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


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  #1  
Old 09-23-2017, 06:17 PM
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It's been a while since I've posted on here, but I had an opportunity to shoot a co-worker's Shield 9mm on Friday and was impressed with it's accuracy from such a short-barreled pistol. He had just picked it up and was all over the target with it and I was able to cut one-ragged hole just left of the 'X' (adjusted the rear sight and it straightened right out) with my first full mag...note to co-worker, it wasn't the sights!

Being a .45 acp fan, I ran to the S&W website and reviewed the M&P Shield in .45 acp and then stopped by a LGS to see if they had one I could hold in .45? They did...and it felt great!

Not only that, but as I looked it over, I also noted that they had replace the 'flexible' ejector with a mounted ejector (aka a 'fixed-post') that appears to be a lot more solid.

While there, I got to hold a full-sized .45 acp as well...and really liked it. Having a small-hand/grip hinders my ability to hold and shoot larger pistols comfortably (Glock 21...Beretta...Sig Sauer double-stack, etc.) and the M&P 2.0 really fit my hand well! I also like the 2.0 textured grip on it.

I grew up a revolver guy...and have been carrying Glock (a G36 has been my EDC for the past few years)...but I got a feeling my line-up's about to change...maybe a little...and maybe a lot???

I've always kept my pistols simple...tritium night sights is the only thing I ask for...but being able to put a light under the full-size might be nice for around the home?

I prefer to EDC OWB RH 4:00 position...keep it simple and consistent.

Any issues anyone is having with their M&P pistols in .45 acp that I need to be concerned about?

Any ammo feed issues...which JHP's feed well...which one's don't...etc.? My Glock 36 eats Remington Golden Sabers 185 grain +P's all day long without a hiccup...I've come to really like that round.

Thoughts...feedback...suggestions...all are welcome!
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Old 09-23-2017, 08:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Amishman44 View Post
It's been a while since I've posted on here, but I had an opportunity to shoot a co-worker's Shield 9mm on Friday and was impressed with it's accuracy from such a short-barreled pistol. He had just picked it up and was all over the target with it and I was able to cut one-ragged hole just left of the 'X' (adjusted the rear sight and it straightened right out) with my first full mag...note to co-worker, it wasn't the sights!

Being a .45 acp fan, I ran to the S&W website and reviewed the M&P Shield in .45 acp and then stopped by a LGS to see if they had one I could hold in .45? They did...and it felt great!

Not only that, but as I looked it over, I also noted that they had replace the 'flexible' ejector with a mounted ejector (aka a 'fixed-post') that appears to be a lot more solid.

While there, I got to hold a full-sized .45 acp as well...and really liked it. Having a small-hand/grip hinders my ability to hold and shoot larger pistols comfortably (Glock 21...Beretta...Sig Sauer double-stack, etc.) and the M&P 2.0 really fit my hand well! I also like the 2.0 textured grip on it.

I grew up a revolver guy...and have been carrying Glock (a G36 has been my EDC for the past few years)...but I got a feeling my line-up's about to change...maybe a little...and maybe a lot???

I've always kept my pistols simple...tritium night sights is the only thing I ask for...but being able to put a light under the full-size might be nice for around the home?

I prefer to EDC OWB RH 4:00 position...keep it simple and consistent.

Any issues anyone is having with their M&P pistols in .45 acp that I need to be concerned about?

Any ammo feed issues...which JHP's feed well...which one's don't...etc.? My Glock 36 eats Remington Golden Sabers 185 grain +P's all day long without a hiccup...I've come to really like that round.

Thoughts...feedback...suggestions...all are welcome!
I have the Performance Center Shield 45. LOVE IT. It shoots & handles better than my Shield 40. I usually shoot ammo from Freedom Munitions

New and reman. Both are good to go. Over 1500 rounds and no problems.


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Last edited by joeb1; 09-23-2017 at 08:03 PM.
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Old 09-24-2017, 04:18 PM
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Apparently some have had issues with the mags dropping on the Shield 45. S&W has redesigned the follower, and they will send you some on request (I bought my Shield last year, and haven't had any issues with mag drop...but I recently contacted S&W and they said they would send me some of the new followers as soon as they are back in stock.) I don't know when they started putting the new followers in mags, but if you do a search there are some posts here that show the new versus the original followers, so you can tell if you need the new ones, or if you already have them.

The only problem I have had is one of my 6 round mags won't consistently lock the slide open when empty. I asked Customer Service about that, and they promptly sent me a new magazine, and told me to keep the problem one. I am curious to see if the new follower will correct that issue, when I get them.
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Old 09-24-2017, 08:15 PM
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My .45 Shield has been problem free, same with my 9mm. I had one FTF in the 9mm and after examination it was the white box Winchester round seated improprely. I have roughly 600 rounds throuht the 9mm amd 400 through the .45, so both just breaking in.
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Old 09-24-2017, 09:11 PM
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I had the magazine drop issue, S&W sent me some new followers and the gun has been 100% flawless. The shield 45 is amazingly accurate for a small gun, Its accuracy makes up for the low round count (At least for me it does)
I find the Federal HST 230+P to be the most accurate in my gun followed real close by the Winchester Ranger SXT 230+P. Prob have well over 3,000 rounds through the Shield snd so far I am very very happy
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Old 09-24-2017, 09:39 PM
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I've got a little first-hand experience with two Shield 45s and several full-size M&P45s. All have functioned perfectly. I've not noticed any particular ammo sensitivity with either gun. The Shields have surprised me with how well they have fed and handled some of the unusual ammunition I've tried in them. The full-size .45s have outshot similar full-size 9s and .40s so badly it makes you wonder what they are doing wrong with those guns. The Shield .45s are no slotches, too. I'm not overly fond of plastic guns in general but I can't find much fault with the M&P .45s - except for the triggers.
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Old 09-24-2017, 11:28 PM
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A few months back I bought a Shield .45 as a gift for my son. I live in the country so I took it out to make sure everything worked ok. By the time the weekend was over I probably had close to 600 rounds through it (luckily I reload) and had to buy another one for my son. The very first 6 rounds I fired (20 meters, sitting with pistol supported by my knees) produced such a tight group I thought it was just an anomaly. But nope, this is an extremely accurate pistol for it's cost, size, and caliber.
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Old 09-25-2017, 05:32 AM
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Very happy with mine. After my first 50 rounds I decided this might very well become my EDC. Did some searching on the net and found I could send my slide to Trijicon and they would install night sights and return ship to me for $125. I'm a big fan of night sights. I know they can be had cheaper from other vendors, but do not have the expertise to install them myself. And living in the country it would not pay to chase around to get them installed. After the slide was returned I put another 200 rounds down range and started to carry this Shield daily. I like the size, weight, and firepower of the Shield 45. I think it will serve me well. I also installed the Hogue beaver-tail grip sleeve for the extra girth it would provide. Feels amazing. Now if I can stay away from the LGS and the new M&P 2.0 Compact I may be alright.
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Old 09-26-2017, 08:17 PM
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Great answers...and thanks for all the feedback!

I'm definitely looking forward to getting one and with the accuracy feedback, I'm certain that it will be one that I appreciate!

Accuracy, to me, is one of the most-important considerations, behind reliability and comfort.

A few hundred rounds should alleviate any mechanical concerns as well as build some confidence in it's performance, fit, and feel!
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Old 09-26-2017, 10:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Amishman44 View Post
Any issues anyone is having with their M&P pistols in .45 acp that I need to be concerned about?
Amish, the only issue I had was with the magazine drop; there are several threads about it with photos on here. This is apparently rare, and only a few of the forum members have experienced it (actually there were some 9mm Shields that did this too at one time). It's a little plastic piece inside the mag called the "follower" which was creating the problem in my case.

Anyway, I bought mine from Palmetto State Armory, and it shipped with the old parts in the magazines, so thanks to some of the good members here, I found out about the issue then called S&W and they overnighted the new style followers to me at no charge. I swapped them out in about 15 minutes and the magazines now function perfectly. Again, in most cases, this never happens, but if it does at least you will understand it.

This should in no way discourage you from owning the Shield 45, it's an incredible value and an outstandingly accurate firearm.

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Old 09-26-2017, 10:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joeb1 View Post
I have the Performance Center Shield 45. LOVE IT. It shoots & handles better than my Shield 40. I usually shoot ammo from Freedom Munitions

New and reman. Both are good to go. Over 1500 rounds and no problems.


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Sure, your PC gun will shoot and handle better than the non PC gun.
If I had a PC .45 I'd for sure like it better than a standard .40.
My two guns are just the opposite of yours.
I have a PC .40 and a standard .45 Shield.
I like the PC .40 better than the .45.
I went out to my range three weekends in a row, having a shoot off between the PC .40 and the .45. Each time, I realized I liked the PC gun more.
I also bought a 9mm Shield for my daughter, but I ended up putting a few hundred rounds through it first, to make sure it was good to go, before giving it to her.
People talk about how "snappy" or unpleasant the .40 they shot was, to me, the PC .40 is closer to the 9mm than my .45.

Last edited by sandog; 09-26-2017 at 10:45 PM.
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Old 09-27-2017, 02:25 AM
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I`ll add my thoughts to the pot... for what its worth...

I have the standard shield 45 and a PC shield 45. I bought the standard first, did a trigger job on it, now has a better trigger than my PC shield 45. This weekend, i`ll be doing a trigger job on the PC 45. I was hopeing S&W would have done a little better job on the PC 45 trigger, but they missed the boat on that one. No worries, i`ll fix it because the gun has already proved its worthyness to me.

As for shooting the shield 45`s, i`ve YET to come across i nicer more accurate pistol than these two shield 45`s for their size. Just plain simply amazing...!!! The recoil is VERY manageable. I found it to be leaps and bounds smoother than the XDS 45. That Springfield XDs 45 really bites your hand hard, and the XDs trigger`s were horrible.

Neither shield 45 i own, have yet to have an issue, feeding, or ejecting. BUT, i did have an issue with the recoil spring assembly. But thats all been taken care of... i built my own RSA and it solved that problem.

Both guns, the sights were not to bad out of the box. During testing, both were POA/POI. That makes me very happy.

I`ve got the older mags (10 of them), not had any issues with them so far. The PC 45 came with the updated followers. Not had one issue with those either.

As for a carry concealed... you`ll want a t-shirt between you and the grip. The texture is very rough on the skin. As for the feel of the texture while in your hand, i wont lie, it worried me at first when i was handling them at my LGS, but after shooting the gun(s), i dont want a gun without that texture...! It stays planted no matter how fast you shoot the gun. I was kind of surprised that it didnt bother my hand with such a rough texture.

Over this past weekend, my wife an i put over several 100rds down range with these shield 45`s. When we were done shooting at the range (because it was getting dark out), it left us both with wanting to shoot some more, but ya gotta go home sometime...lol. We did run couple 100rds of our reloads thru the shields, one word, FLAWLESS. Not even close to a hiccup with either gun with reloads. They are very lite reloads, and i expected issues, and not a hiccup, not one.

Anyways, if your looking for a really nice small sized 45, dont sell the shield 45 short until you`ve tried it. Its an amazing gun. Cant beat them either for what they cost. I got both of mine just before the $75 dollar rebate ended.

Anyways folks, thats my rant, and i`m stick`n to it. LOVE`N the shield 45`s. I cant remember the last time i bought a gun that made me this happy right out of the box.

Shoot, and shoot alot... be safe guys.
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Old 09-27-2017, 02:27 AM
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Quote:
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Sure, your PC gun will shoot and handle better than the non PC gun.
If I had a PC .45 I'd for sure like it better than a standard .40.
My two guns are just the opposite of yours.
I have a PC .40 and a standard .45 Shield.
I like the PC .40 better than the .45.
I went out to my range three weekends in a row, having a shoot off between the PC .40 and the .45. Each time, I realized I liked the PC gun more.
I also bought a 9mm Shield for my daughter, but I ended up putting a few hundred rounds through it first, to make sure it was good to go, before giving it to her.
People talk about how "snappy" or unpleasant the .40 they shot was, to me, the PC .40 is closer to the 9mm than my .45.
Sandog, i thought you sold your shield 45 (???) or traded it off.
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Old 09-27-2017, 11:12 PM
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Yes, the .45 was traded for the 9mm. My daughter has the 9mm now.
I'd have kept the .45 if I didn't like the PC .40 so much.
After decades of having 3 or 4 different pistol calibers to feed, I like only having to stock up on one caliber now, and am very happy with the Shield .40 and Full size .40.
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Old 09-28-2017, 12:23 AM
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Quote:
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Yes, the .45 was traded for the 9mm. My daughter has the 9mm now.
I'd have kept the .45 if I didn't like the PC .40 so much.
After decades of having 3 or 4 different pistol calibers to feed, I like only having to stock up on one caliber now, and am very happy with the Shield .40 and Full size .40.
Nice, i bet she likes the 9mm
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Old 09-28-2017, 09:56 AM
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I bought one of the first .45s to arrive at my lgs and have at least 700 rds through it with 0 issues. It gets more of the carry time as its just easier than my 1911 to grab and go. Its just about perfect imo and the trigger get better and better.
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Old 09-29-2017, 09:04 AM
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I have the Shield 45 and have put over 600 rds. through it. I like it very much! I have been shooting Magtech 45A ball ammo in it. It is very accurate and I get consistant close groups.
I was very surprised to find this ammo for such an economical price at Brownells.
Has anyone else fired this ammo, and what do you think of it?
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Old 09-29-2017, 06:55 PM
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Love my sheild 45 !! ZERO issues. Its my EDC. I'm gonna throw a Crimson trace light&lazer on it when the prices come down.
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Old 10-04-2017, 03:43 PM
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My .45 Shield has been problem free, same with my 9mm. I had one FTF in the 9mm and after examination it was the white box Winchester round seated improprely. I have roughly 600 rounds throuht the 9mm amd 400 through the .45, so both just breaking in.

Does the Shield 9MM trigger feel the same as the .45 Shield?


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Old 10-04-2017, 04:08 PM
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I’ve never had a problem with any of my Shields. I’ve put a few hundred trouble free rounds through the 45, to include a box of Sic V crown HPs. It’s a good little shooter.
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Old 10-04-2017, 04:56 PM
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My 45 Performance Center Shield is not even a week old yet. 200 rds of fmj, 20rds each of HST, Hydrashocks, XTPs, and Gold Dots were all equally trouble free and accurate. I'm a happy customer!
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Old 10-04-2017, 06:17 PM
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The new followers arrived today...I'll put them in as soon as I get a chance, and then I'll update this post.
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Old 10-04-2017, 08:12 PM
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I took both the Shield 9 and Shield 45 to range today to see which one is more accurate. The 45 won hands down, it the 9 is very accurate but my Shield 45 is considerably more accurate. Using 124 +P HST in the 9 and 230 +P HST in the 45 and about 15 yds the 45 proved to be superior. BUT that's my guns, again My shield 9 is laser accurate and I have no issues carrying that But the 45 is a better shooting gun.
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Old 10-05-2017, 02:05 AM
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.45 PC Shield that's been wonderful so far.

I wanted to test some factory .45 carry loads to see which were best for
low light shooting with the ports.

1: Double Tap 165 grain TAC-XP solid copper hollow-point,
that I've used for years in various .45s when I needed them
to be light on the hip, but still .45 caliber hole.

2: Winchester 230 grain FMJ

3: Double Tap's 200 grain bonded defense Speer
Gold Dot bonded hollow-point.

4: Speer's 230 grain Gold Dot as loaded by Double
Tap Ammo.

I first fired 3-rounds on the 230 grain FMJ as a base-line.

It exhibited more flash that you'd think common ball ammo might have.

Followed by 3 rounds of each load:


Well, the 165 grain TAC-XP was both flashy from the muzzle and from the two tiny ports.but not so much that it bothered me, even in the dim light of the range stall with the light off.

The 200 grain Glod Dot was tamer in flash, and more powerful in recoil.

Moving up to the 230 grain. I'd shot this load in my XD-S .45 in the
past and my MOD 2 .45s as well.

This 230 grainer was both powerful and flashy, but still not as bad as one would expect, at least in IMHO.

As this is my very first ported gun, I don't like the fact that some loads such as the plated ammo (i.e.Blazer Brass ) can't be used.

However, I do feel that the recoil reduction of the ports is a major
advantage for me as I've finally found a light .45 with a decent trigger and
good accuracy that doesn't beat my aging hands up with recoil.

I'll just be sure to take in mind that I can't Speed Rock or otherwise
put my body/face over the ports if I have to shoot for defense.


Last edited by clarkstoncz; 10-05-2017 at 02:12 PM.
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Old 10-05-2017, 01:34 PM
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I havent had the mag drop iss with my 45 Shield, BUT, I have had an issue with the slide locking back mid magazine. It occurred a handful of times in 500 rounds. My hands are nowhere near the slide lock, so it seems to be a magazine issue. Happened with tboth the 6 round and 7 round mags.
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  #26  
Old 10-05-2017, 08:15 PM
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Does the ported 45 really reduce recoil that much?
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  #27  
Old 10-05-2017, 09:29 PM
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I don't know, as I've never shot a .45 Shield, but do know that
I like the PC over the early Shield 9mm that I owned that was very snappy for me.

At least with 9mm+P at that time.

The PC .45 has less recoil than the G36, XD-S .45 and approaches the
heavier XD MOD 2 .45 in my other safe.

The XD MOD 2 is both heavier and wider, esp for IWB carry,
with a better trigger on the Performance Carry .45 ACP.

My new holster really rounds out the gun, ammo and holster
combo..(or maybe tri-fecta) that I've searched for while experimenting with
sub-compact.. forty-fives in the past few years.

Last edited by clarkstoncz; 10-05-2017 at 09:43 PM.
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  #28  
Old 10-08-2017, 08:42 PM
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Thanks everyone...greatly appreciating the feedback and insight as to how well this little pistol functions and performs!

Playing around with ammo...I'm finding that Remington's Golden Sabre 185 grain JHP's function just about 'perfect' in thr Glock 36 pistol...slightly lighter recoil...great second (f/u) shot...great accuracy...and still a .45 acp! Hopin' it performs just as good in the Shield .45.

Any other suggestions regarding choices in ammo in their Shield .45 acp?
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  #29  
Old 10-08-2017, 09:40 PM
MP1SG MP1SG is offline
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In My shield 45 the Winchester SXT and Federal HST all in 230 +P work real well. Lucky gunner has some some pretty impressive ballistic result out of a short barrel 45 acp.
love my Shield 45
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  #30  
Old 04-15-2018, 07:37 PM
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Well...I finally was able to pick-up a Shield in .45 acp...got it for $375 + tax...and got one out of the back room (as in 'never-handled') as opposed to one out of the glass case!

I'm looking forward to getting to the range and putting some rounds down range to see how this little puppy handles!

Funny story...I picked-up a Shield 9mm from a cop buddy who bought it via blue-label purchase ($200) and he gave it to me for that same price.

I knew my wife was looking for a different carry pistol (she has a new job where her boss allows her to have something with/on her as she's often in the office by herself on Friday's) as she didn't want to carry her HK P2000SK 9mm...and once she shot the Shield 9mm, she decided she wanted it for herself.

Her statement, regarding the Shield 9mm, ended in "...may I?" My response was simple..."Well...if I can get one to replace it?"...and the deal was done!

Sometimes, it pays to have a little bit of method to the madness...he he!
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  #31  
Old 04-16-2018, 02:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Amishman44 View Post
Well...I finally was able to pick-up a Shield in .45 acp...got it for $375 + tax...
Well, congrats!
It's a great little pistol that packs a big defensive punch.
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