the-problems-with-small-self-defense-guns

What works you you brother is what matters.

Both the S&W M&P 9 Shield and the SIG P365 are categorized as "sub-compacts", and while they are about the same size and weight, that is where their similarity ends. The Shield is a single-stack with only an 8+1 capacity. The P365 is a staggered-stack with either a 10+1, 12+1 or a 15+1 capacity. For me, the Shield shoots like a "small" gun, while the P365 shoots like a much-larger gun. The single-stack on the Shield gives it a very slender grip, while the staggered-stack on the P365 gives it a wider, fuller grip. I have fairly large hands, so the fuller grip suits me better. I carry with 12+1, and have a 15 round mag in reserve.

I carried the Shield for a while until I was able to afford a P365, which has become my EDC pistol of choice. I had to send my P365 back to SIG for them to correct a persistent failure-to-eject problem, and while it was gone, I had to carry the Shield, but once the P365 was back in my hands, the Shield got put back in the overhead-compartment. SIG's warranty-service was exceptional, two-day-turnaround, and the repairs were done in their Custom Shop. I haven't had a problem with it since then.

Every firearm requires an investment in time, time to master it. The greater the difference between something new and that which you are used to, the greater the time needed.