swsig, what you say does make sense and I respect your comments.

My thinking is that a small size high caliber pistol is a defensive weapon and shot only so many times for training purposes. I have found shooting as many rounds in a single session with such a pistol much more both fatiguing and painful than with a larger size pistol.

Shooting a full size pistol or revolver with its heavier weight, longer barrel and greater sight radius produces less recoil and can be fun to shoot many more rounds in a range session without the pain of repeated recoil.

If the op does purchase a Shield 45, I have no doubt that he will find it to be an excellent choice.