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Old 04-12-2017, 11:15 PM
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I finally was able to go to the range to break in both the MP Bodyguard 380 and the 45 Shield. Both were brand new, oiled clean and ready to fire. I'll start out with what good there was.

The 45 Shield: 100 rounds of Federal 230gr ball, 100 rounds of Freedom Arms reman 230gr ball, 25 rounds of Buffalo Bore 230gr JHP, 25 rounds of Winchester 230gr JHP and 14 rounds of Underwood +P 120gr Extreme Defender. I had 20-30 failures to feed. Mostly using the Federal ball, but it did it with every round except the Buffalo Bore and Underwood. My shooting technique with the Shield had something to do with it and seemed to get better shooting 6 magazines back to back rapid fire with the Freedom Arms with no issues.

The ugly. Bodyguard 380. The only rounds it shot without any issue were the Underwood. It hated 90gr Remington and Winchester ball. I only went thru maybe 100 rounds as it had multiple issues - slide not locking back after last round,failure to eject, failure to feed, failure to extract, multiple stove pipes, every other shot and when I thought it began to shoot well using the Winchester HST 90gr the magazines would eject every other shot. I even had one of the range guys shoot it and the magazines would eject every other round. We both shot it one handed vs two handed. Made zero difference. My wife is SO PIXXED that I didn't get her the Sig vs this *** Bodyguard.

For shxts and grins I ran a 100 rounds of 230gr ball, JHP, HST and Underwood Extreme defender thru my Hipoint JHP without any issues.

I left the 380 with their gunsmith to look at it and hopefully it will be sent back to SW for repair or replacement.

As of today....not a fan of either SW. I had such high hopes of both. Likewise, any recommendations to reduce the "pain" of the kick of the Shield? I was using shooting gloves and after that many rounds my hands had had enough.
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Old 04-12-2017, 11:37 PM
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Sorry to hear of your mishaps with your Shields. I don't own the 9mm so I can't comment. I do however have the 45 shield and can't say enough good about it so far.
I don't know your previous shooting experience, I don't know your experience with small light weight semi-autos. Putting if 264 rounds through a small aggressive gripped carry gun and some +P rounds on top of that should pretty much leave anyone with some hand fatigue or pain in my opinion, that is a lot of rounds to put through a full frame target gun!
I know the Hogue makes a nice looking HandAll grip for the Shield that may be a nice aid on both guns for about $10-$12.

I honestly was impressed with how little recoils the 45 transmitted with narrowed grip.

Failures to feed could be from how the bullets were set in the mags, might help to tap them on something firm to set them back tight in the mags. Limp wristing might have contributed to the failure to feed if the slide did not make the appropriate travel cycle.

The Bodyguard sounds like the challenge. I am realizing that compact guns have a narrower latitude for error and seem more sensitive to variations that other guns tend to absorb. They are what they are and with a little learning curve are pretty darn amazing.

I'll give you credit for that endurance of shooting that many rounds with small lightweight guns!
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Old 04-12-2017, 11:49 PM
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It was the 45 Shield not the 9. All magazines are always tapped back after loading them with a Magula speed loader. I will contribute "limp" wrist as this was the first time shooting a compact 45 for a majority of the feed issues. I know that ammo can be finicky so I wont use Federal ball anymore.

I researched both the 45 compact and 380 compact field and went with SW for both as they both had great reviews. Hopefully SW can fix the 380. I had to extract quite few rounds from the chamber with my knife as the extractor did not.

I am only 5'5 with small hands, but my Army tends to get in the way of pain vs gain too many times.
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Old 04-13-2017, 07:10 AM
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Sorry bout the poor performance on both counts. (Seems odd doesnt it? What are the odds of you getting TWO lemons?)

Anyways, the wife and I ran our new Shield 45's for 2 days at the range with 500 total downrange. I had -0- failures. She had 2 FTL's but immediately called them on herself, not the gun. (she knows when she is getting weak at the end of a long session)

After 2 heavy days at the range with 3 Shields (I also had a 9) and appx 750 rds downrange, yea, we were tired

We are partial to Houge's. Have them on about everything we own including AR's etc. She will put a layer of 1/16 self stick padding on the grip first (walmart) and then have me put a Houge on over it. While I dont do that to my guns, I WILL admit its ccuuussshhhhy

Hope you have better luck

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Old 04-13-2017, 07:30 AM
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My MP Bodyguard 380 has over 1500 rounds threw it without a single failure except when my son in law shoots it.Then it fails about every 3rd shot because he limp wrist the gun.Make sure you are not limp wristing the gun.
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Old 04-13-2017, 07:45 AM
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Have somebody else shoot them . . .
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Old 04-13-2017, 08:10 AM
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I shoot 90gr winchester on my BDG never had any issues. For the shield grip I would recommend hogue beaver tail grip have one on my shield9 even though have no complains the grip is much better and help to keep the gun in control. Haven't shot my shield 45 yet just got it last week hopefully this weekend will have a chance.


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Old 04-13-2017, 08:21 AM
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Have someone else shoot. Have several people just in case.

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Old 04-13-2017, 11:20 AM
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I have some issues with the BG380 also, failure to eject and some times it will not lock back either. I do have a theory that it is due to my magazine(s). I may try buying magguts to change out the internals and see if the problem remains.
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Old 04-13-2017, 12:14 PM
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For what it's worth I have the .45 Shield as well. It has been 100% flawless for me with 10-15 different manufacturers of JHP and FMJ. ON THE OTHER HAND my wife can barely make it through one magazine without 3-5 failures to feed. It's your grip most likely. My wife is limp wristing. She carries a Glock 43 usually with no issues. The .45 Shield is just too much for her
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Old 04-13-2017, 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by gqllc007 View Post
The .45 Shield is just too much for her
The 45's HURT. Thats for sure.

My wife is loving hers BUT she has 1/16 inch self adhesive foam from wally crafts dept and she wraps her handle with it. Then on goes the Houge Beavertail over that. Then xacto off the excess foam thats sticking out. Now it doesnt give her any trouble at all. Has her Shield9 set up that way too (with a handall Jr.)

She DOES get tired after about 150rds. Had 2 FTL's in 250rds and she called em on herself. (at the end of the day)
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Old 04-13-2017, 01:08 PM
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It's already been said, but it surely sounds like "limp-wristing". The inertia of the slide needs something fairly solid to react against to cycle and feed properly. It's pretty elementary with all handguns, but hand, wrist and forearm should be locked together in a straight line. No need for a "death grip", but a pretty solid hold is required. I don't know what kind of arm extension you are employing... fully extended as in bullseye shooting, maybe? Try, perhaps, the two-hand "push-pull" technique, with your arms drawn in slightly. Everything should be nice and tight but not to the point of rigor mortis. It should also reduce the problem with any recoil sensitivity that you and your wife may have.

Good shooting.
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Old 04-13-2017, 02:05 PM
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Thanks for the input. I will attribute the 45 to bad technique. I did have one of the range guys shoot the 380 and he had all the same issues I had especially with the magazines ejecting after one-two rounds.
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Old 04-13-2017, 04:15 PM
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I also ordered the Hogue beaver tail mentioned above in the post. Hopefully with that I shouldnt have issues with 45 Shield. As for the BG 380, they replaced the magazine release mechanism and according to the GS/Range shop it is now ok.
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Old 04-13-2017, 06:44 PM
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Do you mind sharing the technique you've been using? Just curious... and a little easier to diagnose apparent problems.

Keep us up to date.
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Old 04-14-2017, 02:14 PM
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I have had zero issues with my 1911, HP JHP 45 nor the Beretta M9. Albeit they are full size semi-auto pistols vs compact. The range guy did say my technique on the Shield was wrong and yes this was the first time shooting a compact weapon also the first using shooting gloves. Once I took the gloves off and changed my the way I was holding the Shield and arm position I was able to shoot 6 straight magazines one after another without issue.

The BG though repaired NOW I have not went back to the range to see if it has no issues.
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Old 04-14-2017, 08:09 PM
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My .45 Shield certainly does not hurt me to fire it. In fact, I'd just as soon shoot it as compared to my 9MM Shield. We are all different, so I'm making no assumptions or accusations here. Just stating my experience. I will say that both my Shields require a good, firm grip and stance to operate properly. Small, lighter weight guns with strong springs absolutely require that. Technique can sometimes be improved. But it is also possible that another handgun might be a better choice for you (or for me, for that matter!).

I agree that you should allow other folks, preferably well experienced shooters, to fire your Shield and Bodyguard and see what they experience. You can get a better idea where the problem may lie! Good luck in sorting it out. You need a gun that fits your hand and that you can shoot well. Whatever it is, whatever caliber it is, you will do your best work possible with that gun if it is well made and reliable.
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Old 04-14-2017, 08:36 PM
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Sorry to hear you have problems. I have both and 0 problems with either. The 45 shield is a sweet shooting gun... you will learn to enjoy it.
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Old 04-15-2017, 12:04 AM
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ColRJ:

Good to hear. Thanks.
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Old 04-15-2017, 11:47 PM
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I like 45. So I will grow to like the Shield. Two others at the range shot the BG, one was the gunsmith. Both had the same issues that I had with it. After repairing the magazine retainer and tweaking it, then taking it back out to the range, he said there were NO further issues with the BG. I have yet to shoot it since the repair, but I am going back to the range Monday am and I will let you know about both.

I am not inexperienced. 25 years military and I have been shooting a 1911 45 and M9 and even a DE 44 for decades without any issues. These are the first compact weapons so my shooting style will have to be adjusted. But the BG had issues out of the box.
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Old 04-16-2017, 11:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ColRJBrinkman View Post
I like 45. So I will grow to like the Shield. Two others at the range shot the BG, one was the gunsmith. Both had the same issues that I had with it. After repairing the magazine retainer and tweaking it, then taking it back out to the range, he said there were NO further issues with the BG. I have yet to shoot it since the repair, but I am going back to the range Monday am and I will let you know about both.

I am not inexperienced. 25 years military and I have been shooting a 1911 45 and M9 and even a DE 44 for decades without any issues. These are the first compact weapons so my shooting style will have to be adjusted. But the BG had issues out of the box.
As a comparable new shooter compared to many of you, I can only relate to how I handle such similarities medically. If you find something/don't find something that you should, have someone else exam the patient. If both find the same scenario then that is the most likely answer. The fact that two experienced shooters had the same issue makes me question the firearm (380).
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Old 04-18-2017, 08:40 PM
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I will be going back to the range this Friday. I have the Hogue beavertail on the Shield and another 100 rounds. Both weapons have been cleaned and lubed and we shall see.
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Old 04-18-2017, 09:58 PM
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PositiveMentalAttitude....I love it.

I wish ya the best. I think you will change your mind overall fairly quickly.

While I would NEVER question your expertise (and I am a beginner by comparision) I have to say that you stated your background is in 1911's and the like. I love these Shields but Ive' only been at this sport for a few years and only own poly guns.

That being said, I would politely recommend you consider watching Hicock45 on shooting the "Shield" model in general (9mm at the time...he may have one out on the 45 now). We picked up a few tips on how to handle a compact and it made a HUGE difference in our shooting enjoyment.

I had a Hogue Handall on mammas but ordered us the Beavertails. They came in, I put one on mine. Ran a quick 80 through it this last weekend. I thought it was great.

Again, best of luck, let us know!

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Old 04-19-2017, 11:30 PM
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Quote:
That being said, I would politely recommend you consider watching Hicock45 on shooting the "Shield" model in general (9mm at the time...he may have one out on the 45 now). We picked up a few tips on how to handle a compact and it made a HUGE difference in our shooting enjoyment.!
He does have one on the 45 Shield and I have watched it, prior to buying the Shield as I almost bought the Springfield XD Mod 2 40 but decided to buy the Shield instead.
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Old 04-21-2017, 07:46 PM
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UPDATE. Range report from today. The Hogue beavertail helped and I shot 100 rounds of Federal econopac (Ammo from Walmart) 230gr ball, 25 rounds Federal HydroShok165gr and 10 rounds of UW Extreme defender. I had the range instructor watch my technique and all was perfect there. However, I still had 6-7 failures to feed, usually the second shot would not feed but it was all from the Federal econo pack. So I will attribute those to that particular Ammo as the other Ammo had zero issues.

The BG.........same issues, stove pipe after first shot, magazine ejecting after 75 rounds. FTF/E same issues. So I called SW and will be sending it in it for repair. If it comes back and still does it, I will be selling it and getting her the p238.

People make fun of Hi Points. My JHP 45 has now shot over 300 rounds of every type of ammo from cheap Russian import to +P and reloads. It has had ZERO issues and if it wasn't so darn big and heavy I would carry it daily. I trust it 100% to protect my family and myself. I have zero trust in the MP 380 Bodyguard and only about 85-90% in the Shield. I will go buy the rounds I know the Shield shoots 100% (Federal 165gr HydroShocks/230gr HST, Buffalo Bore 230gr JHP and UW Extreme Defender, and have one more day of 100-200 rounds of shooting before I call SW. I guess a 4% failure rate at the range with cheap range ammo is acceptable to many. It is not to me.
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Old 05-11-2017, 01:09 AM
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Took the Shield to qualify for my CCL and had zero issues. I was using 165 and 185gr ammo and apparently those are the rounds that work for me. I had totally cleaned and oiled the Shield and the three magazines prior to class as well. As for the BG, haven't heard back from SW yet.
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Old 05-11-2017, 02:50 AM
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Default I'm sure you know....

I'm sure you know not to 'limp wrist' when shooting. Brace your wrist and let the recoil carry your arm up. The .45 should be made to work much better without much trouble..

I'm not going to say that about the .380. I've heard that the later models are more reliable than the old, but I keep hearing stories like this.

I've had days where nothing worked and I couldn't hit a thing and a few days where everything worked and I couldn't miss. Most trips are in between.
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Old 05-11-2017, 12:50 PM
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Can't help but wonder if the guns were cleaned and lubricated in accordance to the owner's manuals prior to the first trip to the range. It seems like we have an inordinate number of problems the first time someone takes their new gun out to shoot it.
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Old 05-11-2017, 08:23 PM
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Can't help but wonder if the guns were cleaned and lubricated in accordance to the owner's manuals prior to the first trip to the range.

Below is the first paragraph from this thread.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ColRJBrinkman View Post
I finally was able to go to the range to break in both the MP Bodyguard 380 and the 45 Shield. Both were brand new, oiled clean and ready to fire.


I almost never clean or lube a firearm before shooting.
I check it to see if it functions properly, if it does it's off to the range.
If I have issues with it's function then I will disassemble clean & lube before shooting.

I'm not saying this is what everyone should do, it's just how I do it.
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Old 05-11-2017, 08:31 PM
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I'm not saying this is what everyone should do, it's just how I do it.
I accept your methodology. Im the exact opposite
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Old 05-11-2017, 08:56 PM
MichiganScott MichiganScott is offline
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Originally Posted by ColRJBrinkman View Post
I finally was able to go to the range to break in both the MP Bodyguard 380 and the 45 Shield. Both were brand new, oiled clean and ready to fire.
Missed that. I still can't help but wonder if a lot of original failures are because of lack of cleaning and lube. What looks like grease is stringy preservative.
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Old 05-12-2017, 06:18 AM
Dad_Roman Dad_Roman is offline
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Missed that. I still can't help but wonder if a lot of original failures are because of lack of cleaning and lube. What looks like grease is stringy preservative.
Lots of people have mentioned the amount of oil that seems to come on a Shield45. Mine was dripping with oil so much so that the nice padded silicone wrap they come in went directly in the trash. (9's seem to come bone dry)

Now, with that thought let me shift gears to something I have noticed. I am the type that cleans everytime its shot. When the Shield9 was being broken in it took many hundreds of rounds before any slide wear marks of any kind appeared on the slide guides. The Shield45 had wear marks appear almost immediately and after 450 rounds are fairly dramatic in comparision to the 9.

This brings some questions to my mind....(for everyone)

1. Was yours this wet when received?
2. You runnin yours wet or dry?
3. Internal working pressures: Is lube much more critical for the "larger" round?
4. How would you judge the "wear marks" on yours at this point?

Last edited by Dad_Roman; 05-12-2017 at 06:28 AM.
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Old 05-12-2017, 06:51 AM
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My Bodyguard has 350 rounds of Hornady American Gunner 90 gr. XTP through it 100% flawless. HOWEVER; pocket-sized pistols are ammo finicky. So with that in mind, when I took it to the range the first time, I tried several different types and brands. My Bodyguard was not 100% reliable with anything but Federal, Winchester, Remington, or Hornady. I does not like foreign ammo ( hard primers, steel case, slightly thinner cartridge bases). I now feed it a steady diet of the Hornady and not one issue of any kind. One more thought; pocket pistols like to be clean and well oiled with a fine oil like Rem-Oil. I like .380 pocket pistols and have owned a Kel-Tec P3AT, Kahr P380(still own), Ruger LCP. They have all been "ammo sensitive". So far, I like this Bodyguard the best
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Old 05-14-2017, 11:41 PM
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With my Shield these are the ammunition that it shoots 100%

Underwood 120gr +P Extreme Defender-Primary carry Ammo
Federal 165gr Hydra-Shok
Hornady American Gunner 185gr XTP
Winchester Kinetic HE 185gr JHP
Hornady 185gr Critical Defense
Underwood 185gr +P XTP
Underwood 230gr +P FMJ
Freedom Munitions 230gr Reman FMJ
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Old 05-15-2017, 12:14 AM
vortex360 vortex360 is offline
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Thanks for the input. I will attribute the 45 to bad technique. I did have one of the range guys shoot the 380 and he had all the same issues I had especially with the magazines ejecting after one-two rounds.
Do you depress the magazine release button on the 380 when you insert a new magazine? If not the magazines are probably falling out because the plastic on the release button has been worn out. Always remember to depress the magazine release when inserting a new magazine instead of forcing it in.
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Old 05-15-2017, 01:03 AM
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85V65Sabre 85V65Sabre is offline
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Do you depress the magazine release button on the 380 when you insert a new magazine?


No, it's a MAGAZINE RELEASE button!!!
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Old 05-15-2017, 11:15 PM
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My top three ammunition: L-R
Underwood +P 120gr Extreme Defender 1420fps/537
Underwood +P 185gr XTP 1200/592
Winchester Kinetic HE 185gr JHP 1110/506

This is how I have my magazines now loaded with the above 3 in sequence and repeating for my Shield and I have had zero issues shooting that combination.
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Last edited by ColRJBrinkman; 05-16-2017 at 11:27 PM.
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Old 05-16-2017, 03:40 PM
Dad_Roman Dad_Roman is offline
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Sounds like your having some + days

Good deal.
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