M&P Shield Vs. Springfield EMP

C

cmil84

New member
Ok guys I have had some purchases planned for a while but since all this gun control talk I have decided not to buy a new bow and a new cross bow but instead by my concealed carry weapon. I have narrowed it down to two pistols I want. The M&P shield or the Springfield EMP. Now the shield is in the 500 dollar range and the EMP is around 1200. If I bought the Sheild I could still get my crossbow. This could be the last pistol I ever buy so I want to make sure I get all that I can. I was wondering if you guys with experience on either one of these guns could tell me what you think of them. I want to know how accurate they are and how comfortable they are when carrying concealed. Also I would like to know how smooth the triggers are. Now on them Sheild I have held that weapon and squeezed that trigger and I like how it feels. The EMP I have held it once but it was when they first came out. I have never squeezed that trigger. I dont know how it feels to shoot either one of these guns. If you guys could give me any insight on either one these guns I would appreciate it.
 
The EMP is a scaled down 1911. The 40 is all steel, the 9 is alloy frame and a tad lighter. Typical nice single action trigger. I shoot my 40 as well as my lightweight full size.
Compared to a J snubby....

IMG_2226-1.jpg


Works and looks good on critters....

IMG_0337.jpg


I'm just not a fan of poly DA pistols, as JM Browning had it down.......
 
I know you said you were between those 2 but havre yuu considered the XDS?

It's in the same price range as the shield and is an awesome ccw IMO. I got one when they first came out and couldn't be happier with it. I shoot it better than any other pistol I own..
 
I've been looking for a shield. I held the XDs a few days ago and it is a nice pistol. I was thinking that the .45 may be a little much for that small poly frame.
 
Originally Posted By: freddieI've been looking for a shield. I held the XDs a few days ago and it is a nice pistol. I was thinking that the .45 may be a little much for that small poly frame.

You'd be surprised! I'm not a great pistol shooter and don't have a lot of experience and the recoil on the XDS is very light. It's MUCH easier to control than the sub-compact .40 that I had!
 
XD's are made overseas, S&W is made in the USA.....

I ordered 2 M&P40 Shields 6 months ago. The first came in 4 weeks ago and I love this gun alot, I am still waiting for the second gun to come in. I paid for both these guns when I placed the order to move to the top of my dealers list of people wanting a new Shield 6 months ago, so far My gun is the only one he has received since S&W rolled them out,

I like the size and feel of the Shield, It shoots nice with the short 6-round mag with my little finger tucked under the grip. The 7-shot extended mag is what I like to shoot the most, because I can get a full grip on the gun. I have mostly been shooting golf balls at 15 yards and I hit them most of the time, which I would consider that a kill shot. I recommend this gun to anyone who can get there hands on one.

I have talked to several dealers about the shortage of Shields and they all have said that S&W's response is that they are filling Goverment contracts first, and trying to fill dealer orders when they can. Good Luck on your choice----Riflemann
 
I have shot the xds in .45 and did not like it. The recoil was as to be expected. What I didn't like was the grip. It's rough and when the gun recoils it starts digging into your hand. I'm a police officer and have shot many different handguns in various calibers. I love the .45 just not the xds. I bought a shield in .40 for off duty carry and love it.
 
Personally I have the XDs, I love it. I would say the recoil is less sharp than a .40. More mangible than my G27. Springfield Armory is 30 miles from me. I spoke to Lexi the LE sales person there and she said she would much rather shoot the XDs than the Emp. if the grip bothers you a after market grip can be bought. Just a thought.
 
Last edited:
Both are very nice weapons, but i personally don't see the EMP being worth 2x+ the money of the Shield.
The other day I was shooting my Shield 9. Shooting as quickly as I could get back a good sight picture I put 15 rounds into a hole you could cover with a 50 cent piece. Thats plenty accurate for me.
The other issue I see is if you don't shoot or carry alot, IMO it will be easier for you to learn on a gun like the Shield as opposed to a single action like a 1911.
i'd get the Shield and bow.
 
Although the EMP is a fantastic weapon by all accounts, I'd recommend that you shy away from it for one primary reason - unless you're well-versed with the 1911 platform, and plan to train a lot to get good muscle memory, the active safety of the EMP could cause you trouble if you ever need it in a hurry. I love 1911s, but for a dedicated self-defense firearm, I prefer the "point and shoot" simplicity of the plastic pistols (Glock, XD, M&P). If you're not accustomed to drawing and disengaging the safety without conscious thought, you might just find yourself pulling against the trigger with the safety on while the bad guy gets the drop on you. Just one guy's opinion.
 
I currently own both the M&P Shield in 9mm and a 9mm EMP. Both have had a trigger job, and the EMP has had some parts changed out, single side safety, different slide stop, Wilson "round butt" mainspring housing, etc.

The Shield is very accurate (scary accurate), and it is lighter and thinner, making it easier (to me) for all day carry. I think Smith has a winner in the Shield. I do shoot the EMP marginally better on the clock (timer), but I have a lot of rounds through the 1911 platform (USPSA GM in Limited). My recommendation for a newbie would be the Shield. If you are into the 1911 platform, the EMP is a good gun, but I think the Dan Wesson ECO is much better made.
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top