Thinking About Switching

[Miles2014]

Hi Guys and Gals,

I've got an M&P Shield 40 (that has been very reliable) that I've been thinking about trading for the 9mm version. Driving factors are simply expense of ammo and commonality with the other ammo I have. Also, the conventional wisdom has been that the 9mm is easier to shoot and get back on target although I've also heard that factor is a bit overrated.

Oh, I also forgot to mention that I'm cheap and not crazy about the prospect of taking a loss on a pistol, just to get the same one in a different caliber.

What does the forum think... I value the opinions here.
Thanks

 

[bulldogman]

Since you like the 40 Shield instead of taking a loss just keep it and add the 9 Shield when you can. You never know when you might need a backup, or try to tade it with someone that has a 9 but wants a 40.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Shields are on sale in metro Atlanta for $299.99, a shop isn't going to give half that for a used gun, and I doubt an individual would pay over $225.00 for a used Shield.

I have purchased three, all 9mm with the thumb safety. Two at $369.99 and one at $339.99, and I have been pleased with them.

 

[brw12001]

Great Choice

Switch to the 9mm. You would be better off and save the 30% in ammo cost. The savings there will pay off very quickly for the cost difference on a trade or sale. You would be well off selling the 40 S&W at a gun show or on Arms List if you can sell privately in your state. The 9mm is a dream to shoot and you will love it.
Good luck with the decision.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I have always regretted every trade I've ever made to some degree, and wanting a different caliber of the same pistol is high up on the regret list. As soon as I got the new to me different caliber, I wanted to shoot the one I traded again. That pistol is cheap enough that you ought to keep the .40 and save to buy the 9mm.

 

[Pre 29]

"Shields are on sale in metro Atlanta for $299.99" Wow, wholesale price for a shield is $337.00. I can save money buying retail than ordering from my distributors. Who is selling Shields for that price?

 

[Duster340]

May want to consider getting into reloading. I feed my M&P 40pretty much nothing but reloads. Often leave the range with more brass than I shoot since folks tend to leave it laying around. Ranier/Berry plated bullets can be had cheap. And it likes the Lee 175gr TN cast as well.... just a thought.

 

[PROnSHIELD]

If you have a good example in the .40 you own (it's 100% reliable)...
Keep it and add the 9mm to your collection

While the absolute number of issues (both 9mm & .40) are likely
very low...there are undeniably some that have had problems

If you have had zero issues (parts failures) keep the .40
If you have had one or more parts issues consider sale/trade

I'm feeling like S&W has had a rather large batch of RSA issues
which in my opinion, in and of itself is no reason to dump the
platform. At some point via recall or warranty that will be cured
but in the meantime if you pick up the 9mm and get one with RSA
issues you'll have the .40 to fall back on

 

[Deadeye Dick]

I'm not sure if this is an option with the Shield but I know a lot of folks who have the original M&P's in .40S&W have pickup up a 9mm conversion barrel and magazines. If it can been done with the Shield same as it can with the original M&P you wouldn't have to take a beating on a trade, wouldn't be out the cost of a complete new gun and have the option of shooting either caliber.

As a side note: Though I already possessed handguns in 9mm and .38spl I intentionally got a .40cal pistol (M&P full sized) due to the fact that when we had that big ammo shortage a few years ago the only pistol ammo that was plentiful (at least in my area) was .40S&W. So diversity may not be a bad thing. Something to think about anyway.

 

[NCW Ray]

I'm not sure if this is an option with the Shield but I know a lot of folks who have the original M&P's in .40S&W have pickup up a 9mm conversion barrel and magazines. If it can been done with the Shield same as it can with the original M&P you wouldn't have to take a beating on a trade, wouldn't be out the cost of a complete new gun and have the option of shooting either caliber.

As a side note: Though I already possessed handguns in 9mm and .38spl I intentionally got a .40cal pistol (M&P full sized) due to the fact that when we had that big ammo shortage a few years ago the only pistol ammo that was plentiful (at least in my area) was .40S&W. So diversity may not be a bad thing. Something to think about anyway.

As far as I know there are not any aftermarket 9mm barrels for the Shield and good luck on finding a factory 9mm Shield barrel. Several months ago I did see a couple 9mm Shield barrels on EBAY with one having a bid of $245.99 and the other with a Buy It Now price of $265.00!

 

[AVG]

Pick up a M&P CORE in 40s&w and a KKM 9mm barrel. They work great for me.

 

[Deadeye Dick]

As far as I know there are not any aftermarket 9mm barrels for the Shield and good luck on finding a factory 9mm Shield barrel. Several months ago I did see a couple 9mm Shield barrels on EBAY with one having a bid of $245.99 and the other with a Buy It Now price of $265.00!

Too bad. That would have been a good option had price and availability been better. Still if I were the OP I think I would hold on to the .40 and maybe look for a good deal on a second hand 9mm. IMO it's good to have options. Maybe that's why I have a safe full of guns.

 

[Rastoff]

...the conventional wisdom has been that the 9mm is easier to shoot and get back on target although I've also heard that factor is a bit overrated.

Since no one else has addressed this yet, I'll take a stab at it.

I've had the good fortune to be able to fire both the 9mm and .40S&W Shields. I find both to be quite snappy due, I believe, to their small size. However, with the proper grip I find both to be easily controllable. In fact, I'd say they are the best of the small guns for ease of control.

You will save more in ammo, but not a dramatic change in handling qualities. Since the .40 shoots larger bullets, of course it has more recoil. So, yeah, there will be a difference. But like you said, that difference is overrated.

 

[deputy tom]

9mm Shield...

I looked for many months for a 9mm Shield without luck. I didn't want a .40 because I don't want to add another caliber to the current mix. I ended up with a 9mm NTS model a few months ago at $399.00 plus tax. I jumped on it and it has been a joy to shoot. It's going to be my carry gun come this fall when the weather turns cooler. If I were you I'd buy a new 9mm Shield and sell the .40 at a gunshow if you decide not to keep both.Good luck with your situation. tom.

 

[ColbyBruce]

"Shields are on sale in metro Atlanta for $299.99" Wow, wholesale price for a shield is $337.00. I can save money buying retail than ordering from my distributors. Who is selling Shields for that price?

Dawsonville Pawn

 

[MyDads38]

I recently bought both a Shield 40 and Shield 9. Bought the 40 first and liked it so much, I bought the 9 about 4 weeks later. These are both incredible shooting pistols and I am very pleased with both; and holster/accessories fit both!

As mentioned above, if you haven't had any issues with the 40-KEEP IT! Shields have been on sale around my area for $349; I'd find a LGS that has Lay a way and pay for the 9mm as you go along. Then you have an option, in case ammo becomes scarce again, or if one of them needs service-you have a back up.

 

[Gigantore]

I feel your pain. I recently got rid of my H&K P2000 .40 in favor of the 9mm H&K VP9. And even though I loved it, just traded the VP9 for a 9mm CORE. I've consolidated my carry and target ammo to 9mm (other 9mm is an XD service). Ifs definitely easier to find 9mm than .40 (at least in my experience). I do carry +P+ .38 when packing light though.

 

[PROnSHIELD]

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