reynolds357 said:
I actually ordered one of the 40c from cdnn before the thread got any responses. It seems to be a price I could not turn down. I got to thinking, I already have a Walther PPSM2 9mm so might as well get the 40c.
I think you made the right choice, especially if you already have a mini-9/40 sized gun.
I don't have the Shield but I do have a SIG P290RS. I recently bought a S&W M&P40c when Buds had them on sale for $350. I'm starting to think it may be the perfect carry gun.
At the range it is accurate, and so far it has been 100% reliable.
For a long time, I felt that the M&P and M&P Compact fit my hand perfectly. I love the feel with the medium backstrap. What always stopped me from buying was the trigger. Well, I think they have either greatly improved it, or I've gotten used to it, because it really isn't bad for a striker fired pistol. Meanwhile, it still fits my hand very well (
almost as well as a CZ 75 or a 1911). The hand fit, plus a decent, a light trigger probably do a lot to help with the accuracy I already mentioned. In addition, it is quite comfortable to shoot (surprisingly I like it best with the flush as opposed to the one with the pinky rest).
Compared to my P290 for concealment, sure the P290 is a little easier. However, the M&Pc is far from difficult to conceal IWB. The tiny bit of comfort you give up with the double stack v. the single stack I believe is more than made up for by improvements in function. It is easy to shoot accurately (so is the P290 for its size, but the M&Pc is an improvement), the wider grip helps tame the .40S&W's recoil for faster follow up shots, and capacity is greater. Carry with the 10 round flush mags for concealment (2-4 more rounds than my P290 depending upon which mag I pick), and you can carry the full size M&P40 15 round mags for reloads. If your concealment needs for the day allow a larger grip, carry with the 15 round mags with a mag sleeve.
So, just right size (not too small, not too big), capacity, .40S&W power, reasonable recoil control with that .40S&W power, reliability and accuracy. As I said at the beginning, it just may be the perfect striker fired carry pistol.