Shield Poll

[Sheepdogged]

Which Shield options/features do you prefer and why? If there is a particular sight option you prefer, mention that in the comments as well.


Ameriglo SW-245

[CB3]

My opinion regarding sights:

First, fast close range encounters don’t even need sights. The most likely use of a Shield is this type of practiced, quick point shooting encounter, but when I do need to use a sighting system to send the shot accurately, I want the best, most clearly thought out system possible.

I prefer a slide milled for the specific red dot sight I want, a Shield (manufacturer) RMS 3 MoA with auto adjust brightness. I expect to be threat/target focused, not front sight focused. I want the RDS to sit as low as possible so I can have iron sights co-witness in the lower 25% of the window. Custom milling does that better than a generic cut with a plate.

Those sights are two small white dots in a figure 8 stack, one in front and one in back—Heinie Straight Eight night sights. KISS. I don’t want other colors competing with the red dot. No white outlines. The red dot sits on top of the top (front sight) dot. Thin blade front. Wide notch rear for maximum target visibility. I want to obscure the target as little as possible. My focus is on the target, not part of the sights 20” in front of my face. The small dot vials are basically invisible in daylight, so they are not distracting.

This system is simple and fast. I have the same set up on my FS M&P EDC and a Glock 19.

[sandog]

My choices in a Shield: .45 ACP, 3.25" barrel, non ported, TFO sights, 2.0 texturing, NDZ aluminum rear slide cover plate and NDZ finger extension for the carry mag, and oh yeah, Cerakote.

[Groo01]

Groo here
You forgot 357sig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

[sheepdawg]

I like my Shield 1.0 just as it came out of the box except for the Houge grip sleeve and the MagGuts +1 spring I added. For carry I don't want a 2.0 lb trigger or lasers or red dots. I would have preferred no safety but safeties were all they had when I bought it. I really love it's reliability and that's all I really require.

[Neal]

Originally Posted by Groo01

Groo here
You forgot 357sig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Groo, shot my 2.0 Shield with the 3.6" threaded 357 SIG barrel in it yesterday for the first time. What a beast! After 2 magazines my hand was really feeling the effects of the recoil. Also discovered it must be a 5 yard gun because even bench rested I could not hit an 8 inch paper plate at 25 yards. Had the same results with my Glock 48 9mm though. The 357 SIGs are extremely loud under a covered shooting range. Not sure if I am going to keep the SIG barrel in it or go back to the 40. Have not shot the 40 barrel yet. My shooting buddy at the range tried his Glock 43X and had the same results. He has numerous red dot sights and says that is the way to go for us seniors with old eyes. I am looking at the PC 40 Shield 4 inch with an optic sight but the factory website does not have any information about the optic other than it is a 4 minute dot. On a side note we both shot his old 4 inch Colt 357 revolver with 38 JHPs and did fine, especially double action. Also shot a few rounds through my Kimber Arctic with 400 CorBon barrel and those laid right in the center section of the plate. I guess some of us just cannot shoot these little plastic guns very well.

[Jal5]

I like my 1.0 model with the Hogue sleeve added to the grips. I don’t really like the stock sights so am in the search for an alternative that won’t interfere with carrying concealed.

[CB3]

Originally Posted by Neal

Groo, shot my 2.0 Shield with the 3.6" threaded 357 SIG barrel in it yesterday for the first time. What a beast! After 2 magazines my hand was really feeling the effects of the recoil. Also discovered it must be a 5 yard gun because even bench rested I could not hit an 8 inch paper plate at 25 yards. Had the same results with my Glock 48 9mm though. The 357 SIGs are extremely loud under a covered shooting range. Not sure if I am going to keep the SIG barrel in it or go back to the .40.

357 SIG in a Shield = .357 Magnum in a snubby. Try it. You won’t like it, and you will gain nothing useful for self defense purposes.

[Neal]

Originally Posted by CB3

357 SIG in a Shield = .357 Magnum in a snubby. Try it. You won’t like it, and you will gain nothing useful for self defense purposes.

That is your opinion. Others will vary.

[rwsmith]

....DA trigger. And it's really comfortable to shoot.

[Jal5]

To the OP
ANY issues using the ameriglo sights on shield for CCW?
looks like these might help me.
Joe

[Sheepdogged]

Originally Posted by Jal5

To the OP
ANY issues using the ameriglo sights on shield for CCW?
looks like these might help me.
Joe

No issues. They're great sights.

[Buford57]

I had just test fired a .45 Shield at a local range when I won this 9mm as a door prize. I would not have chosen the manual safety, but have found it comforting when I reholster, as I pocket carry. It has the stock sights, but I would like to try night sights some time.

[Marshal tom]

I have a 1.0 9mm that I purchased early on at way too much money. I first had a trigger job done, then added Ameriglo sights, a Talon grip and then an Apex trigger which is just the best. Now I have so much into this little gun that I will have to buried with it.

[Sheepdogged]

I would have thought no manual safety would have eclipsed those who prefer a manual safety on their shield. I do have one on my Shield though I do not have on on my other M&P (my hands ride too high and interfere with the less diminutive manual safety designs).

[Neal]

I finally have a 40 Shield 2.0 with the features that I want. PC 4 inch slide with red dot, integrated green laser, manual thumb safety.

[Dave686]

I didn’t put what I have; I put what I would like to have for a carry gun.

.40S&W, that’s obvious.

4.0 barrel, barrel length withing reason has little impact on concealability, might as well get all you can.

Non-ported, porting won’t do anything for this gun other than pizz off those around you and throw debris all over the place.

Optics ready, I don’t need sights or optics on a carry gun, but if I wanted to turn it into a range toy; I would want to put an optic on it, so a CORE cut would be nice.

Texturing is a non-issue, I have both and I don’t care which one.

No safety, just don’t need one.

Regular sights, nothing special required here for a carry gun.

I’d also opt for a magazine disconnect, if that was available.

I’d have to see about the Apex Trigger. I have several M&P’s and have only needed it on one. But, doubtful on a belly gun.

[bigwheelzip]

Mine need the Hogue sleeve to stop it squirming around and needing to adjust my grip after each shot.

[Sheepdogged]

Obviously polls like these aren't very scientific. This is a "convenience" sample, so I imagine there very well may be a higher mix of 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP guys & gals on forums than .380 ACP, for example.