I have had my shield 9 for almost a year and absolutely love it. A good 1000 rnds down range and not an issue. Like stated above the spring is really stiff to start but after a couple hundred rounds it broke right in. Shoots like a champ and I have no doubt that it will go bang if I need it too! I added Williams fiber optic sites to it that really added to the weapon and put the Pearce mag extensions on them as well. Great carry gun. On my side all the time. Cant go wrong with the Shield