M&P Shield 9 vs FNS-9c

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ingEneer22

New member
Looking for a 9mm carry option. After comparing a few single stack front-runners, I've narrowed it down to the Shield with an Apex trigger kit (of course ). I really like my buddies FNS-9, fantastic gun but the FNS-9c caught my eye when it came out as a viable carry option.

Easy answer is to buy both, but as for most of us, money is an object. So my question goes out to anyone who owns the FNS-9c. Do you use this as your carry gun? I'm going for comfort here, trying to stay cool this summer while carrying. Anyone carry the FNS-9c and wish they had a single stack carry piece?

Please chime in if you have both!
 
If you're looking at the FNS-9c, why are you comparing it to the Shield instead of the M&P 9c, which is basically the same size as the FNS?

I would take the M&P 9c w/ Apex trigger in that situation.

For maximum concealability, the Shield is a great option. Just seems odd to compare the single stack to the double stack. The Shield is obviously much slimmer at the expense of diminished capacity.
 
Obviously, the single stack would offer more concealability. But I know some people don't mind the added width and increase in magazine capacity. Having never carried a 9mm as my CCW, I am trying to get an idea what people prefer. It's less of a S&W vs FNH question and more of a single vs double stack. Like I said, I've had my eye on the FNS-9c since it was released. But if people prefer the single stack route, my choice would be the Shield.
 
If you want the FN then get it.

I like my shield, the thin single stack design is good for carry. It's not a bad shooter either.

I also have a m&p compact, and I really like it as well. I did a trigger job on it and polished it up. Almost as good as an apex... almost...


Any m&p with the apex trigger will be superior trigger wise to the FN I feel. I believe the m&p compact is a bit smaller in a few dimensions, and the shield is definitely thinner.
 
I rarely carry anything smaller than a compact, and frequently carry a full size. For the past week or two, I've been carrying my Sig P320C. Other common guns in my rotation are the VP9, M&P 9 full size, Glock 17, and sometimes the USP 45 or Sig P226/P229.

I do want to pick up a Shield to have for the times when something like the P320 C is just a little too big, but I've been saying that for a couple of years. :) I just like bigger guns, and they don't cause me much grief to carry. Of course my state and my employer are pretty gun friendly so I'm not too worried about it. Your daily routine may dictate otherwise.
 
Don't have the FNS compact, if its anything like the full size its a winner, my FNX has been nothing but awesome.

With that said, I own both a shield and MP9C I carry the MP9C. I really cant tell much difference when carrying either pistol, I just prefer the MP9C cause it fits my hands a bit better.

I did compare a FNS and MP compacts at a LGS recently, they are basically the same pistol size wise. I do plan on picking up a FNS compact in 40.

The FNS has the better trigger when compared to either the shield or the MP. Throw an aftermarket Apex at the MP or shield then its a different story.
 
I have a Shield in 9mm and an FNS9c. For IWB carry, I prefer the Shield...mostly because of the thinness of the single stack. I have IWB carried the full sized M&P9 and also a G17 in the past. While I had no problems with either, I just find the Shield more comfortable.

As to triggers, I will disagree a little. I find the stock Shield trigger to be slightly preferable to the stock FNS trigger. The pull weight seems similar. The break is similar. The reset is similar. But the Shield trigger is less spongy on initial take up and the take up distance is shorter.

They are both reliable and great shooters. But I agree, the main question is whether you would prefer the double stack (and the increased capacity but slightly less IWB comfort that brings) over the slim comfort of a single stack with less capacity. After trying it all, I've decided for the comfort of the single stack Shield.

I would also point out that capacity issues can be overcome by carrying an extra magazine of ammo...which is a good idea anyway (in case of primary magazine failure/malfunction).
 
The Shield is my daily CCW.

I, too, thought that I would get the Apex... No need at all. After a few hundred rounds I have began to appreciate the way it breaks and, after being "broken in" isn't bad at all.

I carry mine IWB around 3:30.

The ONLY "must-have" modification for me was some floor plate finger extensions for the 7-round magazines.
 
Personally, I would go with the M&P Shield. I have never owned an FN, but I have heard nothing but great things about the shield, and every S&W firearm I've owned has been excellent. If I ever get my CHL, I will be carrying a Shield.
 
Recently bought the Shield and very happy with it. Both Glock and Kel Tec triggers hurt my finger after not too many rounds . The Shield trigger remains comfortable and recoil is minimal. Recommend the original version with thumb safety as trigger does not have much travel before discharge . Latest Guns and Ammo came today and has good article comparing these small 9mm's including the Shield.
 
I have the Shield 9, M&P9c and FNS9c. They are all excellent pistols, but I spend most of my time in Florida, which means that I am usually in shorts and a t-shirt, which also means that concealment is a big deal. In my experience, for concealment, the Shield wins hands down. I have several 380 pistols which conceal even better in my situation, but I feel much more confident with a 9mm at least, if I can comfortably conceal it.
 
Sounds like Shield wins! lol I'll probably end up getting an FNS9c as funds allow anyway.

Thanks for all the great input!
 
It looks like you have chosen the Shield (which is what I would have picked), but I will put in my 2 cents anyway. It is the age old question of capacity vs comfort and concelabilitey. As a LEO, I have seen and been involved in a few shootings. Most shootings involve 3 to 4 rounds fired and occur inside of 7 yards. These numbers include both police and non police shooting. Given the Shield holds 8 or 9 rounds, this makes it well suited for most situations. It is "possible" to need more rounds, but not very likely. As someone stated above, you or your wife can always cary the second magazine that comes with the gun.

At 7 yards, I can put all of my rounds inside a 2 inch circle with my Shield, and so can anyone else with a little practice. This means the slightly smaller site radius of the Shield is not much of an issue at 5 to 10 yards. It is certainly conceivable a shooting could occur at 25 yards, but it is not very likely.

As far as concealing the Shield I highly recommend a Crossbreed Holster. I have both the IWB and OWB holsters from Crossbreed. With either one I can wear the Shield with just an untucked T-shirt, and it is virtually invisible. With their IWB, you can even tuck in your shirt and the gun is very difficult to detect.

Last, let me comment on the Apex trigger. I have one and love it on my M&P 45, which is my duty weapon. I chose not to put one on my Shield because I bought mine with no external safety. One of the great things about the Shield, is the ability to just drop it in your pocket if you are just running out to the store, or wherever. Without a safety and with a 3.5 to 4.5 trigger pull, I feel this would be unsafe. If you are not going to pocket cary or you get the external safety I do recommend the Apex trigger.
 
Random thoughts:

- The FNS can also be had with or without the thumb safety. As a long-time 1911 shooter I kinda like the safety yet my FNSc is without one.

- The FNS and FNX use completely different trigger and firing methods. Striker versus DA/SA hammer. So saying that liking one will mean you like the other is a bit of a stretch.

- The FNS compact has slide and barrel which are .5 inch longer than the Shield's, and it is a soft and accurate shooter. There is a little more power out of the longer barrel but I'm not sure it would ever make a difference.

Bart Noir
 
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