LC9 or M&P Shield?

[Legasat]

For me its an easy call...Shield. Great trigger, easy to shoot.

[CK_32]

I'm not sure of performance only shooting the full size M&P and not liking it much.

But soaly on looks wise I'd go M&P. the LC looks like bonds gun too much to me. But it does look dam sleek and small and great for CCW. But again just on looks I like the M&Ps better.

But just to be that guy I still say look at mini Glocks and that's speaking all performance wise. Probably not as sleek and comfortable for CCW but they shoot that's for sure. At least mine do.

[Dannicus]

The trigger on the shield feels different than the M&Ps I've shot. There's less travel before the break. I must say that tiny little thumb safety on the shield is so small I wouldn't trust myself to get it off under pressure. I'd definitely always leave it off.

LIke CK said, the mini glocks are good pistols. The extra bulk is definitely noticeable, tho. I went from an LC9 to a G26 and the G26 feels like a brick under your belt comparatively. I went with an XDS and it's like its not even there now.

[kauaibuilt]

Ive owned a G26, LC9, Shield .40, and Shield 9... Only one I still have is the Shield 9.

Triggers
Kahr (since someone else mentioned it) - shot a friends 45. HATED the trigger pull. Long, began to stack about 1/2 way through the pull, need to let the trigger completely out for it to reset.
LC9 - HATED the trigger pull. Long, I dont remember it having any stacking, need to let the trigger completely out for it to reset. I did get a trigger job (Galloway precision) done to it which shortened the pull but still....
Shield - Best trigger of the lot. Im not big on trigger "reset" but I am big on not having to travel the whole distance for it to reset. No stacking - only gets better with use and/or apex parts.
G26 - its a glock...

Size - LC9/Shield: comparable. Never did compare them side x side though.
- Shield/G26: width difference is huge. I was wearing some old jeans (before I gained the sympathy pregnancy weight) and couldnt IWB my G26 but shield fit nicely. I cant fit my pinky on the G26 but the bottom of the shield mag prints.
- Shield is not really a pocket gun, never tried carrying the LC9 that way.

Holsters - if you have m&p9c holsters, some will fit a shield without issues (hybrid leather/kydex especially).

Takedown - DO NOT take the LC9 down completely. Theres some HARD, small parts to get put back in. Shield is just as easy as a fullsize.

[nikki#2]

The trigger on the shield feels different than the M&Ps I've shot. There's less travel before the break. I must say that tiny little thumb safety on the shield is so small I wouldn't trust myself to get it off under pressure. I'd definitely always leave it off.

LIke CK said, the mini glocks are good pistols. The extra bulk is definitely noticeable, tho. I went from an LC9 to a G26 and the G26 feels like a brick under your belt comparatively. I went with an XDS and it's like its not even there now.

I can confirm Dannicus' words regarding the M&P's as I sit here testing the triggers and racking the slides. Been a glock user for years. However....


S&W Shield FTW!

[Garrett128]

Like others above have said, the Shield trigger reset is what makes the difference. Makes accuracy much better for follow up shots. Both are reliable guns.

Also, LC9s are plentiful and Shields are hard to find.

[nickel plate]

I don't care for the long (longer) trigger pull on the LC9. I recently tried a Shield, and really liked it. Of course, that may be because I already own an M&P9 and M&P9c. When the Shield finally gets here, it will get added to my permit.

OP, have you had the opportunity to fire, or at least dry fire these 2 guns?

Unless you're waiting on the California version, SSE Shields are right in your own backyard. Wild Bill's.

[trendar5]

I have owned both, still have the shield, got rid of the LC9. enough said

Ditto. I like everything about the Shield better than the LC9.

[NATEWA]

I have a lc9 that I bought a couple of years ago.

Bad:
2-3 misfires within the first hundred rounds
Loooonnnngggg trigger, double click reset
Front sight drifted
Rear sight screw loosened
Mag disconnect safety
External safety
Only one mag provided

Good (after installing a galloway trigger kit and removing mag disconnect safety):

Comfortable to shoot with pinky extension
No more misfires
Trigger is so much better!!!
Still has the double click reset but clicks are closer together
Carries well in pocket (cargo shorts) without pinky extension
Small and light
I shoot well with it
Comfortable to carry all day

The galloway trigger kit is what sold me on this gun! Prior to that, I considered selling it. The lc9 is the perfect balance, weight and size. I put locktite on the front and rear sights and that has kept them in place. I had a magazine come flying out after I shot about 4 months ago. I'm not sure if it was operator error or the gun? I contacted Ruger and they sent me a new mag.

I've never shot or carried the shield. I have handled it and dry fired it. It has a great feel and awesome trigger. However, it felt a little more bulky than my lc9. I don't know what the weight difference is between the two but this should be a consideration if you plan to carry for long periods of time.

If you are in the sac or Elk Grove area, I'd be happy to meet up with you at the range so you can shoot my lc9. That is probably the best way to decide between the two, shoot them and see which one you feel more comfortable with and shoot better with.

Nate

[NATEWA]

Here is a review with pics. Like I said, it really depends on which gun shoots well for you and how you intend to carry. I like to carry in my pocket - looks like a cell phone/wallet, is comfortable, and discreet. I also like the versacarry for quick trips. The versacarry is not comfortable for long periods because the external safety digs into your skin.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/244765-m-p9-shield-ruger-lc9-pics.html

Good luck and let us all know what you get.

[gograsshopper]

Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I decided on the LC9 as the M&P Shield's too hard to get. No one in town seems to have it. There's another gun that I read up on and wanted to get which is the Springfield XDs, but it's not available to purchase in CA. I'm going to play with the LC9 for a while and let the little lady try it out.

Nate thanks, I may take you up on that one of these days and see the improvement you'd made on your LC9.