Just walked in the house with the new Shield 45. Will not fire until the coming week.
Some initial comparisons
Weight comparison - Fully Loaded
-- Glock 27: 27.08 ozs (10xFed 165 gr)
-- Glock 23: 31.49 ozs (14xFed 165 gr)
-- Glock 43: 20.52 ozs (7xFed 115 gr)
-- Shield 45: 27.95 ozs (7xFed 230gr)
Size comparison
-- Glock 27: Shield 20% thinner...and its a huge difference. Shield is taller...could be less concealable in some carry configurations. Width vs Height.
-- Glock 23: equal in height, Shield gains in width, but Shield loses in capacity. Both allow full purchase...Glock fills the hand palm, Shield feels grip but feels significantly more top heavier.
-- Glock 43: Grip is close, 43 is significantly lighter and smaller. Overall, just a smaller gun and it feels it.
Aesthetics/Feel
-- Looks go to the Shield, not even close
-- Mags were stiff, but not as bad as some would lead us to believe.
-- Take down was simple
-- No issue with trigger...not sure about grittiness, we will see on range day
-- Grip/Stipple ... New full textured grip is phenomenal if you like talon etc
Price: $359 (Mil/LEO discount)
Should range day go well this work its way into the rotation currently in this fashion:
G27 - EDC work
G43 - Summer / Formal wear
G23 - Threat up / Weekend & Heavier clothing
Shield - Hoping to reduce thickness of G27 and weight of G23.
Reason for purchase: I wanted to carry and like the G43 more--bought it and couldn't bring myself to carry other than a few select times in dinner wear and beach play. Also, I am leery of 9mm and always felt under-gunned for my sanctuary city downtown environment. G27 is a little bulky in a suit. Hoping the .45 is the sweet spot. It was this or the G36.
Cheers
***UPDATE**
FIred:
200 rounds Fed ammo white box
18 Rnds Critical Defense (carry ammo)
- 0 FTE/FTF (No Issues)
5 - 25 yards: No issues hitting center mass
Trigger: Reset is not as tight as a Glock. However, it works...it's a self-defense gun, I'm good with the S&W trigger. It breaks clean and has a smoother surface than the Glock.
Recoil: if you've fired a short barrel 45, this one is no different. It's a hand cannon, it does punch vice snap--and you absolutely can feel the difference between the .40 and .45. I love both--I was able to acquire targets quickly no problem. It shoots/points and aims well. Recoil is not an issue. Easily able to fire one-handed, rapid shots in succession and absolutely zero bite or sting. The grip was a game changer for me...loved it.
Sights: Line em' up and pull. No issues. Typically I am low left with my Glocks -- seemed be a bit better today. We will see with more rounds.
Overall Impressions: The ergonomics of the grip/bore axis worked for my hand albeit still a tad thin for perfect--but much better than the 9/40 Shield. I think bigger was indeed better in this particular departure from the size of the original design. The others who have written reports nailed it. Not much more to add. I held off and waited for the 45--glad I did. Not sure if this will replace my G27 for the daily grind...but considering strongly. Weight is the same as the G27...but the .19" less in width is huge. Admittedly longer in the grip...with the correct cant and holster--this one will be a favorite in the urban/business suit crowd.
Barring any recalls and other issues--S&W definitely nailed it with the stagger stack.
Pics attached: Double taps
IMG_4763.JPG @ 5 yards
@ 7 yrds
@10
@15
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
New Shield 45 Impressions
Linear Mode
