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Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols All Variants of the Smith & Wesson M&P Auto Pistols


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Old 05-16-2017, 11:42 AM
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Default M&P Shield 9mm or .45 ACP?

I am having difficulty deciding between the 9mm and .45 Shield. Unfortunately I cannot afford both at this time. I have several 9mms, both full size and compact. Additionally I have quite a few 1911s. I'm leaning toward the .45 as I really don't like the trigger or the spacer on the extended 9mm mags. That being said, I like the both cartridges so I'm unsure which would be better for EDC. My current EDC is a Glock 32. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. S/F.
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Old 05-16-2017, 11:44 AM
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I went with the 45. I have plenty o 9's. After feeling the grip and pulling the trigger I was convinced. The texture feels really good in the hand. Shooting, is very controllable and comfortable. Plus, BIG HOLES.
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Old 05-16-2017, 12:27 PM
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9 all day long. A little cheaper to buy and cheaper to feed. 9 mm ammo probably will be easier to find when you have to. And from all I've read here, looks to me that the 9 is more reliable. I've had one since about the time they first came out and it's been great.
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Old 05-16-2017, 12:53 PM
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I have a 9mm and a 45 Shield.. I would go for the .45 Shield.. It is very controllable and comfortable to shoot and I have found that it is much more accurate than my wife's or my 9mm.. As far as the cost of ammo for the .45, the only question is... How much is your life worth..???
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Old 05-16-2017, 12:56 PM
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I went with the 45. Felt better in my hand and I liked the stock trigger.
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Old 05-16-2017, 12:57 PM
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I would recommend the .45. I had enough problems with magazines in the 9mm version to discourage me. Not so with the .45. Mine has been perfect as far as function goes, with all kinds of ammo, and I find it easy to shoot well - at close range, anyway. Recoil doesn't seem much different, but I suppose that the different texture of the .45 grip makes it easier to hang on to than the grip of the 9. Handle them both side by side and that should help you decide.
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Old 05-16-2017, 01:51 PM
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Default 9mm reliability

Over 8,000 rounds (many different types ammo both 115 and 124 gr) and nary a problem with gun or magazines (1-7 rd and 7-8 rd)
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Old 05-16-2017, 02:48 PM
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Thanks everyone for the replies. I really appreciate your input.
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Old 05-16-2017, 02:55 PM
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Thousands of rounds through the 9. Mamma has a touch of arthritis. We have BOTH migrated to the 45 and dont even take the 9's lately. We are 440 rounds into each one so far...-0- issues.

With the 45's I bought myself a 9 also, to match mammas.

I left it with my son this weekend...less than 50 rds through it....read into that what you will

Oh yea...and BIG HOLES (SW) .30 cents a round vs 20 cents a round....your call

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Old 05-16-2017, 02:55 PM
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I have both. I shoot the .45 every week. The 9 has become a safe queen. The .45 is considerably more accurate, especially at 15 yards and beyond. It is easier to rack, and its recoil is only slightly greater than the 9's. The trigger action is smooth and appropriately weighted for a carry pistol. (The same is true for my 9.)

I had a few failure to feed (nose-dive) problems early on with my .45, but those seem to have been taken care of by a change in lube procedure. I now use Slip 2000 Extreme Weapons Grease, and apply it more generously than the owner's manual suggests. My 9 had failure to eject problems that I was never able to completely eliminate. That is the main reason it is now on the shelf.

The biggest problem with the .45 (as any owner will tell you) is the reassembly of the 7-round magazine. It has a unique design, and the owner's manual is of no help. Fortunately there are some threads on this forum that give some useful techniques for making reassembly easy. The 9 magazines are easy to reassemble.

Whichever model you decide to buy, insist that the seller field strip it before you make the purchase. Then remove and inspect the recoil spring assembly (RSA). S&W has had persistent quality control problems with small numbers of these (maybe less than 1%) throughout the production of the Shields (all models). There are two types of problems. One is a bent spring retainer disc on the back end of the RSA. While the Shield can function with this defect, you may get an increase in failures to eject. Besides, if you're buying a new Shield, it should be perfect. In such a case, send it back and have the retailer bring out a new one. The second type of RSA problem is more serious: it flies apart upon removal. When this happens, the RSA (and the Shield) is no longer useable, so, again, demand to see another Shield. While you're not likely to encounter any RSA problems, you can save yourself some aggravation by checking before you buy.

Good luck!
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Last edited by swsig; 05-16-2017 at 02:57 PM.
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Old 05-16-2017, 03:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swsig View Post
I have both. I shoot the .45 every week. The 9 has become a safe queen. The .45 is considerably more accurate, especially at 15 yards and beyond. It is easier to rack, and its recoil is only slightly greater than the 9's. The trigger action is smooth and appropriately weighted for a carry pistol. (The same is true for my 9.)

I had a few failure to feed (nose-dive) problems early on with my .45, but those seem to have been taken care of by a change in lube procedure. I now use Slip 2000 Extreme Weapons Grease, and apply it more generously than the owner's manual suggests. My 9 had failure to eject problems that I was never able to completely eliminate. That is the main reason it is now on the shelf.

The biggest problem with the .45 (as any owner will tell you) is the reassembly of the 7-round magazine. It has a unique design, and the owner's manual is of no help. Fortunately there are some threads on this forum that give some useful techniques for making reassembly easy. The 9 magazines are easy to reassemble.

Whichever model you decide to buy, insist that the seller field strip it before you make the purchase. Then remove and inspect the recoil spring assembly (RSA). S&W has had persistent quality control problems with small numbers of these (maybe less than 1%) throughout the production of the Shields (all models). There are two types of problems. One is a bent spring retainer disc on the back end of the RSA. While the Shield can function with this defect, you may get an increase in failures to eject. Besides, if you're buying a new Shield, it should be perfect. In such a case, send it back and have the retailer bring out a new one. The second type of RSA problem is more serious: it flies apart upon removal. When this happens, the RSA (and the Shield) is no longer useable, so, again, demand to see another Shield. While you're not likely to encounter any RSA problems, you can save yourself some aggravation by checking before you buy.

Good luck!
Thank you for the great information. I will do as you instruct and have the seller field strip the gun before purchase.
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Old 05-17-2017, 01:53 AM
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I have the 9mm and just pick up the .45 both are great but I don't think that you will be disappointed if you go with the .45, I haven't taken my .45 to the range yet.
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Old 05-17-2017, 02:11 AM
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I have both and have to say it's a toss up. I have over 2000 rounds through the 9mm without any problems. And 215 rounds through the .45 with one problem. The RSA came apart. I guess I got one of the 1%. S&W quickly sent me a new RSA and all is well.

A couple of differences between 9 and 45 that I have noticed: The grip texture on the .45 is much more aggressive. Also there is a noticeable difference in the loaded weight of the two. Well, 45 ammo weighs nearly twice as much as 9mm.
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Old 05-17-2017, 08:03 AM
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Cheap as they are, get both. I'm contemplating adding the .40 to complete the trifecta.


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Old 05-17-2017, 10:11 AM
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Cheap as they are, get both. I'm contemplating adding the .40 to complete the trifecta.


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I wish I could afford both but at this time it is not financially possible. Thank you for your input.
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Old 05-17-2017, 10:16 AM
eahicks eahicks is offline
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I wish I could afford both but at this time it is not financially possible. Thank you for your input.


Totally understand...not implying you have to buy both. Of the two, I think I like the .45 better. I switch out quite a bit for my EDC. Just some days I feel better knowing I have a more powerful, bigger round at my ready. But the 9mm is a great gun too.


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Old 05-17-2017, 10:31 AM
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[QUOTE=eahicks;139594609]Totally understand...not implying you have to buy both. Of the two, I think I like the .45 better. I switch out quite a bit for my EDC. Just some days I feel better knowing I have a more powerful, bigger round at my ready. But the 9mm is a great gun too.


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Thank you, I truly appreciate everyone's great opinions on both guns.
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Old 05-17-2017, 10:41 AM
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I'll toss another vote for the 45. Haven't had a chance to actually shoot mine yet but if it functions well I think I'll be pleased with it.

One other thing to consider, the 45 is a bit larger than the 9mm. I could put the 9mm in my pocket if I had to. The 45 just doesn't go. The 45 is almost the same size as a Glock 19. Thinner obviously, but the length and height are pretty close. I can try to take some pictures tonight if anyone wants a size comparison.
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Old 05-17-2017, 11:19 AM
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I have both Shield 9mm and 45. For their intended purpose, I'll take the 45 any day and twice on sundays. That's not a slight on the 9mm, which has a good trigger (Apexed) and acceptably accurate (w/ the new SS guide rod). Other than doing some polishing and adding an Apex trigger, the 45 was good out of the box and delightfully accurate. Sure, the 9 does have a little less recoil than the 45, but not so much as to detract from comfort of having a .451 projectile coming out the muzzle.

Both conceal pretty much the same in their respective Kydex holsters. Neither are what I would consider pocket/ankle carry, which is why I have a Sig 938 (note it's a 938, not a 238).

I reload, so ammo cost isn't an issue and the PMC 185gr HPs used for carry are ~$25/box of 50.
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Old 05-17-2017, 12:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray1970 View Post
I'll toss another vote for the 45. Haven't had a chance to actually shoot mine yet but if it functions well I think I'll be pleased with it.

One other thing to consider, the 45 is a bit larger than the 9mm. I could put the 9mm in my pocket if I had to. The 45 just doesn't go. The 45 is almost the same size as a Glock 19. Thinner obviously, but the length and height are pretty close. I can try to take some pictures tonight if anyone wants a size comparison.
Thank you, pictures would be great.
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Old 05-17-2017, 03:07 PM
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No man... the Glock 19 is about an inch longer. And a little taller.


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Old 05-17-2017, 10:07 PM
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I have both the shield 9mm and the 45. I love both, but I actually shoot more accurately with the 45.

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Old 05-17-2017, 10:29 PM
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Quote:
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No man... the Glock 19 is about an inch longer. And a little taller.


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I'll get pictures up shortly. Maybe I'm wrong.
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Old 05-17-2017, 11:04 PM
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Here's some pictures. Sorry if anything looks deceiving from the angles. The 19 is about a half an inch longer. The Shield is about a 1/4" shorter with the six round magazine and about a 1/4" taller than the 19 with the seven round magazine. I aligned them with the edge of a sheet of paper and marked the Glock with a black marker and the Shield with a red marker so it might be easier to see the difference.

Side by side shot of length difference.





A few shots of the height difference with both magazines.







The Shield is obviously thinner.



And here's the marked up paper in case my pictures don't do the difference justice.

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Old 05-17-2017, 11:12 PM
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I have both, both have been 100% reliable, I am slightly more accurate with the 9mm. It carries one more round and is slightly easier to conceal and carry. If I had to pick one it would be 9mm. I don't have to make a choice, so I use both!
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Old 05-17-2017, 11:14 PM
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The fact that the Shield in 45 ACP is pretty much the same height as a Glock 19 and only about a half an inch shorter was the reason I put off buying one when they first came out. For me, the biggest dimension that makes a difference for carrying is the overall height and since that is pretty much a wash I figured having sixteen rounds on tap gave me a warmer, fuzzier feeling than seven rounds in the Shield. The $75 rebate on the Shield was what swung me over to actually purchasing one.
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Old 05-19-2017, 09:58 PM
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I truly appreciate everyone's great advice and opinions. I went with the .45 Shield. I can always purchase the 9mm in the near future.
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Old 05-19-2017, 10:15 PM
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Quote:
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I truly appreciate everyone's great advice and opinions. I went with the .45 Shield. I can always purchase the 9mm in the near future.
For sure. And to be perfectly honest, you would have been thrilled with either one.

Ammo planning....your gonna need to burn about 200-500 rounds through it before it "comes into its own"

They come "oily" as heck (9's come bone dry ). Clean, lube, load the mags to get those springs exercising

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Old 05-21-2017, 12:11 PM
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I had the Shield 9 but sold it when I got the Shield 45. Same size & capacity but a bigger pop.
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Old 05-21-2017, 01:03 PM
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I had the Shield 9 but sold it when I got the Shield 45. Same size & capacity but a bigger pop.


Mmm... not the same size and not the same capacity. You went down in capacity and only slightly larger in gun size.


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Old 05-21-2017, 04:24 PM
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Out of curiosity why did you not go with a Glock 33? It is a perfect supplement to your 32. Arguably the .357 SIG round has much better ballistics than either the 9 or the .45. I use to carry a 32. I then bought the Shield 9mm then the Shield .45. I then realized the G33 holds more with better ballistics and just as easy to conceal so I bought that. The 9mm or the .45 in the short barrel can't compare to the Underwood 125 gold dot .357 sig or the Corbon 125mg DPX .357 Sig.
Since you did buy the Shield .45 I have done extensive gel testing with 4 layers of denim and Remington Golden Sabers 185+P and Corbon DPX 185+P performed much better than any other load out of the SHORT barrel .45
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Old 05-21-2017, 06:33 PM
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I was carrying the Shield 40. Loved it.
Just got the Shield Performance Center 45. Nicer grip, better trigger and shoots easier than the 40. My new carry. 👍

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Old 05-22-2017, 12:02 AM
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I have both the 9 and 45. Being in CA I have to jump through hoops to get the models I want (no thumb safety). I'm going to have a shoulder holster made for the cooler months of the year. I would like to have a 45 Shield on each side but because I already have have a 9 I will have the 45 for my right hand, 9 for my left. Better than carrying extra mags and needing to reload, lol. Plus, the rig will be fairly closely balanced with a Shield on each side instead of mags on one side. The reason I bought the 9 was because the 45 wasn't available yet. I love the 45 Shield.
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Old 05-22-2017, 01:55 AM
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I took my Shield .45 to the range Friday I put maybe a little over 200 rds through it and man all I can say is wow. I have it loaded now with Underwood 185 gr xtp and love it. I put some Underwood 230 gr and some 230 gr Federal HST and it went through it will not a hiccup, not one problem so I will take it out again this week and run some more rds through it, it is now my edc and it wear nicely.
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Old 05-22-2017, 06:49 AM
gqllc007 gqllc007 is offline
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In case anyone is interested. Here are some gel tests I performed when I first got my .45 Shield.

I have done extensive ballistic gel testing with the .45 Shield.
Here goes and it's a long read....the end is the most important findings so feel free to skip to the end

With Shield .45
I did a clearballistics FBI BARE gel test today. 6"x6"x16" with wood backstop
It was 17 degrees F, 61% humidity, Pressure 30.3%
I used my .45 Shield
Federal HST 230gr= penetrated 11 1/2" expanded .82
Federal HST 230 gr +P= penetrated 11 3/4" expanded .80
Critical duty 220 +P = passed through block. recovered in wood .51"
Underwood Extreme defense 120gr=passed through block recovered in wood
Winchester Ranger 230gr (RA45T)=penetrated 11 1/2" expanded .75-.85"
Widest petal was .85
Winchester Ranger 230gr+P (RA45TP)=penetrated 14 3/4" expanded .75-.85
I then shot 4 more rounds of Ranger 230gr+P and they went from 14 1/2" to 14 7/8"
So with my little test I will be carrying the Ranger 230+P.
Just thought you might be interested in the results.
The Federal HST expand beautifully but don't even penetrate to 12" with the shorter Shield barrel.
Here is update.
I did Speer Gold dot 230gr Standard pressure=13"penetration with .625 expansion
Corbon DPX 185gr+P=14 1/2" penetration with .75 expansion
I still like the Ranger 230+P so far with 14 1/2-14 3/4" penetration and .85 expansion at widest point.
One Corbon turned completely around 180degrees
Both expanded nicely

Part 2

Using a Shield .45
Here is results from 4 layers of denim test using a 6x6x20" clear ballisticgel block. Temp 28degrees, humidity 47% and pressure 30.3inHg. Previous test done with bare gel is further below

With both HST and Ranger 230+p and 230 standard pressure was very inconsistent. Around half the rounds would clog with denim and pass through 20" with no expansion. When they did expand penetration was only 11 1/2" This was the exact same results as Federal HST 230+P and standard pressure. 3 out of 4 rounds would fail to expand and passed through
Hornady XTP 200 gr +P also failed to expand 3 out of 4 times and then one time it went to 19" and .51 expansion.
Magtech 230gr JHP failed to fire! The striker would not even dent the primer!
Underwood 120gr Xtreme defense did very well and penetrated to 17" 4 out of 4 times. Of course no expansion with the solid copper bullet
Corbon 165+P DPX expanded beautifully and penetrated 9-10" each time.
There were two clear winner's today. One was Corbon 185+P DPX and the other Underwood 120gr Xtreme Defender.
The Corbon 185+P DPX 4 out of 4 expanded beautifully and penetrated to 14 1/2-15" each time. It also performed exactly the same in bare gel.
The Underwood Xtreme Defender penetrated to 17" every time with 4 layers of denim.

Part 3

.45 Shield
January 20,2017
Weather 35*, Pressure 30inHg, Humidity 83%
FBI clearballistics 16x6x6 block with T bone 6x6x20" resulting in 22" in length
Block stored in 68* and utilized in 2 minutes of being outside
Block had one layer of each of medium weight nylon filled with polyester winter coat, followed by 200gr polartec fleece and 5.3oz Tshirt
This is typical winter attire here in NY. I used no denim as no one seems to be wearing denim around their chest
Results
Underwood 230+P XTP 20.5" penetration, .593" expansion
Underwood 185+P XTP 22" penetration, .55" expansion
Underwood 230+P bonded JHP 14" penetration, .677 expansion
Underwood 185+P bonded JHP 13.5" penetration, .690 expansion
Underwood Xtreme defense 120gr 17" penetration not designed to expand.
This Xtreme defense bullet went to 17" penetration in bare, 4 layers of denim and this test. Very consistent
Winchester Ranger 230+P over 22" and no expansion
Federal HST 230+P was the BIG surprise for me yet again. In bare gel it only went to 11 3/4" penetration and .880 expansion
In 4 layers of denim it passed through 20" of gel 3 out of 4 times. The 4th time in 4 layers it penetrated to 11 1/2" and .820 expansion.
Today the HST 230+p gr was STELLAR. Penetrated to 16" 3 out of 3 times and expanded to .859 on the widest one and .771 on the lowest expanded bullet.
So I did a 2 layer Hanes white cotton t-shirt test and the Federal 230gr HST+P penetrated to 13" and expanded to .875 on one round and penetrated to 13" and .818" on the other round
The standard pressure HST 230 did not do well at all in regards to penetration.
Through winter layers it penetrated 11-12" but expansion was incredible .912!!!
Through the two layer cotton t-shirt was 10 1/2'-11" penetration with .922 expansion!!!
Corbon DPX 185+P is by far the most consistent JHP so far out of the Shield. Penetrated to 14 1/2 to 15 1/2" regardless of bare, 4 layers of denim and this winter wear test. Expansion was between .750 and .780.
Looks like I will use Federal HST 230+P in the fall and winter time and undecided for the spring and summer. Either the Underwood Xtreme defense or the Corbon DPX 185+P

Part 4

So I did some more testing with my .45 shield. I used a clearballistic gel 6x6x20. I used 4 layers of denim that I purchased through clear ballistics.
Corbon DPX 185+p is the most consistent with penetration to 13-14 1/2". Expansion .819.
Golden saber 185+p penetrated to 16-17" expansion .740.
One failed to expand out of 7 rounds.
The surprise this time was 230 HST +P.
5 out of 6 failed to expand and penetrated past 20" into the wood. One only 2/3 of round expanded.
So now I will carry golden saber in the winter and Corbon in the summer.

FINAL!

Using a 5.3oz Cotton T shirt

The Golden saber 185+P penetrated to 14", 5 out of 5 times. All expanded .665" average
The Corbon DPX 185+P penetrated to 15", 5 out of times. All expanded to .817" average
Both are excellent rounds. The golden sabers are certainly loaded hotter than the Corbon
I will use Golden Sabers in Fall and Winter here in NY. Spring and summer Corbon's it is!
You would not go wrong with either one Both are consistent
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Old 05-22-2017, 07:11 AM
Wee Hooker Wee Hooker is offline
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If you ever need to use your shield in a fight stopping situation, will you wish you had opted for the 9 over the 45?.....................

Yea, me neither.
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Old 05-22-2017, 08:02 AM
awtavani awtavani is offline
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I have both and love both. I did however purchase a Lcp II at a gun show this weekend for summer carry when I'm running around in gym shorts, because it's lighter and easier to carry in the pocket (w/pocket holster). Even though it's just a 380, I'm sure if I was hit by it I'd have second thoughts about advancing.

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Old 05-23-2017, 10:42 AM
mley1 mley1 is offline
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I'm using standard pressure Federal 230grn HST's at the moment in my Shield 45. Thanks for doing those tests 007. I may switch to the Corbon DPX 185's or the Golden Sabers.

Did you notice much difference in recoil or impact point using the +P lighter weight bullets?


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Old 05-23-2017, 12:17 PM
gqllc007 gqllc007 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mley1 View Post
I'm using standard pressure Federal 230grn HST's at the moment in my Shield 45. Thanks for doing those tests 007. I may switch to the Corbon DPX 185's or the Golden Sabers.

Did you notice much difference in recoil or impact point using the

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Impact was not that much difference. However the Remington Golden Saber 185+P (Is loaded hotter) definitely has more recoil than the other ones. I carry the Corbon DPX 185+P because the recoil is less than the sabers. Down side is it's hard to find Corbon DPX 185+P. I live in NY so it's hard to get dealers to ship ammo to us. I think Barnes makes a 185 +P DPX. I just don't have any to test
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Old 05-24-2017, 06:35 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gqllc007 View Post
In case anyone is interested. Here are some gel tests I performed when I first got my .45 Shield.

I have done extensive ballistic gel testing with the .45 Shield.
Here goes and it's a long read....the end is the most important findings so feel free to skip to the end

With Shield .45
I did a clearballistics FBI BARE gel test today. 6"x6"x16" with wood backstop
It was 17 degrees F, 61% humidity, Pressure 30.3%
I used my .45 Shield
Federal HST 230gr= penetrated 11 1/2" expanded .82
Federal HST 230 gr +P= penetrated 11 3/4" expanded .80
Critical duty 220 +P = passed through block. recovered in wood .51"
Underwood Extreme defense 120gr=passed through block recovered in wood
Winchester Ranger 230gr (RA45T)=penetrated 11 1/2" expanded .75-.85"
Widest petal was .85
Winchester Ranger 230gr+P (RA45TP)=penetrated 14 3/4" expanded .75-.85
I then shot 4 more rounds of Ranger 230gr+P and they went from 14 1/2" to 14 7/8"
So with my little test I will be carrying the Ranger 230+P.
Just thought you might be interested in the results.
The Federal HST expand beautifully but don't even penetrate to 12" with the shorter Shield barrel.
Here is update.
I did Speer Gold dot 230gr Standard pressure=13"penetration with .625 expansion
Corbon DPX 185gr+P=14 1/2" penetration with .75 expansion
I still like the Ranger 230+P so far with 14 1/2-14 3/4" penetration and .85 expansion at widest point.
One Corbon turned completely around 180degrees
Both expanded nicely

Part 2

Using a Shield .45
Here is results from 4 layers of denim test using a 6x6x20" clear ballisticgel block. Temp 28degrees, humidity 47% and pressure 30.3inHg. Previous test done with bare gel is further below

With both HST and Ranger 230+p and 230 standard pressure was very inconsistent. Around half the rounds would clog with denim and pass through 20" with no expansion. When they did expand penetration was only 11 1/2" This was the exact same results as Federal HST 230+P and standard pressure. 3 out of 4 rounds would fail to expand and passed through
Hornady XTP 200 gr +P also failed to expand 3 out of 4 times and then one time it went to 19" and .51 expansion.
Magtech 230gr JHP failed to fire! The striker would not even dent the primer!
Underwood 120gr Xtreme defense did very well and penetrated to 17" 4 out of 4 times. Of course no expansion with the solid copper bullet
Corbon 165+P DPX expanded beautifully and penetrated 9-10" each time.
There were two clear winner's today. One was Corbon 185+P DPX and the other Underwood 120gr Xtreme Defender.
The Corbon 185+P DPX 4 out of 4 expanded beautifully and penetrated to 14 1/2-15" each time. It also performed exactly the same in bare gel.
The Underwood Xtreme Defender penetrated to 17" every time with 4 layers of denim.

Part 3

.45 Shield
January 20,2017
Weather 35*, Pressure 30inHg, Humidity 83%
FBI clearballistics 16x6x6 block with T bone 6x6x20" resulting in 22" in length
Block stored in 68* and utilized in 2 minutes of being outside
Block had one layer of each of medium weight nylon filled with polyester winter coat, followed by 200gr polartec fleece and 5.3oz Tshirt
This is typical winter attire here in NY. I used no denim as no one seems to be wearing denim around their chest
Results
Underwood 230+P XTP 20.5" penetration, .593" expansion
Underwood 185+P XTP 22" penetration, .55" expansion
Underwood 230+P bonded JHP 14" penetration, .677 expansion
Underwood 185+P bonded JHP 13.5" penetration, .690 expansion
Underwood Xtreme defense 120gr 17" penetration not designed to expand.
This Xtreme defense bullet went to 17" penetration in bare, 4 layers of denim and this test. Very consistent
Winchester Ranger 230+P over 22" and no expansion
Federal HST 230+P was the BIG surprise for me yet again. In bare gel it only went to 11 3/4" penetration and .880 expansion
In 4 layers of denim it passed through 20" of gel 3 out of 4 times. The 4th time in 4 layers it penetrated to 11 1/2" and .820 expansion.
Today the HST 230+p gr was STELLAR. Penetrated to 16" 3 out of 3 times and expanded to .859 on the widest one and .771 on the lowest expanded bullet.
So I did a 2 layer Hanes white cotton t-shirt test and the Federal 230gr HST+P penetrated to 13" and expanded to .875 on one round and penetrated to 13" and .818" on the other round
The standard pressure HST 230 did not do well at all in regards to penetration.
Through winter layers it penetrated 11-12" but expansion was incredible .912!!!
Through the two layer cotton t-shirt was 10 1/2'-11" penetration with .922 expansion!!!
Corbon DPX 185+P is by far the most consistent JHP so far out of the Shield. Penetrated to 14 1/2 to 15 1/2" regardless of bare, 4 layers of denim and this winter wear test. Expansion was between .750 and .780.
Looks like I will use Federal HST 230+P in the fall and winter time and undecided for the spring and summer. Either the Underwood Xtreme defense or the Corbon DPX 185+P

Part 4

So I did some more testing with my .45 shield. I used a clearballistic gel 6x6x20. I used 4 layers of denim that I purchased through clear ballistics.
Corbon DPX 185+p is the most consistent with penetration to 13-14 1/2". Expansion .819.
Golden saber 185+p penetrated to 16-17" expansion .740.
One failed to expand out of 7 rounds.
The surprise this time was 230 HST +P.
5 out of 6 failed to expand and penetrated past 20" into the wood. One only 2/3 of round expanded.
So now I will carry golden saber in the winter and Corbon in the summer.

FINAL!

Using a 5.3oz Cotton T shirt

The Golden saber 185+P penetrated to 14", 5 out of 5 times. All expanded .665" average
The Corbon DPX 185+P penetrated to 15", 5 out of times. All expanded to .817" average
Both are excellent rounds. The golden sabers are certainly loaded hotter than the Corbon
I will use Golden Sabers in Fall and Winter here in NY. Spring and summer Corbon's it is!
You would not go wrong with either one Both are consistent
Thank you for this test, I order some 120gr Underwood Xtreme defense some 185gr +P and some 200gr +P all by UW for my Shield .45, from what the guy at UW said that the 185gr preform well in the short barrel. Heaven forbid I would have to use it but if I did I will have some good ammo for it. I do have some Federal 230gr +P that can fill in.

Last edited by Big1; 05-24-2017 at 06:38 AM.
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Old 05-24-2017, 07:23 AM
MP1SG MP1SG is offline
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45 all day long, just about the same size as the Shield9. My Shield 45 is more accurate than my Shield 9. I like the 45acp (But do carry the 9)
Once Magguts makes the mag extension, hopefully that will add ONE extra round
and Personally I like the ballistics of a 45 out of a short barrel better the the ballistic of a 9 out of a short barrel.

Last edited by MP1SG; 05-28-2017 at 09:24 PM.
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