M&P 9 Comparison

[DavidMcmillan]

A neighbor asked me if he would be happiest with M&P 9c or a Shield. I have had only limited experience with either one, and never at the same time.

I suggested he rent both at H&H and try them side by side.

Any suggestions or recommendations I can pass on?

 

[NightShade]

The 9c will have a little less perceived recoil and a lighter recoil spring tension as it is slightly heavier. The shield has a smaller grip and lower capacity and is slightly thinner overall. Beyond that not a ton of difference unless you are comparing the original vs the 2.0 and then you get a slightly better trigger in the latter. The Gen 2 of the 9c is also slightly larger than the Gen 2 Below are specs and other information.

https://www.genitron.com/Handgun/Smith-Wesson/Pistol/MP-Shield/9-mm/Variant-1 First Gen shield 9mm

https://www.genitron.com/Handgun/Smith-Wesson/Pistol/MP-Shield-M2-0/9-mm/Variant-1 Second Gen Shield 9mm

https://www.genitron.com/Handgun/Smith-Wesson/Pistol/MP-Compact/9-mm/Variant-1 First Gen 9C

https://www.genitron.com/Handgun/Smith-Wesson/Pistol/MP-M2-0-Compact/9-mm/Variant-1 Second Gen 9c

 

[DavidMcmillan]

Thank you. Good information. I had a shield a few years ago and really didn't care for it, and my only experience with the other was with a full size 9 M&P that my brother brought with him when came to visit a couple of years ago.

My feelings toward either are not real positive, so I wanted to give him a hopefully more honest opinion. I think the best for him is to rent them, use up a box or two, make a choice, and live with it.

 

[NightShade]

Yeah, I love the M&P's I have in fullsize but everyone has their own thing. Each pistol you pick up will either feel right or it won't, as long as it slings lead where it belongs and it feels right I don't care. The day I knew I was hooked on the M&P's was when I was in Lawton keeping an eye on a 30,000 sq ft building and my wife said there was someone inside. She only saw a glimpse but not knowing I grabbed my 40 M&P and with the adrenaline among other things the grip melted away and became one with my body. I didn't have to fire a round but in that instant I knew it was for me once and for all.

 

[bigfug]

I prefer my 9c over my shield. I shoot it better.

 

[BrandonM]

What’s your neighbor want to do with it? If it’s for carry, I’d get the shield.

 

[saddlebum]

Shield >9 c every time