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Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols All Variants of the Smith & Wesson M&P Auto Pistols


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Old 06-17-2017, 05:02 PM
bsmiley bsmiley is offline
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Default Shield 9 Second Range trip

Put another 150 mixed rounds through my Shield 9 and zero issues.
My son & I shot a Walther PPS 9(Classic), FS M&P 9 and a Taurus PT-92.

We judged the Shield to have the best trigger and it was the overall best to shoot.

So this afternoon I ordered another Shield 9. I would have bought from PSA but they are out of the No safety model. So this time from Sportsman's Outdoor.

Can't beat the Shield at these prices!
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Old 06-17-2017, 05:08 PM
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That's a relief. I misread that thinking your range trip only lasted 9 seconds.

Sounds like a great time!
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Old 06-17-2017, 07:02 PM
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I have maybe 150 or 200 through my Shield 9 and have been amazed that I seem to shoot it better than the Full Sized 9.
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Old 06-17-2017, 10:50 PM
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I think it shoots better than my son's full size M&P 9 too. But mostly because I don't like his stock hinged trigger. Too much take up, too heavy, breaks rough and at the rear.
Besides having a much better trigger the Shield recoil is better too, but maybe its just in my mind. Maybe I just get in the rhythm with it... idk.
My Pro 9 is our favorite pistol to shoot. The trigger is like a highly polished 1911 at about 4lbs.
I like to shoot the PT-92, if I concentrate I can be very accurate with it, but it makes me work harder than the Shield or Pro 9.
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Old 06-20-2017, 08:59 AM
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Just joined this forum. I'm probably considered to be a GLOCK fanboy, and I still love my GLOCKS, but I had to buy a Shield 9mm because of the price. Boy, I'm glad I did!!! What a gun. I only had time to put 40 rounds downrange, but if it continues to shoot the way it did, it may bump my G43. The 43 is a FANTASTIC gun, but the Shield was just as accurate and reliable. But what really impressed me was the way it just melted into my hand, had less perceived recoil, presented from the holster better, pointed better, etc. than the 43.

I'm not ready to sell the 43 - yet, but if the Shield continues to perform the way it did yesterday, it might go up on Gunbroker. Also, I took a leap of faith to take advantage of the sale and just ordered a SECOND Shield - this one without the external safety! If I had more money, I'd add the .45 version too.

I have a CYA holster, XS Big Dot Sights, stainless steel rod and a Hogue grip on the way. If the Shield continues to perform, it will become my primary CCW/IDPA gun. I never thought I would switch from GLOCK, but the Shield just may be the ONE - and for less money too!
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Old 06-20-2017, 03:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bsmiley View Post
Put another 150 mixed rounds through my Shield 9 and zero issues.
My son & I shot a Walther PPS 9(Classic), FS M&P 9 and a Taurus PT-92.

We judged the Shield to have the best trigger and it was the overall best to shoot.

So this afternoon I ordered another Shield 9. I would have bought from PSA but they are out of the No safety model. So this time from Sportsman's Outdoor.

Can't beat the Shield at these prices!
You and I seem to be on similar journeys! I just ordered my second Shield too - without the safety - from Sportsman's because PSA was out of them

Just put another 80 rounds through it for a total of around 120 without a hiccup. Next up is testing defense loads.

Does anyone have experience running 147gr ammo through the Shield? I'm interested in trying it.

Great minds shoot alike!
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Old 06-20-2017, 04:12 PM
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I've shot a mix of 124 & 147gr defense rounds with no issues.
I just sold the Walther PPS thru armslist yesterday! For $100 more than my Shield cost after rebate...
I ordered 2 more 8 round mags from PSA yesterday.
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Old 06-20-2017, 05:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by veprjack View Post
Just joined this forum. I'm probably considered to be a GLOCK fanboy, and I still love my GLOCKS, but I had to buy a Shield 9mm because of the price. Boy, I'm glad I did!!! What a gun. I only had time to put 40 rounds downrange, but if it continues to shoot the way it did, it may bump my G43. The 43 is a FANTASTIC gun, but the Shield was just as accurate and reliable. But what really impressed me was the way it just melted into my hand, had less perceived recoil, presented from the holster better, pointed better, etc. than the 43.

I'm not ready to sell the 43 - yet, but if the Shield continues to perform the way it did yesterday, it might go up on Gunbroker. Also, I took a leap of faith to take advantage of the sale and just ordered a SECOND Shield - this one without the external safety! If I had more money, I'd add the .45 version too.

I have a CYA holster, XS Big Dot Sights, stainless steel rod and a Hogue grip on the way. If the Shield continues to perform, it will become my primary CCW/IDPA gun. I never thought I would switch from GLOCK, but the Shield just may be the ONE - and for less money too!
I don't know how much of a Glock fanboy you are but you have now discovered that the Glock, while a good gun, isn't the end-all that some profess it to be. Congrats on your new Shield and welcome to the Forum.

There is life after Glock!
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Old 06-20-2017, 07:28 PM
Dad_Roman Dad_Roman is offline
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Originally Posted by lhump1961 View Post

There is life after Glock!
Im stealin that...
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Old 06-20-2017, 07:39 PM
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Default Life After GLOCK

Excellent, but or me it's more like - There's room for other guns in my life! or "GLOCK and I have an open marriage"!

But seriously, for a long time it was S&W for revolvers and GLOCK for pistols (except the beloved 1911) and tiny pocket guns like LCP2, etc. I'm probably a 6 on a scale of 10 as far as being a GLOCK Fanboy, but the sacred reliability of GLOCK was KING, and not debatable. There are actually threads now on GLOCKTALK and elsewhere, which include praise for other companies - and they are pretty civil

I think that guns like the Shield or XD have shaken things up, and that's a good thing - more competition might make GLOCK nervous and therefore more open to change?

I have just listed my G43 on GunBroker to pay for my TWO Shields
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Old 06-20-2017, 07:56 PM
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Thank goodnes for G-fans who want only a Glock... they'll buy your g43 so you can get 2 Shields! #winning
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Old 06-20-2017, 08:25 PM
Lovetodrive2000 Lovetodrive2000 is offline
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Picked up my Shield 9 this morning and hit the range this afternoon. Ran about 100 rounds thru it.... and only issue that I had was after inserting a new mag.... would have a round jam for the first few reloads.

Never have this problem with my XD..

Figured out that I need to just let the slide go by itself, and not try and slow it down. After that, no problems.

Seems to be just as accurate at 25 feet as my XD.
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Old 06-20-2017, 08:36 PM
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Default Mags

Initially, I wasn't too happy with the Shield mags. My G43 mags ran and loaded like silk. But soon things settled down and the springs "softened". I JUST bought the gun too, but have already dry-fired it a lot and made two trips to the range. The mags didn't cause any hiccups; they're just difficult to load to full capacity.

I just ordered a mag loader to help get the last two rounds in. Maybe after 1,000 rounds or so, things will REALLY start to mesh. It's not a big deal for me and I know things will settle down.

I like the gun so much I just ordered ANOTHER ONE
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Old 06-20-2017, 08:46 PM
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WRT the G43 vs the Shield (9mm)- I have both.

I have to say, that although I love the Shield, I carry the Glock 43. It's smaller, lighter (yes, it carries 1 less round) and for me, shoots as well or better. I'm not getting rid of my Shield, but the 43 is a better carry gun for my needs.

There are other pluses for the Glock; you can completely and easily detail strip it with nothing more than a punch. Having to remove the rear sight to get the striker blocker out on the Shield is ridiculous and error prone. If you know how to take apart any other Glock, the 43 is close enough that you can easily manage to detail strip it and get it back together. The simplicity of the Glock design is a simple thing of beauty.

Again, my opinion and it's what works for me. I'm not disparaging the Shield, I like mine, a lot. There is room in my safe for many brands.

As far as the OP: keep shootin' - I've found that my Shield loosened up nicely. The trigger lightened a bit and it is an incredibly accurate gun.
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Old 06-20-2017, 08:53 PM
Dad_Roman Dad_Roman is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by veprjack View Post
Initially, I wasn't too happy with the Shield mags. My G43 mags ran and loaded like silk. But soon things settled down and the springs "softened".
The mags didn't cause any hiccups; they're just difficult to load to full capacity.
Maybe after 1,000 rounds or so, things will REALLY start to mesh. It's not a big deal for me and I know things will settle down.

I like the gun so much I just ordered ANOTHER ONE
Yea things will soften up. I dont remember when though. It was between 500-1K.

At 199.00 Im considering a couple more myself. SO much so that Im out working night shift ALSO tonight (and the next 3)

Walking out the door after a long gun conversation with mamma, (she shoots too) I said I sure am tempted to order a couple more and she replied " Well, your workin the next three nights...there ya go!!!"


Quote:
Originally Posted by LTD2K
Figured out that I need to just let the slide go by itself, and not try and slow it down. After that, no problems.

Seems to be just as accurate at 25 feet as my XD.
Yep, dont baby it.

And if you think its accurate now....

Seems like when we go to the range the first shot, careful, slowly is always dead center bullseye (at 21-25)

We look at each other and say "lets go home"

Last edited by Dad_Roman; 06-20-2017 at 09:00 PM.
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Old 06-20-2017, 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by yep380 View Post
WRT the G43 vs the Shield (9mm)- I have both.

I have to say, that although I love the Shield, I carry the Glock 43. It's smaller, lighter (yes, it carries 1 less round) and for me, shoots as well or better. I'm not getting rid of my Shield, but the 43 is a better carry gun for my needs.

There are other pluses for the Glock; you can completely and easily detail strip it with nothing more than a punch. Having to remove the rear sight to get the striker blocker out on the Shield is ridiculous and error prone. If you know how to take apart any other Glock, the 43 is close enough that you can easily manage to detail strip it and get it back together. The simplicity of the Glock design is a simple thing of beauty.

Again, my opinion and it's what works for me. I'm not disparaging the Shield, I like mine, a lot. There is room in my safe for many brands.

As far as the OP: keep shootin' - I've found that my Shield loosened up nicely. The trigger lightened a bit and it is an incredibly accurate gun.
Hope I didn't sound like I was knocking GLOCKS. My G19 is my GO TO WAR SHTF gun and I plan on adding a G26 soon. I've owned: 21, 26, 27, 30, 36 and the 43. All great guns!

The 43 is an outstanding CCW gun and I spent quite a bit on a holster, CT Green Laser, etc. The gun ran flawlessly and the recoil was very manageable. And, like most GLOCKS, it is probably bullet-proof.

But, I made the "mistake" of shooting my friend's Shield and noticed how it just fit my hand PERFECTLY. The gun just points so easily it's like an extension of my arm. Though the G43 had relatively soft recoil, IMHO the Shield was noticeably softer and allowed for quicker/more accurate second shots. When the rebate made it almost impossible to ignore, I went for it - and after my range session, bought a SECOND one.

If I hadn't discovered the Shield, I'd be perfectly satisfied with the 43, and I still have no trouble recommending it. For me, it was a simple choice based solely on personal preference.
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Old 06-20-2017, 09:27 PM
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Hope I didn't sound like I was knocking GLOCKS.
Not at all.

Hope I didn't sound like I was knocking the Shield, I'm not. I have one, love it. Recommend them to others, especially with the current pricing.

It's just for me, the G43 carries better. I wish the G43 had a (stock) mag that held 7, that's it though. I also have a G26: most versatile Glock 9mm, IMO: has (Glock brand) mags for 10, 12, 15, 17 and 33 - can't beat that versatility.

Quote:
Originally Posted by veprjack View Post
IMHO the Shield was noticeably softer and allowed for quicker/more accurate second shots.
I think the added weight of the Shield makes the recoil more manageable. Mine is a great shooter. If I control my breath and slowly squeeze the trigger, I can thread it in the 10 hole every time at 15 yards. Great gun, no regrets owning one.

The thing I like about shooting the Glock 43 more is the reset; the Glock reset is more tactile and with practice I can get follow up shots on target and quickly. The Shield reset isn't bad, but it's not as predictable as the Glock. That's just a minor nit though.
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Old 06-20-2017, 09:54 PM
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I have a G19... its a great pistol. At $425 with 3 mags it was a good value too. My Shield is an even better value and the ergonomics are better too. I give up some rounds but I carry it more.
My Pro 9 is my favorite pistol, but its not practical for concealed carry.
My G19 is a purposeful tool, I just don't think it excels in any measurable way over its competitors. Inexpensive magpul mags, lots of reasonably priced after market options for it, but I'd be happier with M&P 9 or 9c with an Apex duty trigger kit... Anyone feels the opposite, I'd be willing to trade...

Last edited by bsmiley; 06-20-2017 at 10:05 PM.
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Old 06-22-2017, 04:34 PM
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Another 120+ rounds this morning and still no hint of a hiccup! Accuracy keeps getting better (mostly because I'm getting used to the gun)? Rapid fire, offhand, whatever - ticks like a fine Swiss watch.

This time I put 12 rounds of 150gr HST through it as well as 20 GD 124gr non-+P. The recoil was just a little softer in the HST, which is cool considering it's heavier. Both were very accurate. I may go with the HST as my primary carry round, but the GD124's are great too; price is also a consideration, all things being fairly equal. As so many have said in a lot of threads, any decent defense round will do as long as the shooter does their part.

Anyway, the Shield continues to impress and once I have a total of 500 rounds through it (and maybe another 150 of defense rounds) it will be my CCW gun.
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Old 07-04-2017, 12:55 PM
Hhenry Hhenry is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by veprjack View Post
Just joined this forum. I'm probably considered to be a GLOCK fanboy, and I still love my GLOCKS, but I had to buy a Shield 9mm because of the price. Boy, I'm glad I did!!! What a gun. I only had time to put 40 rounds downrange, but if it continues to shoot the way it did, it may bump my G43. The 43 is a FANTASTIC gun, but the Shield was just as accurate and reliable. But what really impressed me was the way it just melted into my hand, had less perceived recoil, presented from the holster better, pointed better, etc. than the 43.

I'm not ready to sell the 43 - yet, but if the Shield continues to perform the way it did yesterday, it might go up on Gunbroker. Also, I took a leap of faith to take advantage of the sale and just ordered a SECOND Shield - this one without the external safety! If I had more money, I'd add the .45 version too.

I have a CYA holster, XS Big Dot Sights, stainless steel rod and a Hogue grip on the way. If the Shield continues to perform, it will become my primary CCW/IDPA gun. I never thought I would switch from GLOCK, but the Shield just may be the ONE - and for less money too!
Trust me(us), the Shield will continue to perform!! I have bought and sold 2 43s. Great pistol for sure, but I just have always been able to shoot the Shield more accurately. For me, I believe the Shield's grip angle makes all the difference!
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Old 07-04-2017, 01:33 PM
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I sold the PPS classic after shooting it side by side with my Shield. It was a fine pistol, just felt the Shield to be better. Never shot a g43 before. Probably a great gun, but I am certain the stock trigger isn't as nice as my Shield's apex trigger. So then I'd have to get an upgraded trigger. If I could get a g43 for $200 I probably would do it and upgrade the trigger to see how it compares to my Shield....
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Old 07-04-2017, 04:40 PM
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Made my 2nd range trip with the shield 9 today, ran another 100 rnds thru her for a total of 550 no hiccups of any kind. Shot some Winchester white box 147gr JHP and it was very accurate, so for now it's my carry rnd.
Recoil spring has definitely loosen up as have the mags. Even the slide lock will drop the slide forward with ease.
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Old 07-04-2017, 09:15 PM
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I'm in the process of breaking in my second shield now and the love affair continues. My first one has a safety and the 11pound Mao-tse-chusetts trigger, so I want to carry the new one without the idiot add - ons. It will be my primary CCW as soon as I put a few hundred more rounds through it.
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Old 07-05-2017, 12:19 AM
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I recently went to a gun rental range and tried out a 9mm Shield, a Glock 26, Glock 19 an M&P 9C, and several others.
I did like the Shield, but went with the Glock 26. It holds 10 rounds, has a 3.46" barrel (as oppose to 3.1" on the Shield) and is still a concealed carry gun as opposed to the Glock 19 which is more of a service weapon.
My concern with barrel length involves getting enough velocity out of the barrel to enable expansion.
I did like the Shield trigger, and the option of a thumb safety.
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Old 07-05-2017, 07:07 AM
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I recently went to a gun rental range and tried out a 9mm Shield, a Glock 26, Glock 19 an M&P 9C, and several others.
I did like the Shield, but went with the Glock 26. It holds 10 rounds, has a 3.46" barrel (as oppose to 3.1" on the Shield) and is still a concealed carry gun as opposed to the Glock 19 which is more of a service weapon.
My concern with barrel length involves getting enough velocity out of the barrel to enable expansion.
I did like the Shield trigger, and the option of a thumb safety.
Width of slide: G26 = 1.18" thick vs. Shield = .95" thick
Just ME, but that difference FELT HUGE and made a lot of difference in CCW. It's all about perception, my particular body build, etc. My 19 is my "go to war" sidearm and, like others, I shot my 26 better than my 19 at distances under 25 yards. I used to tell people my 26 was made in Area-51, and for me, it's one of the best GLOCKS ever made. But in the winter, it's the 19 for me. I thought the 43 would be my summer carry, but the Shield nudged it out. If I have to make a gun disappear, I carry my BUG LCP2 in my pocket or even AIWB.

I LOVED my G43 and GLOCK hit a home run with it, but I just couldn't get it out of the holster with a good grip on it. The Shield just had more real estate FOR ME to grip and it came out of the holster up on target like it was made for my hand. I sold the 43 and bought TWO Shields on the rebate offer. But if someone can get the 43 out of the holster with a good grip, etc. I'd still recommend the 43 - it's a FANTASTIC gun and I just wish it had worked for me.
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Old 07-05-2017, 08:49 AM
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Quote:
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Width of slide: G26 = 1.18" thick vs. Shield = .95" thick
Just ME, but that difference FELT HUGE and made a lot of difference in CCW. It's all about perception, my particular body build, etc. My 19 is my "go to war" sidearm and, like others, I shot my 26 better than my 19 at distances under 25 yards. I used to tell people my 26 was made in Area-51, and for me, it's one of the best GLOCKS ever made. But in the winter, it's the 19 for me. I thought the 43 would be my summer carry, but the Shield nudged it out. If I have to make a gun disappear, I carry my BUG LCP2 in my pocket or even AIWB.

I LOVED my G43 and GLOCK hit a home run with it, but I just couldn't get it out of the holster with a good grip on it. The Shield just had more real estate FOR ME to grip and it came out of the holster up on target like it was made for my hand. I sold the 43 and bought TWO Shields on the rebate offer. But if someone can get the 43 out of the holster with a good grip, etc. I'd still recommend the 43 - it's a FANTASTIC gun and I just wish it had worked for me.
I don't plan to carry IWB, because that does not work for me. If I did, the Shield would have an advantage as you pointed out. I am 68 years old and have twice suffered a bout of sciatic nerve issues from IWB carry.
I have found that the trick in shooting the baby Glocks is to keep your pinky finger off the grip instead of trying to use it. The pinky will take a beating if you use it on the baby Glocks. They are WAY more comfortable to shoot with a 2 fingered grip. The single stack Glocks are a bit narrow for my hands. The G26 grip feels perfect.
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Old 07-05-2017, 08:44 PM
bsmiley bsmiley is offline
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Congrats andy05! I have friends who only own Glocks. I enjoy shooting with friends and trying their guns. I like the G26. Great size package. I have a G19 I carry in cooler weather. I tend to carry OWB but I have an IWB holster for my Shield and its comfortable for me. I like my G19, especially the option to carry an extra 17 rd mag in my pocket, on top of 15 rds in the gun. After market parts are plentiful and relatively cheap. I replaced my plastic sights with night sights and bought some mag pul 17rd mags for it too.
My buddy veprjack, hows the trigger on the Non-MASS shield feel for you? Please Apex duty kit your MASS Shield! Its the best solution I can see. They have youtube videos that show exactly how to do it. The hardest part isn't hard but a pain in the butt. Removing the rear sight to swap out the USB plunger/spring. So I got night sights and tapped off the rear sight, swapped the apex parts in and tapped back on the rear sight. Next day I took it to LGS and had my night sights installed.
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