Range report

[JMichaelTX]

@Rastoff: Thanks for your kind and thorough reply. That really helps.

It has occurred to me that a gun is like any other tool: One must learn how to use it properly or it will likely not work very well, and can even be dangerous. (I was thinking of a table saw as an example).

When I spoke earlier about wanting a robust gun (and I still do), I suppose I should not expect a gun to be bullet proof. (pardon the pun).

 

[Rastoff]

May I politely disagree? A gun used for self-defense should be as bullet proof as can be. I'm very picky when it comes to what I call a quality gun. When I say I like a 1911, I'm not just whistling Dixie. I've put mine through the wringer.

Any gun I'll use for self-defense must shoot 500 rounds without any kind of malfunction and without adding oil. Both my 1911 and my M&P 45 have done this and more.

While at a training class, I fired over 750 rounds over 4 days with my 1911. On the last day, the weather turned nasty. The wind hit 60MPH gusts with a steady 20MPH and then the rain started. When I stepped up to shoot the final skills test, racking the slide felt like I was dragging it over 5 miles of gravel road:

This was not some contrived "torture" test, this is just what happened while standing out in the rain, wind and dust. The gun continued to work without missing a beat. I saw many guns fail over that four days. Imagine my smile as this one kept working.

I do not recommend treating your gun this way. However, I have 100% confidence in this gun because of what it and I have been through together. Because my M&P 45 hasn't been through this, I don't have the same confidence in it. However, I would love to take it through the same test and I'll bet you a month of lunches it will do just as well as the 1911.

 

[JMichaelTX]

May I politely disagree?

A gun used for self-defense should be as bullet proof as can be. I'm very picky when it comes to what I call a quality gun. When I say I like a 1911, I'm not just whistling Dixie. I've put mine through the wringer.

Any gun I'll use for self-defense must shoot 500 rounds without any kind of malfunction and without adding oil. Both my 1911 and my M&P 45 have done this and more.
. . .

Yes you may. Thanks for doing so.
What a tag line: The all new "bullet proof gun"

Do you know of a 40 caliber or 9mm that will meet this robustness test? Maybe we should call it the "Rastoff" test.

 

[Rastoff]

I did this video with my M&P 40:



I honestly think it will survive most situations just like the 45 does. I haven't seen enough of the Shield yet to recommend it, but a lot of guys here have put a lot of rounds through them. Only a few have reported issues with malfunctions.

My personal recommendation is for people to carry the full size guns. However, size is a factor when considering concealed carry. Some just can't deal with the full size guns. Out of the small guns, I still think the Shield is the best.

 

[Rastoff]

I should also note that there are many good guns out there. I'm not here to say the Glock is garbage, it isn't. If it were, it would never have reached the cult status it has.

H&K makes some really nice guns.
Sig Sauer makes good guns.
Walther makes good guns.

It's a gamble, but you just have to try some. Sticking with the major brands is always a good idea.

 

[JMichaelTX]

Out of the small guns, I still think the Shield is the best.

OK, great! I'll keep my Shield 40 another day, or until it proves it can't be trusted. Don't think that's gonna happen.

Thanks for all your work, @Rastoff.