The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield and the Sig Sauer P938 are two of the most popular subcompact pistols for concealed carry. Both are small, reliable, and easy to conceal, but they approach the task from very different design philosophies.
The Shield is a modern striker-fired polymer pistol with high availability and affordability, while the P938 is a micro-1911 built from metal with a single-action trigger. Understanding the differences in build, ergonomics, capacity, safety features, and cost will help you determine which one fits your carry needs best.
Sig Sauer P938: A Micro-1911 in 9mm
Dimensions and Size
The Sig P938 is a metal-framed, single-action pistol chambered in 9mm. Its compact dimensions make it highly concealable:
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Overall length: 5.9 inches
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Barrel length: 3 inches
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Height: 3.9 inches
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Width: 1.1 inches
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Unloaded weight: 16 ounces
This small footprint allows the P938 to disappear easily in an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster. The light weight makes it comfortable for all-day carry, even in warm-weather clothing.
Capacity
The P938 ships with a 6-round flush-fit magazine, with an option for a 7-round extended magazine that provides a pinky extension for improved grip. While capacity is modest, it offers the advantage of chambering 9mm instead of .380 ACP, a common caliber in other micro-pistols.
Ergonomics and Handling
Despite its small size, the P938 handles recoil well for a micro gun. The extended magazine allows a fuller grip, while the slim design works for shooters with smaller hands. Larger-handed shooters may feel cramped on the flush-fit magazine, but overall the P938 is known for shootability that exceeds its dimensions.
Trigger and Safety
The standout feature of the P938 is its single-action trigger system. Borrowing heavily from the 1911 design, the trigger offers a short, crisp break with minimal take-up. The pistol includes a frame-mounted manual thumb safety but does not use a grip safety, which simplifies handling compared to a full-size 1911.
Owners can carry the P938 in two ways:
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Condition One (cocked and locked): Hammer back, safety on, ready for immediate use with a quick swipe of the safety.
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Hammer down on a loaded chamber: Requires decocking manually and cocking the hammer before firing.
For shooters who train consistently with single-action pistols, this manual of arms is second nature. For those unfamiliar with cocked-and-locked carry, the safety can be a hurdle.
Strengths of the P938
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Lightweight and highly concealable.
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Crisp single-action trigger.
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9mm chambering in a very small frame.
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Metal construction with premium Sig Sauer fit and finish.
Drawbacks of the P938
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Limited capacity compared to modern micro-compacts.
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Requires comfort with manual safety manipulation.
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Higher price point.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield: The Polymer Subcompact Standard
Dimensions and Size
The M&P Shield is one of the most widely adopted concealed carry pistols in the U.S. It combines compact dimensions with modern striker-fired design:
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Overall length: 6.1 inches
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Barrel length: 3.1 inches
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Height: 4.6 inches
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Width: 0.95 inches
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Unloaded weight: 21.1 ounces
The Shield is slightly larger and heavier than the P938, but still firmly within the subcompact category. The added height provides a more consistent grip, especially for shooters with larger hands.
Capacity
The standard Shield in 9mm ships with a 7-round flush magazine and an 8-round extended magazine. That one-round advantage over the P938 may not sound like much, but it provides a slight edge in capacity while maintaining a similar concealability profile.
Ergonomics and Handling
The Shield’s polymer frame and ergonomic grip design allow a full, comfortable firing grip even on the flush-fit magazine for most shooters. Recoil is manageable, and the Shield has built a reputation for being far easier to shoot accurately than its size would suggest.
Trigger and Safety
As a striker-fired pistol, the Shield uses a consistent trigger pull with an integrated safety tab. Depending on the variant, it can also include an ambidextrous manual thumb safety, giving users flexibility in setup. Unlike the P938, the Shield requires no hammer manipulation or cocked-and-locked carry.
This simplicity appeals to many concealed carriers who prefer a straightforward draw-and-fire manual of arms.
Strengths of the Shield
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Affordable and widely available.
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Slim profile with excellent concealability.
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Capacity edge with 7+1 or 8+1 magazines.
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Striker-fired system with optional manual safety.
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Broad aftermarket support with holsters, sights, and accessories.
Drawbacks of the Shield
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Heavier than the P938.
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Trigger is not as crisp as the P938’s single-action.
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Lacks the premium feel of a metal-framed pistol.
Price and Value
One of the biggest distinctions between the two pistols is cost.
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Sig P938: MSRP around $760, often retailing between $600–$700 depending on finish and package. The price reflects its metal construction, premium craftsmanship, and 1911-style trigger.
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M&P Shield: MSRP often in the $400–$450 range, with street prices as low as $300. For reliability and performance at this price point, the Shield is difficult to beat.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Shield offers outstanding value. For those who want a micro 1911 with premium build quality, the P938 justifies its cost.
Which Is Right for You?
Both pistols are excellent choices for concealed carry, but they suit different shooters.
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Choose the Sig P938 if you want a lightweight, metal-framed pistol with a crisp single-action trigger and you’re comfortable with manual safety operation. It’s ideal for those who already favor the 1911 platform and want to carry a miniature version.
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Choose the M&P Shield if you prefer a striker-fired pistol with modern ergonomics, slightly higher capacity, and a lower price point. It offers simplicity, reliability, and widespread availability in parts, holsters, and support.
Conclusion
The M&P Shield and Sig P938 represent two distinct approaches to the subcompact carry pistol. The Shield is modern, polymer, striker-fired, and cost-effective. The P938 is classic, metal-framed, single-action, and premium-priced. Both conceal easily, shoot well for their size, and have reputations for reliability.
Your decision ultimately comes down to whether you prefer the single-action manual of arms and premium build of the Sig, or the simplicity, capacity, and affordability of the Shield. Either way, both pistols are trusted options for daily concealed carry.