I have a question for all of the Shield owners out there.
Does S&W recommend in the included paperwork with the Shield, a round count break in period of any kind?
Yes you have figured it out, I'm comparing the Shield to the Kahr recommended 200 rd. break in.
I'm considering a Shield and yes, I'm a pleased Kahr PM9 owner but one with an open mind.

Thanks.

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JimC

Uhh .. no. Just shoot it. It's pretty darn good from the 1st box through it. But then I only used target ammo in it, reloads. Then I took it to my trigger work guy later that afternoon after buying it. He had it for the weekend (asked if he could borrow it, I said sure) No doubt he gave it a proper breaking it

I did not read the entire manual, but I'm assuming there is no mention of a break in period. If there were, I think S&W would have found it important enough to mention that in big letters somewhere in the booklet in the first few pages.
I shot mine right out of the box and everything felt smooth; no "rough edges"...800 rds later, still feels the same.

I've always felt that the design is flawed if you have to do more than clean and lubricate a new firearm prior to the gun working properly. I won't own one that has an owner's manual that states "X" number of rounds must be fired to break it in. You've got to figure your local PD doesn't buy guns that require break in.

You can download the Shield manual at Smith & Wesson. When you get there, click on RESOURCES. The manual can be found under CUSTOMER SERVICE.

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NRA, SWCA #2262

True, and that's why the M&P line & Glock are use by law enforcement.

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John 3:16, Carry Everyday!

OK, a little sarcasm here...I guess no one has had to "rack" their slide 500 times before going to the range for the first time with their Shield?

As I stated, I am pleased with my PM9. I rarely pocket carry so that's not an issue for me as far as the Shield goes. However, reading about the Shield for the past couple of days, my curiosity has been peeked.

Thanks for all the info.

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JimC

I took mine apart, Cleaned & Lubed it, went to range and started shooting it.

Up to around 400 rounds now (9MM) and ZERO PROBLEMS OR FTF.

I've used 115Gr, 124Gr,and 147Gr, All worked and fed fine.

I've installed the Talon Granulated Stick-on grip panel on it (TALON.com) and have yet to try it out, maybe this afternoon.

The Granulated is like SKATEBOARD ANTI-SLIP STUFF really grabs your hand and I do like it.

THE 40S&W model Shield and this grip panel will make you a married pair for those concerned with the SNAPPYNESS of the 40.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

I carried the Kahr PM9 for a few years and was OK with it. However, I had personal issues with the pistol. The Shield corrects these “personal issues” One being, unlike the Kahr, the Shield functioned perfect out of the box, NO BREAK IN PERIOD. Also, the Kahr’s mags were not drop free. The Shield has high quality drop free mags. Other issues included the trigger, warranty and I could go on and on.


To me, the only thing the Kahr has over the Shield is it’s weight. However, I feel the extra weight of the Shield helps me to shoot better and the 3 ounces in my pocket, while noticeable at first, is now a non-issue.

I personally highly recommend the Shield over the Kahr PM-9 for many reasons

I always put 200 rounds thru any gun before I carry it, just for familiarization and my own peace of mind (assuming 200 with no problem/issues).

Excellent post!

I like my PM9 but I posibly see a Shield in my near future. It has a lot to do with what's available locally and at what price.
I'm considering one in .40 S&W.

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JimC

Thanks...However, some have noted that a break-in/trial period should be done with a firearm before carrying, I'm in agreement with that.

I was ready to switch back to my S&W J frame Bodyguard before the Shield came out. I pocket carried that pistol for almost 15 years and it still goes occasionally.

I think you'll really like a Shield!

For an auto, I put about 200 rounds through it. Most of the times its a lot more but with the shield, I only put a little bit over 200 since I wasn't even planing on buying it to begin with.

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Don't look, reload and shoot!

Thanks but I'm not new to this by any means.
I've been at it for a long time, probably longer than some of the younger posters here are old.

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JimC

Me too. Esp. when the human factor is involved. I go 2-500 rounds for my own peace of mind. Any real problems should show up in the first 50-100 rounds.