Thnking about a Shield. Need advice.

[Drill Sergeant]

With the rebates comes serious thought about purchasing a Shield. Although I am a .45 kind of guy, I've been reading about too many problem with them - so I dropped the .45 from consideration.

I am considering the 9mm Shield. I need some advice to help make a decision from those who actually own the firearm. From what I have been researching on the internet, it seems as if this model has had problems also. Is this 'old news'? Have the problems been solved?

Not looking for defensive or hostile responses; just some current information on this model.

Thank you!

[markmiela]

1500 rounds through my 9 without a hiccup. Wouldn't hesitate to get another.


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[LAA]

As to the 9mm & 45 Shield, there has been far more positive comments than negatives. You can look up many range reports with customers new Shields who have completely positive experiences. The followup replies from other Shield owners are usually the same positive thoughts.

And then there are the problem threads. Some problems yes, but I'd say the overall majority, have had a nice working semi-auto pistol. I've been reading the 9mm threads for probably two years or so, and the 45 for close to a year, since it was put on the market.

I have owned the 9mm for more than a year, and the 45 ACP since last summer. No problems with either. Many brands & bullet weights of ammo, including reloads. I myself, prefer 45's.

[bobknn]

My Shield 9 is 3 years and about 2000 rounds old and has performed flawlessly. With current prices and a rebate I wish I were buying now.

[gonerydin]

Our 2015 build Shield 9 broke a RSA about 300 rounds in. Been good since. It is my GF's favorite cc. I'm thinking about getting a 45.


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[berudd]

I've only put 300ish rounds trough my 9 but no issues at all. And I'd trust the 45 as well. Keep in mind very few people come on line to post "Hey my gun did everything perfectly" and even when the do we tend to recall more of the failures that successes. Its a man made machine so yes, it can fail. But over all they are very reliable. The 9 may be slight more concealable as it is narrower but not by much. You get a few more rounds with the 9 but since most defensive situations are over in 2 or 3 shots this may not really matter. Would be great if you could shoot both and see which performs better for you.

Whatever you get I'd recommend the non-safety version. Mine has the safety and I wish it did not. While engagement is very positive, it is small and from a few trips at the range practicing turning it off while pushing the gun out I decided I did not feel comfortable trying to work it in a defensive situation. It's not like a 1911 where you have a fairly substantial paddle to push on. You basically need your thumb to grab the serrations on the safety. Also, if you plan to carry an extra magazine I'd strong recommend purchasing a second one in the larger capacity. I find it harder to maintain a good grip on my 9 with the smaller magazine.

[ontargetagain]

Why not get the caliber you want........45. The internet is full of things that don't work for people that work well for the other 95%. I just got the 45. It is a production gun at a very affordable price with a backing by the company. I expect a problem with any semi I purchase, if I don't have one that is great! If I do, I know it can be corrected, sure it might be a bit frustrating but the majority of the product works just as designed and a small percentage fail.
I've never been happy with purchasing my second choice when my first choice is what will make me happy
Karl

[Ranger17]

950 rounds now thru my PC shield 9 with zero trouble. I am sure there are those with concerns, build a million and some will not be perfect. Ask Camry or Accord owners a similar question. High % are happy and yes some will have ran into an issue.
As SW has a solid warranty and the nice rebate i would not think twice about buying a Shield if that was the gun i wanted.
Just my .02

[CB3]

The problems are way, way overblown.

Buy what you want with confidence. Try the triggers in the store first to get the best. They do vary in production guns.

If you are in the tiny percentage of those who have problems, S&W will fix it.

You will be happy.

[Shield9mm]

Currently own a shield 9mm never had any issues with it, had the thumb safety version no issues either. I won't hesitate to get one and will pick up a 45 soon.


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[Welshman]

I just bought a Shield 9 today. $334.99 plus the $75.00 rebate. Too good a deal to pass up. I also bought a Pearce grip extension for the 7 round magazine, to make it fit my hand.
I hope to get to the range tomorrow.

[njguyinfla]

I am taking a wild guess but I think with all of these rebates on M&P compacts and shields that this summer they are coming out with M&P 2.0 compact and or shield ? So you might want to wait a little or buy a great gun (shield) at a great price now...

[BigDog48]

Get the one you like the most, or at those prices, get one of each :-)

I have the Shield 9mm, have carried it every day, put well over 1000 rounds through it and never have had any issues with any ammo.

Frankly (not to insult those who are on the problem threads, or the upgrade threads) I think the plain fact is that people with issues tend to look for a forum and then post; people with no issues tend not to post as much. With the experience I've had now with 7 S&W revolvers and pistols (4 pistols, 3 revolvers) I'd say you're safe buying either you prefer. I have and carry a Shield 9 as I said, but I had the Shield 45 in my hand at a gun show and almost bought it...it felt good. I almost bought one again yesterday when I saw the rebate kick-in. Might still :-) . Take the leap!

[Ranger17]

I am also thinking distributors and chains built up inventory expecting a different election outcome and now there is a lot of stock to move. Would not be surprised to see other rebates and offers thru the summer; though if i want something and price is right i would not hesitate.

[rwsmith]

Daggone fine pistol or a good price. I can't say anything bad about it that I couldn't say about any compact pistol. But out of the compacts I like the Shield a LOT.

[BigDog48]

Thanks guys....I just ordered the Shield 45 with night sights. Now my S&W count will be 5 pistols; 3 revolvers.

[GKC]

Originally Posted by BigDog48

Thanks guys....I just ordered the Shield 45 with night sights. Now my S&W count will be 5 pistols; 3 revolvers.

I think you made a good choice. I have a Shield 45 myself, and have owned a Shield 9 in the past. I much prefer the 45.

As for problems...if you think about the number of Shields actually sold, and then realize that only a small percentage of those buyers post on forums, and a smaller percentage of those have problems, it adds up to a good pistol. If you do have a problem, S&W has great service.

Good luck! I wish I had gotten mine with night sights, but I happened on it in a local gun shop, so I bought it on the spot. I can eventually buy some night sights for it.

[Groundhog34]

For what it's worth. I bought a new Shield custom shop 9mm yesterday. Today I took it out to fire a few rounds. The first round fired hit the target a coke bottle at 10 yards. However I had a major problem. The spent shell ejected but the slide locked back and I mean locked it is immovable. The slide release does nothing. I am an experienced shooter do not limp wrist I am left handed so do not ride the slide stop.

[swsig]

I own both Shields. My 2015 9mm has had 27 failures to eject or failures to feed in the first 3800 rounds. That's not reliable enough to carry. It is also picky about ammo. It has gotten better recently, with only one FTE between 3800 and 4800 rounds, but I still haven't developed enough trust to carry it. It is well on its way to becoming a safe queen.

My recently acquired .45 has only 1200 rounds through it so far, but it has been much more reliable. After a couple of very early failures to feed during break-in, it's had only a single premature slide lockback in the last 700 rounds, and that was probably caused by my grip. It has fired any ammo I have put in it, and it is considerably more accurate than the 9mm. Its only problem has been a misaligned front sight. If I don't feel like carrying my usual everyday carry, (my M&P 40c), my Shield .45 gets the nod.

If you like .45s, get one.

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by BigDog48

Thanks guys....I just ordered the Shield 45 with night sights. Now my S&W count will be 5 pistols; 3 revolvers.

Excellent!

Don't let internet hooey get to you. They've sold over a million M&P Shields. If a thousand of them had trouble, that's still less than .1%. They'd like to be better, but that just means the chances of you getting a bad one are small to non-existent.

[BigDog48]

Originally Posted by Rastoff

Excellent!

Don't let internet hooey get to you. They've sold over a million M&P Shields. If a thousand of them had trouble, that's still less than .1%. They'd like to be better, but that just means the chances of you getting a bad one are small to non-existent.

Oh, I agree, that why my gunsafe is getting full of S&W ... next, a bigger safe

[bedbugbilly]

I've never had any issues with my 9mm Shield - and it gets a steady diet of reloads with my cast lead projectiles. No function issues at all an I have no problem in recommending it and have many times to others I know.

[arhayes]

The only issue I had was replacing magazine spring which was shipped right out to me. Otherwise I now have close to 800 rounds through my 9mm and love it. At 7-10 yds it'll do whatever groups you want. I was just with my son and he shot it for the first time. Was off on his first shot and every one after that was right on target. I've got 2 friends who have the .45 Shield and have heard no complaints from them either. Good platform for an EDC.


Alan

[Don~Z~]

I have the shield 9 and shield 45, both great guns, but I prefer the 45... I have near 2000 rounds through it, feels good to shoot it... lately though I've been carrying a kahr cm9... smith and wesson is my true love, but the kahr has been the most comfortable for me to carry all day, and it hasn't malfunctioned yet..


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[Bozz10mm]

I just ordered a Shield .45. I hope it's a flawless as my Shield 9mm. S&W has an excellent rep for warranty work if not.

[ladder13]

Troubles with the Shield have been blown way out of proportion. As noted, well over a MILLION sold, it's the most popular gun produced yesterday and today.
This is a forum dedicated to S&W's, so naturally people having issues will use Google and wind up here.

[qBan]

Close to 600 rounds on mine and not a single problem. I always see these posts of people having lots of problems and always wondered why..

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[jbtrucker]

The only problem with my Shield was me, it took a lot of practice and several hundred rounds break in. Some have had issues with defects and others have a problem after trying to make upgrades.

[amcline82]

Back when I bought mine 1.5 years ago the main problem was operator error. The RSA was not getting pur in correctly which then created the problem.

My wife and I both have a shield and no issues with ours. Because of all the great rebates i talked my dad into one as well.

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[walkin' trails]

Mine was purchased late in 2015 and probably has 2-250 rounds thru the pipe. While it has never jammed, my gut feeling is that it needs some more break-in as it doesn't quite feel as "broke-in" for lack of better description. As it likely won't be a carry gun for any time in the immediate future, it's not a major issue. I just need to dedicate a range session with a couple hundred rounds to ensure the process is completed.

Back when the Shield was first introduced, FMG Publications writer John Connor wrote a very thorough article about his test of an early specimen. Connor made sure to stress a thorough cleaning and lube for all of the little "mouse-sized" pistols chambering "roaring" calibers, and went onto summarize his initial range session favorably. At the same time, people were getting on the internet and complaining that their new mini 9 would constantly jam out of the box and that "it" was junk and they were getting rid of "it." Mr. Connor suggested that all of the mini pistols needed a break-in period before being ready to rely on - something we sort of got away from with better reliability from larger pistols.

I know a guy with a .40 Shield on his ankle as a BUG that always runs reliably every 90 days when he runs a 50-round qualification course. My dad got a 9mm about the same time as me, mostly carries it on his ankle, and is not complaining about it for any reason other than he thinks it's too heavy - but more trustworthy than his new Remington R51 at the moment - which is also less pleasant to shoot. My son and I resently went shooting with my M&P 45 and the Shield. After a couple of boxes thru the 45, he tried the Shield and felt it was more pleasant to shoot.

So, I will conclude by saying that if you buy either and something just doesn't work right, then exercise your warranty right and get it fixed by the factory. The Shield is a decent little carry gun.


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[dben002]

Don't know what you heard or where you heard it but have owned 2 Shields..the 9 and the 45. The 45 is my EDC. Had the 9 for 2 yrs..flawless in every respect...had the 45 now for 9 months and also flawless. Probably 2000 rounds thru the 45..mostly target ammo but probably around 120 rounds of federal hst 124 gr jhp also. Never had a problem with either weapon...i do find the 45 to shoot tighter groups than the 9. ??

This comment is just for your info...you can have problems with any weapon but with over a million shields sold and the very very small percentage of problems reported i have full faith and confidence in the platform

[turnkey47]

i have only owned my 9mm shield for a month but i have had zero problems..read a lot of reviews before buying and most of them were positive...i did add the fixxxer grip extension for the 7 round mag..i know its only a short time of owning it but i love it!!!!

[glwanabe]

I own 2, 9mm shields, one safety, one without, and a 45. Absolutely love this platform.
I put 900 rounds through my 9's this past week. Great fun pistol to shoot. I have had very few issues with either of my my 9's.

The 45 was just purchased on Thursday, and I have not gotten out to shoot it yet. Ammo, and mags are being shipped now, so next week I'll hit the range with it, and shoot the snot out of it.

I have no issues at all with running several hundred rounds a session with the 9's. My brother has a 45 as well that he just got a week ago, and has put seveal hundred rounds through it, and had no comfort issues at all during or the next day.

With the current rebate I might just get another one.