What is a good alternative to the Shield?

[kisportolt]

not sure how tight the budget is for you, and if you can afford another gun in addition to a shield than by all means take the suggestions on here or your personal opinion and buy one. more is better but if you are shopping for "an alternative" then you shouldn't settle. wait and get the gun you you want and will be the right fit. the shield is worth the wait.

 

[moe l.]

Almost all my big guns are Smith's and I do have a 2.625" 627PC, but for 'small' I have a Glock30SF. It's ugly and all but I have nearly 1000 rounds thru it and that little bugger is a work horse. It's accurate as heck, never jams and shoots a nice big 45 out of it.

 

[jerry1952]

How to carry needs to be studied before the what to carry question can be answered. Do not be in a hurry to buy a gun just to get the one, that you think will fill your carry needs. Take time to select the Gun you know will be correct. It takes time to feel your way around whats right for you,your wife needs to make her own choices after all she will be pulling the trigger not anyone else. It is very personal.
Ask your selves why do you need a gun and why should I carry. " I like guns and everyone else is doing it are answers but not very good ones".
There are target guns and there are guns that defend
the ones you buy to defend require a total life change. ours are with us 24/7
Never defend on the cheap! get good training and a gun you can depend on, and train at a range at least 6 time a year.
My wife shoots a M&P40c she choose herself and runs holsters in purses.
it is a very dependable gun. I'd pick this above the shield, its proven and been out there for a while and has more capacity.
More rounds are important because when someone is shot with a hand gun they just do not stop and not every pull of the trigger will hit it's target like a lot.
Good Luck be safe join and Train with the NRA

 

[gunlovingirl]

Since I've had no luck getting my hands on a M&P Shield and I'm starting to get tired of waiting, I'm considering the Bersa BP9cc and the Kahr CW9. I've heard great things about both of these guns, the major difference between the two are the triggers.

The Kahr CW9 has a longer pull but is said to be quite smooth (6-7lbs?), and the Bersa BP9cc has a light trigger (3-4lbs? maybe too light for some peoples carry preference?) with very little take up then an immediate break and minimal reset. The Bersa comes with 2 mags and I've seen it priced from $340 to $380. I've handled both of these guns and they both felt great. Although I haven't shot either one of them so I cannot comment on that, maybe someone else can?

I don't own the Bersa BP9cc, but I do own a Bersa 380 Plus and a Bersa 9 UC Pro. I've had no issues with either of them. For the money, Bersa makes an excellent gun.

 

[jayman9207]

I got to shoot the Shield today and liked it. It is a bit trickier to shoot versus my M&P9 (which I absolutely love shooting). We also shot a P226 and a G19. I didn't really like either of those but my wife kind of liked the P226. I just really like the size of the PM9 and I have talked to a number of local gun stores as well as heard from you guys that say it is an excellent gun.

My wife and I took the first of three classes we are looking to take before taking our CHL class as we are taking this very seriously. We have had a couple of recent incidents where I am not saying I needed a gun but I know I would have felt much more comfortable with the ability to safely protect my wife and kids. I would like to carry at the 2 or 4 o'clock position inside my pants. My wife would like something that would fit into the smaller inner pocket of her purse which isn't very big but fairly easy to get to quickly. The PM9 looks to be about perfect size for both.

The instructor we were with today has the Shield as his carry gun as he conveniently aquired one when they first shipped some to the store he works at. He prefers the PM9 over the Shield and wishes he would have bought the PM9 instead. Size is one reason he said but he also said he shoots the PM9 more accurately than the Shield. I would love to be able to shoot the PM9 but none of the ranges close to us have that as a rental gun. A couple have the K9 and CW9. I would like to find the perfect gun to meet our needs as I have a feeling it will be a little while before we get another one (my wife mentioned she gets to pick next one).

 

[M29since14]

Well, that's not so bad. Your wife obviously is a smart lady. P226s are great guns if you don't mind the rather high bore axis. Very comfortable to shoot, decent triggers, and usually pretty accurate. She could do a lot worse.

But back to the Shield/PM9 thing, if you do not mind being without a safety lock, you probably won't go wrong with a PM9. They are good little guns and most people seem to like the trigger once they get used to it. Between the Shield and the PM9, it is a toss-up for me, but if the Kahr had a better safety lock, that might tip my opinion in its favor.

I still think S&W had the proverbial better idea when they designed the trigger action of the Shield. It is more "1911-like."

 

[tparrack]

I just picked up a NANO a couple of weeks ago and it is awesome!! I was a little skeptical of buying it since i heard a lot of bad things about them. I am glad I got it I have put a little over a 1000 rds through it with no problems what so ever and it is a lot more accurate than I am. Also the recoil is nothing compared to the kel tec and kahrs i have shot.

 

[IH8SPM]

I just picked up a NANO a couple of weeks ago and it is awesome!! I was a little skeptical of buying it since i heard a lot of bad things about them. I am glad I got it I have put a little over a 1000 rds through it with no problems what so ever and it is a lot more accurate than I am. Also the recoil is nothing compared to the kel tec and kahrs i have shot.

It's a great choice. I have the Shield and a buddy if mine has the Nano and its recoil is lighter on the nano. I just didn't like the need for tools for field stripping.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kablamo]

i have a CW9 and it took me a bit to learn the trigger. once i did, i abolutely love it. it is quite similar in size to the shield. that being said, i find myself carrying my 9c more, as in probably 95% more. the width differene and weight difference is negligible with a good holster (Comp Tac MTAC) and good belt (Comp Tac Belt). Plus I find follow up shots faster on the 9c personally.

 

[rraisley]

I would like to carry at the 2 or 4 o'clock position inside my pants. My wife would like something that would fit into the smaller inner pocket of her purse which isn't very big but fairly easy to get to quickly. The PM9 looks to be about perfect size for both.

Yeah, the size of the PM9 is just great, considering the quality and accuracy of the firearm. I can understand people not familiar with the Kahr and similar pistols, and liking S&W, getting excited over the Shield. Maybe I would be too, if I didn't have the Kahr. But to me, the Shield is just a somewhat smaller 9C, and a fair bit larger than the PM9. So it's a good gun without a place, for me. For those that don't mind the Shield's larger size, then it's certainly a much cheaper option, and I have no doubt it has the great S&W quality and reliability.

 

[jayman9207]

What is the rifling difference between the Shield and the PM9? I didn't see that information listed on the Smith & Wesson website? Also, matte black versus SS is strictly a cosmetic thing right? Does having black sights on an SS slide make it easier to focus on the sight?

I also forgot to mention we shot the M&P 357. It had a number of upgrades to it but it also was fun as hell to shoot. My wife didn't like it as much as I did because of the extra push to it but she shot it better than I did. I am so glad I bought the M&P9 Pro. Absolutely loved shooting with it yesterday and I can't wait to go back!

 

[rraisley]

What is the rifling difference between the Shield and the PM9?

The PM9 has polygonal rifling, while less expensive Kahrs (and S&Ws?) have conventional rifling.

I didn't see that information listed on the Smith & Wesson website? Also, matte black versus SS is strictly a cosmetic thing right? Does having black sights on an SS slide make it easier to focus on the sight?

Mostly cosmetic. SS is somewhat easier to keep clean, scratches don't show up as much (well, differently, maybe as much). Black is more "invisible". Really, a personal thing. If anything, a SS slide can make focusing a bit more difficult due to glare, but it wouldn't matter much.

 

[B3500]

The CM9/PM9 has a very long (but smooth) trigger pull and reset. Very much like a DA revolver. If you like that shooting style, the CM9 would treat you well.

The CM9 requires a 2 finger grip to hold it. I have no problem with that and use one when I need to carry in the lightest of clothing. I usually carry a .45 most other times. I find the CM9 carries very easily in a single clip type of kydex holster or even the sticky or remora brands of holster and remains stable.

The CW9 is similar in most all ways to the CM9, but has an extra round and a little longer barrel. That extra round makes for a taller grip height. I suspect you might be more precise with a CW9 at the range since you can use a three finger grip versus two.

However it does make it slight more interesting to conceal with the taller height. Pocket carry may be out in some cases with it except maybe cargo style pants.

I have noted the grip height stated on the Kahr CW series are taken without the mag in place, so the CWs are a little taller than stated since those mags are not flush.

If possible, you should probably try holding them or better yet, rent them and try shooting all the alternative brands you are considering so you can make a more informed choice.

Good luck.

 

[LiveorDie]

I've got a Ruger LC9 and a Shield 9. The LC9 is a little smaller and lighter than the Shield. Easier for carry, especially pocket carry. The Shield has a much better trigger pull. For close up SD situation, I doubt the trigger would have a lot of bearing. But for target practice the Shield's trigger is sooooooo much better.

 

[jayman9207]

I am almost sure I am going to go with the PM9. Now I am trying to decide whether or not to go with the Crimson Trace laser sights or not.

 

[rraisley]

I am almost sure I am going to go with the PM6. Now I am trying to decide whether or not to go with the Crimson Trace laser sights or not.

PM6?? Kahr makes a 6mm version of the PM9?

 

[jayman9207]

PM6?? Kahr makes a 6mm version of the PM9?

Typo.....was trying to race off to a meeting. Yes PM9.

 

[tonesurfer]

As a prior owner of a Kahr CM9 i'll point out:

* Make sure your wife can operate it. The slides on these are very hard to manipulate (strong springs). They get better but neither my wife nor 20yo daughter could operate them.

* Pray you get a good one. The complaints in the Kahr forums about jams and nosedives are aplenty. I gave mine 800+ rounds and I could not get comfortable with the reliability and gave up. Tried all the tricks, mag follower filing/sanding, trim the recoil spring, etc. If you get good one your golden, if you don't your cooked.

I was really disappointed. As a left hand shooter the Kahr had everything I wanted and i loved the trigger. Couldn't get past the malfunctions.

 

[dlbutler]

I have over 2000 rounds thru my CM9 and narry a problem. My CW45 has a lower round count but the same results. You have to remember that on any gun forums you will hear a lot more complaints than praise. It is the same as looking for reviews on something. I like my S&W's and my Kahr's, they are both quality weapons. Another way to look at it is the amount of complaints of the Shield on this forum.

 

[rraisley]

I have never had a hiccup with my Kahr PM9. I'd heard you need to get 200 rounds or so through them to loosen them up to be 100%, but mine has never had a problem. Then again, I've never had a problem with my M&P9C, either. I didn't expect to, being both good SD guns, and I have not been disappointed.