The shield is a nice holster weapon. The LCP is so much more versatile and comes with a comfortable pocket holster. Its top notch for its class and the S&W is average for its class. Its just not even a contest for me. .380 cost more to shoot, but its not a range gun. Even so, I put about 200 rounds down range with mine and its shockingly accurate at 20yards! Its an impressive firearm and outshines what it was set out to do.

of the 2 you listed the S&W would be my choice. but in real life I like the ruger SR9C or the Ruger SR40c I have and carry both

LCP 2 all day long. Its a pocket cannon comfortable to take anywhere. You don't even feel it in your pocket, its that small. With Ruger ARX rounds its ballistics match a standard 9mm load. You can buy larger capacity mags and lots of grip choices. Ruger has A+ customer service and I've had zero issues with my LCP 1 or LCP 2. I own mid size, large size, and micro size. I'm most impressed with what Ruger has done with the LCP. It is a future legend and personally issued in the micro pistol rage we see today. You won't regret the Ruger.

The LCP is small to the point that many women don't like the size. If you want a Ruger I would go with the LC9s or an LC380. I own the LC9s Pro (see link below) which I really like. Two coworker have the Shield in 9mm which they like. Note that 40 S&W will cost a little more than the 9mm as will the 380 ACP. As for holsters, depends on what you actually end up buying. budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/719002418/RUGER+LC9S+PRO+9MM

If you are set between the 2 Que, I would go with the S&W Shield but in 9mm instead of 40S&W. The 9mm in a small package will have less recoil, be marginally lighter and easier to shoot accurately. For an IWB holster with minimal print i recommend : budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/714007418 --- And for an OWB holster : budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/83173

of the 2 you listed the S&W would be my choice. but in real life I like the ruger SR9C or the Ruger SR40c I have and carry both

Go with the 40 shield hands down!