shield & compact
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I started out with a Shield but I was never really comfortable with the capacity. So when I found out that the 9C was essentially the same footprint as a Shield with 50% greater capacity I decided to go with the C.
A 9C is small enough to carry in your pocket while you're at home but with enough capacity to at least give you some ability to respond to a home invasion.
I also like the fact that in my case since I have a 9 full size I only have to buy the full size magazines and they will fit both guns.
A 9C is small enough to carry in your pocket while you're at home but with enough capacity to at least give you some ability to respond to a home invasion.
I also like the fact that in my case since I have a 9 full size I only have to buy the full size magazines and they will fit both guns.
I bought my M&P 40c to carry, but it seemed a bit heavy, so a year ago, I bought a Shield 9 to carry. The Shield had reliability problems related to a batch of defective RSAs that were produced at the time, and it took me three months to get it sorted out. So I went back to carrying my perfectly reliable 40c. I got used to the weight, and I still carry it today. There's nothing wrong with the Shield. It is is now perfectly reliable, and is nearly as accurate as the 40c out to 15 yards. I took both to the range today and the Shield matched the 40c shot-for-shot. However, ten .40s trump eight 9s in my book, so the 40c gets carried and the Shield stays in reserve. However, I wouldn't hesitate to carry my Shield if I felt it was best to do so, so I practice with it regularly.
My advice: Rent them both at your local range, fire at least 100 rounds each before you decide. You can't really go wrong with either one.
My advice: Rent them both at your local range, fire at least 100 rounds each before you decide. You can't really go wrong with either one.
you gave up the shield for the compact? .. do they carry about the same? I got the sd9ve and shield and its night and day...have to say though I really do like the shield..coming from a g26, how would a compact stack up to a g26?
Own both a 9c and a Shield in 9mm. Carry the 9c during cool/cold weather seasons or when I'm in a higher threat environment. Excellent one gun solution for most concealed carry and home defense with the full size mag & extension. The 9c is one of those sweet spot pistols that does a many things right. Most are quite accurate, fit a variety of hands and felt recoil is very manageable.
The Shield is a sweet carry, noticeably more comfortable for me and for most people I suspect. Add a Magguts kit to the 8 rd mag and you've got 9+1 in a nice slim pistol that handles & shoots like a dream. Simply a superb concealment pistol.
My 9c is giving way to an M&P 45 compact that I've fallen in love with. I'm making the change primarily to ammo stores and hand loading regimens. No flies on the 9c at all, the 45c just fits my reality a little better.
The Shield is a sweet carry, noticeably more comfortable for me and for most people I suspect. Add a Magguts kit to the 8 rd mag and you've got 9+1 in a nice slim pistol that handles & shoots like a dream. Simply a superb concealment pistol.
My 9c is giving way to an M&P 45 compact that I've fallen in love with. I'm making the change primarily to ammo stores and hand loading regimens. No flies on the 9c at all, the 45c just fits my reality a little better.
Yes, I prefer to pocket carry the 40c. It may be due to a personal quirk of mine -- I've always carried a bunch of junk in my pockets, so I'm used to the weight. In Texas "printing" is not an issue, but even the 40c doesn't print very much with a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster in typical casual pants. Add an untucked casual shirt, and no one will notice. The Shield obviously carries even better. It's slimmer and lighter and is nearly invisible in the Nemesis holster. Thus, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. As to the g26, I can't comment, as I have little experience with Glocks, and I've never even held a g26.
Ranger17
Member
I had a 9c, was my first "non .22" gun. Ran 1600 trouble free rounds thru it so it was a good gun, just not something I really enjoyed shooting (unless i used a full size mag). Tried a Shield and really liked it, and that ended up replacing my compact. Its not a size issue persay for me as i love shooting my full size MP; just that the Shield feels right in my hand, much like the full size does. The compact, was just something that was in the middle, just ok for grip and comfort. And if I dont enjoy shooting something, i'm not going to haul it to the range and use it/train with it.
just my .02
just my .02
MichiganScott
Member
I already had a 9c when the Shield came out and decided that there wasn't enough difference to change. I prefer the additional mag capacity of the compact.
I'm 6'4" and weigh 210 lbs. When someone looks at me, all they see is an old gray hair using an aluminum came. If I'm unlucky enough that someday some predator decides I look like food, they will not be fed.
I'm 6'4" and weigh 210 lbs. When someone looks at me, all they see is an old gray hair using an aluminum came. If I'm unlucky enough that someday some predator decides I look like food, they will not be fed.
Ballistic147
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I have the Shield and a 40c. The Shield for me is much more comfortable to carry due to the thinner width and less weight. I'm fine carrying the compact too but the Shield just works a little better for me.
Of the two, the compact takes a little more to conceal. An untucked button up shirt works fine. The Shield is easily hidden under a t shirt. I think body type plays a big role in this.
Of the two, the compact takes a little more to conceal. An untucked button up shirt works fine. The Shield is easily hidden under a t shirt. I think body type plays a big role in this.
Rockdoc16
Member
I have both. The shield carries better and that's what gets used most. The 9C is my bedroom gun and wintertime or threat level choice. And the 9C shoots better than any pistol I've ever owned.
Motorsporting
Member
I have both, and carry the 9c probably 70% of the time. It is very concealable, until it's not, then I have the Shield. I shoot both very well, but I prefer the grip and feel of the 9c.
jstanfield103
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I just took the 9C and the G26 out and compared them for you. The G26 is approx. 1/4" to 1/2" shorter in length than the 9C, same height. I use my 9c for a bed side gun. The reason is I bought it with the safety on it. The safety on the 9C is just like a 1911, the Shields is a lot smaller safety. I carry my G26 in the pocket all the time. I Love both guns, but I carry my G26 even over my G43.
Good Luck.
Good Luck.
I, too, have a 40C & a 40 Shield. I bought the Compact while waiting for the Shield to be available. The Shield is not that much smaller than the Compact, but it's enough to make a world of difference to me, anyways, in the way it carries. It's a lot easier & just disappears in my pocket. I like both, & I am comfortable with either, but as far as carry goes, I prefer the Shield.
I can't tell the difference between one and the other carrying. The C is less than 1/2 an inch thicker than the Shield
I'm a huge proponent of interchangeable magazines . . .
I own both. The Shield9 is in my BOB with a total of six 8 round
mags. My 9c is on my hip with 13 rounds in the gun and a 17
round mag with X-Grip adapter in my left pocket in a homemade
pouch that keeps it oriented base up for quick access.
Dano
I was really torn between the shield and compact, I went with the shield because I already had a sd9ve, got rid of the glocks before chi town lifted the hand gun ban,the compact kinda falls between the shield and sd9, kinda like the middle child, I love the idea of a double stack shield but cant really justify it.
glwanabe
Member
I've got the FS 40, and a 9 shield. Hitting the store this weekend and looking for a compact. Undecided on whether I want a 9 or a 40. Yes, I know, get one of each.
SWMBO is not happy with her LC9 (the recoil aggravates her arthritis) and is strongly considering a 9C. If that happens I'll only ever have to get FS magazines again.
walkin' trails
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I have both in 9mm. Bought the Shield thinking that my employer was going to authorize it as a BUG - they haven't managed to. I carry the 9c as a BUG instead. The Shield has a slightly shorter barrel so it's shorter overall. It is also noticeable thinner than the 9c. it also a bit lighter. The Shield may be all the CCW pistol many folks really need. I prefer the utility and capacity of the 9c as a primary off duty, and will probably still carry it in retirement in a few years. The Shield will then be my BUG and also fill the role when activity or dress even makes the 9c hard to conceal.
Have both, but rarely carry the Shield. Never found the compacts and even sub-compacts double stack pistols that much more difficult to carry. For me it is overall height that is my biggest consideration and I have landed on <= 4.5" overall height works best for me. Plus I don't mind shooting with a two finger grip and a little wider grip seems to fit my hand better.
I do use heavier belts when I carry and have a belt position and cant that seems to work well for me, be it a leather or kydex taco hoster. That probably contributes most to my positive experience in carrying double stacks. Finding that combination for fit did not come quickly to me though, so expect some experimentation to find what works for yourself.
I do use heavier belts when I carry and have a belt position and cant that seems to work well for me, be it a leather or kydex taco hoster. That probably contributes most to my positive experience in carrying double stacks. Finding that combination for fit did not come quickly to me though, so expect some experimentation to find what works for yourself.
kozmic
Member
I have a shield, compact and full size all in 9mm. The shield has been repo'd by my wife and I am seldom allowed to carry it anymore. The compact is a major player in my carry rotation. My 9fs has a red dot and is mostly used at the range, but it's a totally fun gun.
The shield is a great summer carry gun. I don't find the size difference between the shield and 9c to be dramatic and consider the 9c to be a fine carry piece. I like the added round count of the 9c. My wife likes the external safety on the shield. I trust them all explicitly.
The shield is a great summer carry gun. I don't find the size difference between the shield and 9c to be dramatic and consider the 9c to be a fine carry piece. I like the added round count of the 9c. My wife likes the external safety on the shield. I trust them all explicitly.
glwanabe
Member
The roles for these are to put a smile on my face. So far so good. Compact acquired today, 9mm with thumb safety.
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The Family
40FS, 9C, Shield 9
The Family
40FS, 9C, Shield 9
kmanick
Member
So I'm almost right where you are . I have a 9 mm Shield and a FS .40 (storm Lake Conversion barrel so I shoot that as a 9 sometimes too). I was on the range with a buddy today that had a former LE 9C that he bought off of a retired cop. I really liked shooting it, but being in Mass I can only go 10 rounds, so....
shield vs 9c? I don't know if I can justify another 9 for 1 round. I'm thinking of instead waiting for the Shield .45 ?
shield vs 9c? I don't know if I can justify another 9 for 1 round. I'm thinking of instead waiting for the Shield .45 ?
The roles for these are to put a smile on my face. So far so good. Compact acquired today, 9mm with thumb safety.
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The Family
40FS, 9C, Shield 9
Mal Cap
Member
I second the recommendation to up the rounds capacity with the Magguts double spring kit. I've been shooting with the upgraded magazines with no problems once a week for several months. In the beginning it's a bit difficult to get the last round into the mag but the springs will adjust. I also purchased a Pro Mag ten round magazine but with the old 8-round Smith mag raised to 9 rounds you won't need a Pro Mag since it's only one round short and much larger than the Smith 8-round. Although you could carry the Pro Mag as a backup mag and then the gun will shoot/hold 11 rounds. The Shield 9 is fine and reliable. NYPD just made it an optional off-duty carry along with the Springfield XDS.
DD357
Member
I just had the opportunity to shoot a 9C & a PC Shield side by side yesterday. There was absolutely no difference in how I shot them. I'd say take your choice.
old-school
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I have a Glock 26, Shield and Lc9S Pro in 9 mm, each have it place in my rotation of carry. I don't carry the G-26 much, to me it is a brick, the shield feels like a full size pistol and carry well IWB holster, if I am going to pocket carry I like the LC9sPro ( the shield is a little too big). I am on the waiting list for the Shield 45 to round out my rotation of carry.
glwanabe
Member
Finally had a chance to get out to the range to put the first rounds through the new compact 9. Ran 8 mags through it, and really like everything about it. Compared to the shield aside from the width difference it feels very close.
I can't say that the Shield or the Compact is better than the other, but I can say that, for me, with my hand size, I prefer the compact in the hand over the FS frame. I don't have a problem with the FS, but the compact just feels a bit better.
Being left handed, the compact is the smarter platform to work with, but I do like shooting the shield, a lot! I installed Talon grips on the shield, and really like the grip.
Another range customer had a 40cal shield, and he let me run a couple mags through it. I like it a lot as well. Yes there was a noticeable difference between 9, and 40, but to me it wasn't that big of a deal. I'd take one in 40 today.
Todays target.
Center white section is mainly the 9C, while the upper is mainly the shield, but the FS40 is in there as well.
I also worked weak hand single hand shooting so that's some of the some dropped and outside shots. Also a few bad trigger pulls as well.
Either platform works, but there's probably situations where one makes better sense than the other. I'm lucky enough to be in a position where I wanted both and could get them both.
My big dilemma now, whether I should trade my FS40, for a compact frame.
I'm also interested in the new 45 Shield.
I can't say that the Shield or the Compact is better than the other, but I can say that, for me, with my hand size, I prefer the compact in the hand over the FS frame. I don't have a problem with the FS, but the compact just feels a bit better.
Being left handed, the compact is the smarter platform to work with, but I do like shooting the shield, a lot! I installed Talon grips on the shield, and really like the grip.
Another range customer had a 40cal shield, and he let me run a couple mags through it. I like it a lot as well. Yes there was a noticeable difference between 9, and 40, but to me it wasn't that big of a deal. I'd take one in 40 today.
Todays target.
Center white section is mainly the 9C, while the upper is mainly the shield, but the FS40 is in there as well.
I also worked weak hand single hand shooting so that's some of the some dropped and outside shots. Also a few bad trigger pulls as well.
Either platform works, but there's probably situations where one makes better sense than the other. I'm lucky enough to be in a position where I wanted both and could get them both.
My big dilemma now, whether I should trade my FS40, for a compact frame.
I'm also interested in the new 45 Shield.
glwanabe
Member
Went shopping today to look at the 45 Shield, but they were out. I looked, and retouched 40's in Compact, and Shield, and went round and round about what I wanted. It was not an easy decision, but I brought home a 40C no safety.
The shield was 369.00, add in spare mags, and that would have been another 100.00. 2 magguts kits, and that's another 50.00, so figure about 550.00 all in, and less carry capacity even with modded mags. The compact was 489.00, and as I already have 5, 15 round 40 mags I don't need to buy anymore mags at the present time.
For myself the Compact makes better sense in 40, while the Shield in 9 is fine. Won't get to the range till next Monday.
The shield was 369.00, add in spare mags, and that would have been another 100.00. 2 magguts kits, and that's another 50.00, so figure about 550.00 all in, and less carry capacity even with modded mags. The compact was 489.00, and as I already have 5, 15 round 40 mags I don't need to buy anymore mags at the present time.
For myself the Compact makes better sense in 40, while the Shield in 9 is fine. Won't get to the range till next Monday.
