I’m a professional shooter, and today, I’m diving into the SIG P938 Vs M&P Shield. Choosing the right carry gun is no walk in the park.
So, I’ve taken both these beauties out in the field to test them head-to-head. I’m here to share my firsthand experience and insights, helping you figure out which might be the winner for your needs.
| Feature | SIG P938 | M&P Shield |
| Caliber | 9×19 | 9×19 |
| Capacity | 6+1 or 7+1 | 7+1 or 8+1 |
| Barrel Length | 3.0 inches | 3.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 5.9 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Height | 3.9 inches | 4.6 inches |
| Width | 1.1 inches | 0.95 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 16 ounces | 21.1 ounces |
| Sights | SIGLITE Night Sights | White Dot Sights |
| Trigger | Single Action Only | Striker-Fired |
SIG P938
The SIG P938, a standout in the micro 1911 category, combines compactness with powerful performance.
Specs
- Caliber: 9×19
- Capacity: 6+1 or 7+1 with extended magazine
- Barrel Length: 3.0 inches
- Overall Length: 5.9 inches
- Height: 3.9 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces (unloaded)
- Sights: SIGLITE Night Sights
- Trigger: Single Action Only, 7.5-8.5 lbs pull weight
M&P Shield
The M&P Shield, a reliable and sleek choice, offers a balanced blend of size and capacity.
Specs
- Caliber: 9×19
- Capacity: 7+1 or 8+1 with extended magazine
- Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
- Overall Length: 6.1 inches
- Height: 4.6 inches
- Width: 0.95 inches
- Weight: 21.1 ounces (unloaded)
Features Comparison: SIG P938 VS M&P Shield
1. Size and Concealability
SIG P938
In my hands-on experience, the SIG P938 impresses with its compactness. Its dimensions, particularly the 5.9-inch length and 3.9-inch height, make it exceptionally concealable.
The P938 was almost unnoticeable when I carried it, fitting snugly and comfortably under various clothing. Its 1.1-inch width further makes it less obtrusive, a key factor for concealed carry.
M&P Shield
The M&P Shield, while slightly larger, still holds its own in concealability. It measures 6.1 inches in length and 4.6 inches in height, making it a bit more noticeable than the P938.
However, its narrower 0.95-inch width is advantageous. During my field tests, this slim profile was appreciable, especially in tighter clothing, although its slightly larger size was a factor to consider for deep concealment.
Winner
The SIG P938 wins in the size and concealability department. Its smaller overall dimensions give it an edge in being less conspicuous, which is paramount for concealed carry.
The Shield’s narrower profile is commendable, but the P938’s shorter length and height make it the better choice for those who need the utmost in concealability. It’s especially suitable for discreet carry in diverse wardrobe choices, from business attire to casual wear.
2. Handling and Ergonomics
SIG P938
Handling the SIG P938 is a pleasant experience, given its well-designed ergonomics. The grip, though small, is surprisingly comfortable and provides a firm hold. I found the control placement intuitive, enhancing the shooting experience.
During rapid-fire tests, the P938 remained stable in my grip, a significant factor for a pistol of its size. This ease of handling is crucial for a confident and reliable shooting experience, especially under stress.
M&P Shield
The M&P Shield offers a slightly larger grip, which can be a boon for those with bigger hands. In my testing, this translated into a more secure and comfortable grip, particularly during prolonged shooting sessions.
The ergonomic design of the Shield supports a natural hand placement, facilitating better control and handling. Its slightly larger frame also contributes to a steadier hold, reducing fatigue and improving accuracy during extended use.
Winner
The M&P Shield takes the crown in handling and ergonomics. Its marginally larger frame provides a more substantial grip, beneficial for consistent control and comfort.
While the P938’s compact design is impressive, the Shield’s design caters better to a broader range of hand sizes and offers a more stable shooting platform. This makes it particularly advantageous for longer shooting sessions or for shooters who prioritize a firm, comfortable grip on their carry weapon.
3. Trigger Mechanism
SIG P938
The SIG P938’s single-action trigger is a standout feature. Its crisp and clean break, as I discovered in my tests, greatly aids in accuracy.
The consistent pull weight adds to the precision, making each shot predictable. This is especially beneficial in scenarios where shot placement is crucial.
The single-action mechanism provides a tactile and responsive trigger experience, a significant advantage for those who value a more traditional shooting feel.
M&P Shield
The Shield’s striker-fired trigger offers a different shooting experience. In my field tests, I noted its slightly heavier pull, which some shooters may prefer for its tactile feedback.
The trigger travel is smooth, and the break is quite definitive, contributing to a controlled shooting experience. This type of trigger system is often favored for its consistency and reliability, which is particularly important in self-defense situations where a dependable trigger action is key.
Winner
The SIG P938 edges out the Shield in the trigger mechanism department. Its single-action trigger, with a consistently light and crisp break, enhances precision and accuracy, especially in controlled shooting scenarios.
The Shield’s striker-fired trigger is commendable for its reliability and smooth action, but the P938’s trigger mechanism offers a more refined shooting experience.
4. Sight System
SIG P938
The P938 comes equipped with SIGLITE Night Sights. During my field tests, these sights proved exceptionally useful in low-light conditions.
The tritium inserts glow vividly, making target acquisition in darker environments much easier. For a concealed carry weapon, this feature significantly enhances its versatility.
M&P Shield
The Shield, by contrast, has standard white dot sights. While these are perfectly functional and provide a clear-sight picture in well-lit conditions, they lack the low-light capability of the SIGLITE. In dim settings, I found these sights a bit more challenging to use effectively.
Winner
The SIG P938 outperforms the M&P Shield in this category. Its night sights are a game-changer, especially for concealed carry situations where lighting can be unpredictable.
The enhanced visibility of the SIGLITE Night Sights is a clear advantage over the standard sights of the Shield.
5. Safety Features
SIG P938
The P938 adopts a classic 1911-style safety system, including a frame-mounted thumb safety. This manual safety is intuitive for those familiar with 1911s.
During testing, I found it reassuring to have that additional layer of safety, especially when carrying the firearm in condition one (cocked and locked).
M&P Shield
The Shield offers an integrated trigger safety and an optional manual safety. This setup is more in line with modern striker-fired pistols.
The ambidextrous manual safety is easy to engage and disengage, providing flexibility for different carry preferences.
Winner
This is a close call, but the M&P Shield takes a slight lead. Its combination of integrated trigger safety and optional manual safety caters to a wider range of users, offering both simplicity and additional security options, compared to the more traditional setup of the P938.
Pros & Cons of SIG P938
Pros
- Exceptional concealability due to its compact size.
- Equipped with SIGLITE Night Sights for low-light accuracy.
- Single-action trigger provides a crisp, clean pull.
Cons
- Manual thumb safety may not appeal to all users.
Pros & Cons of M&P Shield
Pros
- Striker-fired trigger offers a smooth, consistent pull.
- Option for integrated trigger safety and manual safety.
- A slightly larger size provides a better grip for larger hands.
Cons
- Slightly heavier and larger than P938, affecting concealability.
Similarities Between SIG P938 & M&P Shield
- Both chambered in 9×19 caliber.
- Designed for concealed carry purposes.
- Renowned for reliability and durability.
- Popular choices among shooters for personal defense.
- Offer options for extended magazine capacity.
Differences Between SIG P938 & M&P Shield
- P938 has a single-action trigger, Shield is striker-fired.
- P938 equipped with SIGLITE Night Sights, Shield has white dot sights.
- P938 is slightly smaller and lighter than the Shield.
- Shield has a narrower width compared to the P938.
- P938 features a 1911-style manual safety, Shield has optional manual safety.
- P938’s ergonomic design differs from the Shield’s more modern feel.
Final Verdict
After extensively testing both the SIG P938 and the M&P Shield, making a choice isn’t simple, as each pistol has its unique strengths.
However, my preference leans towards the SIG P938. The decision comes down to its exceptional balance of size, performance, and features tailored for concealed carry.
FAQ’s
How does the safety work on Sig P938?
The SIG P938 features an integrated thumb safety located above the left-hand grip, blocking hammer movement. It can be engaged whether the hammer is cocked or not.
Is the Sig P938 reliable?
Yes, the Sig P938 is known for its reliability, maintaining the high standards of Sig Sauer products, offering consistent performance.
What ammo does M&P Shield take?
The M&P Shield performs best with brass-cased FMJ ammo. Brands like Federal American Eagle, Winchester USA, and Speer Lawman are recommended for smooth performance.
What is the barrel length of a Sig Sauer P938?
The barrel length of the SIG Sauer P938 is 3.0 inches.
