I stopped using my 8 rd Shield magazines because I am more accurate with the flush 7 rd magazine.

Are there others finding their Shield 9mm handles differently when using the flush vs extended Magazine.

My only explanation for accuracy differences is that I have practiced more with the flush magazine.

Russ

Most people find it to be just the opposite. More accruate with the 8rn than the 7rnd.

okav8tor

I thought the extended grip would make for a more sure grip but my groups are consistently coming in tighter with the flush magazine.

It makes no sense but it is what it is and that is why I have dropped the extended magazine in the drawer and purchased 4 flush magazines.

If my memory serves me I believe I watched a Youtube video where a Shield owner had the same experience where he was shooting tighter groups with the flush magazine.

Just speculating but I wounder if the extended magazine makes for a balance issue. I believe the grip with the 8 rd magazine is longer than the weapon is long.

Russ

The grip is slightly shorter with the 8rd mag than the slide is in length. Personally I shoot tighter groups with the 8rd over the 7rd. If you shoot better with the 7rd then that is what I would use in everyday carry. It's all about what works best for each individual and what they feel comfortable with. Everyone has personal preference on calibers, magazines, and holsters but that is why we each choose our own because we are comfortable with our own choices and decisions.

With my .40 I noticed this also. I have found that with the extended mag there is a very slight amount of movement that I feel with my pinky. This, (at least mentally) causes a distraction which in turn, pulls my shot off a bit. So I'll just have to enjoy more practice time until I resolve my issue.

When I first started in with the 9mm Shield I would pull back with my pinky just before I pulled the trigger. Noticing this I took my pinky off the bottom plate and practiced this way for several visits to the range. Then started leaving my pinky on the bottom but not putting much pressure against the grip and I shot tight groups using this method. I now know that I was actually squeezing the bottom of the grip and causing the shot to go low when I pulled the trigger from POA.

I have seen quite a few comments about the pinky finger pulling on the extension when you grip the gun firmly causing a change in aiming point so that's most likely what you are finding different even though it may not be something you think about.

if you practiced more with the extended mags then when you shot with the flush mags you would be off target again.

its all in the learning curve of muscle memory and what you get used to

if it bugs you just find someone to swap out your extended mags for their flat mags

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M&P FS 9mm

I considered trading my 7 round magazine for an 8 round at first because it gave a more comfortable (complete) grip on the gun. Trips to the range have made me rethink that as I too seem more accurate with the 7 round magazine.

I carry the flush mag in the gun and the extended mag in a Gerber multi-tool holster. Now I don't really know which size to buy for any additional magazines, but most likely they will be 7 rounders. Only time will tell...

Thanks everyone.

I am going to stick with practicing with the 7 rd exclusively because as my pocket weapon I will always have the flush magazine.

Russ

I don't have a Shield, but I have a lot of experience training with full size and baby Glocks. I have found that some shooters who are more accurate with the stubby flush fit magazine yet don't shoot as well with the full sized pistol may be milking the grip with their pinky more than they realize. That may be the case with the7 v 8 round Shield mags, if you're forced to curl your pinky under the base plate for lack of a better place to put it.

Walkin

Makes perfect sense.

Thanks. I love the people on this forum - very helpful. I just wish anti-gun folks would realize some of the finest humans beings own guns.

Russ

they are just too busy hating anyone who loves and supports freedom and the American way of life

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M&P FS 9mm

I love the 7rd magazines. If anyone doesn't love theirs I'll trade you my 8rd magazine for your 7rd magazine...

I think it depends on the person. I'm more accurate with the 8 round magazine. I also feel like my Shield is more comfortable in my hands.

Didn't notice any difference using the different magazines.

Then again, I don't exert much force using my little finger due to holding it differently across a range of different size revolvers and pistols.

Sometimes is has purchase against a grip frame ... sometimes just against the bottom edge, slightly curled down and almost underneath ... and sometimes it's curled completely underneath the grip/mag butt. I just let it find somewhere to go, keep it from interfering with the rest of my grip, and use my ring & middle fingers for my master grip.

I try to prevent any adverse influence that might be needlessly created by my strong hand's little finger ... (albeit unintended, or unrecognized, at the time) ... even when it has enough room to align itself under my ring finger against the front of the grip. BTDT.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer