I picked up a new Shield 9 yesterday and find myself asking an unexpected question. With the more compact dimensions of the Shield, does my trusty 9C serve a purpose any longer? I’ve carried a 9c for several years now. Mine is set up with an Apex DCAEK, RAM and Heinie straight eight sights. The 9c has always been reliable and exceptionally accurate for its size. The only downside to the 9c has been its size in certain situations, especially in lightweight summer attire. However, my initial impression of the Shield is that it will be be more concealable and accuracy is good. I’ll probably drop in a Shield DCAEK and install better sights very soon. So here’s my questions for those of you who have either carried the Shield for a while now or those who have owned both:
What requirements does the 9c fill that the Shield cannot?
Aside from magazine capacity, What are the pros / cons of one vs the other, specifically in a concealed carry role.
Same opinion as OldState. Regularly carry a 9c, handled and shot a Shield. The Shield won’t serve any function for me that the 9c won’t, and carries one less bad guy’s worth of rounds in it. It is too big for me to pocket carry and thus can’t replace the j-frame in my rotation when I cannot carry the 9c effectively. Cool gun, I just don’t really have a purpose for it.
I prefer the 9c, easier to shoot, more ammo, mag and holster compatibility with full sized guns. The shield does nothing that my 9c doesn’t do. Wearing iwb and a t-shirt, I wore my 9c at a family friend’s house for 3 days, hugging people, playing games, fixing a ceiling fan, etc. They never noticed. So I don’t really consider the shield more concealable because the 9c is already unnoticeable iwb and the shield doesn’t work as a pocket gun for me either.
If I tucked my shirt in during the summer, I might see the use of the shield. But I only tuck my shirt in for formal or work settings, and those tend to have a jacket involved too.
I own both. Actually more accurately my WIFE owns both. The M&P 9mmC was her first handgun and she loves it to death. When the Shield came out we got on the waiting lists on all the gunshops in the area. 6 months later and no calls so we bought the Sig P938.
She liked the Sig because it was so much easier to conceal but a grip screw fell out and after the new ones i ordered arrived it turned out the frame was stripped out. It didn’t affect the function of the gun so she continued to carry it until we FINALLY got a phone call from one of our gunshops about a Shield in stock. We immediately went there and she decide she really liked it so it came home with us and the Sig went back to the factory for repair.
She likes shooting the 9mmC a lot better but she carries the Shield because it conceals better than her 9mmC. The trigger on the Shield is not as good as the one her 9mmC but will probably smooth out with time and rounds down range. Also She wants me to do a light stippling job on the Shield because it tends to slip around in her hands while doing rapid fire strings.
Both are in 9mm. I am still trying to decide which night sights to put on her Shield but other than that I guess my answer is BUY BOTH! :lol: In my case my wife would not consider getting rid of her 9mmC and really wanted the shield… And as they say… when momma ain’t happy; ain’t NOBODY happy! So we own both…
The Shield has great accuracy, a so-so trigger, and a safety by default.
Shield mags are easier to hide and less noticeable when carrying. I know most fights end at slide lock, but I like to think most on this forum are of a “higher caliber” of fighter… one that at least would speed reload.
I honestly think (not trying to be a dick) that the Shield’s biggest advantage right now is that Glock doesn’t make a single stack 9mm to compete.
I find most of the time there is no need for an M&P compact or G26 - since a G19 hides well in these situations. If the G19 won’t hide… the G26 probably won’t hide well either… and it’s time to get the Shield. For me, the Shield stays around for the hottest of summer days and sometimes when wearing a suit and / or going to “less permissive” environments.
My two favorite size pistols - the G19 and Shield - are made by different manufacturers with really no other makers offering competition in those size packages. S&W needs to do like the 45c and offer a 9mm with the fullsize (or slightly cropped) slide on a compact frame that has the dustcover extended to take a real weapon light.
Thanks for the input so far guys. Keep in mind that my comparisons are from only about a day and a half of owning the Shield and one short range session. As I mentioned, the 9c has been a great gun. I also own a full size MP9. My only complaint so far with the Shield is the trigger. It’s heavier and more gritty than my Apex equipped pistols, but that is easily fixed. Over the years, my only issue with the 9c has been that it is sometimes hard to conceal. That may be due to my body size, as most guns stick out like a sore thumb on me if I’m doing anything other than standing. I carry with an MTAC at 3:30-4 o’clock.
I’ll need a lot more time with the Shield before making a decision on switching to it permanently. I guess what I’m trying to figure out is does the 9c have any other great advantage over the Shield aside from capacity? OR does the Shield pose any significant disadvantages vs the 9c? Some portion of the answer can only be determined with more time behind the trigger. However, any observations from folks who have used both are greatly appreciated.
Either way, I’m keeping the 9c, the only question is will the Shield replace it as my EDC or will it be relegated to use in specific circumstances where concealing the 9c is problematic? The lighter weight and thin profile seem ideal for EDC, unless there’s something I’m missing or haven’t figured out yet.
Maybe it’s the carry system that you need to look into. When I had the M&P C, I carried it in a simple Blade Tech IWB, it concealed pretty good. I have a G19 that I use to teach with (hate glocks), when I do have to carry it, I use a simple $30 Blade Tech Nano.
The Shield’s advantage over the Compact is it’s lighter and thinner. That’s my take.
When I couldn’t find a Shield after months of waiting, I gave the Ruger LC9 a try. It’s basically has the same physical dimensions. Carrying the LC9 is … well … like having nothing on. Its small size practically disappears, similar to carrying a J frame S&W revolver.
If you give up on that Shield, let me know, I’ll give it a good home.
PPQ! You have a good memory. I just picked up an M2 and sold the classic to a buddy. Now if I could just track down some M2 mags.
I’m going to order a new kydex for the MTAC and see how the Shield carries. After the 6 month wait, I’m not sure I’ll ever let go of the Shield. I’ve never waited that long for any gun. If you’re looking for one, Army Navy Outdoors in Stockbridge received some Shields two days ago. I think all they have left are 40’s though. Clyde Armory seems to get them pretty regularly too.
dude, deja vu… I mean I had the exact same thoughts when I got mine. I have all three - Full size, Compact, and the Shield. after months of agonizing navel gazing I have come to the following conclusions -
the Shield does not improve the silhouette of the C, it’s just thinner.
it has a better trigger than my C. I installed a DCAEK in the C and it’s better but I don’t think it’s significantly better, just different.
the Shield has an “administrative safety” that I apply before I holster and then remove when in the holster.
the Shield can be outfitted with an under barrel laser if that’s your thing.
the C has a rail that can mount a mini weapon light or Crimson Trace laser grips.
the C can take +2 adapters on the mags for 14rds and can even take the sleeve that allows it to take full size mags.
they are different guns. the Shield is not invisible but it’s thinner. it can go more places but does not carry as many rounds. I have it in a PERSEC Systems IWB with overhooks. it’s excellent for that but I’m waiting on their AIWB as this gun seems made for this carry.
My CCW is a SIG229 and I carry a spare mag on the other side. I don’t use the Compact or the full size as a primary because I’m not comfortable carrying a striker fired gun that may be reholstered IWB. the Shield overcomes that with the safety…
IMO, the Compact is more in conflict with the full size than the Shield because, concealed, the Compact has almost the exact same footprint as a fullsize gun - either the M&P or the SIG.
my bottom line is I use the Shield as a BUG or alone as my “going to the store” and lo-pro gun when my Primary is too big/heavy for the situation at hand. the Compact, along with 3 full size mags with adapter sleeves, has found a home in my “get-home” bag that goes in the car with me.
I would say keep the 9c for certain. It brings some distinct advantages to the table. The big two are the weapon light (though limited in choice) and the fact you can run Fullsize mags as reloads.
I actually really like the 9c’s size - more than the Fullsize. I just wish S&W did it like the 45c and put a slightly longer barrel and dust cover so it could run an X300. Truth be told, I look at my Fullsize 9 everyday and want to take it to the bandsaw to chop it to a “9c” grip.
We’ve spoke briefly, but enough that I could tell you view weapons as tools, so I say this not to ruffle your feathers but as one shooter to another…
The Shield is worlds better than the LC9. As crappy as the trigger is, that’s comparing it to M&Ps, Glocks, Walthers, etc. When comparing the Shield to the LC9, KelTec, or Kahrs of similar size - the Shield wins hands down. On the timer, I’m only slightly slower with the Shield over a Glock / M&P.
I’ve said this before, but that stupid little safety is the ONLY reason S&W was willing to put the trigger characteristics of the Shield in it. If they skipped the safety, I’m convinced S&W would have out an LC9 / PM9 / CM9 / etc style trigger (heavy with long reset).
If I had two, I’d send you one until you could find one, brother. I’ll keep an eye out for you.
As someone who runs WMLs and is a big proponent of them, it doesn’t change the fact that a handheld light is a MUST for concealed carry.
So I’m perfectly fine with it not having a rail. Generally I only worry about the grip printing when I carry, but when the Shield is on me - it means I need something completely concealable. I don’t know of any weapon lights that wouldn’t sacrifice concealment. Also, S&W would have had to make the dust cover wider to accommodate a 1913 rail.
I’m sure there will be a Lightguard for it soon enough. Until then, I’m content. The only difference for me upon engagement would mean putting my handheld in my mouth or shooting strong hand only instead of dropping the handheld and going to the WML after identifying a threat in the dark.
What’s funny is that the Walther PPS and the Shield are very similar in size, capacity and form factor. The triggers are even similar in the models I handled, however you can find 9mm PPS with relative ease, but 9mm Shields are like hen’s teeth.
Are there any major differences between them that I’m not aware of? (aside from the mag releases and safety)
Steve, somehow I missed your comments earlier and you’ve keyed in on several things I’ve been thinking about. First is the non permissive environment. I work in an office and generally drop my jacket the moment I walk in the door. Keep in mind that my employer does not have a no-gun policy. However I do not want to draw attention to myself in the office or be the person that causes a review of company policy regarding guns on the premises. No one needs to know and that’s impossible to pull off with the 9c in slacks, a dress shirt and a tie. It may not be possible with the Shield either, I just don’t know yet.
The other issue living in the South is weather. We have a lot more warm days than cold, so for most of the year, the more easily I can conceal a gun the better.
Finally, I spend a good portion of the day seated. The 9c digs into my hip and buttocks as the day wears on. Would you guys expect the Shield to be more comfortable?
One surprise with the Shield for me is that the trigger seems heavier than I expected. It’s been a long while since I pulled a stock MP trigger, so I may just be spoiled by the Apex kit.
This is a great discussion, thank you to everyone who has contributed thus far. Assuming the Shield works out, the 9c will probably fill the role that Steve alluded to as a truck gun in my emergency bag. We’ll see…
Ra2bach, if you transition the Shield to AIWB, would you revisit the “administrative” view of the safety? I just haven’t warmed up to appendix carry and I’m curious about your thoughts.
if you’re looking to try a different holster I have two of Steve’s (PERSEC Systems) holsters for the Shield and I like both for different reasons…
one is a “Compact Cut” and carries the gun a little higher in/on the belt. I have it set up OWB. the other is his standard and I use it IWB with the overhooks.
I just picked up an M2 and sold the classic to a buddy. Now if I could just track down some M2 mags.