Do you own a CM9 and a Shield?

[modraker]

Maybe you can save me a trip to the gun store. I am interested in picking up a CM9 for pocket carry but I'd like to get two fingers on the grip like I can on my Shield. If you own both, could you tell me how their grips compare? Thanks in advance.

[gmcjetpilot]

Maybe you can save me a trip to the gun store. I am interested in picking up a CM9 for pocket carry but I'd like to get two fingers on the grip like I can on my Shield. If you own both, could you tell me how their grips compare? Thanks in advance.Yep two fingers. I like the CM9 because it is not as wide and really feel like I can grip it. My Glock 26 is the same, two fingers, but is thicker. The Gen 4 I have has different back straps to adjust width. I have the thinner blackstrap on. The G26 has less recoil and nicest trigger of any 9mm I ever shot, so the G26 is best on the range even though the grip is not as nice as the CM9. I have to admit I have a G19 magazine with X-grip extension. There is nothing like getting all 3 fingers on it, but the extra length of the grip would likely print more in a side holster.

You really need to shoot them. I really liked my Ruger LC9, but the trigger was not as nice as the CM9, and the G26 trigger is even better than the CM9. I have heard people don't get along with the Shield trigger, others like it? Go figure. All very personal.

I never owned a Shield. My main comment is the Shield is bigger and not a pocket Gun. The CM9 can be put in a pocket. I have to say pocket carry is not my choice in carry "system, but it is nice to have the option. I do pocket the CM9 some times. If I could only have/own one carry pistol... Glock 26 Gen 4.

My CM9 and Glock 26 Gen 4 share carry duty. I really like the CM9, because it is smaller and lighter than the G26. The CM9 is one of the smallest and lower weight 9mm pistols. The differences in size and weight can be small from gun to gun. It is how you bond with it. You can't go wrong with either Shield or CM9.

It depends on how you carry. Also like shoes and clothes, it is good to have more than one pair of shoes, shirt and pants for different occasions. Some times I wear the G26 and other times, the CM9 is best fit.

[modraker]

Thank you for the great advice, gmcjetpilot. I traded in my CW9 for the Shield because I wanted to upgrade to a 40 and I thought the CW40 might have more recoil than I want. However, I miss my Kahr and it occurs to me that I could purchase a CM9 for summer pocket carry.

[gmcjetpilot]

Thank you for the great advice, gmcjetpilot. I traded in my CW9 for the Shield because I wanted to upgrade to a 40 and I thought the CW40 might have more recoil than I want. However, I miss my Kahr and it occurs to me that I could purchase a CM9 for summer pocket carry.Good choice, you will like it.

[muggsy]

The 40 S&W has a lot more bark for very little more bite than the 9MM. If I were making the jump it would be to a .45, not a .40 S&W.

[CZB1962]

I have owned a CM9 for 5-6 months now and have always loved it. It is my everyday carry.

However I had always been curious about the Shield and wanted to try one. Well I finally got the chance to pick one up on Thursday and I went to the range today.

They are both very nice. The CM is about .5" to .75" less in both directions but they are both about the same thickness. The Sheild's grip is a little wider (not thicker) than the CM9. Neither has room for your pinky unless you use the extended grip which I don't like.

The Shield seems to have slightly less recoil, but not by too much.

The trigger is where I think the main differences really stand out. The CM is a very smooth long trigger pull. The Shield is also long but has a much more gritty feel to it. The Kahr clearly wins here IMO.

One place the Shield rules is in dis-assembly. I have always found it a PIA to have to hold the slide back while I try to push the pin out on the CM. With the Shield, you simply lock the slide back, flip a lever near the slide, release the slide and pull the trigger while you slide it forward. Much simpler. I would also give the Shield a slight advantage on the sights. They just seemed clearer.

The Shield has the trigger safety as well as a manual safety. Some people may like this, but for me the long pull of the Kahr is the safety. I also feel that if I ever needed it in a hurry, a manual safety could be the step that cost you valuable time.

All in all I will give the edge to the CM9. I was able to keep a more consistent grouping and it just felt more substantial in my hand. I don't think most people would be disappointed with either though.

[340pd]

I have both a PM9 and a Shield. The Shield is a larger gun. I do not consider it in any way to be a "pocket gun" but everyones definition of a "pocket" is different. For me it is a pair of lightweight wool slacks without the gun printing. Kahr works, the Shield does not even approach that criteria.
I have large hands and the Shield with the small 7 round mag allows me two and a half fingers on the grip. The PM9 is only two fingers but I do have a modified grip extension on one of my mags that makes it about a half finger longer. With length comes concealability.
I always add the two guns trigger systems are totally different, so try before you buy if you can.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/gnystrom_photos/KahrShield-1.jpg

[man1nboat]

I had the shield and was rather disappointed with it. It's "large" for a compact gun, and it just felt clumsy at the slide. For the money it's a great gun though.. Probably me... As for your question, I have medium hands and own a PM40 which is similar in grip size to the CM9 and find that the grip is better on the Kahr and somehow find drawing it better too... The Kahr is also thinner, has fewer side controls and I have come to like the trigger smoothness ...

[kwh]

I have a CM9 and a .40 Shield. Two finger grip CM9 and 3 finger grip for the Shield, both using standard, not extended magazine. I never found the two finger grip to be a problem with the CM.

[S281]

one reason CM9 is better, lol....

http://monderno.com/news/smith-wesson-mp-shield-safety-alert-recall/

[Hunter991]

I have both, the shield is larger. Its harder for me to conceal. Both nice, but if concealment is the goal, the CM is WAY easier.

[magtf388]

I own both and carry both almost everyday. W/the Shield I carry the gun toppedoff with the long Mag so it fits in the everyday holster, Mitch Rosen Custom OWB. Love it! :) One extra 8 mag.

This Shield will work in the pocket but it seems to be clothing dependent.

My BUG is the pm9. Only change is the Talon Rubber grip and a modified mag floor plate. This rides in a DeSanits pocket contrasting the Shield and it's almost always with me should the need be.

Both are fine guns and if you want triggers that will do the same and recoil that will do the same….good combo. One over the other???…comes down to: What can you Hit at 21 feet in about 3-4 sec? :86:

[timmy]

I had a shield 9 traded it for a cm9. I did not care for the shield much a few things bothered me, the thumb safety, weight and size.After carrying is for a month or so I thought to myself, why didn't I just by a M&P 9c

[hardluk1]

I have a cm9 and a cw9. That's one almost the same as the shield in size. Two fingers on the cm9 no problems . More than less 3 fingers on the cw9.

[Kal0348]

I have both the 9mm Shield and the CM9. I wear jeans and cargo and walking shorts with pockets of varying sizes and shapes, and I don't find a big problem with pocket-carrying either pistol.

The Shield is a bit larger, and it's loaded weight with 7+1 rounds of 124gr cartridges is 25oz versus 20oz for the CM9 with 6+1 rounds of the same cartridge.

I do pocket carry both pistols, but find myself pocket-carrying the CM9 more frequently because of its shorter OAL and height, and because of the reduced weight.

I do find that gripping the Shield gives me a more secure feel because I can get about a third of my pinky on the floor plate of the 7 round Shield magazine, and that allows me a better grip.

When gripping the CM9, I miss that extra 1/8" or so extra grip length, and must let the pinky curl under the magazine's base plate.

I find both pistols excellent in function, but because of the long, smooth trigger of the CM9 (without a thumb safety), I prefer the Kahr.

I just need to find a way to increase the length of the grip about 1/4" so that I can grip the pistol a little more securely.

[Engineer88]

I went the opposite way, nowadays I wait for a gun to be out a year or two before I buy it. Seems like there is always something wrong with them out of the gate. So I went with a CM9 about a year ago. I love it so much it has even earned a Crimson Trace laser and is my primary EDC 80% of the time or better. It is as big/heavy as you can go for Pocket carry in my opinion. I also want either a shield in 40 or XDs in 45. As it turns out, I am glad I waited on both counts.

I highly recommend the CM9, it is a little tough to break down and put back together compared to some pistols, I have glocks, walthers, Keltecs, etc. The Kahr spring is tough, very stiff. Mine has been flawless for a little over 300 rounds and I love it. I get full two fingers even with the bump from the CT switch. I am going to try one of the extensions like the pic above just for IWB, but it is a very nice pistol. I think the CM9 is about as perfect for ccw as it gets even including price. The trigger on mine is sweeter than some others I have dry fired and I have zero complaints. It is in my pocket as I write this, right where it usually is. :)

[jocko]

I have both the 9mm Shield and the CM9. I wear jeans and cargo and walking shorts with pockets of varying sizes and shapes, and I don't find a big problem with pocket-carrying either pistol.

The Shield is a bit larger, and it's loaded weight with 7+1 rounds of 124gr cartridges is 25oz versus 20oz for the CM9 with 6+1 rounds of the same cartridge.

I do pocket carry both pistols, but find myself pocket-carrying the CM9 more frequently because of its shorter OAL and height, and because of the reduced weight.

I do find that gripping the Shield gives me a more secure feel because I can get about a third of my pinky on the floor plate of the 7 round Shield magazine, and that allows me a better grip.

When gripping the CM9, I miss that extra 1/8" or so extra grip length, and must let the pinky curl under the magazine's base plate.

I find both pistols excellent in function, but because of the long, smooth trigger of the CM9 (without a thumb safety), I prefer the Kahr.

I just need to find a way to increase the length of the grip about 1/4" so that I can grip the pistol a little more securely.

u shoulda have bought a cw9 instead of the cm9, alittle more grip and one more round and less concealament tyo. there is always a trade off for size that what my old girl friendtold me when she seeN my 'gun" she said I can stay and she shot the german shepard. Just sayin:amflag:

[xsailer]

I really like my CM9 and fact in my rear pocket now while I'm sitting in a desk chair writing. I've bought several holsters over the last 8 months and beginning to think rear pocket is better for me. I just need to buy Levi's for a bigger rear pocket.

[Russ]

"...They are both very nice. The CM is about .5" to .75" less in both directions but they are both about the same thickness. The Sheild's grip is a little wider (not thicker) than the CM9. Neither has room for your pinky unless you use the extended grip which I don't like."



CZB:

I wear a size 10 wedding ring. The four fingers when together on my right hand across measure 3 1/2 inches. From the wrist to the top of the middle finger measures 8 inches.

I wear an x large leather work glove.

As you can see from my picture with the flush magazine I can get all three fingers on the grip of my Shield.

I owned a CM9 and a Beretta Nano and shot a Glock 26 and there is no way I could get my pinkie on the grip of anyone of those weapons with a flush magazine.

I couldn't stand shooting with my pinkie dangling and that is why I have enjoyed shooting my Shield with the flush magazine and with the low profile XS Big Dot rear sight I can easily pocket conceal without the weapon catching on my pocket as I draw.

Russ

9074

[Russ]

one reason CM9 is better, lol....

http://monderno.com/news/smith-wesson-mp-shield-safety-alert-recall/

If you own a Shield the video link below will walk you through a self inspection to determine if your weapon needs to be shipped back on S&W's dime for repair. .

My Shield checked out just fine and from the chatter on the internet the issue is very isolated.

Russ

http://gunssavelives.net/gear/breaking-smith-and-wesson-issues-safety-alert-for-mp-shield-handguns/

[CZB1962]

CZB:

I wear a size 10 wedding ring. The four fingers when together on my right hand across measure 3 1/2 inches. From the wrist to the top of the middle finger measures 8 inches.

I wear an x large leather work glove.

As you can see from my picture with the flush magazine I can get all three fingers on the grip of my Shield.

I owned a CM9 and a Beretta Nano and shot a Glock 26 and there is no way I could get my pinkie on the grip of anyone of those weapons with a flush magazine.

I couldn't stand shooting with my pinkie dangling and that is why I have enjoyed shooting my Shield with the flush magazine and with the low profile XS Big Dot rear sight I can easily pocket conceal without the weapon catching on my pocket as I draw.

Russ

9074
You may say I am splitting hairs, but to me that is not room for your pinky. At best it looks to be half way on the grip.

However you are correct that the Shield is longer. I even stated so in my post. It is not my intention to mislead anyone, but for me, I don't consider either a full grip pistol. It may be why I liked the CM9 better. While my pinky is completely off the bottom of the Kahr, it just felt odd on the Shield.

That is of course just my opinion.

[C0untZer0]

I don't think the Shield is a pocket gun - not for normal Levi or Cotton Dockers pockets.

[Russ]

You may say I am splitting hairs, but to me that is not room for your pinky. At best it looks to be half way on the grip.

However you are correct that the Shield is longer. I even stated so in my post. It is not my intention to mislead anyone, but for me, I don't consider either a full grip pistol. It may be why I liked the CM9 better. While my pinky is completely off the bottom of the Kahr, it just felt odd on the Shield.

That is of course just my opinion.

CZB

Yes, the Shield is a half pinkie weapon but it is not all that bad. I actually prefer shooting with the flush magazine over the extended.

Russ

[Russ]

I don't think the Shield is a pocket gun - not for normal Levi or Cotton Dockers pockets.

Count

I can't speak for Levis but I pocket daily in Dockers and after more than one year I really don't even notice.

I have even pocket concealed my Shield in sweat pants

If a person decided to pocket I would recommend changing out the stock rear sights which catch your pocket for the low profile beveled XS Big Dot sights.

Russ

[CZB1962]

CZB

Yes, the Shield is a half pinkie weapon but it is not all that bad. I actually prefer shooting with the flush magazine over the extended.

Russ

I agree about the extended mags. I don't like them in the Shield or the Kahr. I wish I would have known before I bought two of the extended for the CM9. I would have rather had more 6 rounds instead.

There is really no substitute for trying a gun yourself and seeing what you like. For what it is worth, both of my sons liked the Shield better. One enough that he bought mine from me.

[hardluk1]

If you like a kahr other wise by the cw or p series . Same practical size is the shield.

[Russ]

If you like a kahr other wise by the cw or p series . Same practical size is the shield.

Hardluk

There is a Youtube that compares the CW9 to the Shield and they are almost identical in size.

If the CW9 is ok to pocket the Shield would also be ok to pocket. If the CW9 is too big the Shield will also be too big.

For my attire the Shield works as a pocket weapon.

Russ

[BuildBigBoats]

Size comparison...
CW9 to Shield...agree.
CM9 to Shield...disagree

[Russ]

Size comparison...
CW9 to Shield...agree.
CM9 to Shield...disagree

Build

Will not argue on size comparison. I owned a Cm 9 and I now own a Shield and there is no question the Kahr CM9 is smaller and lighter than the Shield and the CW9 and Shield are almost identical in size.

The reason I posted originally was to inform readers that I can get 3 fingers (2 1/2) on my Shield with a flush magazine.

Apparently there was a question if the Shield was a 3 finger ccw.

Russ

[garyb]

Maybe you can save me a trip to the gun store. I am interested in picking up a CM9 for pocket carry but I'd like to get two fingers on the grip like I can on my Shield. If you own both, could you tell me how their grips compare? Thanks in advance.

The Shield compares to the CW line better than it does the CM or PM line. That fact finally sunk into my thick brain. The PM and CM are in a class of their own....somewhere between the size of the 380 autos and the CW's / Shields. If you want pocket carry, stick with the PM or CM (or even smaller and lighter, like a 380). If you don't like the firepower of the 380, you are better off with the PM and CM line. Depending on what pants you wear, pocket carry weight and bulk are issues...more for some than for others. I used to carry my PM40 in the pocket, until I started carrying my wife's 380 in my front pocket. The 380 is much lighter in the pocket and therefore more comfortable for daily pocket carry no matter what pants I wear. Please understand, I am not comparing cals, as I realize comparing a 380 to a 9 or a 40 is like comparing apples and oranges, but it is still fruit in the pocket that we are talking about here. I am not comparing cals. The simple fact of the matter is weight (about 14 oz for a loaded 380) and size (bulk). The PM and CM will work in the pocket, but depending on what pants you wear, it might start to feel heavy and bulky. The Shield is even bigger....too big for pocket carry IMO.