Talk me out of buying a Shield .45

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No experience here with the Shield 45 but I would suggest you compare it's pros/cons closely to the M&P 45c before committing. ( Comparison advice I often give for any potential shield buyer in any caliber) .

Myself, I have found the slight weight and width increase of the M&P C's to be an acceptable tradeoff when weighing in ergonomics, mag capacity and "shootability". In fact, the M&P 45c has become my go to carry for those days when a J frame isn't enough.
 
If that is the weapon of choice so be it..
For me I have been wanting another M&P that was a little more comfortable concealing than my fullsize so I looked, touched and concealed. The shield was my first choice and it was just too small feeling.. I tried the M&P .40c and that was the ticket. I have big hands and a little bit of love handles.
As far as my caliber choice being .357sig, 40 and 9 I did not want to change that at all, while the .45 is a fantastic round I like to have capacity aswell if that only means 1 or 2 extra in each mag so be it.

My main question for you is, have you felt the shield in your hand and on your body? How was accessibility?
 
Why .45?

Are you married to the idea of it being .45 ACP? I just purchased a Shield in 9 but haven't shot it yet. I considered getting .40 or even .45 and in my research came across some info about why the FBI has settled on 9mm. The info I read stated that with modern projectiles the difference in terminal effectiveness is negligible. Their findings stated that accuracy and the ability to put multiple shots on target quickly was more important and in that regard, the 9mm is preferred in most situations. Also, in the Shield you have one more round in the magazines. Here's the info I was referring too.

FBI Decides On 9mm As Their #1 Choice And Have Tons Of Science Behind Their Decision – Concealed Nation
 
Not even gonna try.

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Sorry Buddy, can't do it. Getting one myself, so have yet to shoot one, but the ergos are tremendous, and the trigger feels great, at least to me. I've had the Compact models, and can honestly say the feel of the stippling on the new Shield .45 is far superior, as is the size of the grip. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Good Luck and good shooting! :D
 
Get both the Shield and the 45c! We are enablers after all. I love all things 45 but I believe the Compact is probably a better built gun but the Shield may be more comfortable from what I hear. I carry the 40C and own a FS M&P 45.
 
Not even gonna try.

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I just did a "buy it now" on gunbroker and will have it Wednesday. I don't think it has a thumb safety, but don't care either way.

The Shield .45 has been getting favorable reviews compared to the XDS .45 and I have been carrying a XDS .45 and decided to switch platforms. I think the Shield will fit the same holster.

BTW, I do have a 9C which is my favorite range gun.
 
Without a doubt, do it!! I picked up one & love it, I also have a 9mm & it's got some custom features on it & really love it also. But the 45 shoots softer than the 40 & feels better in my hand between the slightly wider grip and the new stippling treatment. Oh & did I mention, it throws pumpkin balls! Very accurately I might add!!
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I've been carrying a Shield 9mm for a couple years now. It's been a great little pistol in almost every way. Comfy, reliable, reasonably cheap to feed, eats whatever ya have on hand, accurate, etc.....

BUT

I spend a lot of time wandering around in the AZ deserts and wilderness areas alone on my mosickle for 7 months each year and I HATE rattlers. I load usually a couple shot shells on top of the mag for this purpose and will go through two boxes each winter. Ya don't HAVE to use shot shells of course, and the 9mm shells don't have many pellets in em. They do feed just fine in the Shield.

I have used .45 shot shells , in longer barreled pistols and they are WAY more useful.

This makes me sort of want to maybe get a .45 Shield.... just mostly for the much bigger wallop when using shot shells. I think for normal SD use the 9mm is just fine and has a slight capacity advantage as well as being cheaper to feed at the range. I'll have to ponder it a bit waiting for the inventories to increase and the prices to decrease maybe....
I do like the .45 round in general ... but I haven't been able to actually try out a .45 Shield yet. THAT will determine a purchase or not. Maybe I'll end up with one of each.. ya never know.
 
I'll take the contrarian position - Don't do it!

Is that what you wanted me to say? :D
 
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