The shield disappears in comparison to the subcompact. I carry an SR9c and the shield feels half as thin and lighter.

 

Need really doesn't matter. Have both. I had a M&P 40 compact and 9mm shield. Sold the compact because the shield was more comfortable in the hand and for daily carrying. Have a full size M&P 40 for the "bigger" jobs/needs anyway.

 

I had a 40c as me EDC for 8 months, I loved it. The Shield 9mm I am currently wearing on my hip in 9mm is MUCH easier to carry. The 40c weighed 33-34 oz loaded and was a bit of a fatty. The Shield weighs 22oz loaded and is akin to Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (think really skinny). Yes, you need them both.

 

I think both would be a great option. I am not an M&P guy but I own both the Glock 43 and 27. They both have there roles in my carry lineup. Get both!

 

I agree with what others have said - get both, and carry the 40c when you can, and the Shield when you must. Win/win!

 

If it is legal to keep a handgun in your vehicle then the 40 Compact shouldn't take up much room in the glovebox.

 

I guess I have no place in this thread. Next thing you know, credit sized guns are the rage. I carry full sized, concealed with no problems

 

I went the other way - sold the Shield after acquiring a 9c. I shoot the compact noticeably better than the Shield which may be due to my large hands and my being an old fart Dexterity and hand strength wane as the years grow long and I finally decided I wasn't shooting any of the single stacks wrll enough to maintain the standards I desire. The 9c runs great for me and I really don't find it much more difficult to carry concealed that the Shield. I carry AIWB which is rather forgiving though. Hip carry may well favor the Shield to a greater degree.

 

I have and carry both. If you only have the funds for one, get the Shield first. It is so light and thin it can be carried any time with just about any clothing. My Shield40 is my summer carry when it is too hot to wear a cover shirt, which here in the Pacific NW is about 4 months out of the year. The other 8 months I always wear a cover shirt, which allows me to carry my M&P40c. However I really should have just gotten a full size M&P in hindsight, as I always carry it with the FS mag with X grip adaptor. Having a cover shirt makes just about anything concealable. FYI- for me, I found the M&P40c to be just too fat and heavy for summer carry, compared to the SVELTE Shield. . .

 

I have a shield and a FS .40
the shield is my EDC, it does conceal really well , but I shoot my FS much better and more comfortably so I do carry that when 'clothing permits"
I'm actually on the fence about dumping both and just getting a .40 compact, as I find the grip on the shield a little thin and not
as comfortable as a double stack and I think I could conceal a .40C well enough to get by.
Still working that one out as the shield really does conceal nicely (I have a stealth gear onyx and it vanishes in that thing)

 

I can carry my G27 nearly as easy as my Shield. Have you looked into different holsters and belts? One or both could make a huge difference.

 

Everyone has their opinions, and this is a good thing, so I'll offer mine as well.

The M&P 9 Shield is one of the best small, near subcompact, pistols that you can carry. It offers the bearer closer and more discreet concealment, should that be their wont, and in increase of comfort, should that also be their wont and need. Most people who carry have a number of sidearms in their carry stable from which to choose and I am no exception to this. My primary EDC is either a gen3 Glock 23 or a gen3 Glock 19. I also have several M&P's in this mix, along with a couple of other brands and models.

But the M&P Shield stands alone in its utility and feature set for its size and purpose. It is the best of its type I have ever owned.

 

Here my take I bought the M&P40c last summer adore and shoot it very well. I also bought an xds 45c the same month. At 1st I didn't shoot the springfield xds 45 as well as the M&P 40 c but after getting use to it we are there. The xds carries better and is lighter than the 40c . I am keeping bolth. Take a look at the xds 45 as 2nd option.

 

I carry a 40c as my EDC but I do have something similar to the Shield's thinness for when I can't. Fair warning though, the Shield is not a pocket gun. It must be worn. The Ruger LC9s is just small enough to fit in a pocket and is still 7+1.

 

Yes I have the original LC9 and pocket carry it.

 

If you can afford both, add a shield. I carry one everyday and love it!

 

Thanks for the replys. My LGS will get a me deal one and I will prob add soon.

 

I have a Shield and love it. Its in my carry rotation.

 

You can hardly get a better carry semi auto than the Shield. Really. Slim, lightweight and super reliable. Love mine.

I have 2 guns I carry based on conditions. The Shield and a J frame and that's it.

 

I wanted to get some opinions my situation...I have a an M&P40c and I like it. I carry it about everyday. Yes, for those of you that are already thinking about Glock...I have a G19gen4 as well, but I wear slacks and a polo everyday and have been thinking I need something slimmer or smaller...I have been considering purchasing a shield 9mm. The sizing isn't a lot but it is noticeable from the compact. Do I need both a compact and a shield, should I have one over the other? It would become my EDC over the compact. Thoughts?

YES! You need both!

 

Have y'all ever noticed that the firearm someone picks is ALWAYS the one that they truly believe and earnestly suggest that... everyone ELSE pick? IMHO, justification & validation are simply ego monsters!

Pick what fits you, your situation & your preferences the best. Oh! And only HITS COUNT! :yup:

 

What you're missing with your post is this...

"I wanted to get some opinions my situation.."

That is how the OP began this thread. He specifically requested opinions. And that is what he has received. I fail to see any ego monsters in all of this when it is opinions that are being sought. Of course, the final decision is the OP's to take as well it should be.

Hopefully we have served him well with his request and he will be in a position to take a decision that best suits his wants, needs, and requirements.

 

Along that line I much prefer the concealability of my Glock 43 over my Glock 19. I just got my deep conceal holster yesterday so it's off to work we go. If it was my Glock 19 I wouldn't even consider it. I need to get to a range and rent a shield to see how it feels and shoots, just for my own curiosity.