Should I risk buying shield?

[Elliot45]

My Shield hasn't had any issues

Out of the many thousands of Shields that have been sold don't let the complaints of a few stop you from buying what I think is one of the best CCW guns on the market. When you go to a forum (about any product) you will always see the few who have had problems and have expressed their frustrations. I bought my Shield this year and have put probably close to 1,000 rounds through it. I have not experienced one malfunction. No stovepipes, jams or anything. This is the first gun I can say that about. I purposely bought a Shield without an external thumb safety for two reasons. One, I don't want one on a CCW. Second, I knew that to be a newer model so any issues that might have occurred with older Shields I would be avoiding. Keep in mind that S&W does have lifetime warranties for the original owner of the gun and I don't know any other manufacturer that offers that. If you are really considering buying a CCW, do yourself a favor and get a Shield. Regards, Elliot45

 

[PHolster]

I signed up to ask if it's worth buying a shield or if my money is better spent on an XDs or Glock 43. 100 more for a functional gun is worth it.

So has SW dropped to Taurus quality or not?

No it hasn't. You will find many happy Shield owners. Mine has over 6500 trouble free rounds through it. Any gun can have issues, from any manufacturer, Glock included.

If you question all your purchases based on the same criteria, you will never purchase anything. You can find problems with every product by looking at the online forums.

 

[cheekychung]

Another thing about customer service is to try a couple times. It may just be a rep or employee that's bad; not the company.
When I got my 45c, I wanted to remove the plugs and emailed them to see if they'd send them out. They said they don't send out to non-gunsmiths and that was that. Earlier this year, I emailed again and they just asked for an address and got em a few days later.

Working in retail with electronics, the customers are crazy loyal or despise a company because of one incident with an employee of that company.

I bought an M&P45c and the 9mm shield neither have had any problems.

 

[andrewcdub]

Pretty much what Robz said a few posts up. It's the same thing about the 40 shield "problems" that were going on. The only reason why I traded my 40 shield for a 9 shield is because I shot the shield 9 better than the 40. Plus 9 ammo for me is cheap since I have a friend that reloads for me. Don't read too much into what the net says.
I wanted to like the Glock 43 but its too small in my hands. Not that I would have bought it since I have the shield but it was nice to hold/shoot.

 

[rogarm43]

Had my Shield 9mm close to 6 weeks & 450 rds. NO issues at all including WWB. Yes, the slide is stiff to cycle initially and the mags are quite hard to load with out a loader, but my Shield is great and will be my primary carry with a few more rounds & practice. Don't think it's fair to comment on cust svc based on internet "hearsay". I've dealt with S&W cust svc on three occasions with my BG380's. S&W has been nothing short of great. I also have a Taurus 2" 85 revolver that had to go back twice for timing issues. My Taurus 85 is now a very nice smooth revolver. Both times Taurus cust svc was polite and did what they said in a timely manner.
Life's a choice, make yours. That way if you aren't happy, look in the mirror.

 

[bobknn]

I'm new to gun ownership and bought a 9mm shield about 6 months ago. I've put about 1,000 rounds through it since then without any issues. As a noob I carefully read the manual before using the gun and each of the first few times I cleaned it. The manual clearly shows how to seat the rsa. No issues, love shooting it.
I agree that the originator of this thread seems to be trolling.

 

[jamf5678]

Screw this guy he made up his mind. People like us who have abused the **** out of our shields know its a great firearm period! And this is coming from a glock fanboy!

 

[CaptRon956]

I don't understand why this thread is allowed to continue, yet my thread that I started regarding open carry Vs concealed carry was closed by the mod's...

 

[dcsamps]

Loxk - Buy the shield. I was so pleased with my first one, that I bought another one. At $389.00 they're the best bang for your buck. Period.

Considering an XDS? Read the complaints about the light primer strikes and the failure to return to battery......picked up one earlier this year (new - production date 12/14), experienced both problems first hand and promptly got rid of it.

 

[PROnSHIELD]

I don't understand why this thread is allowed to continue, yet my thread that I started regarding open carry Vs concealed carry was closed by the mod's...

because this thread is overwealmingly PRO
S&W content about the Shield...
and your "carry" thread was not...
and advertising dollars drive this site

To the OP's question I say
If I had it to do all over again right now...
I'd still by another Shield !

 

[speedyquad]

I just bought my 3rd shield last week. It already has right around 200 rounds through it.

 

[Roccaas]

I bought a Fusion Hybrid, knew it didn't have a spare tire (but LOTS of batteries). So when I cut down the sidewall I had to have the car towed (on a Saturday of course) to have a new tire mounted Monday.

Should I go buy a used tire and keep it in the trunk (or better yet, one mounted on a steel wheel ready to go)? Probably, but it is not the life and death decision that comes from making a choice on your EDC weapon.

The Recoil Spring is either: a nuisance or a non- issue. Mine was a non issue, but (and I've posted this about 12 time in the last two weeks), SSGR for $25 will build you a Rolls Royce GR and you'll probably NEVER have to think about it again.

Would I like the perfect weapon? Yes. A Willie Korth .357 would do nicely, but for $8,000 it isn't happening.

Buy the Shield if it fits your hand, you can hit paper, it rides comfortably, AND YOU DEVELOP CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ABILITY TO USE THE TOOL CORRECTLY. If not, find something else.

The market is Overabundant with quality hardware right now: Sig, Glock, H&K, Beretta, Kel Tec, Ruger (my second choice), and many many others.

Get to a range with a certified instructor and MANY rental guns. Spend the money on quality ammo and see what fits you best.

It is like test driving cars. 20 minutes around the dealership and you won't find that nagging issue (like~~not enough leg room), so rent what you think you'll like from Enterprise for a weekend and drive it until you can make a reasonable decision on the +'s and -'s of each choice.

Buying a weapon over the internet is useless. The background knowledge you gain BEFORE you hit the range and test drive each one is invaluable.

I spent 3 weeks right here (lurking) so I could make an informed decision when I walked into my LGS and listened to their advice (they are Glock from dawn to dusk), and ultimately chose the Shield over the LC9. (Better leg room!!)

 

[CaptRon956]

because this thread is overwealmingly PRO
S&W content about the Shield...
and your "carry" thread was not...
and advertising dollars drive this site

To the OP's question I say
If I had it to do all over again right now...
I'd still by another Shield !

When a forum is being driven by advertisment, it makes me wonder about the intregrity of the info being shared....

That being said. I am a loyal S&W customer and the M&P series most particularly the Shield are among the best pistols I have ever owned & shot.

 

[Rockhitter]

Shield…….is it worth buying?

I own four glocks, 2 of the 17's, 2 of the 19's. My EDC……….shield 9mm. Nuff said.

 

[martybee]

I own the Shield in 9mm and do not regret buying it!
I put 500 rds. through it before I could get any where proficient at hitting a target at 10yds.
Now it comes much easier! Groups are tight and consistent.
I shoot mostly 124gr. ball ammo.

mb

 

[sunnyd]

Let's not feed the troll guys...

^^^^^ What he said

 

[PROnSHIELD]

I posted that thread...yet you're saying it was shot down because the topic would have been...what?

When a forum is being driven by advertisment, it makes me wonder about the intregrity of the info being shared....

Shot down because its no different than a popular individual loosing corporate financial support for a perceived moral infraction.

It is obvious to me this site takes into account the potential to loose advertising content/dollars if advertisers find content objectionable...

I have observed this by the actions or lack of taken by the staff and moderators...with one exception so far (there is at least one member who has a confederate flag for an Avatar...considering the current political climate I find it odd that this is allowed because advertisers should find this highly objectionable due to the racial implications)...

The integrity of the content rests in those who post it and is enhanced when an objective membership can overlook a subjective staff's moderating decisions...

 

[alleycat7002]

Got a mp9...great gun...wont trade for 10 taurus..by way they got a problem

 

[OldRakkasans187]

Got a shield 40 with about 800 rounds through it. No problems here.

 

[wicat3]

It seems that the OP is worried about the shields reliability. I joined the forums and searched the internet for the reliability of the shield when I first looked into it. I was turned onto the shield by someone who swore by glocks and everything else is junk. I like glocks so when this guy started pushing the shield it had to be something. Did my research and yes there were some bad reviews but I have put many rounds through it and I had one issue with it. Sent it to the factory and they repaired it for free and took care of it.

I am a big glock guy but as I have noticed that as great as glock is there just to pricey to keep buying when I am looking to get a new pistol. I have slowly been getting more into the M&P line. The price point is good for the average person compared to glock, IMHO.

If you are worried about it and you are looking for a carry gun then go shop around and find something you are comfortable with. If you can shoot one before you buy do that, if not and you have a second carry pistol carry both till you are comfortable with it. I would not hesitate to buy another shield or recommend them.