Shield or Compact??

Bla Bla Bla
I guess it all comes down to personal preference. Unfortunateley for me i CANNOT decide. Fortunate how ever to have many guns to choose from. I have the 9 and 40c I have the 9 and 40 full size and the 9 and 40 shield. Lately I have been carrying thield 9mm, which by far for me is the most comfortable gun to carry/wear. I recently took a long road trip where i packed the 9c, was driving for 12 to 15 hours and found that fairly comfortable. So its an individual choice, Its what works for you and the way you conceal the weaon. Be it a 3" Model 29, a full Size 1911 a chief special or a Shield. WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. practice some CQB, Shoot on the move, some reload drills, stress shooting. Sharp mind sharp tactics and a gun suited to YOU/Your needs. Currently as i type this I am carrying my shield 9 with 7+1 of the Federal HST 124 grain +P (awesome round) and the spare 8 round magazine. I feel confident I can defend myself or my loved ones should the need arise. Practice,Practice Practice. Practice CQB, Reload Drills, Shooting while moving, One handed manipulation drills etc etc.
Out here
1SG
 
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MrJT said:
I love all the complaints about the Shield coming from those who don't own one / can't find one / don't want to pay for one.

It's a no brainer or concealed carry. Get the Shield. It's so comfortable, concealable, and shootable.

Someone above mentioned the size difference and, though it doesn't sound like much, how much more comfortable and easy it is to carry the Shield. Spot on!

I agree that it's not the best option for a "combat pistol" or even a range gun (due to capacity, not shootability) but the purpose of the Shield is to carry.

If you want a full sized gun, get a full size. I realize that some can't or won't get more than one gun, so I guess I can see getting a compact in that case.... but a compact makes for a mediocre carry gun and a mediocre range gun and a mediocre combat gun.

Buy the right gun for the job, not a mediocre "inbetweenium".
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photofeb13132043.jpg


IMO, you got that bass ackwards. The Shield is the tweener; too big for a true pocket gun, i.e. the grip is too long... a micro it ain't.
 
DZH said:
I am looking to buy a new CCW. I was thinking about the 40c. I am seeing a lot of posts on the shield on here.
I like the fact that I can convert the 40c to 9mm if I want and put a full size mag in the C.

What are y'all's input on the two?

Thanks
Zack
Using Tapping To Talk
Click to expand...

A buddy has the 9c and loves it. However the 9c is exactly the same width as my 9 FS. For various reasons (body size, shape, etc.) I found it quite difficult to conceal carry the 9 FS -- width of the gun (including grip with the double-stack mag) being paramount. So it was a no-brainer for me to purchase my Shield 40. (I opted for the 40 as this was the only Shield that came in to the store over several months.) It is SO MUCH more concealable. IMO, I am only sacrificing number of rounds. At 6+1, I should be able to do what is necessary at the time. If for some strange reason, I got involved in a real gun battle -- my arse would be grass anyway, as I am not Dirty Harry.

Here's another oddity -- I have relatively large (not huge) hands -- and yet I love the grip on my Shield. I also opt for the small grip on my FS 9.

My 9 FS is now my home defense gun with a mounted Viridian Gen 2 X5L green laser/light (now you talk about the cats' meow!).
 
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Der Biermeister said:
A buddy has the 9c and loves it. However the 9c is exactly the same width as my 9 FS. For various reasons (body size, shape, etc.) I found it quite difficult to conceal carry the 9 FS -- width of the gun (including grip with the double-stack mag) being paramount. So it was a no-brainer for me to purchase my Shield 40. (I opted for the 40 as this was the only Shield that came in to the store over several months.) It is SO MUCH more concealable. IMO, I am only sacrificing number of rounds. At 6+1, I should be able to do what is necessary at the time. If for some strange reason, I got involved in a real gun battle -- my *** would be grass anyway, as I am not Dirty Harry.

My 9 FS is now my home defense gun.
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Next time you & your buddy or at the range (for example) compare the grip length btwn you Shield & his Compact. Your Shield will have a longer grip. I don't have an M&P FS but seems reasonable the Compact is easier to conceal than the FS.

... just say'n :cool:
 
USAF385 said:
I own a .40 Shield and used to own an M&P40c and a G27. Both have been sold after about a year of taking up space in my safe. Since I own plenty of full sized handguns, as well as J-frames and a BG380, I don't have the need for an in between sized gun.

The Shield is just the right side for prolonged carry. The 40c and the G27 were just a bit too chunky and not very comfortable after 8 hours of carry. With the Shield, I can go all do with no problems.

For serious concealed carry, I'd go with the Shield. It's amazingly comfortable to carry, comfortable in the hand, and easy to shoot.

The .40 Shield has also been converted to 9mm with factory barrels.

Shield:
Width - .95"
Height - 4.6"
Length - 6.1"
Weight - 19 oz

40c:
Width - 1.2"
Height - 4.3"
Length - 6.7"
Weight - 21.9 oz

It may not sounds like big differences, but trust me, you can FEEL the difference.
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Yes, the Ht diff is a big concern with the Shield having a longer grip. The grip length is the Xfactor of concealability. I carry my 9c using 12rd mag & an extra 17rd mag for the just in case. The proper IWB holster will negate the width diff, thus the Compact can be a comfortable EDC. Also, the Shield has a greater felt recoil compared to the Compact.

... just say'n ;)
 
DZH said:
I am looking to buy a new CCW. I was thinking about the 40c. I am seeing a lot of posts on the shield on here.
I like the fact that I can convert the 40c to 9mm if I want and put a full size mag in the C.

What are y'all's input on the two?

Thanks



Zack
Using Tapping To Talk
Click to expand...

If buying the Shield, I recommend 9mm. I am not convinced that S&W has adequately and completely sorted out all of the magazine drop and other issues with the .40 S&W Shield.

On the other hand, every 9mm Shield I have tried works fine.

As to the Compact M&P, I have not found it particularly useful. It will fit in the pocket, but the grip length makes it just a tad more inconvenient to withdraw from the pocket, so the Shield is better for pocket carry. Thus, if you need an IWB holster for the Compact, then barrel length is irrelevant, so the full size seems like the better idea. There are IWB holsters out there that pull the longer grip in closer to the body, so the advantage of the small grip of the Compact is offset by good holster design.

So, for me (and each person will reach his own conclusion) the ideal pair is the M&P full size .40 S&W and the Shield in 9mm. The .40 would use 180 grain FBI bonded hollow points or commercial equivalent, the PDX1, both from Winchester. The 9mm would use the Winchester Ranger 127 grain +P+ JHP (yes, they work fine; and, no they won't harm the gun, at least in 2,000 rounds - this I know from actual experience).
 
Soldiernurse said:
Next time you & your buddy or at the range (for example) compare the grip length btwn you Shield & his Compact. Your Shield will have a longer grip. I don't have an M&P FS but seems reasonable the Compact is easier to conceal than the FS.

... just say'n :cool:
Click to expand...

You are correct and I've already done this with his gun. I also extensively researched the dimensions (from every angle) on the Shield vs. all other contenders (Kahr CM9 coming in second) before laying down the bucks. The footprint of both the Shield and the 9/40c are almost the same with the barrel being slightly shorter (0.4") on the Shield while the grip is slightly longer -- (base magazines for both). The Shield only wins out in a big way in width - and this was the most important factor for me in carrying it concealed. The slimmer width is a lot more effective than a measly 0.25" would seem.
 
I generally buy smaller guns with concealment in mind. While the 9c and 40c have a higher round capacity, they don't conceal as easily. The Shield is narrower and lighter. I've found that choice of gun is often determined by the type of clothing you're going to be wearing. I firmly believe in the old saying that you should carry as much gun as you can comfortably conceal. In proper attire, the Shield can be pocket-carried just fine. I do it all the time. If I were looking for a range gun, I wouldn't limit myself to the smaller compacts; I'd go with the FS. So, in short, for a concealed handgun, I'll go with the Shield (at least when the weather is warm).
 
Soldiernurse said:
I don't have an M&P FS but seems reasonable the Compact is easier to conceal than the FS.
Click to expand...

No question there -- primarily due to the much longer barrel on the FS. Hard to get comfortable with it especially while seated in a car. The FS grip (therefore overall height) is longer at 5.5" (of course allowing for 17 round mags on the 9) but the grip widths are the same.
 
RussC said:
In my opinion the thickness is the most important of all the measurements and that 1/4 inch is huge in your pocket.

Russ
Click to expand...

To me the most important measurement, within reason, is the size of the magazine. I've decided that the 40c is ideal for me. I carry it comfortably all day and find it extremely comforting to know that I have 11 rounds immediately on tap & 15 in reserve. This subject is so subjective that I think the only way you can decide is through personal experience. Have you seen this video: MB Studio Productions High Capacity Magazine PSA - YouTube
 
I pocket carry my .40 shield 14hrs a day no problems . Just not in jeans.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
 
Compact 40c for me...

It serves double duty for me. 10+1 Conceal Carry with "Pinky" extension. I can pretty much carry it all day all the time. No problem here.

At the end of the day, I pop in the 15 round full size mag(with the X-grip sleeve) and the Sreamlight TLR-4(laser/ light combo). This compact is transformed into a full size powerhouse punch!

I got to admit, the Shield is staring to grow on me though!

^^^ Nice video link ^^^ check it out guys and gals ^^^
 
snowman.45 said:
I generally buy smaller guns with concealment in mind. While the 9c and 40c have a higher round capacity, they don't conceal as easily. The Shield is narrower and lighter. I've found that choice of gun is often determined by the type of clothing you're going to be wearing. I firmly believe in the old saying that you should carry as much gun as you can comfortably conceal. In proper attire, the Shield can be pocket-carried just fine. I do it all the time. If I were looking for a range gun, I wouldn't limit myself to the smaller compacts; I'd go with the FS. So, in short, for a concealed handgun, I'll go with the Shield (at least when the weather is warm).
Click to expand...
The FS 9mm 17rd mag fits in the 9C. So, I don't get it when folks bring up the FS? IMO, Compact is a better CCW than the FS. I can see an FS dedicated to Nightstand duty [G4G30 is my NSD of choice].

HOWEVER, I must admit for a Summer EDC the Shield wins out [BP9CC is sometimes my Summer EDC].
 
Has anyone figured out why the demand for the Shield has far succeeded the demand for the Compact. Or maybe why the Compact can be found sitting on the LGS shelves but the Shield is rarely seen.

There must be a reason behind all of this. I personally think it's because the Compact doesnt do a well enough job in the CC department. Thats also why i think S&W designed the Shield the way they did. They wanted to target the CC crowd and they hit the nail on the head with it.

Now if Kimber or Colt could make a descent CC in a 1911 frame. I'd admit, i'd no longer have use for my Shield.
 
MrJT said:
I do not. I sold my M&P9c.

Yes, a mediocre carry gun. Mediocre because a concealed carry gun should be small, light, and comfortable to carry all day while doing all sorts of things. The M&P compact is only OK in that regard. Just like similar sized compacts. They're concealable and you can carry them for a while, but during a full, active day they get uncomfortable.

It's a fine gun, but it falls into a relatively useless category. Really I think it's best suited for someone who can't get a full sized house gun as well as a concealed carry gun.
Click to expand...

I carry a compact all day very comfortably. Getting the right holster is key.

I have a full sized M&P, a mid-size, a compact and a Shield. I even have a BG380.

If I had to give one up it would be the Shield. But for $335 it's a cheap little gun I can throw in the bottom of the boat or stick in the RV and forget about it. ;)

The OP asked for advice and I told him the compact is much more versatile because you can carry 17 rounds, use three different barrels, use multiple magazines, get it without a safety, and even mount a light on it. It does a lot more than the Shield for only 1/4" more thickness. :D
 
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