Shield 9mm to 45acp, did you or would you?
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I've never had any cravings for .45, but if I ever did get the itch, I'd definitely find a way to try one first.
Then... If I did get one in .45, I would add it to the group, rather than trade my Shield9 for it.
Then... If I did get one in .45, I would add it to the group, rather than trade my Shield9 for it.
ultratec00
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I own both, but prefer the Shield 45. Not saying Shield 9 is a slouch, but I've found the 45 to be more accurate, better trigger pull out of the box, and conceals the same.
I have the 9 and don't plan to switch to 45. Nothing against 45 but I'd prefer the extra capacity of the 9 and I don't think that the 45 offers the advantages in terminal ballistics that some ascribe to, particularly in short barreled pistols.
Even though I'm fine with the function of my 9 Shield, ultratec00 makes some good points specifically about the 45 Shield that seem worth considering.
Even though I'm fine with the function of my 9 Shield, ultratec00 makes some good points specifically about the 45 Shield that seem worth considering.
Don~Z~
Member
I have both and love them, I prefer the 45 though
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have a M&P 9c and a 45c. I shoot the 9c very well and really had no "need" for the 45. Just wanted one. I shoot the 45 quite well also. Can't say I have a preference in which I carry; I know I'm well armed with either. If you can afford it , get a 45; If you have to sell or trade the 9, you probably should shoot a 45 first to see if its is all you think it is.
Gomez93
Member
Had the Shield 9 first, bought the Shield 45 too and it is my EDC.
Having one less round does not bother me at all.
Having one less round does not bother me at all.
Go 9mm
With many law enforcement agencies positively re-thinking the 9mm, including the FBI, my thought is that in a short-barreled handgun, the 9mm would have an advantage, simply because a larger, heavier bullet needs more barrel to really get going.
With many law enforcement agencies positively re-thinking the 9mm, including the FBI, my thought is that in a short-barreled handgun, the 9mm would have an advantage, simply because a larger, heavier bullet needs more barrel to really get going.
Groo01
Member
Groo here
' The 9 mm lives on FPS , needed to open the HP.
The shorter the barrel, the harder it gets to get the magic 1000 fps needed.
The 45 , being larger, need not expand at all.
Also the larger bore looses less FPS by % than the smaller one.
This is why ,on my short barrel guns, I tend to use Flat point
or fpfmj bullets and I don't expect them to open.......
Having one tenth of an inch more diameter than a 9mm unexpanded is no advantage. Having an extra round is.
I'm not aware of any 9mm defensive bullets that will not expand from a compact pistol barrel. Even if they only expand partially, say to 50 caliber, they will usually exceed the damage done by an unexpanded .45.
jerrydm60
Member
shield 45
have mine about 3 months love it! been carrying 45 since 68 and this is my new carry piece. Have about 700 rds thru mine all reloads lead and ball kind of finicky with lswc have to experiment with COL.
have mine about 3 months love it! been carrying 45 since 68 and this is my new carry piece. Have about 700 rds thru mine all reloads lead and ball kind of finicky with lswc have to experiment with COL.
My brother has a 9mm that I have shot on a number of occasions. It is stock mechanically. Do not like the trigger pull, mushy feel. Grip feels small and slippery to me. It gives me a funky recoil impulse, like I could feel the slide moving back and forth in slow-motion. Now I know that the .45 is just marginally larger but it fits my hand better. Like a g36 compared to a g19. Like the new grip texture too. The rental gun's trigger was much cleaner and crisper than his 9mm's. It also grouped better than my RO compact I had with me that day. I liked it enough that I am waiting on a no safety model to transfer in and go pick it up.
Tradewind36
US Veteran
I've had the Shield 9 for a couple years and have no problems with it. I've looked at the Shield .45 and I've gone back and forth on it, like to have one but there's nothing wrong with my 9. If I found a super deal on the .45 I'd probably get one.
JPucci
Member
This ^^
I started with a FS 9 (still love it), tried 45 on a dare from friend who's been shooting 45 for 30+ years and fell in love with the round.
Picked up a Shield 45 and 45c and haven't looked back. My M&P 9 FS is still a great range gun and I would trust it in carry, but I carry the other two now and think they're fantastic.
For me, recoil feels more controllable in my hands with a push instead of a snap (more linear slide motion and lower slide velocity), plus it has a good grip and amazing accuracy for its size, and the round is like a little freight train even at the velocities that you get from the shorter barrel. Choo choo!
kthom
Member
I have no problem with either caliber with appropriate ammo. I have owned a 9MM Shield and carried every day since 2013. Until the ammo changed in a good way, I had no use for the caliber. When the .45 Shield was announced, my curiosity was piqued. I found no fault with the 9, but had a hard time vizualizing how the .45 could be a really good thing in the Shield platform. Never thought they couldn't do it, but after getting one to satisfy my curiosity, I became an immediate believer. I've always liked the .45ACP regardless of the projectile, but with premium ammo, it's even better.
But my needs centered around an EDC gun that was easy to carry, easy to shoot and use, was reliable to my standards (very high!), and accurate for the purpose. The platform had to fit my hands and allow me to shoot it as easily and as well as I am capable of at this time in my life. I had already determined that the 9MM would meet those standards with a reasonable amount of ammo and could be reloaded more easily and spare loads could be carried more easily than my beloved revolvers with which I had over 40 years experience. The platform also operates (draw and shoot with nothing to fumble with just like the revolvers I am so programmed to shoot.
With all this, I bought a .45 Shield. Didn't need it, but my curiosity needed massaging. It was. I was absolutely positively astounded by it. I don't say it's better than the 9, at least not for it's purpose, but it is absolutely as good. And for me, there was nothing not to like about the .45 if I could stand to shoot it in the Shield platform. I could ... in fact, I loved it! The trigger was better than my 9, the recoil was not noticeably more than the 9, shot recovery time was plenty good for predator control, and accuracy was as good or better than the 9. In fact, I shoot it a bit better than the 9. And ammo capacity? I'm used to 6 (or 5) rounds before reloading, remember? Depended on it most of my adult life! And I carry extra ammo too!
So now, I'm carrying the .45 every day, all day. But I still would not hesitate to go out and about with the 9. But it's kinda my back up EDC now. If you now own a 9MM Shield and get along with it just fine, I see no need for you to spend any more money for anything but ammo for practice. If you are curious like me, or if you just like the .45 like me, and you can afford to scratch your itch, I can give you no reason not to proceed to scratch. Not many things feel much better than scratching an itch! I predict if you are itching, scratching will bring a great big ole smile to your face! But remember, 9MM ammo is cheaper than .45, you do get an extra round or so with the 9, and you only have to stock one caliber. Me, I already had a pretty good selection of .45ACP as well as the 9MM, so I wasn't adding a new caliber to my ammo shopping list.
My wife has a 9MM Shield. We have a FS M&P 9MM with 17 +1 rounds ready to go at the head of our bed. That same gun goes on trips with us as a car gun. But I'm now carrying the .45, so we carry both calibers in loaded mags for backup ammo in the car bag. A bit more "trouble", I guess, but I am very happily carrying the Shield .45 while keeping my 9MM on standby and ready to go. So my advice is to keep your 9 and scratch your itch. If that is satisfying, then you've got two great personal protection guns. Somebody said, "Two is one, one is none." A spare ready to go is never a bad idea if you can afford it. The truth is, neither one of these fine Shields cost much in the overall scheme of things.
Sorry for the long winded post. Hope you find something here to help you make up your mind. But in the end, you are the only one who can make up your mind for yourself. Different things work for each of us. The challenge is to find out what's best for you. If you can't get good hits with it, it ain't for you!!
But my needs centered around an EDC gun that was easy to carry, easy to shoot and use, was reliable to my standards (very high!), and accurate for the purpose. The platform had to fit my hands and allow me to shoot it as easily and as well as I am capable of at this time in my life. I had already determined that the 9MM would meet those standards with a reasonable amount of ammo and could be reloaded more easily and spare loads could be carried more easily than my beloved revolvers with which I had over 40 years experience. The platform also operates (draw and shoot with nothing to fumble with just like the revolvers I am so programmed to shoot.
With all this, I bought a .45 Shield. Didn't need it, but my curiosity needed massaging. It was. I was absolutely positively astounded by it. I don't say it's better than the 9, at least not for it's purpose, but it is absolutely as good. And for me, there was nothing not to like about the .45 if I could stand to shoot it in the Shield platform. I could ... in fact, I loved it! The trigger was better than my 9, the recoil was not noticeably more than the 9, shot recovery time was plenty good for predator control, and accuracy was as good or better than the 9. In fact, I shoot it a bit better than the 9. And ammo capacity? I'm used to 6 (or 5) rounds before reloading, remember? Depended on it most of my adult life! And I carry extra ammo too!
So now, I'm carrying the .45 every day, all day. But I still would not hesitate to go out and about with the 9. But it's kinda my back up EDC now. If you now own a 9MM Shield and get along with it just fine, I see no need for you to spend any more money for anything but ammo for practice. If you are curious like me, or if you just like the .45 like me, and you can afford to scratch your itch, I can give you no reason not to proceed to scratch. Not many things feel much better than scratching an itch! I predict if you are itching, scratching will bring a great big ole smile to your face! But remember, 9MM ammo is cheaper than .45, you do get an extra round or so with the 9, and you only have to stock one caliber. Me, I already had a pretty good selection of .45ACP as well as the 9MM, so I wasn't adding a new caliber to my ammo shopping list.
My wife has a 9MM Shield. We have a FS M&P 9MM with 17 +1 rounds ready to go at the head of our bed. That same gun goes on trips with us as a car gun. But I'm now carrying the .45, so we carry both calibers in loaded mags for backup ammo in the car bag. A bit more "trouble", I guess, but I am very happily carrying the Shield .45 while keeping my 9MM on standby and ready to go. So my advice is to keep your 9 and scratch your itch. If that is satisfying, then you've got two great personal protection guns. Somebody said, "Two is one, one is none." A spare ready to go is never a bad idea if you can afford it. The truth is, neither one of these fine Shields cost much in the overall scheme of things.
Sorry for the long winded post. Hope you find something here to help you make up your mind. But in the end, you are the only one who can make up your mind for yourself. Different things work for each of us. The challenge is to find out what's best for you. If you can't get good hits with it, it ain't for you!!
kannonvaggon
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Had Shield in 9mm. Liked it just fine. Carried it for about two years every day. Nice pistol for EDC.
I tried a Shield .45 and liked that one even mo bedda. I spend each morning riding my mosickle alone out in the southwestern deserts. I like the .45 more for several obvious reasons and that one that has been left unmentioned which is that the .45 is a GREAT shotshell load for snakes and putting various small game in one's belly if having to walk out of the desert. Not a NEED usually, but a nice feature compared with the somewhat puny 9mm shotshells which have functioned well many times for me in the past.
I just like the .45 better. Sold the 9mm . Folks can discuss various ballistics stuff all day, but in general a big heavy bullet at slightly lower velocity from a short barrel will impart more lethal energy into one's target in a defensive engagement while limiting long range unintended penetration. Besides, the 45 just feels " right " when ya shoot it....
Why do I choose the .45 ?? CUZ THEY DON'T MAKE A .46 .....
YMMV
I tried a Shield .45 and liked that one even mo bedda. I spend each morning riding my mosickle alone out in the southwestern deserts. I like the .45 more for several obvious reasons and that one that has been left unmentioned which is that the .45 is a GREAT shotshell load for snakes and putting various small game in one's belly if having to walk out of the desert. Not a NEED usually, but a nice feature compared with the somewhat puny 9mm shotshells which have functioned well many times for me in the past.
I just like the .45 better. Sold the 9mm . Folks can discuss various ballistics stuff all day, but in general a big heavy bullet at slightly lower velocity from a short barrel will impart more lethal energy into one's target in a defensive engagement while limiting long range unintended penetration. Besides, the 45 just feels " right " when ya shoot it....
Why do I choose the .45 ?? CUZ THEY DON'T MAKE A .46 .....
YMMV
Why not.....
Why not have both?
Why not have both?
I have the shield 9mm 40 and 45. The 45 is prob my fav EDC gun, Its more accurate than either the 9 or 40 (just slightly more). Its only slightly larger, in fact the 45 fits in my Shield 9 Leather holsters as they do strech a little.
Lucky Gunnner did some pretty extensive ballistics test on a lot of defensive ammo in 380,9mm,40 and 45acp all out of short barrel guns. The 45 had some very impressive results out of the Khar barrel, Real good penetration, better expansion espically with a +P round. The winchester SXT 230 +P the Federal HST 230 grain +P and speer (same weight) seemed to do the best. The Hornandy 220 +P Critical duty had some great penetration but less than average expansion
1SG
Out
Lucky Gunnner did some pretty extensive ballistics test on a lot of defensive ammo in 380,9mm,40 and 45acp all out of short barrel guns. The 45 had some very impressive results out of the Khar barrel, Real good penetration, better expansion espically with a +P round. The winchester SXT 230 +P the Federal HST 230 grain +P and speer (same weight) seemed to do the best. The Hornandy 220 +P Critical duty had some great penetration but less than average expansion
1SG
Out
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If money is a factor, you could easily sell the shield to cover over half the cost of the .45.
ldausmc1369
US Veteran
I have all three calibers and rank them 45, 9mm, then .40. I don't like the recoil impulse of the .40. Just too snappy to be pleasant to shoot. 9mm very accurate and controllable. 45 is the cat's pajamas for shooting and carrying. Carry in a Galco 202 shoulder holster. Very comfortable and accessible.
Bill Bates
Member
I own both the 9mm and .45 Shield. I picked up the 9mm for the wife a year or so ago. I've shot it plenty and carried some. The 9mm is an "okay" pistol and I have no complaints with it. It carries well, shoots fine but it just does not thrill me.
The first time to the range with the .45 Shield I was sold. It is one of those handguns that just seems to fit my paw perfectly. Some firearms: shotgun, rifle or handgun are just like that. You pick one up and in second you know everything is just right for you. The 45 Shield is that way for me. It is comfortable like some of my old cowboy boots and jeans.
It carries and conceals every bit as well as the 9mm. It feels much better in my hand. I love the more aggressive texturing of the grip. I would say the trigger on my .45 is a touch better than the 9mm. I'm every bit as accurate with the .45 and the recoil is very manageable allowing for a very quick follow up shot. So far I have not one complaint with the 45 Shield.
For me the 9mm Shield is a nice pistol but the .45 Shield is a great pistol. As Goldilocks said, "it is just right". Of course each owners milage will vary.
The first time to the range with the .45 Shield I was sold. It is one of those handguns that just seems to fit my paw perfectly. Some firearms: shotgun, rifle or handgun are just like that. You pick one up and in second you know everything is just right for you. The 45 Shield is that way for me. It is comfortable like some of my old cowboy boots and jeans.
It carries and conceals every bit as well as the 9mm. It feels much better in my hand. I love the more aggressive texturing of the grip. I would say the trigger on my .45 is a touch better than the 9mm. I'm every bit as accurate with the .45 and the recoil is very manageable allowing for a very quick follow up shot. So far I have not one complaint with the 45 Shield.
For me the 9mm Shield is a nice pistol but the .45 Shield is a great pistol. As Goldilocks said, "it is just right". Of course each owners milage will vary.
msjdgman
Member
I've got both. Love both. But the 45 IS slightly larger dimensionally so I'll keep the 9 for times when marginal cover garments are needed.
Had the 9 & sold it. Bought the 45 & love it and will never sell it.
USAF385
US Veteran
I have the 9mm Performance Center Shield and the .45 Shield.
The 9mm is amazing and the .45 will likely be traded. The 9 became my best shooting carry option instantly. The .45 didn't impress me. I'm not unsatisfied with the .45 but I just haven't been wowed.
The 9mm is amazing and the .45 will likely be traded. The 9 became my best shooting carry option instantly. The .45 didn't impress me. I'm not unsatisfied with the .45 but I just haven't been wowed.
I've been jonesing about buying the .45 ACP version to big brother my 9MM Shield. My 2013 MY 9MM Shield has been upgraded with the Apex hard sear (surprised I was able to install that myself!), Tru-Glo night sights and recently the Viridian Reactor green laser. It's exactly what I want it to be with no plans to ever sell it. It's no target gun and wasn't meant to be. But the accuracy comments of the .45 I've been reading are needling my wallet to react. Probably just wait for the Performance Center version as that should tame muzzle rise even more I suspect. Why not own both OP if you can afford it? Good luck!
I would be in the "buy both" camp myself. Unfortunately, I live in CA and hell would freeze over before the commies here would allow that pistol into CA. Law enforcement excluded. I would buy both, it's not like they are really expensive pistols. One advantage the M&P9 has is it can accept the 10 round Pro mags which is allowed in CA. 10 rnd mag might not be the best choice for EDC, which again is something we citizens can not do in my county of CA.
Sounds like there are a few minor improvements to the Shield .45. A better grip is one, although there are ways to improve the grip on the 9/40. The larger caliber vs capacity does not persuade me, but I am definitely interested in trying the new gun.
Is the trigger mechanism any different, mechanically?
The barrel and slide are longer because the chamber is longer.
Accuracy. Is there any actual side-by-side comparison of the .45 to the 9? I don't understand how the same design in a different caliber would be more accurate in a short pistol barrel. I strive to have the most accurate firearms possible.
Now "shootability" could be different, if some people just like the feel of the caliber recoiling or if the gun's ergonomics are really that much different. IOW, are we talking perception vs reality? Rested tested accuracy vs. "I think I shoot this one better?"
Not trying to slam the .45, just interested in what the real advantage would be to go back to a caliber I dismissed a decade ago.
Is the trigger mechanism any different, mechanically?
The barrel and slide are longer because the chamber is longer.
Accuracy. Is there any actual side-by-side comparison of the .45 to the 9? I don't understand how the same design in a different caliber would be more accurate in a short pistol barrel. I strive to have the most accurate firearms possible.
Now "shootability" could be different, if some people just like the feel of the caliber recoiling or if the gun's ergonomics are really that much different. IOW, are we talking perception vs reality? Rested tested accuracy vs. "I think I shoot this one better?"
Not trying to slam the .45, just interested in what the real advantage would be to go back to a caliber I dismissed a decade ago.
