Calling all honest Shield owners

mlk18

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While perusing Shield reviews I found gunsgunsguns.net and their very favorable review of the Shield. Then I noticed the user rating average was 5 out of 10 stars, which we all know is hardly an accurate representation of this awesome ultra-slim M&P. I have no doubt that some Smith haters clicked 1 star just to smear the good name of Smith & Wesson. So I am suggesting that you head over there and give it a more honest rating to make sure that people aren't confused by the misrepresentation of it's current user rating. And by the way, the Hi Point 9mm has a 7 or 8 star rating.
 
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I've been looking hard at buying one, and have searched many websites for information from owners. The negatives are starting to come out, but they aren't all that bad.

The main negative I am consistently seeing is about excessive trigger over-travel. There are also several people already talking about getting Apex trigger kits to correct it. To me, that doesn't bode well for the initial comments about it having such an awesome trigger.

Also, there are some that question the need to change from an M&P 9c to a Shield, as the Shield is not considered "pocketable" for most people, contrary to what many people might think. It's small, but a larger small. In other words, most people need to have it on a belt to be comfortable, so some reason that you may as well go with a 9c because there seems to be little difference in feel when carrying one or the other. My own personal comment -- I think that would have to depend a lot on your size. I would have to think a Shield would be a noticeable difference for a thinner female to carry.
 
I just went there and voted a 10 because I know my shield deserves every bit of that 10. It has ate all the ammo I've fed it and I've even fed it Tulammo. Now with 600+ rounds and no real good cleanings. It's still chugging along. Also, very accurate.
 
The main negative I am consistently seeing is about excessive trigger over-travel. There are also several people already talking about getting Apex trigger kits to correct it. To me, that doesn't bode well for the initial comments about it having such an awesome trigger.

Also, there are some that question the need to change from an M&P 9c to a Shield, as the Shield is not considered "pocketable" for most people, contrary to what many people might think. It's small, but a larger small. In other words, most people need to have it on a belt to be comfortable, so some reason that you may as well go with a 9c because there seems to be little difference in feel when carrying one or the other. My own personal comment -- I think that would have to depend a lot on your size. I would have to think a Shield would be a noticeable difference for a thinner female to carry.

It is an awesome trigger. The trigger isn't bad at all. I'm leaving mine stock. Plus, it adds safety in my opinion. But for people that are used to a lighter pull are the ones that complain. After you get used to it... it's easy to land tight groups. I wouldn't want a lighter pull on a conceal because of accidental discharges.

I was looking at the 9c before this one and also a Ruger LCP but for a small 9mm this one was the winner. It has such a slimmer frame than the 9c, not just handle but also in slide. Plus, it's only single stack making it not stick out as much as the thick 9c grip. Sure it's not as small as a little pocket .380 but it's a 9mm. If you want a pocket gun I'd say go with a .380. If you want extra power... go with this 9mm. Wait until you get to hold one... you'll love it.
 
I voted a 9 (& not a 10 only because I've not shot mine yet, but I'm not really worried) get out & vote !
 
I have owned a number of M&Ps, in .45, 9mm, and now one in .40 (VTAC model.) I like the full size models for home defense and range, but the Shield is hands down my favorite for carry and self defense. I love my 1911s, but I would never carry them.

I have small hands and this pistol is the most comfortable of any pistol I have ever had. Not everyone may like it, and that's ok...there are plenty of other pistols in this world to choose from...but I feel like I have found my dream gun, for me!
 
I pocket carry my Shield 10 hours a day in Dockers 32x36. Women pants can barely fit a cell phone. I think a woman wearing todays fashion would have difficulty pocket packing a Ruger LCP.

I think it is a great sign if the negative we are reading is the trigger travel. If that is the worst folks can find the Shield will provide most looking for a reliable carry gun a great option. (For the record I have no complaints with the trigger. I can group my 7 yard shots within an inch)

The only negative I found with my Shield was the stock rear sight catches as you draw from your pocket but I fixed that issue when I changed out my sights for XS Big Dot night sights.

Russ
 
Triggers. Learn them & their use. LEARN YOUR GUN!!!
I think all 1911 owners should have their index fingers removed if they stray from that platform!! (LOL!!). LEARN TO SHOOT!! Take a lesson. Learn to shoot your platform! A trigger should not be a priority when choosing a weapon!
 
I had a M&P 9C and sold it then bought the shield. Much better trigger pull and easier to carry concealed. I found the accuracy was better with the Shield due to the better trigger pull.
 
I agree with the above post (#8). All this fuss over triggers is comical to me. My defensive gun that goes bang if/when I need it to save my life is all I care about. I can shoot circles around many friends who have "awesome triggers" on their guns. Learn to shoot what you carry and be done with it :)

PS: While not a pure pocket carry gun for most it is certainly possible to pocket carry. I have done it many times with no problems.
 
Triggers. Learn them & their use. LEARN YOUR GUN!!!
I think all 1911 owners should have their index fingers removed if they stray from that platform!! (LOL!!). LEARN TO SHOOT!! Take a lesson. Learn to shoot your platform! A trigger should not be a priority when choosing a weapon!

Really??? The better trigger on the Shield is one reason my LC9 is now retired...
 
TAlso, there are some that question the need to change from an M&P 9c to a Shield, as the Shield is not considered "pocketable" for most people, contrary to what many people might think. It's small, but a larger small. In other words, most people need to have it on a belt to be comfortable, so some reason that you may as well go with a 9c because there seems to be little difference in feel when carrying one or the other. My own personal comment -- I think that would have to depend a lot on your size. I would have to think a Shield would be a noticeable difference for a thinner female to carry.

I Agree.

I'm sure the shield is all it's cracked-up to be. Heck, it's an M&P, I would love it. To be honest, I can't justify buying one. Not right now anyways. I don't see it replacing my .40c that conceals just fine thank you very much. I do like the safety though. See, I'm talking myself into one...maybe...someday... :)
 
I gave it a 10. I have a 9c, and I do like it, for a double stack concealable pistol. That being said, my Shield gets the nod for the near perfect carry pistol. Thin, easier to conceal on a hot Las Vegas day, and is stone reliable. It shoots when I want, and where I want it to.

My Shield was my fifth M&P pistol, and by far the most carried!
 
I agree with the above post (#8). All this fuss over triggers is comical to me. My defensive gun that goes bang if/when I need it to save my life is all I care about. I can shoot circles around many friends who have "awesome triggers" on their guns. Learn to shoot what you carry and be done with it :)

PS: While not a pure pocket carry gun for most it is certainly possible to pocket carry. I have done it many times with no problems.

That's why I like the Shield as I can put em all in the 10 and 9 ring at 15 yards. Trigger pull made all the difference, and that is why I carry the Shield. :)
 
Got mine out to the range the other day and did some moving defensive drills with it, man I love this gun!

9/10 for me, simply because I wish the safety was ambidextrous.
 
I agree with the above post (#8). All this fuss over triggers is comical to me. My defensive gun that goes bang if/when I need it to save my life is all I care about. I can shoot circles around many friends who have "awesome triggers" on their guns. Learn to shoot what you carry and be done with it :)

PS: While not a pure pocket carry gun for most it is certainly possible to pocket carry. I have done it many times with no problems.

Amen. You could create the theoretically perfect weapon and there would come along folks willing to critisize it. Overtravel is not an issue (at least with me) with the Shield. Its a solid, accurate, relaible little gun great for summer carry and I can make a 2" ragged hole in the center of a head sized target at 25 feet. What's not to like? And, ME carrying a 9mm? As they say, never say never!
 
When the 1st Shields arrived at work, I was all excited, like my co workers. I've been a Glock guy for over 20 years, but recently changed my carry gun to a HK USP compact 45. I never even shot a S&W since the excellent 645 I owned years ago. So I put the Shield in my hand, & then a M&P9c. I liked the M&P better, but I don't have large hands. And yes, while the trigger in either gun is nothing to write home about, I feel it's fine for self defense, but not target shooting. GARY N4KVE
 
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