Would you risk your life using a Shield

I have to agree that a full-sized carry plus a compact backup in the same caliber would be a very wise choice (especially if the mags were interchangeable between the FS and compact) ex. M&P 9mm FS + M&P 9c
 
If the assignment is plain clothes, I sure would not wear a suit, and I would look at what I was confident with. Good balance, to me, is at least as important as weight, so I would look at BHP's or high end CZ's in 9MM.
 
As a retired LEO, I now work high risk security details, gun must be small enough to conceal, light enough to carry 12 hours a day.

I believe you answered your own question, shield for CCW yes. As a "duty" weapon NO, go with a double stack 357 sig, couple of spare mags. I do not know what your ROE are, arrest powers? If you believe you would be at risk for multiple, armed attackers, a shield would not be first, second, third, etc choice. Be Safe,
 
I carry one as a back up gun in 9mm. Very few times is it a primary. Most of the time that is a 4 inch 19 357 or full size 1911. We have had excellent results with the 147gr Federal HST in street use. I totally get the recoil issue in the 23 and we no longer issue it for that reason. With a proper holster you could hide a Glock 19 and have plenty of rounds on tap. Don't go cheap on the holster. Mine are kramers and they disappear and have lasted many years.
 
There is about a finger width of difference in barrel length and grip height between Glock full size, compact, and sub-compact models. If a + mag extension is used then the height is right about equal. The weight difference will hardly be noticeable on the belt.

The sub-compact Glock frames began as Gen. 2.5's, finger grooves with no checkering in between. Here is a photo of my Gen. 2 Glock 19's and Gen. 2.5 Glock 26's with +2 mag extensions.
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Just what "negative reports" have you read about the M&P Shield?!?!?

Are they from people in a similar profession as you? I've been following the evolution of this pistol since it's inception. The positive reviews and reports far and away outweigh any negative press. Even the short "recall" was basically a fart in the breeze.

I am wondering the same thing. My Shield 9mm has been flawless with maybe a thousand rounds through it. I am regularly on several internet forums and the feedback I have seen has been overwhelmingly positive. While it is a great choice for a CC firearm, I would want more capacity in a role like the OP's. A Glock compact would be my choice.
 
If you like the .40 I think I'd stick with the G23, and as others have suggested, get a G27 for a bug gun, as the G23 mag will fit the G27. I'm sure you've got plenty of stats to look at, but in a serious heist you're probably looking at 2 to 4 assailants inside and 1 or 2 outside to deal with, so capacity is a high priority in your weapons choice. If they get you down on the floor, do you have an option within your reach? Don't stand with your back to any glass door or window that is not bulletproof, ever. If the assailants know you are in the way they may choose to take you out first before entering the store or property. Don't make yourself an easy target. I'd also have a pump 12 gauge hidden out of sight but within quick reach. Nothing says "Get the *** out ! " like a shotgun. Good luck, and be careful out there.


-Mike
 
I don't risk my life carrying a Shield, but I do depend on it to protect me and my family when we're out and about. I think the only risk using the Shield, is not in the gun functioning properly, but in the capacity you might need. If you are comfortable with 7 +1 in the .40, then I think its a viable option.
 
I'll echo the thoughts that if you already have a GLOCK 23, the GLOCK 27 sub compact would be a great fit. I find I carry these two models the most.

There are a lot of benefits for you to pick the G27... It is the same caliber as your G23, G23 mags will fit and run flawlessly in it, many holsters and mag pouches for one will work with the other, they both have the same trigger, and the manual of arms is identical.

If faster follow up shots are desired, the 9mm team of the GLOCK 19 & 26 would be a great replacement choice. Modern ammo makes the difference between calibers less of a factor these days.

Now to my thoughts of the Shield. Mine is an early version of the 9mm Shield and it has been flawless with over 600 rounds through it. It is truly "GLOCK-like" in reliability and has a similar trigger pull and reset travel when compared to my GLOCKs. I mention this as your GLOCK-to-Shield transition would be easier because of it.

I rate the Shield as an excellent CCW and self defense gun, but would give it lower marks for you as a duty gun because of magazine capacity. For duty, pick something which can stay in the fight for longer than 7-8 rounds. This would be especially important if your job may put you into a confrontation with multiple assailants.

One man's opinion...

Edmo
 
Given the type of work you've suggested, I'd be looking to see if I could conceal a 12ga somehow.

Seriously, I trust the Shield as my primary CC pistol (and do carry a 1911 or a high power or a J frame depending on where I'm going and how I'm dressed).

HOWEVER, I'm just a normal citizen going about his daily routine (store, bank, gas station, work, home, fishing, walking through the neighborhood, etc.). It is highly unlikely I'll ever need to draw a weapon much less to actually use one.

You, on the other hand, have a much higher probability. I'd want as many rounds of as high power and large caliber as I could realistically carry and shoot. And I was only half joking about the shotgun. All things being equal the choice between a .45 and a 9mm is clear, I'm taking the 12ga every time.
 
Sounds like an FN 5 seven is a better choice for that type of work.... In my area, the MO of jewelry store robberies are multiple baddies. One typically carries an assault rifle while the others smash n grab all they can. 5.7 would cut right through body armor.
 
... I have read a lot of negative reports on the Shield. ...

No gun is perfect but when you say "a lot of negative reports".. lets get to some specifics. How about providing a list of the negatives you've read ? We may be able to provide a bit more clarity.
 
In your situation where you could be attacked at one time by multiple assailants? Not as a primary. As a backup, sure.

However, as my EDC, I do trust the Shield. But again, I'm not primarily out there defending $20 MM in merchandise!
 
Get a Glock 19, it fits the holsters you have for the G23. A hi-cap 9mm is a great choice for what you're doing.
 
Any pistol with enough break in rounds to let it work correctly....

Correct ammo that feeds w/o any problems..........

and you can "Master" control with..................

can qualify, if..........

your brain gives you a "Green Light"

You can't be seeing "Red Lights".
 
Try a Glock 30S. It was designed for a lot of what you have described having to do. Good luck! Stay safe! Regards 18DAI.
 
As a retired Leo you should know what the answer to this question is. Look at what your agency now carries and I'm positive it will suit your needs as well.
 
Not to belabor the point about capacity.....

But a Shield is carried by those that don't anticipate trouble. If you are in a situation where something is likely to happen with more than one perp, you're gonna need more gun.
 
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