M&P Shield 1.0 9mm

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Ron In MD

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Not being a semi auto guy, I am contemplating on buying an M&P Shield 1.0 9mm pistol.

Looking for reviews, pros and cons. What ammunition to use to alleviate FTF and FTE problems

Thanks in advance for suggestions and do’s a don’ts.
 
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My Shield 1.0 (was a PC model) had over 2k rounds thru it and had zero malfunctions. It wasn't a rimfire lol.
Only ammo concern was if I followed manufacturer recommendations as some brands were labeled not for use in ported barrels. And I tended to follow that.
Only reason I no longer have it is I went to an EZ due to an arthritic thumb/wrist.

But it never had any Ftf or Fte issues.
 
If you can find a 1.0 at a decent price I would say get it. I bought my first Shield 1.0 right after they first came out. It has never given me any problems and I like the Shield so much that I currently own three, two in 9mm and one in 40.

In this day of micro-compacts I still think it is hard to beat a Shield. The Shield has a proven track record to be reliable and is small enough to be concealable yet large enough to be able to shoot well.
 
Ranger17 said:
My Shield 1.0 (was a PC model) had over 2k rounds thru it and had zero malfunctions. It wasn't a rimfire lol.
Only ammo concern was if I followed manufacturer recommendations as some brands were labeled not for use in ported barrels. And I tended to follow that.
Only reason I no longer have it is I went to an EZ due to an arthritic thumb/wrist.

But it never had any Ftf or Fte issues.
Click to expand...

Arthritic hands is a concern for me, I failed to mention that in my post.
My left thumb has been operated on, which alleviated most of the pain, but now my right thumb joint is going. Not sure if I will have that one operated on or not.
 
I have a 2.0 and no issues at all. It’ll eat ammo that my 1911’s choke on.

I also have arthritis in my hands but not quite to the degree I need surgery. Unfortunately the Shield is harder to rack. My biggest problem is gripping the slide. Some days I just don’t have the grip so I’m thinking of doing an old trick on my Shield. On 1911’s that didn’t have front strap checkering skateboard tape can be used to provide extra grip. I’m thinking of cutting a couple of small pieces to put on the slide for better grip.
 
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Ron In MD said:
Arthritic hands is a concern for me, I failed to mention that in my post.
My left thumb has been operated on, which alleviated most of the pain, but now my right thumb joint is going. Not sure if I will have that one operated on or not.
Click to expand...

My issue is left thumb/wrist joints as well; bone on bone so while thankfully not my strong had it still comes into play. I will be looking into surgical options on it.
If I had no thumb pain/limitations I would still have my PC. But for me this is also a hobby so except for the recent period with ammo shortages and range closures; I shoot a lot and enjoy it. So it wasnt a matter of racking once and leaving in a holster to get by. The EZ allows me to do what i want.

I will also add the std Shield mags can be known to be harder to load, so the Uplula magloader can be a thumb saver.
 
I love my 1.0 9mm Shields. I have had three and bought another for a grandson. They have all been trouble free with good ammo.

Because it is a compact gun, recoil and magazine springs are fairly heavy and when new tight. This has been discouraging for some, especially with hand strength problems. The grip surfaces are also too slick in some folks’ opinions, and triggers often need breaking in to get rid of grittiness.

The 2.0 version addressed these problems.

You do not say how you will use this gun—concealed carry, home defense, range plinker? There may be others you should look at, including both the .380 and 9mm EZ models, because of hand strength issues.

More info = better advice.
 
CB3 said:
I love my 1.0 9mm Shields. I have had three and bought another for a grandson. They have all been trouble free with good ammo.

Because it is a compact gun, recoil and magazine springs are fairly heavy and when new tight. This has been discouraging for some, especially with hand strength problems. The grip surfaces are also too slick in some folks’ opinions, and triggers often need breaking in to get rid of grittiness.

The 2.0 version addressed these problems.

You do not say how you will use this gun—concealed carry, home defense, range plinker? There may be others you should look at, including both the .380 and 9mm EZ models, because of hand strength issues.

More info = better advice.
Click to expand...

My main option for obtaining the M&P would be CC when on the road and out of state. I had revolvers, even small ones, but they were just too heavy for MY needs and wants, a little bulky to.

But then again, as I’m getting up in age, and like some who don’t want to admit it, needs/wants do change. Sometimes I think, do I really need this? Would it be more if a burden on me? Or, maybe just travel smarter and avoid trouble areas as much as I can and only travel during the day.

Being unarmed is not what I want to be, but if confronted by more than one or two people, I would be at an disadvantage with a 7/8 round magazine.
 
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I got my Shield 1.0 in April 2012, over 30K rounds through it and the only malfunctions were 'User Induced'. As others have mentioned, it eats anything.

It IS tough to rack, but there are assists out there to make that easier for older hands.

The only modification I've done to it has been the Apex 'Fully Machined Sear' for about $40.

Over 3Million (maybr more like 4Mil by now) shields have been sold over the last 9 Years, so they must have done something right. :)
 
The prices of the 1.0s aren’t stellar right now. I’d personally look for a Plus as they are pretty close to the same money around here. Better trigger, higher capacity for a carry gun.

If you just wanted a range gun, I’d say EZ all the way.

Good luck in your search.
 
Bought mine 8 years ago still going strong with original RSA. When new would jam with JHP no problems after few hundred rounds FMJ.
 
My wife has had surgery for Carpel Tunnel in both wrists and her hands are sensitive. She has the M&P 4.25 and Shield 1.0 in 9mm and says she doesn’t experience any pain when shooting them. We both like the less aggressive grip texture on both guns.

Ron instead of pulling the slide back hold it in place with your weak (left) hand and gripping it normally with your strong hand (right) PUSH forward on the lower receiver (or frame). This will help to overcome your pain in your hands and right thumb.
 
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I would suggest renting or borrowing one and shooting it first. I bought one because it fit my hand, I liked the fit and finish. It's a great gun, but when I went to the range it jumped around in my hand every shot. I basically had to use a death grip to keep it under control and follow-up shots were difficult. It has a strong recoil spring and I could see it being difficult to rack the slide for some people. I'm a big guy, big hands, with a strong grip. Just make sure it works for you.
 
I have one that I purchased early on when they were a lot more money and then did a bunch of stuff to it, Apex Duty Carry Kit, I Dot sights and talon grip. Love the little thing. I have lent it out to students on the range many times and it is one of the guns that I recommend along with the EZ for those with problems such as you are experiencing. Now that the Plus is out, I would seriously consider one of those with the improved trigger and capacity.
 
I bought one a few years back, Mass model with heavy trigger. I put a Apex duty/carry kit in mine, and made a world of difference. Always functions, even with cheap pro-mag magazines. Shoots anything I put in it, don;t recall ever having a problem.

The slide is harder to rack than some others (Shield EZ or even the 2.0 with upgraded slide serrations), and it has a bit more recoil than heavier steel 9mm's...

I guess it's all subjective. I would recommend anyone buying a shield for ease of use, reliability, and (generally) price but its snappy, and if you have weak hands/wrists racking the slide may be difficult.
 
I have owned my Gen 1 Shield 9 (and 40) for several years and carry it daily. No issues at all (with either) and they eat everything including lead bullet reloads. Also own the 45 but haven't shot it much. I have no intention of getting into the Shield Plus at this time, I have a Gen 1 compact (12 round) and 2.0 Compact (15 round); so if I need more firepower, I'm covered. :-)
 
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