.45 PC Shield that's been wonderful so far.

I wanted to test some factory .45 carry loads to see which were best for
low light shooting with the ports.

1: Double Tap 165 grain TAC-XP solid copper hollow-point,
that I've used for years in various .45s when I needed them
to be light on the hip, but still .45 caliber hole.

2: Winchester 230 grain FMJ

3: Double Tap's 200 grain bonded defense Speer
Gold Dot bonded hollow-point.

4: Speer's 230 grain Gold Dot as loaded by Double
Tap Ammo.

I first fired 3-rounds on the 230 grain FMJ as a base-line.

It exhibited more flash that you'd think common ball ammo might have.

Followed by 3 rounds of each load:


Well, the 165 grain TAC-XP was both flashy from the muzzle and from the two tiny ports.but not so much that it bothered me, even in the dim light of the range stall with the light off.

The 200 grain Glod Dot was tamer in flash, and more powerful in recoil.

Moving up to the 230 grain. I'd shot this load in my XD-S .45 in the
past and my MOD 2 .45s as well.

This 230 grainer was both powerful and flashy, but still not as bad as one would expect, at least in IMHO.

As this is my very first ported gun, I don't like the fact that some loads such as the plated ammo (i.e.Blazer Brass ) can't be used.

However, I do feel that the recoil reduction of the ports is a major
advantage for me as I've finally found a light .45 with a decent trigger and
good accuracy that doesn't beat my aging hands up with recoil.

I'll just be sure to take in mind that I can't Speed Rock or otherwise
put my body/face over the ports if I have to shoot for defense.