S&W MP Shield

[Blueathletics]

9mm....yes or no?

This will be my first firearm purchase so be kind My son, who is more familiar with this stuff, keeps preaching Glock but it's about $200 more.

Going for my CC later this month so wanted something more compact

Chime in

 

[anon_aawvduncd4ay0]

Fine weapon

 

[funKYcat75]

 

[BlueRaider22]

Great gun.

The difference between Glock and "generic X" brand is large.....and I would go with Glock. The difference between Glock and a "major brand striker fire" is minimal. When it comes down to brands like Springfield, S&W, Walther, Sig Sauer, Glock, FN, Beretta, etc, the biggest difference is feel. You'll be fine with any of these.

Kinda like driving a car, each firearm has its own feel. Some feel heavy, some light. Some bite you on the recoil, some are soft. Some triggers feel smooth as silk, some feel rough.

Much of it is personal preference and can affect performance significantly. I've seen world class proven Sig shooters pick up a Glock and quadruple their grouping size.....and vice versa.

So, find something comfortable. Practice with it until it feels very comfortable. And don't stray too far from it. And you'll do fine.

 

[Free_Salato_Blue]

I'm looking for a California complaint semi-auto for a family member and the Shield w/ chamber indicator is one the few on the list.

 

[.S&C.]

If you can, go with the Glock if you're not looking to purchase more than one weapon. The M&P shield is absolutely a fine weapon, I'm just a huge advocate for every household to have a glock for protection.

It's all relevant to your situation Id say, but the glock will outlast most guns and they are indestructible. With the glock high capacity mags ( extended mags) that hold 30 plus rounds it's an another reason to buy.

Also the easiest to take down, and cleaning is basically optional.

 

[.S&C.]

I'm looking for a California complaint semi-auto for a family member and the Shield w/ chamber indicator is one the few on the list.

**** is crazy. I feel for gun owners in Cali.

 

[jwheat]

Glock feels small in my hand. I have s few pistols sw 40 was the first one I owned. Great gun still have it and shoot it quite a bit

 

[BlueRunner11]

**** is crazy. I feel for gun owners in Cali.

Yeah it's rough out here.

Great gun. Own it. Worth every penny.

 

[Blueathletics]

Yeah it's rough out here.

Great gun. Own it. Worth every penny.

You talking about the Glock or...?

 

[BlueRunner11]

You talking about the Glock or...?

The M & P Shield

 

[Blueathletics]

The M & P Shield

Gotcha...thanks

 

[BlueRaider22]

The truth is that Glock's are overrated. And before the hate responses start rolling in, hear me out. There's a reason why Glocks have been chosen as the service pistol by the majority of law enforcement and militaries across the globe. They built a stellar product and they did it first....causing all others to play catch up. They are darn near indestructible, will shoot dirty, and chew through all kinds of ammo.

But a bunch of other manufacturers have caught up....basically by copying the Glock design. This is where the "Glock is overrated" comment comes in. There are many out there who simply don't acknowledge that other manufacturers are producing a similar product.....and so therefore the Glock name is falsely inflated above these products.

There's a reason why Glock isn't winning contracts at the rate they used to. Our own military is currently investigating pistols to replace the old Beretta design. And by all accounts the trials have been neck/neck among the brands.

For disclosure, I've owned 3 Glocks prior. I would not hesitate to own another, nor would I hesitate to own a SW or Springfield.

 

[mdlUK.1]

I have a Glock 19 and love it. But then I got a Sig Sauer 226 and I love it even more. I bought it from a friend and he had changed the grips and added a laser sight. Fun to shoot.

 

[RacerX.ksr]

I'm looking for a California complaint semi-auto for a family member and the Shield w/ chamber indicator is one the few on the list.

California is going to complain about every gun.

 

[Catman100]

Just bought a Beretta PX 4 Storm 40 S&W in the used section at Cabellas and I absolutely love it. First 40 I have owned and its a sharp weapon. 2 inch barrel is handy for concealed carry, and it has some nice stopping power.

 

[jockstrap_mcgee]

California is going to complain about every gun.

I bought my kid a gun. It shoots pellets of organic fish oil pellets and trader joes stickers.

 

[Johns721]

Go to a range and shoot one first. Find a range with multiple rental guns and spend the time and money to shoot several in the same size range if you can. Just because a gun gets great reviews, doesn't mean it is going to work for you, and you may end up hating to shoot what you bought, which defeats the purpose.

I have several friends who are the "Glocks are the best gun ever!" kind of people, and I have a ton of respect for Glocks because they are a rock solid firearm, but after shooting them multiple times, the ergonomics didn't work for me. The grip just didn't feel right in my hand, and I didn't really like to shoot it, so had I bought one I either would have shelved it due to lack of use, or sold it for a loss. (That is based on the high capacity Glocks, and I have not fired a compact one - those may be different, so like all opinions, mine may be wrong for you)

I own and carry a Shield, and love the thing, but I took the time to shoot it first to make sure. It is extremely accurate (especially with a heavier defensive round - I carry with the new Browning BXP 147 grain, which is handy because they make a practice round with the exact same powder load and ballistics, so you can practice with what you are going to carry without shooting the expensive rounds), recoil is smooth, and it conceals relatively well. Very nice weapon.

 

[RacerX.ksr]

I bought my kid a gun. It shoots pellets of organic fish oil pellets and trader joes stickers.

OK, there is an exception to every rule.[laughing]

 

[BlueRaider22]

I have a Glock 19 and love it. But then I got a Sig Sauer 226 and I love it even more. I bought it from a friend and he had changed the grips and added a laser sight. Fun to shoot.

This brings up a good debate as well....and one that should be considered before buying a pistol. Hammer fire (single/double action) vs striker fire (double action).

For those that don't know:
-striker fired are those like Glocks. There is no visible hammer that moves on the back. In order to fire these you must rack a round into the chamber before using the trigger. Usually this isn't a big deal, but this could be time consuming in an emergency. Let's say you get robbed while walking to your car....you have to first pull your weapon, rack it, then point/shoot. Each shot thereafter doesn't require a rack.

-hammer fire. Sig Sauers are legendary here. They often have an exposed hammer on the back. If a round is not in the chamber you can rack it and operate it like a striker fire. If a round is already in the chamber you can pull the hammer back OR just pull the trigger. Just pulling the trigger will be tough the first time but will operate the hammer for you. This can be advantageous. Same scenario above: if someone jumps you, you could conceivably only need to draw and point/shoot.

On a side note most modern revolvers are single/double action.

For most this is just personal preference but to some it's a big deal.

 

[Free_Salato_Blue]

**** is crazy. I feel for gun owners in Cali.

Most seem to be revolvers that are approved. Which I would have suggested for her first time gun a .38 you can shoot +P and easy to maintain.

I myself been debating about getting one the CZ's.

 

[oldsports_]

Go to a range and shoot one first. Find a range with multiple rental guns and spend the time and money to shoot several in the same size range if you can. Just because a gun gets great reviews, doesn't mean it is going to work for you, and you may end up hating to shoot what you bought, which defeats the purpose.

I have several friends who are the "Glocks are the best gun ever!" kind of people, and I have a ton of respect for Glocks because they are a rock solid firearm, but after shooting them multiple times, the ergonomics didn't work for me. The grip just didn't feel right in my hand, and I didn't really like to shoot it, so had I bought one I either would have shelved it due to lack of use, or sold it for a loss. (That is based on the high capacity Glocks, and I have not fired a compact one - those may be different, so like all opinions, mine may be wrong for you)

I own and carry a Shield, and love the thing, but I took the time to shoot it first to make sure. It is extremely accurate (especially with a heavier defensive round - I carry with the new Browning BXP 147 grain, which is handy because they make a practice round with the exact same powder load and ballistics, so you can practice with what you are going to carry without shooting the expensive rounds), recoil is smooth, and it conceals relatively well. Very nice weapon.

***This***
Every person is different, just go shoot it as mentioned above. Your hand maybe be larger/smaller than a person who swears by it. I find guns ergonomically challenging, due to have way bigger hands than my friends. I have 11 pistols, including the shield, not my favorite, as my CZ is my choice for carrying. I think every gun I just purchased is my new favorite, until I buy the next. I purchased a Ruger 1911, its now my new favorite, hahaha
Go to a range, shoot a box, you will know what is best for YOU.

 

[Blueathletics]

Just bought a Beretta PX 4 Storm 40 S&W in the used section at Cabellas and I absolutely love it. First 40 I have owned and its a sharp weapon. 2 inch barrel is handy for concealed carry, and it has some nice stopping power.

I was kind of looking at that as well..more compact like the Shield

As for the .40 cal, my son wants me to go that route as well... but a former Navy seal who now sells guns for a living told me to stick with a 9mm because of ammo availability compared to a .40......He seemed to say that 40 ammo was going to be harder and harder to find for some reason

 

[BlueRaider22]

^I hear this quote a bit and the reasons I hear seem to be centered around the apocalypse. In a survival situation 9mm will be the easiest pistol cartridge to find. But then again IMO, so will 9mm pistols.

As far as which caliber to choose.....choose the one you can use the best. I've known people who swear by "caliber X," but aren't really adept with it. For example, my friend loves .45....specifically in a 1911 frame. That's all fine and dandy, till you watch him shoot. He can't handle it. He laughs at some of my 9mm's but is 3x more accurate and fast when he borrows them. He rationalizes, "well, if I just catch an arm with the .45 it's all over b/c the round is so large..." I'd rather have the ability to put repeated rounds to your chest in quick succession....using the largest round that still allows me to do such.

Once again, this goes to the fit and feel of the gun. There are some brands that I shoot .45 better than 9mm.

 

[numberonedad]

Been my everyday carry for 5 years now

 

[Phantom]

Been my everyday carry for past two years. Great gun.

 

[Free_Salato_Blue]

Seems more law enforcement like the FBI are moving to 9mm over the .40 S&W.
That could be a reason why there will be less available ammo for the .40 S&W due to less demand.
It's a tried and true cartridge that has evolved over the many years.

 

[.S&C.]

The truth is that Glock's are overrated. And before the hate responses start rolling in, hear me out. There's a reason why Glocks have been chosen as the service pistol by the majority of law enforcement and militaries across the globe. They built a stellar product and they did it first....causing all others to play catch up. They are darn near indestructible, will shoot dirty, and chew through all kinds of ammo.

But a bunch of other manufacturers have caught up....basically by copying the Glock design. This is where the "Glock is overrated" comment comes in. There are many out there who simply don't acknowledge that other manufacturers are producing a similar product.....and so therefore the Glock name is falsely inflated above these products.

There's a reason why Glock isn't winning contracts at the rate they used to. Our own military is currently investigating pistols to replace the old Beretta design. And by all accounts the trials have been neck/neck among the brands.

For disclosure, I've owned 3 Glocks prior. I would not hesitate to own another, nor would I hesitate to own a SW or Springfield.

Man if have to disagree, and glock is and probably will always be the general top choice among many different styles of gun owners. There's a reason the competition ends up in court trying to copy the design. Overrated is really far from what a glock is, but to each their own.

But again, lots of different great guns. I own glock, sigs, and recently purchased a kimber. I like sig 1911's. But the glock is the glock and the accessories make it even better.

 

[BlueRaider22]

^Once again, just to reiterate what I was trying to say above. Glock is certainly a top choice worldwide and for good reason. But Glock enthusiasts have opinions that seem to overrate it above what it actually is.

For a very awkward example:
-Michael Jordan is likely the best basketball player ever. Imagine a scenario where Jordan played Kobe one on one....both in their prime. Jordan enthusiasts would say that Jordan would win by a score of 100 to 10. But reality would be different.

Glock enthusiasts seem to elevate the brand way out of proportion. And when Gaston invented his composite pistol back in the early 80's, it was far, far and away better than the other competitors.....and this dominance lasted for quite some time.

Now there are certainly players who have caught up, but because Glock was dominate for so long it's led to an inflated mindset of what it really is currently.

 

[roguemocha]

My every day carry as well and keep a Glock 40 at the house. Both great weapons, the shield (compact) is an awesome CC. Just remember it doesn't have a safety, so if you're going to keep it chambered be aware of that.

 

[Blueathletics]

My every day carry as well and keep a Glock 40 at the house. Both great weapons, the shield (compact) is an awesome CC. Just remember it doesn't have a safety, so if you're going to keep it chambered be aware of that.

Yeah...I've read that

Hey thanks to everybody for your input!

Great info and much appreciated! Probably go ahead with the Shield..

 

[Johns721]

My every day carry as well and keep a Glock 40 at the house. Both great weapons, the shield (compact) is an awesome CC. Just remember it doesn't have a safety, so if you're going to keep it chambered be aware of that.

You can get the shield with or without a thumb safety - it comes in both flavors.

 

[TexasTimCat]

I have a Glock 23 in .40 and the M&P Shield in .40 as well (w/thumb safety)

Love both guns.

I prefer the Shield for carry - with the right holster it is invisible and easy on the body even with all day carry.

I like the .40 for stopping power and it is not a difficult round to shoot for most folks.

As stated above there is so much personal preference in choosing weapon and round that going to a range should be the first step; many will rent pistols for comparison. What feels best in you hand as you fire. It is much more important to be able to hit what you need to hit than worrying about zombie apocalypse ammo availability.

You cannot go wrong with either weapon.

 

[.S&C.]

^Once again, just to reiterate what I was trying to say above. Glock is certainly a top choice worldwide and for good reason. But Glock enthusiasts have opinions that seem to overrate it above what it actually is.

For a very awkward example:
-Michael Jordan is likely the best basketball player ever. Imagine a scenario where Jordan played Kobe one on one....both in their prime. Jordan enthusiasts would say that Jordan would win by a score of 100 to 10. But reality would be different.

Glock enthusiasts seem to elevate the brand way out of proportion. And when Gaston invented his composite pistol back in the early 80's, it was far, far and away better than the other competitors.....and this dominance lasted for quite some time.

Now there are certainly players who have caught up, but because Glock was dominate for so long it's led to an inflated mindset of what it really is currently.

I could see where some might overrate the glock. It's hard not to.

I kind of see others trying to imitate, not actually being the overall quality of the glock in general. And like I said, S&W has to actually pay glock a portion of certain firearms sold. The courts basically said S&W is selling glocks. Essentially with those weapons you're using a glock like gun that's not the real deal. Personally, I'd rather have the actual glock.

Another aspect is durability. Those 300 dollar glock imitators are not going to hold up as long, parts aren't as cheap, and it's harder to maintain them. Not that they're bad guns. They're not. But did you k ow you can send your glock into Georgia and they will replace half of the gun, for free, even if it's due to rounds. It's unbelievable service matched by absolutely no one.

Glock also has the best accessories that are factory made by glock, such as the extended magazines that are awesome.

With all of that said, glock came together in the 80's using the knowledge of elite marksman, law enforcement experts, and safety experts. It's everything someone needs. Yes there are imitators, yes glock fan boys probably overrate them (to an extent), yea there's other quality guns. But if you ask a real gun expert or shop owner/cop, glock is the most trusted name in the business, and it's for a reason. We're not crazy.

So I'd disagree slightly with your assertion but I agree glock is not the only good gun out there.

 

[BlueRaider22]

^Doesnt sound like you disagree at all. You basically just said what I've been trying to say.

 

[Xception]

This is my setup with , the viridian is a very nice attachment . The pulsing light is devastating to an intruders vision , the green laser is wildly effective .

 

[Blueathletics]

This is my setup with , the viridian is a very nice attachment . The pulsing light is devastating to an intruders vision , the green laser is wildly effective .

What pistol is that? Beretta?

 

[Blueathletics]

Go to a range and shoot one first. Find a range with multiple rental guns and spend the time and money to shoot several in the same size range if you can. Just because a gun gets great reviews, doesn't mean it is going to work for you, and you may end up hating to shoot what you bought, which defeats the purpose.

I have several friends who are the "Glocks are the best gun ever!" kind of people, and I have a ton of respect for Glocks because they are a rock solid firearm, but after shooting them multiple times, the ergonomics didn't work for me. The grip just didn't feel right in my hand, and I didn't really like to shoot it, so had I bought one I either would have shelved it due to lack of use, or sold it for a loss. (That is based on the high capacity Glocks, and I have not fired a compact one - those may be different, so like all opinions, mine may be wrong for you)

I own and carry a Shield, and love the thing, but I took the time to shoot it first to make sure. It is extremely accurate (especially with a heavier defensive round - I carry with the new Browning BXP 147 grain, which is handy because they make a practice round with the exact same powder load and ballistics, so you can practice with what you are going to carry without shooting the expensive rounds), recoil is smooth, and it conceals relatively well. Very nice weapon.

Any places like this around Louisville or general vicinity? TIA

 

[Johns721]

Any places like this around Louisville or general vicinity? TIA

Knob Creek down off Dixie Highway has a pretty large rental collection. $10 a day to shoot, plus ammo and rental. Outdoor range, and it can get crowded.

Open Range in Crestwood is my favorite - newer range, all indoor, and they do have rentals. May want to call and see if they have a Shield in the rental pool tho.

Not sure about TG&G over off Newburg Rd - I would assume they do the same thing, but have never shot there.

 

[BlueRaider22]

What pistol is that? Beretta?

Beretta PX4 Storm series. They're supposed to be pretty darn nice from what I read. They're hoping the series is popular enough to take over for the old 92 series.

I've wanted to shoot one to see about the rotating barrel system. Granted, it's not the only weapon system ever to have it but it's likely the one I'd be most likely to try.