I visited a couple gun shops today to look for a good small 9mm handgun. I wanted something I could carry, but something I could enjoy shooting. I looked at a Taurus 709 Slim at one shop. Good price, but small and only one mag. Plus, it's a Taurus.
Another shop had a better selection and I wound up looking at an older Ruger LC9, a newer LC9S, and a used Shield 9mm. Size wise, they were pretty close, and only about $50 apart from the highest priced to the lowest. The trigger on the Shield made all the difference for me. It had a clean, clear break and felt very good. I got it with the 7 and 8rd mags, original box and paperwork for $289. It might rain tomorrow, but I hope to get it out as soon as I can and get some range time in.

Although I am a S&W person, I carry a Ruger L9CS. It shoots very well.
The Glocks I own are striker fire also, but they are too big to carry, good house guns. I dont know anyone that ENJOYS shooting any of the compacts. Like when I had to qualify twice a year, its something I do to maintain proficency with the weapon. For real shooting pleasure, I take my Model 52 and 41, and spend some real quality time at the range
shooting small groups. No point shooting or double taps. I hope you enjoy your new gun and am pleased you will be proficient with it.

I got my new LC9s for $312 otd. Over all it is a good gun. The trigger is really nice IMO. Shield trigger was nicer in your opinion then it must have a really good trigger.
I have yet to even see a Shield much less shoot one. Most reviews are very positive.

I carry an LC9s. I have handled but not fired a Shield and a 709 Slim. Of the three I chose the one that felt best in my hand. I would not have been afraid to choose the Taurus. I own one Taurus semi, an older 609 Pro that I have fired over 10,000 rounds through with exactly zero malfunctions. The 709, though, just did not feel right in my hand nor did the Shield. I really liked the feel of the M&P 9c in my hand, but I wanted a single stack, so I chose the Ruger.

I believe that all three are good pistols. You chose the one you liked the best, and that is as it should be. I hope you enjoy your Shield for many years.

By the way, it sounds like you got an amazing deal on your Shield. Congratulations.

I got out to the range today, but only got 50rds through it before it started raining lightly. It shot fine, no hiccups at all. I found myself shooting tight groups, but to the left of point of aim. That might be because it's been so long since I've been out to the range. The one box I was shooting was Federal 115gr FMJ in aluminum cases.
I'll have to wait for a sunny day and try again. I have lots of brass 115 and 124gr to try out.

Shooting left with a small pistol is common for those of us who are right handed. Small pistols - especially thin ones - require a good deal of practice to shoot well. If I'm concentrating I can shoot my Ruger accurately. If my concentration wavers a bit or I revert to gripping it the same way I would a larger pistol I shoot to the left a couple of inches.

In a very stressful self defense situation I would probably shoot to the left a bit with it, but I think it would still be center mass at self defense ranges.