Something smaller than a 40c

[zipmac22]

I currently carry a M&P 40c, but with the Dog Days of August here in Texas upon us I'd like to find something a bit smaller (profile) than the 40c to carry. I was thinking about the Bodyguard 380, but would feel better with a little more power behind it i.e. 9mm. Something that is a single stack. Maybe something I could put in a pocket instead of an IWB. What are your thoughts? It doesn't have to be a S&W. Thanks!

 

[keithdog]

Have you handled the 9MM Shield?

 

[Ksimons]

I would think the logical choice to be the Shield in .40. Slim and trim...

 

[erj_pilot]

Hey zipmac22,

It could be the holster you're using. I'm in Texas as well (large city in the southeast ), and know all too much about the heat and humidity. One thing I do for comfort is wear a T-shirt when I'm carrying IWB...that keeps the holster leather directly off my skin (fat gut is more like it ). With a polo or button-down shirt untucked, conceal is just fine.

At any rate, I've tried several holsters with ALL my conceal weapons and have found I like the Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 the best; I carry an H&K P2000 SK in that one. Good luck getting one soon, though...takes a while to get one made but it's worth the wait once you have it.

I tried a Crossbreed, and while it's a GREAT company and holster, I just didn't care for the fact that the kydex rubbed off the bluing on the barrel of my H&K USP Compact 40 (just a little spot). And I've carried my M&P 40c Compact in a High Noon holster my brother gave me...I think it was one of the "Light Duty" models. It's not bad, but the Milt Sparks is just more comfortable.

So...while it doesn't solve your issue immediately, I'd consider looking at the Milt Sparks holster to see if it's more comfortable for you in this Texas heat. I plan on getting a Versa Max 2 for my M&P 40c and yes...I'm considering buying a Bodyguard 380 (my mom was right all these years...must have a hole in my head). If I do, it'll be housed in a Versa-Max 2 as well.

Just my $0.02...hope it helps.

 

[Bozz10mm]

It sounds like you could use a Shield. 9mm or 40 cal. Very slim and easy to conceal. Or, an XDs 4.0" in 9mm or 45 ACP.

 

[timn8er]

I carried a 40C until I finally got a chance to get a Shield 40. It works for me, & I pocket carry with a DeSantis pocket holster. I usually wear Cabela Hiking Shorts; they are made of khaki, have plenty of pockets, & are very durable.

I shot a friend"s BG 380, & I didn't care for it. The trigger seemed pretty bad, especially compared to my Shield. The same friend tried my Shield & couldn't believe the difference in triggers. Just my personal preference, of course, but I'd much rather have a 40 caliber than a .380.
Best of luck with your choices!

 

[speedyquad]

i carried a 40c until we got my wife a shield. i bought myself a shield 2 weeks later...the 40c is now a nightstand gun...

 

[mustangman]

Since you already carry a .40, I'd recommend a Shield .40. Just my slightly unbiased opinion.

 

[M&Pmeister]

I was thinking about the Bodyguard 380, but would feel better with a little more power behind it i.e. 9mm. Something that is a single stack.

My primary pocket pistols are M&P Bodyguard with no laser and Sig P938. For more than 4yrs, I carried a Taurus TCP, which is lighter and has a far better trigger than the Bodyguard. I traded it for the S&W mostly to complete my M&P line (FS40, 40C, and 40 Shield). 380 is great for times when nothing else could be carried. 6+1 of anything is better than throwing rocks.

If the pocket allows a bit more weight and bulk, I take the P938. Night sights, great SA trigger but the exposed hammer IMO isn't ideal for pocket carry. If I were to do it again, I might go with the Kimber Solo instead.

Maybe something I could put in a pocket instead of an IWB. What are your thoughts? It doesn't have to be a S&W. Thanks!

If you want a better IWB gun, it's hard to beat the Shield. Closest competitor is XD-S, but they don't have a .40, for some odd reason. I agree that you're better off matching caliber to your other CCH.

 

[gunny4053]

Get a Shield 9mm, or a nice J frame would be good as well.

Good Luck and good shooting.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

A friend of mine carries a 9mm Shield. Looks easy enough to conceal. I have seen the new Remington compact 9mm, called R51. It's gorgeous, at least as good looking as the old SIG .380 (that gun might be in the Museum of Modern Art), and I think it got good reviews. You can look it up; the Internet is fully laden with details. Inexpensive, too. I might buy one just because. Presently, my 6906 will suffice for a compact 9mm.

***GRJ***

 

[gunny4053]

A friend of mine carries a 9mm Shield. Looks easy enough to conceal. I have seen the new Remington compact 9mm, called R51. It's gorgeous, at least as good looking as the old SIG .380 (that gun might be in the Museum of Modern Art), and I think it got good reviews. You can look it up; the Internet is fully laden with details. Inexpensive, too. I might buy one just because. Presently, my 6906 will suffice for a compact 9mm.

***GRJ***

You can nix the R51. It is currently under a 100% recall/replacement program.

 

[sdeeut69]

Conceal carry

Being that you already carry the 40c, the 40 shield seems like a natural thing to get... but don't. The 40 shield is not as fun to shoot as the 9mm shield. Full size and compact 40's.. awesome! 40 shield... not so much. Way too snappy, and after finding out others are having the same "pins coming out" issue I had with mine while shooting, Go with the 9mm shield. You get an extra round as well in each magazine. You won't regret it. I carry mine every day and it's awesome. I know there are a LOT of other small gun carry options, but the 9mm shield is awesome in my own opinion.

 

[shamuscull]

I own mostly s&w guns and I mostly carry the 40c but if you want to go smaller I recommend a kahr pm9 or p.380.

 

[tbgunner88]

I would also recommend the shield as others have, another option could be the new ruger lc9s.

 

[rwsmith]

Ruger SR40c

Since someone has suggested the Shield I'll put in the Ruger SR40c.

I don't know if the SR40c frame was MADE to take .40 cal, but I know the Shield is not and I hear tell that .40 knocks the Shield frame up pretty good.

 

[Protected One]

My suggestion would be the Shield 9mm. It carries great and shoots the same. But if pocket carry is desired I would recommend the Bodyguard 380. Those two are my edc.

IMO .40 cal is too powerful for the frame size of the shield...hence the problems you read about. The XDS 45 fall into this category as well. When I want to carry a 40 I go to my Glock 23 Gen4 (which is on my hip now).

Also, when you consider the distance that a self-defense shooting is most likely to happen at, I don't see any reason to shy away from .380.

 

[NCavi8tor]

Ruger LCR .357 Mag in a Nemisis pocket holster works real good in my shorts this summer!!! Loaded with Golden Saber 38+P or .357 Mag, I don't have a care in the world about BGs!!!

Just spent a week in Myrtle Beach with the family carrying the LCR and I never felt under-gunned.

My other EDC is a M&P .45C with the N82 Pro IWB holster.

Good luck in your decision.

NC

 

[B3500]

I like the 380 and carry one occasionally but in a backup capacity. I usually carry the 45, but at times I carry 9mm which is my smallest caliber I use for a primary carry if my needs dictate that.

A Shield in 9mm or 40sw will certainly work and are somewhat smaller than the MP compact, most noticeably in width, but they are not as small as the micro 380 you mentioned.

If you really want something as small as the bodyguard, but want to stay with at least a 9mm or 40sw, then take a look at something like the kahr CM9 or CM40 pieces. They are about as small as it gets in a single stack in either 9mm or 40sw package. With their ~4" overall height, either of these should work in most pants pockets.

As far as sweat and moisture goes, the Shields and CMs would also work well in IWB with a single clip over the belt holster and if made from all kydex it should reduce the moisture getting inside through the holster, but sweat can still go over the top of the kydex. Of course you still need to maintain the pieces and wipe them down daily if they were exposed to moisture, but at least the kydex holster can be rinsed off in the sink and not take days to dry.

 

[BodyShieldGuard9MM380ACP]

I would also recommend the shield as others have, another option could be the new ruger lc9s.

And make sure it's a LC9 S...new striker fire Ruger just came out with...don't waste your money on the old double action LC9 or LCP 380...you'll HATE IT!!!

But my preference would be to go with either the Shield (carry in a holster) or the Bodyguard (if you wanna pocket carry)...