S&W Shield and Smith Snubby
- Thread starter viking499
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We can compare anything, but why? They are so inherently different, that a comparison would be nothing more than an exercise in futility. If you want to know which you should purchase, I would suggest either both, or either one. There is no special reason why one would trump the other , other than capacity, and a slide safety. Recoil is manageable, and so is accuracy. The Shield is about the same weight as the revolver, easier to carry, only with a few more rounds, and better ammo selection.
I would recommend the shield of the two, "knowing nothing about your needs or wants".
I would recommend the shield of the two, "knowing nothing about your needs or wants".
cslinger
Member
Have a shield in .40 and 640 snubby. Have owned 642 and 442 snubbies.
Snubbys are much easier to carry especially pocket carry. It's more about the shape then size or weight.
Shield is much easier to learn to shoot, holds more ammo and is easier to reload.
I tend to always find my way back to a 640 snubbie with CT grips on it for a myriad of reasons that include being able to fire in more crazy full on tussle close range situations as well as providing me the ability to discreetly have my firearm ready to draw when pocket carrying.
Both are good. Practice and either will work. Course I am in the chances are I will just use the first shot and my screaming like a little girl to cover my tactical retreat camp. So take the advice for what it's worth.
Shoot safe.
Snubbys are much easier to carry especially pocket carry. It's more about the shape then size or weight.
Shield is much easier to learn to shoot, holds more ammo and is easier to reload.
I tend to always find my way back to a 640 snubbie with CT grips on it for a myriad of reasons that include being able to fire in more crazy full on tussle close range situations as well as providing me the ability to discreetly have my firearm ready to draw when pocket carrying.
Both are good. Practice and either will work. Course I am in the chances are I will just use the first shot and my screaming like a little girl to cover my tactical retreat camp. So take the advice for what it's worth.
Shoot safe.
I have a Shield 9mm and a Ruger LCR .38spl. +P.
. In my pants, the LCR is more pocketable.
. They both carry well in a holster.
. The Shield holds more rounds.
. 9mm is more powerful than .38spl +P.
. The Shield is more accurate.
. The Shield has a longer grip.
. They have both been 100% dependable.
. In my pants, the LCR is more pocketable.
. They both carry well in a holster.
. The Shield holds more rounds.
. 9mm is more powerful than .38spl +P.
. The Shield is more accurate.
. The Shield has a longer grip.
. They have both been 100% dependable.
Shield 9- less expensive, less recoil, more power, more rounds, more grip and easier to be accurate.
642- easier to conceal, laser grip available(doesn't hinder concealment) and IMO a dang fine looking gun.
If there's to be one purchase between the two.....Shield hands down for me. But I think everybody should own at least one little J frame like the 642 at sometime in their lives.
642- easier to conceal, laser grip available(doesn't hinder concealment) and IMO a dang fine looking gun.
If there's to be one purchase between the two.....Shield hands down for me. But I think everybody should own at least one little J frame like the 642 at sometime in their lives.
bannockburn
Member
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I don't have a Shield but do have a Kahr PM9 and S&W Model 638. Both are relatively lightweight, compact, easy to conceal gun's. Both have very manageable DA triggers. I would have to give the edge to the Kahr on having better sights and being easier and quicker to reload.
guyfromohio
Member
I have no experience with the Shield, but I love my 642. Easy to shoot, easy to conceal, easy to carry. Mine has been well-loved and likely has little resale because of the wear. But I keep on carrying it.
wford
Member
I have both, and carry the shield daily. It holds more ammo, the ammo it shoots has better ballistics, it is reliable, i have big dots on it, it fits into a pocket holster better, i can put a laser on it, and can carry extra mags. I still love my revolvers though.
RainDodger
Member
I have a S&W Model 60 that I carried for many years as a duty back-up, so I'm very familiar with it. I've also shot a S&W Shield. As others have said, different weapons.
If I was heading out the door and they were both sitting there and I KNEW for a fact that my life depended on more than one shot that day.... I'd pick up the Model 60. I know I can hit center mass at 25 yards if necessary, as I did it on the qualifying range every quarter. (don't try to tell me you can't hit anything with a 2" barrel)
That being said, I'd routinely carry the Shield for the reasons above.
If I was heading out the door and they were both sitting there and I KNEW for a fact that my life depended on more than one shot that day.... I'd pick up the Model 60. I know I can hit center mass at 25 yards if necessary, as I did it on the qualifying range every quarter. (don't try to tell me you can't hit anything with a 2" barrel)
That being said, I'd routinely carry the Shield for the reasons above.
I've rented a shield in 9mm at the range, and I own a 638 snub.
The shield is more accurate for me.
The revolver is easier to hold onto and can be presented faster, again, for me.
The shield is slightly more comfortable IWB then the 638.
The 638 is MUCH more comfortable than the shield in a pocket holster in the front pocket.
I can absolutely justify a need to own both.
The shield is more accurate for me.
The revolver is easier to hold onto and can be presented faster, again, for me.
The shield is slightly more comfortable IWB then the 638.
The 638 is MUCH more comfortable than the shield in a pocket holster in the front pocket.
I can absolutely justify a need to own both.
M2 Carbine
member
The Shield and the S&W J Frame.
I have the 9mm and 40 S&W Shield and a bunch of J Frames.
You can't go wrong with whichever one fits your needs.
I have the 9mm and 40 S&W Shield and a bunch of J Frames.
You can't go wrong with whichever one fits your needs.
M2 Carbine
member
There are no "close up guns", only close up shooters.
As you say the 2 inch revolver does just fine, even al long distances.
I like to shoot the J Frames at 52 yards, standing, two hands.
bhk
Member
I have both. My 642 often does pocket duty, while the Shield gets carried IWB. IMO, the Shield shines with its extended magazine, which is not really compatable with pocket carry. I shoot well with both, but best with the Shield. It is quite a fine handgun.
We have both (shield in 9)...two different pistols that's for sure. Both make great OWB pistols for me. CT grips on the 642 make for a better grip and more comfortable to shoot.
I love them both. The 642 is my wifes EDC but sometimes I'll put it on my belt and carry it. I find it easier to carry on days where we'll be doing a lot of walking/hiking.
I love the Shield it's my new EDC and I think I've finally found something I can tolerate width wise.
When I finally get around to it I plan on picking up a 442 for my own use.
I love them both. The 642 is my wifes EDC but sometimes I'll put it on my belt and carry it. I find it easier to carry on days where we'll be doing a lot of walking/hiking.
I love the Shield it's my new EDC and I think I've finally found something I can tolerate width wise.
When I finally get around to it I plan on picking up a 442 for my own use.
Godsgunman
Member
Congrats on your new purchases. Let us know which is more to your liking. Some people shoot semis better than revolvers and some the other way around. I have no experience with the Shield but have a 36 that I carry everyday and it's my "go to" carry piece. Fits in any pocket, very comfortable IWB, plus being a revolver I can fire from inside a coat pocket. I think .38 spl is enough to get the job done also. I have a great load that I have worked up for it so I don't feel at a disadvantage. Both semis and revolvers have their place so it's whatever works best for you.
PJSprog
Member
Always been a revolver guy. However, I shot my stepson's .40 Shield a few months ago and really liked it. My wife liked it even more.
Congrats on the acquisition. I suspect, like most of us fanatics, you'll find benefits in both.
Congrats on the acquisition. I suspect, like most of us fanatics, you'll find benefits in both.
Plan2Live
Member
Shield = higher initial capacity and faster reloads assuming you a) carry a spare magazine and b) practice reloading.
An instructor I assist and train under said recently that the latest stats coming through ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association) indicate the average round count in a gunfight is 7 shots fired by both parties.
The hammerless revolver should be able to be fired multiple times from inside a purse or jacket pocket.
If a semi-auto malfunctions the problem can usually be diagnosed quickly and the gun returned to operational status quickly without the need for tools. If a revolver malfunctions it typically takes time and tools to remedy the problem and return to fighting status.....
However, if you encounter a bad round or light primer strike, the semi requires a Tap-Rack manuever while the revolver only requires you to pull the trigger again.
If you are involved in a situation where the bad guy is on you and you are in danger of losing possession of your gun, a semi offers a faster option for rendering the gun useless to the attacker or limiting his access to active rounds to just one. Magazine drop verses cylinder dump.
Beyond that, it's mostly personal preference and proficiency. All guns and carry methods require some form of compromise.
Why not carry both?
An instructor I assist and train under said recently that the latest stats coming through ILEETA (International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association) indicate the average round count in a gunfight is 7 shots fired by both parties.
The hammerless revolver should be able to be fired multiple times from inside a purse or jacket pocket.
If a semi-auto malfunctions the problem can usually be diagnosed quickly and the gun returned to operational status quickly without the need for tools. If a revolver malfunctions it typically takes time and tools to remedy the problem and return to fighting status.....
However, if you encounter a bad round or light primer strike, the semi requires a Tap-Rack manuever while the revolver only requires you to pull the trigger again.
If you are involved in a situation where the bad guy is on you and you are in danger of losing possession of your gun, a semi offers a faster option for rendering the gun useless to the attacker or limiting his access to active rounds to just one. Magazine drop verses cylinder dump.
Beyond that, it's mostly personal preference and proficiency. All guns and carry methods require some form of compromise.
Why not carry both?
Hometeached1
Member
Choices, choices... uhm... BOTH
351 WINCHESTER
Member
.38 is easier to conceal and more reliable. Shield more power, rounds, easier to shoot accurately. Why not carry both?
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