I have to write a review about my new .45 Shield. I had watched the reviews and was still worried about a few things including the recoil of .45 in such a small, light gun, the slide not locking back as some have reported, whether it was reliable enough, and whether it was shootable enough.
LET ME PUT ALL THIS TO REST!!
- the recoil of this gun compares to a full size 5" 1911. It's mild. Nothing to worry about. My glock 23 in .40 was WAY, WAY harder to control and much more snappy. I wouldn't even call the .45 shield snappy. Quick followup shots are not an issue.
The slide locks back on an empty mag everytime. Period, end of story. If it doesn't then you are riding the slide release lever with your thumb.
It goes bang, everytime with any ammo i feed it. This is coming from someone who owns glocks and is used to reliable guns.
It is plenty accurate for a small, short barreled gun.
The grip texture is very agressive, and I actually did take sand paper and barely smooth it where it irritated my hand. Took a minute to get rid of the discomfort and still have a very solid purchase on the gun. I have large hands and can shoot the flush mags easily.
The thin profile will make it an excellent concealed carry gun.
S&W did an amazing job with this gun fitting .45 ACP into a small, controllable package.