, figuring it would have less recoil. She didn't like it at all. I gave it a try and to me, the difference was minimal if not non-existent. And for whatever reason, I was way more accurate with the .40. Maybe because it was new?

Anyway, I would not buy based on recoil. They both have it.