shield 45 controlability?

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exnodak

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I am thinking seriously about picking up a Shield in 45ACP. I already have a Shield 9mm, and like it a lot. Obviously, the 45 recoil will be more substantial than the 9mm. For those of you have the 45, how does the recoil compare to the 9mm? I find the 9mm to quite pleasant and controlable.
 
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One of the most surprising things about my Shield .45 is the mild recoil. More than a 9mm I'm sure but a lot less than a Shield in .40S&W. I bought one for my son to be presented in June and after taking it out to the woods I was so impressed that I bought another one for him and kept the first one for myself. Very controllable and excellent accuracy out to at least 20 meters. I'm sure much more than that but 20m is the range I shoot at.
 
1sailor said:
One of the most surprising things about my Shield .45 is the mild recoil. More than a 9mm I'm sure but a lot less than a Shield in .40S&W. I bought one for my son to be presented in June and after taking it out to the woods I was so impressed that I bought another one for him and kept the first one for myself. Very controllable and excellent accuracy out to at least 20 meters. I'm sure much more than that but 20m is the range I shoot at.
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I completely agree. It has a much milder recoil than I expected considering it's a small gun firing a big round. It is only slightly greater than my Shield 9. It is much more accurate than my Shield 9 as well. I'd advise the OP to rent one at a range first, and check it out in person.
 
I have both. The folks who commented before me are right. It actually is not perceptibly more recoils than the Shield 9 and is a good shooter. It feels good in my hands and shoots to point of aim. I have had no issues and love it.
 
swsig said:
I completely agree. It has a much milder recoil than I expected considering it's a small gun firing a big round. It is only slightly greater than my Shield 9. It is much more accurate than my Shield 9 as well. I'd advise the OP to rent one at a range first, and check it out in person.
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That^^^^^^^^^^^Exactly:D
 
swsig said:
I completely agree. It has a much milder recoil than I expected considering it's a small gun firing a big round. It is only slightly greater than my Shield 9. It is much more accurate than my Shield 9 as well. I'd advise the OP to rent one at a range first, and check it out in person.
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Same, except I never fired one, before buying one.
 
Recoil "feels" similar. The 45 is slightly stiffer but is more of a push than a snap. The grip on the 45 makes it easier to get a good purchase on too. Something I always found lacking in the 9mm flavor.
 
As pointed out by Wee Hooker, the texture really locks the pistol into your grip. Very rock solid. I have read of some who complain that it's too grippy but I don't notice that at all.
 
The Genitron Recoil calculator page if I recall correctly shows the M&P Shield 45ACP recoil to equal the Glock 23 Gen 4.

If so it should be snappy with a SMALL surface area on the hand to distribute recoil too.

I have not had the chance to fire one and in NY there are limited rental locations.

I believe the number Genitron assigned the 45 shield is 10 and 7.xx for the 9mm.

Looking at videos some people have noticeable torque in their recoil.

Is hand and arm strength as well as arm mass a factor in people's perception? I am curious if those that think the recoil is mild are large hands, large muscular arms and wrists/joints in good health.

I can't imagine if the numbers for free recoil equal the Glock 23 in 40S&W the effects of the lower pressure and spread recoil of the 45ACP would entirely mitigate the forces especially since the area of the grip is decidedly reduced.

I think the shooter's have a lot to do with perception of recoil in this case NOT the gun.
 
Practical said:
I think the shooter's have a lot to do with perception of recoil in this case NOT the gun.
Click to expand...

My perception of the Shield 45, is based on all the other guns I shoot. Same hands, and same arms. I do have the 9mm Shield, a S&W 40, the 1911, a much larger Springfield plastic XDM 45 for comparison. I figured the Shield 45 would have a lot more noticeable recoil than the XDM. It really doesn't seem to. Just a bit more than the 9. I have no doubt, it's the gun.
 
Mine is very controllable for me! I was very surprised that the recoil was not more noticeable. I had to fire my 9MM Shield, then my .45 Shield, one right after the other before I could really tell the difference. As mentioned, the recoil pulse is a bit different between the calibers and that affects felt recoil for me. I actually shoot the .45 a bit better than the 9. All of us are different. This states my personal experience. I will say that the few folks I've allowed to shoot my .45 were very surprised and pleased!
 
It's slightly softer in recoil compared to my XDs .45, and quite a bit softer than the Kahr PM45. It's as nice a shooting ultra compact .45 as you can find right now IMHO.
 
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I've had a Glock30 now for almost 20 years- it has always been described as a very soft-shooting gun due to its double stack width , high bore axis, and polymer frame. I do agree its nice to shoot, but for me the Shield 45 is very similar - I can get shots on target with my Shield 45 just as fast as my Glock30- and with the same accuracy.

The fact that the Shield 45 is lighter, thinner, and more comfortable to carry makes a compelling reason to take away some of my Glock30 Carry time- time will tell.
 
My Shield .45 is a pleasure to shoot. I was very surprised how well it handled.
I also have the Shield 9, the 45 is just a bit more recoil for me shooting personnel defense ammo. Try it you'll like it.
 
I notice the recoil a bit more than my Sig P320 .45.. but only a bit. The Sig is heavier, with longer barrel that makes for longer recoil (think about it). However, it is a lot lighter and thinner than the SIG and I enjoy carrying it. Accuracy is the shooter and this pistol, with me, shoots holes very close together.

Three targets shot with the Shield 45 in the back yard recently.

 
I'll let you know Monday, after a trip to the range. I bought one today at the gun show in Albany, Oregon. Tomorrow is the Sabbath, so the Shield will have to wait until Monday.
 
The Shield 45 is reasonably controllable for its size to caliber ratio. I have the PC version and it does reduce felt recoil and muzzle flip. Either way it shoots really well.


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