I've narrowed it down to two

[Wesson9]

This is a not a M&P 9c vs Shield 9 discussion. I know the specs and the difderences. What I need is advice based on my two other carry pieces.

I have an M&P 9FS which carries great in the cooler months. In the summers I've been pocket carrying a M&P Bodyguard (the new one with no laser). I like the BG but sometimes it feels inadequate. I'm looking for a pistol in between the two.

From what I can see the grip is longer on the Shield which is the hardest part to conceal. The 9c is of course fatter and heavier with the added cartridges. If you had the same guns I have for your carry options would you choose a 9c or the Shield 9 and why? Is the 9c worth the extra $100?

 

[Plan2Live]

The 9C will feel more like you full size M&P. Mag interchangeability in both the gun and mag holsters. Capacity.

 

[Zendude]

I would go with the Shield. It sounds like your main issue is having a 9mm rather than the 380. The thinner Shield will still be easier to cc even if the grip is slightly longer.

 

[mgmorden]

I'd say get the shield. With the 7-round mag inserted the grip isn't much longer.

Also, for me (YMMV), the hardest "part" to conceal about a gun is the width. Thinner makes a much bigger difference for me than a shorter grip.

So out of those I'd take the Shield.

If you're not fixed on the M&P the Beretta Nano could be an option to look at too. With the 6-round mag it's shorter than the the M&P 9C and its thinner than the Shield (only slightly in both cases).

 

[Lord Teapot]

i had a shield literally fall apart in my hands at shootstraight. i know it was a fluke, but i've held jennings that felt more solid than that thing. my 2 cents is de-narrow your choices

 

[ritepath]

I found the 9c just too darned bulky for conceal carry. After 3 years of sitting in the safe it went away as partial trade on a dirtbike. (also tried p229,g26,PT145)

It took a while but after trying everything out I settled on the Shield. 100% reliable (almost 4k rounds now), accurate (out to 25yd at least) thin enough to carry, and to top it all off easy on the wallet.

I still pocket and sometimes belt carry my LCP when such a heavy gun isn't wanted.

 

[340PD]

Kind of the same questions people are asking on the Single Stack vs double stack Glock forums.

The added bulk and weight of the 9c will be noticeable. I have had a Shield literally since the day they came out. I find it to be a great IWB carry gun and I have never had any issues with it whatsoever. The handle length should really be no big deal.

Be aware, in my opinion the Shield is not a pocket carry gun. Your Bodyguard or my Kahr PM9 is much better suited to that purpose.

 

[gglass]

i had a shield literally fall apart in my hands at shootstraight. i know it was a fluke, but i've held jennings that felt more solid than that thing. my 2 cents is de-narrow your choices

Funny stuff right there.

 

[bannockburn]

The single column mag design of the Shield just feels more comfortable in my hand than the double column mag of the M&P 9c. Go with the one that feels the best to you.

 

[Wesson9]

I think y'all just saved me a hundred bones. I liked the idea of using the same holster and the ability to use the 17rd mags in the c. That said, the whole point is to buy a gun that I'll carry. It seems more likely that I'd carry the Shield. With the c, I'm afraid it would end up in the safe while the BG rode in my pocket.

 

[climbnjump]

If you had the same guns I have for your carry options would you choose a 9c or the Shield 9 and why? Is the 9c worth the extra $100?

To answer your question directly, my opinion would be to choose the 9c.

Why? Well, I have both the 9c and the Shield and personally don't find the Shield to be much easier to conceal IWB than the 9c and I prefer the extra capacity of the 9c.

A plus to the 9c, is that (as someone else pointed out) the mags are compatible between the FS and 9c, so if you carry a spare mag, you can use one of your 17 rnd mags from your FS.

Another plus for me is that I shoot the FS and Pro models quite a lot and the 9c fits my hand pretty much like those do. The Shield has a different feel entirely.

However, I sometimes use an ankle holster and the Shield is the better choice there.

Ultimately, the choice will come down to fit, feel and comfort (assuming you shoot them both well) and only you can pick the right combination of those factors for you.

ETA:
Oops, looks like you already made your choice! Enjoy your Shield!

 

[Wesson9]

Climbnjump: I thought I had made my decision but your reply has caused me to pause a minute. Now I'm wondering if the Shield really does conceal all that much better. Maybe I need to make a trip to the LGS and see if they'll let me strap them both on. Maybe I should just get 'em both

 

[Zendude]

Doesnt the 9c have different size backstraps that you can use to get a good fit? So even with it being a double stack, you can customize the grip to fit your hand?

 

[snooperman]

Go with the one that feels the best in your hand and is comfortable to carry. For me it would be the Shield.