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Old 03-14-2017, 11:06 PM
Colonel Colonel is offline
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Default New Shield 45 Performance Center

This evening, I stopped in my LGS just to look around, and wound up fondling a new Shield 45 Performance Center. I didn't pay to much attention, because I already have a regular Shield 45. Needless to say, the LGS made me an aggressive offer that forced me to bring the new PC home.
When it warms up, I'll get it to the range and see if the porting really makes a difference in muzzle flip. As far as triggers, my regular Shield 45 has a pretty good trigger out of the box, and the new PC model trigger is very synergetic. Maybe I'll feel more of a trigger difference when I actually fire it?? The PC sights are interesting and look like an improvement over the standard Shield 3 dot sights.
I have to quit stopping in at my LGS as I am going broke!
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Last edited by Colonel; 03-14-2017 at 11:07 PM.
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Old 03-23-2017, 06:31 PM
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I am looking at purchasing one myself. Enjoy your new purchase Sir.
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Old 03-23-2017, 07:01 PM
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Made it to the range today and had an opportunity to fire 100 rounds out of my new Shield 45 Performance Center.
I can report that the porting does dampen the muzzle rise somewhat. NOT night and day but noticeable, and enough to make it a worthy consideration. I suspect that because the porting only consist of 2 small holes, instead of 6 large porting holes, like other styles, that the difference is not as pronounced?? I can report that I was not blasted in the face with debris coming out of the porting, nor was there an extra LOUD report from the porting. The folks in the lane next to me said that they didn't notice any sound difference between the ported and non ported models.
I do prefer the enhanced sights on the ported model.......
I did have an opportunity to fire some rounds from my ported and non ported models through a chronograph that someone had set up.
Surprisingly, the delta was only about a 20 FPS difference between the 2 models. I suspect that because the porting holes are relatively small??
In any event, I conclude that the porting does help muzzle rise, the porting does not cause debris to be blasted into your face or eyes and the report is not louder when compared to a non ported.
I attached a target picture from only the ported model. The distance was 50' with a combination of a 2 hand Weaver Stance, and single weak hand hold and single strong hand hold. Ammo was PNC 230 grain FMJ.......
All and all, I believe that the Shield 45 PC is a good value for the dollar and I recommend it. I will be adding it to my CCW rotation stuffed with Hornady 230 Grain XTP +P's - product number 9096.
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Old 03-23-2017, 08:54 PM
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Good write up & congrats
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Old 03-23-2017, 09:11 PM
tfreeman tfreeman is offline
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I've not looked at the spec sheets, no difference in trigger?
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Old 03-23-2017, 09:34 PM
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Congrats on the new purchase.. I have the reg shield 45 and find it to be the perfect cc for me.

Statement and question.... I heard that if you fire the ported 45 in a dark area (night .. Low or no light) the ported flash points can cause temp sight picture blindness. So could you keep us informed if you get to shoot in those conditions. I would be interested in the answer.

Thanks...
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Old 03-23-2017, 10:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tfreeman View Post
I've not looked at the spec sheets, no difference in trigger?
I also have the Shield 9mm and the trigger on the Shield 45 is very noticeably smoother and lighter......Not a hair trigger by any means but better than the stock trigger on the Shield 9.
As far as a trigger comparison between the Shield 45 PC model and the standard Shield 45, it appears to be pretty much of a toss up. I don't think I would be able to tell the difference if I was blindfolded.

Now, as far as firing the ported version under low light conditions, I don't believe it would be an impediment or impairment with this model. The port hols are so small, unlike porting on other firearms. I didn't observe any flash or gases coming out of the ports, nor did anyone else that was asked to observe. It was not dusk yet, but it was somewhat of low light and we were under cover, and neither myself or others could detect flames or gases directed upwards.

When I got home and cleaned the pistol, I did notice that there was more residue in the under side of the slide of the PC model vs the standard one.

Just back to the porting; it looks like a lot of ported pistols have 6 porting holes (3 on each side) and they are quite a bit larger than the 2 on the Shield 45. IMHO: this results in two things, the velocity is virtually unaffected.....Yes, a slight reduction, but nothing more than what a variation in firearms would be and no perceptible vertical "blast" from the porting.

I overthought this whole porting subject to death and researched the topic relentlessly, and have come away with a positive practical experience with the Shield 45 PC!

Last edited by Colonel; 03-24-2017 at 09:01 AM.
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Old 07-16-2017, 05:19 PM
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So glad you posted this! I've been trying to find an objective comparison of these two pistols. I have the standard 45 shield w/safety and LOVE it! I've considered getting the Hi-Viz sight version of the PC 45 Shield, but I like having a manual safety.

I'm surprised the PC trigger isn't noticeably better, but the standard 45 Shield trigger IS pretty darn good!

I might just add the Hi-Viz sights to my 45 Shield and not get the PC version.
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Old 07-16-2017, 07:12 PM
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I have had a ported .40 for a couple months now, and a couple weeks ago, also picked up a Shield .45 ( non ported).
I've shot them at my range 3 times now, side by side, and will probably be selling the .45, or trading it for a 9mm Shield for my daughter.
The .40 PC does have a quicker recoil and muzzle rise than the .45, but rises no higher than I can tell, and doesn't come back in your hand as hard as the .45 does.
I have always been a .45 guy, mostly 1911's, and wanted to like the .45, but every time I've shot my two Shield's, I've like the PC .40 better.
1)Nothing hits you in the face from the ports.
2) If it's any louder I can't tell, all handguns are loud, even my Colt .22.
3) I've shot it at dark, and there's no more distraction or temp blindness than any other handgun.
4) There's some fouling around the ports and under the slide where the ports spew out, but one swipe of some CLP or Powder Blast on a rag and it's gone. Not a huge cleaning chore like some make it out to be.
5) I found about 60 to 70 fps. less velocity comparing my PC .40 to my full size .40 M&P. I didn't have a non ported Shield .40 to compare against my PC, so factoring in that the FS has an inch longer barrel, velocity loss is pretty insignificant.
I seriously doubt that all the haters of ported Shields actually have one or have done any side by side comparisons. I wish they'd give it a rest.
The trigger on my .45 is similar to the PC trigger as far as weight, travel, etc. but has some noticeable "crunchiness" as it's pulled.
The fiber optic sights are much nicer to use in daylight.
I'm getting a TRL-6 for my PC, and a Tulster holster to fit it ( in FDE of course! ) but will still pop some Meprolight Tritium sights on it as well.
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Old 07-17-2017, 06:51 PM
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Having porting is not worth the loss in performance. I saw a lot more muzzle flash, and it was considerably louder when I shot the ported and non-ported side by side.

I did by a brand new 45 Shield last week, and after handling it at home, it will be put up for sale before ever taking it to the range. The grip texture just isn't for me. Too rough and I don't want to have something with tape or a grip sleeve on it, nor do I want something I have altered anything on. It's an OCD thing. It's a shame. It came with night sights installed from the factory and three magazines.

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Old 07-17-2017, 09:28 PM
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Cant please everybody. I love my 9 PC and now have a 45 PC and really like it as well.
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Old 07-18-2017, 04:10 AM
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Carried the Shield 40 for a couple of years. A few months ago I purchased the PC 45. My new EDC. New Shield 45 Performance Center

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Old 07-18-2017, 07:46 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mnarcher View Post
Having porting is not worth the loss in performance. I saw a lot more muzzle flash, and it was considerably louder when I shot the ported and non-ported side by side.

I did by a brand new 45 Shield last week, and after handling it at home, it will be put up for sale before ever taking it to the range. The grip texture just isn't for me. Too rough and I don't want to have something with tape or a grip sleeve on it, nor do I want something I have altered anything on. It's an OCD thing. It's a shame. It came with night sights installed from the factory and three magazines.

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Jeez, did you even handle the .45 before taking it home ?
Loss of performance ? Have you chronographed the ported one next to a non ported one ?
The Colonel and I, and others on the M-P forum have, and the velocity difference is nil.
Muzzle flash? Have you shot it in the dark ? I have, and the large fireball coming out of the muzzle is what you see, not the two small jets going off to the side.
I only wish that the grip texture on my .40 was as aggressive as the texture the .45 has.
The last thing I want on a defensive pistol is a smooth grip.
Good luck finding one that suits your tender skin, I don't know of any SD pistols with a smooth grip.
And maybe get some new clothes that aren't so delicate, what's more important, wearing your cashmere sweater or having a good grip on your pistol in a life or death situation ?
It sounds like you were set on getting rid of the .45 before you even walked out of the store with it.
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Old 07-20-2017, 03:52 PM
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Quote:
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Jeez, did you even handle the .45 before taking it home ?

Loss of performance ? Have you chronographed the ported one next to a non ported one ?

The Colonel and I, and others on the M-P forum have, and the velocity difference is nil.

Muzzle flash? Have you shot it in the dark ? I have, and the large fireball coming out of the muzzle is what you see, not the two small jets going off to the side.

I only wish that the grip texture on my .40 was as aggressive as the texture the .45 has.

The last thing I want on a defensive pistol is a smooth grip.

Good luck finding one that suits your tender skin, I don't know of any SD pistols with a smooth grip.

And maybe get some new clothes that aren't so delicate, what's more important, wearing your cashmere sweater or having a good grip on your pistol in a life or death situation ?

It sounds like you were set on getting rid of the .45 before you even walked out of the store with it.


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Old 07-20-2017, 05:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mnarcher View Post
Having porting is not worth the loss in performance. I saw a lot more muzzle flash, and it was considerably louder when I shot the ported and non-ported side by side.

I did by a brand new 45 Shield last week, and after handling it at home, it will be put up for sale before ever taking it to the range. The grip texture just isn't for me. Too rough and I don't want to have something with tape or a grip sleeve on it, nor do I want something I have altered anything on. It's an OCD thing. It's a shame. It came with night sights installed from the factory and three magazines.

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Before giving up on a excellent gun before you've even fired it, invest another $18 in a Talon Rubberized Grip. I have one on my Shield 9, and I like it very much. It's easy to install (it's neither a sleeve nor a tape), it feels good in the hand, it fits the grip like a glove, it's very durable, and it does not slip.

I don't have a Talon on my Shield .45, because I really like the factory grip. But that's just me. If you Talonize your Shield and give it a chance, I think you'll find it's one of the best compact self-defense pistols on the market. For its size, its accuracy is superb. Run at least 500 rounds through it, and you'll likely come to the same conclusion that most of us on the Forum have: It's a great pistol.
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Last edited by swsig; 07-20-2017 at 05:06 PM.
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