This post would have been interesting as a poll. I vote YES.
Are you happy with your Shield???
- Thread starter crf450rr
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exdetsgt
Member
JL Murray: Didn't know what you meant by "roll" initially, until I read further. You're right, you could carry a Glock 17L and no one would be the wiser.
flip flappy
Member
I have had zero mechanical problems with my 9mm Shield and love the way it carries but.... I can't shoot a tight group with it to save my life. I do shoot it well enough for self defense though. I am not crazy over the trigger and wonder if an Apex trigger would give me less travel as well as a lighter trigger pull. To make matters worse, I just bought a Kimber 1911 and am absolutely in love with the trigger. I can definitely put up a group with it. I have considered trying a full size M&P to see if I can shoot it better.
KEwer
Member
I have a Shield 9, and I love it. But it was not without problems.
To start, ill admit I'm one of those "weak women". My arm strength is nothing, and my hand strength is less than that.
I purchased the Shield to replace a previous sub-compact I had owned, and chose this particular gun because of the name brand. I love S&W and I've shot my husbands M&P 9mm many times no issue.
When I first got it home, I tried to disassemble it so I could clean it. It was a struggle! Pulling the slide back was hard while trying to get the slide release to go up at the same time. Small hands, no strength, and a super stiff gun. It took a while. But I made it through. The magazines were a bitch to load too. It took all my might to get the last two bullets in and that's saying something as they only hold 8 and 7 anyway.
Then my first time to the range, it messed up. I'm not sure of the technical terms. But it messed up. Third shot in, the slide went back too far and the barrel was pointed way too high up. I had the range master come unjam it for me. He took it apart, couldn't see anything wrong with it, so he lived it up and put it back together. He asked if he could shoot it and I said yes. Again, the same thing. He fixed it again, and calmly told me not to shoot it again.
I called S&W. as always their customer service was outstanding. They had me send it in, and I had it back two weeks later. The paperwork shows they replaced the barrel and something else I can't recall at the moment.
So I cleaned it and took it back to the range. It fires like a dream. Accuracy on point. Recoil is a bitch as with all subcompacts.
And even 500+ rounds later it is still stiff as hell. But I practice with it regularly. I no longer struggle to disassemble it or load the magazines.
But I'll also say this. On days that my hands are slick(like sweat) it can still be difficult to unjam the gun. So stressful situations where your hands may be clammy, could cause issues.
Sooooo. All of that to say. If your woman is on the weaker side, this model might not be the best EDC. You may even have some issues right out of the box. But it is a good, reliable gun. It has not jammed or misfired once since it was sent back from S&W. The size is perfect for concealing on an average to small size woman. But you need to make sure she practices with it... it's the only S&W pistol I've ever had such a learning curve on.
To start, ill admit I'm one of those "weak women". My arm strength is nothing, and my hand strength is less than that.
I purchased the Shield to replace a previous sub-compact I had owned, and chose this particular gun because of the name brand. I love S&W and I've shot my husbands M&P 9mm many times no issue.
When I first got it home, I tried to disassemble it so I could clean it. It was a struggle! Pulling the slide back was hard while trying to get the slide release to go up at the same time. Small hands, no strength, and a super stiff gun. It took a while. But I made it through. The magazines were a bitch to load too. It took all my might to get the last two bullets in and that's saying something as they only hold 8 and 7 anyway.
Then my first time to the range, it messed up. I'm not sure of the technical terms. But it messed up. Third shot in, the slide went back too far and the barrel was pointed way too high up. I had the range master come unjam it for me. He took it apart, couldn't see anything wrong with it, so he lived it up and put it back together. He asked if he could shoot it and I said yes. Again, the same thing. He fixed it again, and calmly told me not to shoot it again.
I called S&W. as always their customer service was outstanding. They had me send it in, and I had it back two weeks later. The paperwork shows they replaced the barrel and something else I can't recall at the moment.
So I cleaned it and took it back to the range. It fires like a dream. Accuracy on point. Recoil is a bitch as with all subcompacts.
And even 500+ rounds later it is still stiff as hell. But I practice with it regularly. I no longer struggle to disassemble it or load the magazines.
But I'll also say this. On days that my hands are slick(like sweat) it can still be difficult to unjam the gun. So stressful situations where your hands may be clammy, could cause issues.
Sooooo. All of that to say. If your woman is on the weaker side, this model might not be the best EDC. You may even have some issues right out of the box. But it is a good, reliable gun. It has not jammed or misfired once since it was sent back from S&W. The size is perfect for concealing on an average to small size woman. But you need to make sure she practices with it... it's the only S&W pistol I've ever had such a learning curve on.
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I have a 9mm. Its a handsome gun fun to shoot.
However I found it hard to seat a Full 8 Rnd magazine while a
Full 7 Rnd magazine will not seat in the gun. I have to use one less Rnd in each type of magazine.
Recently I went to the range and got a dead trigger after 73 Rnds (shot a total within a year of owning it 943 Rnds).
What happened was the sears plunger & spring, which is suppose to push the sear up, got permanently stuck.
However I found it hard to seat a Full 8 Rnd magazine while a
Full 7 Rnd magazine will not seat in the gun. I have to use one less Rnd in each type of magazine.
Recently I went to the range and got a dead trigger after 73 Rnds (shot a total within a year of owning it 943 Rnds).
What happened was the sears plunger & spring, which is suppose to push the sear up, got permanently stuck.
bonniet120
Member
I have the 45 Shield and it had some problems out of the box but now its fixed and running 100%. It's accurate beyond its pay grade. My alternate is nominally the same size, uses the same holster, is about the same weight, both polymer frames, stainless slide, manual safety and similar grip surface. Also 100% reliable but holds 13 rounds of 9mm. The Taurus PT111 Mil G2.
It's alright. Not small/light enough for pocket carry, VERY STIFF/TIGHT gun. Seems like it would take A LOT of rounds before it ever loosens up a bit! Surprisingly accurate, pretty good trigger, but not on Glock level! Gave it a try, selling it though. No fault of the gun's, I just prefer Full Size guns. This was truly my LAST attempt at a smaller gun, I'll stick with my G17, 92fs, 226elite!
exdetsgt
Member
KEwer: Get an Uplula, which is a magazine loading device that makes loading both Shield 9 magazines a walk in the park.
I bought my shield 9 about 4-5 months ago and after a few hundred rounds it is my favorite out of all my polymer guns. The accuracy is awesome, it's like we were made for each other. This gun has been flawless from the first round down range. I'm probably going to pick another one up soon.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
KEwer
Member
I'm good now! I've gotten used to it, and used it enough now that I can get them fully loaded without much struggle. I appreciate the suggestion though.
mike from st pete
Member
For the most part yes.
I'm still having to really concentrate hard to keep from pulling shots a little low and off to the left. I'm right handed.
I'm still having to really concentrate hard to keep from pulling shots a little low and off to the left. I'm right handed.
That was my problem with the Glock 43. If I concentrated, the shots were extremely accurate. My wife has no problem with it, and adopted it as hers. I never had that problem with the Shield.
I'm semi right/left handed. Eat & write with my left. Everything else is with right. Right eye dominate.
Wow. I thought I was a rare breed, with the same right/left thing as you. It's nice to know there are other misfits, like me out there. (except I am left-eye dominant)
As for the Shield, my 9mm is my "binky" (for those with kids, you'll get that). As soon as I clip it IWB, I feel a sense of peace and calm come over me. As an EDC, I am fully confident in the reliability, accuracy and concealability of this gun.
After 600+ rounds, I have yet to have a single negative issue with the Shield.
It is extremely comfortable in my hand or on my waist.
As much as I love the hardware side of guns, I could probably live with this being my only gun....if I had to choose.
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Own a shield, 700 rounds, not one malfunction. I own Glock 43, 250 rounds, no malfunction. My girlfriend carried shield first for few months, then the Glock. Shot both well. She is athletic and strong and mechanical. I own HK P2000SK, my winter carry gun.
Decision: Glock. But smaller. Easier to disassemble. Fit her hand. Talon grips, not the rubber ones. Will probably get new mag with two round extension to carry as extra clip.
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Gripgrabber
US Veteran
I like mine, had it a couple of years. Great gun my wife likes it more! It's her EDC, so I put a viridain green laser that comes on when pulled. Good luck with yours!
exdetsgt
Member
I'm left-eye dominant.
Shoot a handgun right handed but move it a bit so it lines up with the left eye.
Shoot a rifle/shotgun left handed. Have to reach over if it's a bolt-action.
First AR15 had a coiled snake on the side, don't remember the name.
Second AR15 was a Stag Arms. Ordered a left-hand version. Had nothing but trouble with it and sold it. Then decided I didn't like AR15s. Would rather have a Mini-14 or an SKS.
Enough of this, tell me about the Glock 43. Is it a single stack? Bigger or smaller than the Shield 9? I am familiar with Glocks, was required to carry one as a duty weapon. Carried G17, G19, G21. I don't think the G43 had come out back then.
Shoot a handgun right handed but move it a bit so it lines up with the left eye.
Shoot a rifle/shotgun left handed. Have to reach over if it's a bolt-action.
First AR15 had a coiled snake on the side, don't remember the name.
Second AR15 was a Stag Arms. Ordered a left-hand version. Had nothing but trouble with it and sold it. Then decided I didn't like AR15s. Would rather have a Mini-14 or an SKS.
Enough of this, tell me about the Glock 43. Is it a single stack? Bigger or smaller than the Shield 9? I am familiar with Glocks, was required to carry one as a duty weapon. Carried G17, G19, G21. I don't think the G43 had come out back then.
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Stetto
Member
Count me as an avid 9mm Shield owner. Had the same spring related racking/loading issues a lot of others have, but obligatory regular use has really tamed both mag and slide.
I did just buy a handful of ProMag aftermarket mags (I know, I know) for range use, and the danged springs are so wound up I resorted to ordering an UpLULA to save my thumbs and get that 8th round in.
I haven't taken the ProMags out yet, that might need another thread.....
I did just buy a handful of ProMag aftermarket mags (I know, I know) for range use, and the danged springs are so wound up I resorted to ordering an UpLULA to save my thumbs and get that 8th round in.
I haven't taken the ProMags out yet, that might need another thread.....
