M&P Shield vs Compact

[Frito Bandido]

I already own an M&P 40 & 22 and they are both awesome... just not sure the 40 is well suited for concealed carry.

Considering either the Shield in 9mm or the 40c to SSE... leaning more towards the 40c as it's standard capacity mags hold 10 rounds (CA limit) and the grip (with pinky extension) is pretty much the same as my full size 40 & 22 which I am accustomed to shooting.

What do you all think on the size differences between the Shield and the Compact? Is it significant enough to really consider the Shield? I've never held the Shield so I'm looking for some feedback from those who have experience with both.

[BajaJames83]

I have a fullsize .40, compact and shield the .40 shield handles just fine im 6'2" 225

and the size difference is pretty significant if you plan to carry.

[FUBAR]

I've had both the Shield and Compact in 9mm. The Shield is easier to conceal and more comfortable to carry but the Compact allows you to utilize higher capacity magazines for those who can. Personally, I wouldn't use the Shield as a primary carry weapon but would make an awesome BUG. I think the Compact is a good compromise for concealability and firepower but then I carry a Glock G19 with G17 mags for reloads.

[riderr]

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=shield%20vs%20compact&sm=3

[Marquand]

Hard to make concealed carry recommendations for others. Some of us can hide larger and thicker guns than others (mostly because those of us who can are larger and thicker than others). It does seem pretty safe to say that the Shield would be easier to conceal than the Compact but how much easier? That's subjective.

The main difference is the width. If you can conceal your full size M&P, the Compact would be a little easier due to slightly shorter length and height and it would therefore be a smart choice due to the magazine compatibility factor. If you can't convincingly conceal your full size M&P then the Compact probably won't hide that much better. In this case, the Shield would be preferable.

[scootle]

magazine compatibility with what you already own is a factor, imho... it was for me, which is why i have a 9c.

also, the 9c can take "regular" picatinny rail-mounted lights, if you opt for that.

this might not matter for everyone, obviously.

also, this video is decent for comparison:

[DRAB_81]

When choosing a carry gun, the most important factor (once you decide Caliber & platform) is how you actually carry the gun. After trying just about everything, I prefer AIWB, and I found that my Shield wasn't any easier to conceal than my G19 (not a M&P40C, but close enough). If it was IWB @4:30/5:00, it might have made a difference, but it definitely would have made a difference if I carried OWB.

[Frito Bandido]

Hard to make concealed carry recommendations for others. Some of us can hide larger and thicker guns than others (mostly because those of us who can are larger and thicker than others). It does seem pretty safe to say that the Shield would be easier to conceal than the Compact but how much easier? That's subjective.

The main difference is the width. If you can conceal your full size M&P, the Compact would be a little easier due to slightly shorter length and height and it would therefore be a smart choice due to the magazine compatibility factor. If you can't convincingly conceal your full size M&P then the Compact probably won't hide that much better. In this case, the Shield would be preferable.

I don't have a holster but I've tried seeing how the full conceals just sticking it in the waistband of my pants. I can conceal the full size OK.. you can't really tell if I'm wearing a sweatshirt, but when I bend over the grip prints.

I'm quite tall and not exactly a lightweight, just have never carried since I've only ever lived in Mexico and California

[Frito Bandido]

magazine compatibility with what you already own is a factor, imho... it was for me, which is why i have a 9c.

also, the 9c can take "regular" picatinny rail-mounted lights, if you opt for that.

this might not matter for everyone, obviously.

also, this video is decent for comparison:

Good video, thanks for that!

[DRAB_81]

I don't have a holster but I've tried seeing how the full conceals just sticking it in the waistband of my pants. I can conceal the full size OK.. you can't really tell if I'm wearing a sweatshirt, but when I bend over the grip prints.

I'm quite tall and not exactly a lightweight, just have never carried since I've only ever lived in Mexico and California

Stuffing a gun in your pants isn't a very accurate way to find out whether you can conceal that particular gun (unless you plan to carry that way, and in that case look into the MIC style trigger guard holsters). A good holster can make concealment much better, but they add a decent amount of thickness & change the ride height, so they can also make it worse. Judging from what you said, I'm guessing you plan to carry IWB @4:30/5:00 position. In that case, the Shield in something like a CompTac MTAC will most likely conceal better than the 40C.

[scootle]

The main difference is the width. If you can conceal your full size M&P, the Compact would be a little easier due to slightly shorter length and height and it would therefore be a smart choice due to the magazine compatibility factor. If you can't convincingly conceal your full size M&P then the Compact probably won't hide that much better. In this case, the Shield would be preferable.

Actually, grip length is often the big issue, but this also depends on the cant you like to carry. I'm 5'9, 145 lbs or so, so it's hard for me to hide the full-length grip on my full-sized M&P9 without the butt of the grip printing all over the place, however, the 9c with the flat-baseplate short mags hides reasonably well IWB just behind the hip at ~4:00.

Since I like to run a weaponlight, if possible, my 9c with TLR-3 works great IWB in a Raven Concealment Phantom with a combination of tuckable IWB loops and an offset wing.

[Marquand]

scootle is correct and I should have stated my comment more clearly:

"The main difference between the Compact and the Shield is the width."

Most people who find that their concealed carry pistol prints can blame the grip length, just as scootle states. A shorter grip, even 1/2 an inch shorter, can make a world of difference.

In my limited concealed carry experience I've found that a thinner firearm, even with a longer grip, allows for more variation in carry location. A lot of times, the chosen spot for CCW hinges as much on comfort as it does concealability. However, once that spot is chosen, a shorter grip or flat magazine baseplate can determine just how hidden your hidden pistol really is.

[irishdrums]

I carry an M&P 40compact everyday. I am 5'10" and 210 pounds. I carry IWB at about 5 o'clock. I have tried abdominal carry with this and it is next to impossible for me to comfortably carry. IWB it conceals great, and I do not really have any issues with printing.

[phase1]

I had a m&p9c then I bought a glock 19 , there basically the same size so i sold the m&p9c, since it only hold 10rds & my glock 19 holds 15rds

Now that I have a 19 I would choose a shield

[darksands]

I have a MP9c and I recently reserved a Shield. They will be falling off the roster in a few months so at least it has some resale value if I feel that I don't really need it but I've shot both and I like both. Never can have too many guns...