This semi-auto seems simple enough.
Posted on 06/19/2015 5:23:06 PM PDT by Skooz
After doing due diligence researching a high quality, yet affordable, handgun for concealed carry purposes (as well as the first handgun I will own) I've decided on the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield.
I'm still not sure if I'll go with the 9mm or .40. Any ideas on that?
Like I said, this is my first ever handgun purchase, having owned only rifles and shotguns in the past, so I think this will be a fine starter handgun for a middle aged rookie.
I know FR is populated with experts and I greatly value your opinions. Please advise. Thanks.
I have come to appreciate model 19/66 pieces more than I used to.
I agree on the Glock. It’s Sweet!
My wife’s carry gun is a PX4 in .45.She found a very nice purse with an internal holster.Some mugger is going to end up with a big surprise.
66 was my first.
Still have it.
This semi-auto seems simple enough.
I will start by saying that I don’t carry, but I have shot a lot of revolvers and some automatics. First pick a gun that you like. Then see if you can hit anything with it. Go with a gun that you like to shoot and that you can hit what you shoot at.
Personally, I preferr a .22 calibre auto or a Smith & Wesson K-22. Fun and cheap to shoot.
I’ve been quite satisfied with the 9mm. It’s been 100% reliable with any brand of brass ammo. I don’t run steel through my handguns.
Weight, feel and concealability are good. With quality self defense ammo a 9mm has plenty of stopping power. And it’s nice when your carry guns use the same caliber.
Mr. GG2 just came home this afternoon with the mini me of the Springfield Armory XDM. The XDS in 9 mm. It is one sweet little cc.
Buy the Glock in 40 S&W then use a replacement bareel to go down to 9mm if the 40 is too much for you. I have done this and am very satisfied. I went with the smaller Glock for carry and put a Wolfe barrel in it to convert to 0mm. You can use the 40 mags, too. Just carefully pinch the feed to the 9mm separation.
It’s really nice when your long gun and handgun use the same ammo.I bought my wife a CX4 in 9mm to use with her 92fs.Both guns use the same mags,it’s very handy.
I’m of the school that you don’t carry your weapon in a purse because it’s the first thing someone is going to try to grab. I also have a friend who was car jacked and she couldn’t get to her purse. Of course every situation is different, but I prefer to have mine on me.
I do love shooting that Beretta though!
Hickok45 has several M&P Shield youtube videos if you haven’t seen them.
9mm is your best choice. Ammunition is cheaper than .40 and the Shield is a small, light gun that is very snappy in .40.
Geez, is that real?
Advice from one of my instructors....
Use the ammo the local police force uses. Most likely either .40 or 9mm. The reason was that if you are ever forced to use your weapon you can’t be blamed for using a cop killer dum dum instant super duper death armor piercing teflon coated bullets.
Both 40 and 9mm should be fairly easy to find and inexpensive (relatively speaking)so range time won’t bankrupt you.
Don’t take it on a canoe
Now THAT is a derringer....I remember in Infantry Training at Camp Pendleton in 1966 when we were doing “fam firing” of all the toys, that the instructor told us that .50 cal rounds were costing ‘your government’ 80 cents apiece....but they were damn near as big as a happy pecker.
Collect ‘em all!
For conceal carry, I prefer a revolver. Chances are that any situation will be at close range and a revolver will never jam.
As many others have said, 9mm is great for both price and availability. I have both 9 and 40, and prefer the 9. The 40 gets painful after more than a few rounds.
I don’t know if you’re committed to your decision yet, but something else you might want to have a look at is the Ruger LC9s. I have one and it’s a great little concealer.
Regards,
Only question is caliber choice:
If you are male, no hand. arm strength problems, want some of the best stopping power (on par with .45) go with .40
Otherwise, 9mm.
Some observations:
Get a responsible FFL to let you run 50 rounds through both before you buy, with understanding you will get one of them from him when you decide.
Practice. At least 300 rounds when you get gun, including some in very bad light, with of hand, after a mile run.
Practice hot changing the magazine
If you are not a current pistol shooter, it is not natural. Things you will learn to do if you don’t get some instruction can be some very bad habits. Get that instruction from a COMBAT pistol shooter, not a target shooter.
Practice, at least 100 round a month.
If you carry, always carry. Never try to decide “if you might need it.” The day you need it and leave it home will probably turn out to be a very bad day.
Pistol does not make you a cop. If you carry a pistol, carry a cellphone. Notice a problem, call the cops, stand back and observe.
Pistol does not make you God. The ONLY time you ever shoot is to save the life of yourself or someone you know. Few years ago in NYC, legal carrier almost shot two street bums attacking a guy in a $800 suit. Turned out the street people were two cops and the “suit” a very wanted child molester.
If you ever shoot anyone, remember the mantra: “He said he was going to kill me and I believed him. I’m sorry, Officer, but right now I’m too shook up to say anything more. Please speak with my lawyer.” Repeat that to anyone who asks you anything, even what time is it?. NO MEDIA INTERVIEWS!
Finally, in the end, if you ever have to shoot anyone, use good ammo and 9? / 40? Won’t make much difference.
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