Getting a new m&p shield...40 or 9??

[whatever]

I know this topic has probably been beat to death. For that I apologize.

I really like the shield. Its the best combo of size, power, and shootability that I have tried yet. I have shot both the 9 and the 40 and for the life of me, I cant decide which one to get. I shoot both about equally well with a slight edge to the 9. The 9 holds one more round than the 40 does...a real consideration imo.

I currently have both a 9 and 40 in other formats (range guns mostly, not carry ones). I habe a bit of ammo for each - maybe 500 rounds or so give or take. 40 ammo is plentiful in my area - both range and defensive loads. 9 is tough to find range fodder for, but defensive loads can be found. While 9 ammo is obviously cheaper (under normal circumstances anyway), price per round is not a deciding factor for me.

Between the shield 40 and 9, given the info above, which would you pick.

 

[Fremmer]

The 9mm, because you shoot it better.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I have both and like both.

I can shoot the 9 a little faster than the 40 because of the lighter recoil.

For carry I'll use the 40 because of the more powerful round.

I think you won't go wrong with either one.

 

[wally]

I have both and like both.

I can shoot the 9 a little faster than the 40 because of the lighter recoil.

For carry I'll use the 40 because of the more powerful round.

Best choice if you can afford it. Savings from cheaper 9mm practice ammo will eventually pay for the extra pistol.

Here is something to investigate. I have an M&P40c, I saw from reviews for a Storm Lake 9mm conversion barrel that the factory M&P9c barrel "drops right in and costs only $65". I took a chance and ordered one, sure enough it drops right in with no significant POA/POI change. After adding a few M&P9c mags I've a great dual caliber setup. So if the Sheild 9mm barrel fits the .40, I'd suggest doing the same for the Shield as I did for 40c. If it doesn't, check if Storm Lake has a 9mm conversion barrel for the Sheild 40.

 

[lauderdale]

I just reloaded a couple hundred xtp fmj rn in 115gr. 9mil, as I bought a m&p 40c used and couldn't hit w/it? Considering iam reloading but that wasn't it! I traded it in for a brand new s&w m&p 9c as my XDS 45acp should b back any day? Anyhow I have a brand new gun 9c figured out my recipe w/range brass and rather the new 9! As I think when I bought the used one something might have been out of whack persay? Love that 9c and the group's He'll yeh!

 

[fastbolt]

REALLY subjective decision.

Of the folks at my agency who have been buying the Shield, the 9mm model has been the clear favorite (at an agency where the issue duty calibers have been .40/.45 for several years).

I kept hearing from other instructors that the Shield 40 had a lot more felt recoil than the Shield 9. Since I own a M&P 40c, and have done a lot of shooting with 9c's, I was fully prepared to feel the same way once I had time to try out the T&E Shield 40.

Imagine my surprise when I spent some time shooting the Shield 40, using the issued 180gr duty ammo, and found the felt recoil, controllability and recoil management to be preferable to my 40c.

Now, if I were going to be buying a Shield (as if I need another compact or subcompact 9, .40 or .45 ), up until I'd actually tried the Shield 40 I'd have thought the Shield 9 would be the obvious choice, for me.

Now? Not so sure. The Shield 40 handles, balances and feels better in my hands than my G27, 40c & 4040PD.

The Shield 9, on the other hand, feels and handles better, overall (and is every bit as controllable & accurate), when compared to my G26's (pair of them), 3913, CS9 or SW999c.

If I were younger, and still in my collecting phase of being a firearms instructor & armorer, I'd resolve the dilemma by buying both (which is how I ended up owning a representative spread of both 9's & .40's).

I'm not sure how I'd decide such a question for myself, so I can't presume to guess what the best answer would be for someone else.

 

[Fishbed77]

9mm is the correct answer.

Just be sure to stock up before the next panic.

 

[jon_in_wv]

Personally I would choose the 9mm. There are plenty of really good defensive loads in 9mm, practice ammo is cheaper, and recoil is more manageable. I would suspect I could shoot much more accurately at speed with the 9mm than with the 40. You need to weigh whether the difference in stopping power is worth the price you have to pay in recoil and loss in capacity.

 

[btg3]

Shoot both again. Buy both. Shoot them more. Then sell the 40.
... or just get the 9mm and call it a day.

 

[pa350z]

Traded in my old worn 3913tsw for the 9mm Shield. The Shield is a nice piece and easier to control than the 3913 IMHO. Agree with others on recoil and price of range ammo. My vote is for the 9mm Shield.

 

[Mr.357Sig]

Buy them both and give the one you like least to someone special for Christmas. Problem solved. You're welcome.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

Buy whichever you prefer. My personal preference is the .40. I just purchased a Ruger SR40 and like it even more than my XD in .40. I have gone to the store three times to buy a 9mm but have failed on each attempt which has led me to own the XD, a Ruger P93, and a Sig 232 all of which I enjoy shooting. I reload so cost and supply of ammo has never been a concern.