My handling of firearms began in 1949 while in the Navy. Since then I have owned many makes and types of long guns and sidearms. In fact, at one time, I had the pleasure of collecting many high-end rifles, shotguns, revolvers and pistols.

Today, at an advanced age, I have divested myself of all firearms except for an EDC and a bedside pistol. Both are 9mm Shields. I chose the Shield 9 for these purposes because it fits me best of every other sidearm I have handled. I recognize that it is what it is: an excellent easy to conceal and powerful shooter at defensive distances. It is not a long range target pistol and is not purported to be so by Smith and Wesson. It is my short distance protector.

Furthermore, the Shield9 proves that price does not always equate excellence. The Shield is a low-priced pistol and yet it is reliable and accurate. In other words, it is excellent.

My shooting at targets with the Shield has been terrific. I am able to print small lethal patterns at defensive distances as well with it as I had done with either a high priced Ed Brown 1911 or a modestly priced Ruger GP100 revolver.

I have read many posts complaining about problems with the Shield 9. Many of these problems appear to be similar to what I had with other brands of semiautomatics. My suggestion to those who have these complaints is to work through their issues as best you can; either by yourself, with the help of other shooters or S&W. When you do successfully resolve your issues, you will find the Shield 9 to be every bit the fine pistol I find mine to be.

Stay safe and good shooting!

Attached Images

My Shield 9 stock.jpg (48.3 KB, 49 views)

Yeah the shields are very nice. We originally bought my wife one when we went to a lgs several years back they let her try out gun in there indoor range before buying one and it work for her so we bought her a shield 9. Well within a few weeks later I had to have one I liked hers so much. I traded mine off last year a got an h&k sub compact which I like but I recently had to come back to the shield I now have a shield 45 and I love it. Carbuf is right these guns are hard to beat there accurate reliable good price and size for a edc. Get to now your firearm inside out and if you have issues get with a good reputable gun shop or gunsmith to see if issues are you or the actual gun and correct them and you will have the best little edc money can buy.

Carbuff:
I too, am the same age as you and agree with you on the Shield 9mm.
I've had mine for almost 2-years. It has been a very good piece. Over 2,600 rds. through it with Zero issues! Very soft shooting, accurate and easy to maintain. Excellent for EDC or HD.

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It's The Carbonaro Effect!

I will add to this...I had been on the fence for a long time about the Shield in 9mm. I was not at all impressed with my ability to handle the one I had rented, or with the trigger reset of the ones I had handled. I remained on the fence. When the recent rebate program started, my LGS had a sale on top of the rebate, so the final price with tax came out to just over $300. I couldn't turn that deal down.

The one I got is fantastic. Nothing at all like the one I rented. I'm sure that one has been beaten on and probably seldom cleaned (if at all), but mine is great. I am very pleased with the accuracy and have no complaints about the trigger.

Long story short: if you're on the fence, just buy one when the price is right- you won't be sorry.