M&P Shield or M&P compact

[huntinjunky]

I am looking at getting a smaller gun for everyday carry. Currently I carry my M&P 40 fullsize. Should I go with a M&P40c since I could use my 15 round mags for it, and have the identical controls, or should I go with the slimmer shield. Keep in mind I reallize that it is completely up to me. I am just looking for thoughts from the general public. Also note: I am left handed and the ambi controls are one of the features that drew me to the M&P series in the beginning. If the shield is the way I end up going, I'm pretty certain that I will get in in 9mm in stead of the .40.

[Snurd]

I like the feel of the M&Pc. I think I would like to try the Shield. I would have to feel them side by side to make that decision. I like the idea of a little smaller gun with the Shield. I haven't been to a store to try one though.


(Sent from iSnurd)

[Snowman]

The m&pc is nice. But I think you're going to want the shield. My EDC is a m&p40 Pro, and it hides fine. But if you feel that it is to big/ prints/ bothers you, might as well go as small as you can, and get the shield. And as always, I'll throw more unrequested opinions into the mix, the kahr pistols are a little smaller still, and very nice. I've owed one, and would recomend them, if size is the issue. And the sig 928 is gorgeous, and has been getting good reviews.

[MichaelD]

I'm a fan of interchangeability, so I'd go the M&P compact route.

[Hawk87]

I'm a fan of interchangeability, so I'd go the M&P compact route.

Plus I don't like the manual safety on the shield. I think that its important to keep the manual of arms consistent between guns.

[huntinjunky]

the kahr pistols are a little smaller still

I have felt the kahr pistols and like them also, however, I just love the ergonomics of the M&P line.

Plus I don't like the manual safety on the shield

That is also sticking in my mind. I don't think the safety is necessary, however, murphy's law will strike and when I need my gun the safety will be on, even if I left it off intentionally. I don't know if I could manipulate the safety easily being left handed during the draw.

[Jesse 8]

This is one reason I went with a Glock 30 instead of a 36. I can use the larger magazines whenever I reload. I vote for the 40c. There is no printing issue in UT. And no one notices anyway. More rounds is never a bad idea when the fight shows up.

[huntinjunky]

There is no printing issue in UT

The only time printing is a concern for me is when I'm at work. I work in a not so gun friendly envriornment. I don't need super deep concealment but I want to make sure there is as little showing as possible.

[Korben88]

I'm a fan of interchangeability, so I'd go the M&P compact route.

What he said!

I'd rather have the same controls. That way when something goes bump in the night and you are half asleep which ever gun you grab will be familiar.

Sent from my SGH-T759 using Tapatalk 2 (which means I probably should be working)

[quychang]

Might not be an issue still, but when I was looking, no one had a shield in stock. Didn't get a chance to even consider one.

Mel

[faydee]

There is no printing issue in UT

The only time printing is a concern for me is when I'm at work. I work in a not so gun friendly envriornment. I don't need super deep concealment but I want to make sure there is as little showing as possible.

this statement woudl lean me towards the shield due to the smaller size... if it fits your hand

[Hawk87]

If your concerned about printing, make sure you have a good holster and belt. You may also want to look at a couple different ways to carry, like a smartcarry or appendix carry.

[OneShotXD]

If your concerned about printing, make sure you have a good holster and belt. You may also want to look at a couple different ways to carry, like a smartcarry or appendix carry.

+1 on the good belt. Can't stress that one enough.


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[Doctor Jenks]

A man after my own heart... My edc is an m&P 40 pro. I'm a little bit in love with the shield.

I agree that it is good for consistency to have an m&P compact. However, if what you want/need is something smaller and more concealable than a regular compact.. The shield seems like a great choice.

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[gunsrg8t]

I have them both and gave been carrying the Shield more often lately. I like them both. I shoot with the compact alittle better but have practiced with it more. I like the narrower grip of the Shield. I also have a Kahr CW9 and to me the Shield is better. Better trigger.............much better trigger...............no comparison. I carry the Shield with the, included of two mags, the extended mag. I like having my pinky on the grip. Same with the Compact. I use the finger extension on all the mags I have.

CrossBreed holster an CompTac Minotaur holster

IWB tuckable holsters - Copy.jpg (59.18 KiB) Viewed 1577 times

Shield has the extended mag. I like the full grip

M&P40c and Shield 9 - Copy.jpg (54.53 KiB) Viewed 1572 times

Slide and grip are narrower

compact and shield - Copy.jpg (49.44 KiB) Viewed 1575 times

I believe that either gun conceals equally well. I have the Crimson Trace grip on the compact which makes the grip about the medium. The compact has the interchangable back straps to get a better feeling grip on the gun, Sm, med. lrg. The Shield does not have the adjustable grip feature. Doesn't need it.
I never use the safety on the Shield. Almost forgot it's there.

Previous thread on the Shield,
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=14402 viewtopic.php?f=8&t=14737