Shield Plus: pull too light, too short?

Hello All,

I just recently handled a new Shield Plus at my local gun shop, and I came away more interested in buying the original Shield "1.0." Why? The new flat- faced trigger seemed something more appropriate for a target pistol than a concealed carry firearm. I'd be a bit nervous carrying a gun with such a light, short- throw trigger in my back pocket or behind my belt while walking on my land. In fact, I'm a little concerned about how light my 2.0 MP Full-size is with 5# over 1/8th inch pull versus 6.2# over 1/4" of my SD9VE (once I polished up the SD's trigger bar, and clipped a coil off of the striker block spring.)

Has anyone else got some thoughts about this new Shield Plus? And why exactly do people complain about the original Shield's trigger? As someone with considerable gunsmithing experience with trigger jobs without using aftermarket parts on Smith revolvers, I'm taking a new interest in the original Shield. Any responses appreciated.

I have used an original Shield 9 with no complaints. I have yet to see a Shield Plus but I think there is a generic concern with only a hinged or safety lever equipped trigger and no manual safety. I find the solution to be a holster and being very careful using it.

While I haven't tried the Shield Plus I do have a Pro CORE with the reduced travel trigger and stop.

All I can say is single action plastic guns and back pocket carry in general don't go well together. A good quality holster that covers the trigger is almost a must.

I love the Shield Plus trigger and the Shield Plus is now my preferred EDC, but only in a holster that covers the trigger guard.

Buy the one with a safety.

Maybe I'm missing something here, but how can a semi auto pistol fire in your back pocket?
I have been carrying all different name brand and types of guns in my back pockets for decades, WITHOUT a holster, and not 1 has EVER fired. I even carry my SP101's in my back pocket sometimes. I also carry them in my front pockets as well. Now, don't get me wrong, I do have holsters for all of my firearms. But, some places I travel you need the fastest, easiest access to your firearm.

I know the Shield is a compact gun, but you must have some big pockets! Trigger finger discipline and a good holster will solve your problem.

Ruger Nut, I generally have had your experience, but imagine cocking the hammer back on your loaded SP101, putting it in your shirt or rear pocket, and walking a mile or two through your dense Mississippi woods with that single action ready to go. Would you do it? Only takes 2-3# force applied over maybe 1/16" to set it off. By contrast, the 10-12# double action pull over 1/2" makes it pretty safe in the pocket. That range of weights and pull lengths defines the safety dilemma for me. As I see it, the new Shield plus seems a good deal closer to the cocked single action scenario than the old Shield's longer, heavier pull.

I think the Shield Plus' trigger is fantastic. The 1.0 trigger, to me, had too much of a wall and I ended up jerking it too easily. An Apex sear helped. I do agree the 1.0's trigger is very light for a self defense gun and very easy to fire before you're quite ready. I prefer carrying a J frame for this reason. The Plus's trigger is a different animal, I haven't decided if it's pocket-worthy, but it's definitely holster-worthy.

1sdfellow said:

Ruger Nut, I generally have had your experience, but imagine cocking the hammer back on your loaded SP101, putting it in your shirt or rear pocket, and walking a mile or two through your dense Mississippi woods with that single action ready to go. Would you do it? Only takes 2-3# force applied over maybe 1/16" to set it off. By contrast, the 10-12# double action pull over 1/2" makes it pretty safe in the pocket. That range of weights and pull lengths defines the safety dilemma for me. As I see it, the new Shield plus seems a good deal closer to the cocked single action scenario than the old Shield's longer, heavier pull.

Click to expand...

I believe you're comparing apples and oranges.

Carrying a revolver in single-action, with no safety, with a trigger pull that is that light would be, in my opinion, extremely foolish. I would be hard-pressed to find anyone that carries a revolver in that condition, albeit there may be a group of people out there who do.

Now for the oranges part: you're talking of a pistol that is striker-fired, that has a trigger feature to prevent the trigger from inadvertently moving, which in turn pushes a bar that lifts a block while subsequently tripping a sear, dropping the striker, and discharging a shot. If you told me that you were looking to carry a SIG P320 with an ultra-light trigger pull and no split-trigger or hinged shoe, that could discharge a shot when dropped... then I'd say you might want to reconsider.

I would also agree with a majority of the people replying here, that a holster that prevents snags and inadvertent pulling of the trigger is a good move. I've never pocket-carried, never IWB-carried, or generally carried at all without some form of holster-type device. Everyone is different, and I can respect that everyone has different needs and requirements.

The flatter trigger is a change that people either love or hate; I like the flatter trigger style on my EDC, because I have a better feel for it than I did with the original hinge-style trigger that shipped with my firearm. The 1.0 trigger across the line was stated to be gritty and unappealing, and even after 2800 rounds I couldn't stand it. I went the APEX route and haven't looked back but I agree that someone with gunsmithing experience could most likely get it much better than factory.

Keep in mind, the trigger design for the striker-fired pistols is to prevent the trigger from moving without some finger-type device defeating the safety. If you're looking for more peace-of-mind, there is an offer with a safety as well to ensure another factor of safety on top.

Everything comes down to preference, but rest easy knowing the design ensures safe carry and mitigates "surprises". I love the lighter pulls on my pistols, but I know that's not for everyone.

$0.02, whatever that's worth nowadays.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

1sdfellow said:

Ruger Nut, I generally have had your experience, but imagine cocking the hammer back on your loaded SP101, putting it in your shirt or rear pocket, and walking a mile or two through your dense Mississippi woods with that single action ready to go. Would you do it? Only takes 2-3# force applied over maybe 1/16" to set it off. By contrast, the 10-12# double action pull over 1/2" makes it pretty safe in the pocket. That range of weights and pull lengths defines the safety dilemma for me. As I see it, the new Shield plus seems a good deal closer to the cocked single action scenario than the old Shield's longer, heavier pull.

Click to expand...

First of all, you insulted me by stating I'm in Mississippi. Read my location again. It reads L O U I S I A N A!
Second, why in Corn bread HELL would I want to cock my SP101 and THEN place it in my pocket? SERIOUSLY? You insulted my intelligence!
I use SAFETY and COMMON SENSE with ALL of my firearms!

So was grittiness of pull the main complaint users had of the original Shield? For those of you who've used it, what specifically needed to be improved?

I have a Performance Center M&P40 Shield 1.0, which has a 5lb trigger which feels extremely light/short to me because I'm used to heavy/long Double Action Triggers weighing 10-12lbs.
However, my Shield has a manual safety on the frame, so I just use that. I don't know if the Shield PLUS comes in a configuration with a manual safety, but if it does, then there's an option for you.


As you can see on the rear of the frame is a manual safety switch which sits flush. When in the up position, it locks the sear, preventing the trigger being pulled and the gun from firing.

My original Shield...

....has a great trigger and a manual safety which is a great combination. I wouldn't change a thing. I consider the manual safety to be essential, as the toggle trigger might not fire on hitting the floor, but if something pulls it.....

One thing that made me look at the Shield were the number of reviews that pointed out the trigger as being 'almost like single action.

1sdfellow said:

So was grittiness of pull the main complaint users had of the original Shield? For those of you who've used it, what specifically needed to be improved?

Click to expand...

I have the first gen shield and the trigger has always been rough in it's pull. And I mean that it was not consistent so you never felt were it was going to break. My Plus on the other hand has a smooth pull, release is right against the wall you come to when pulling the trigger back. To me it is a much easier gun to hold the front sight still when shooting it. And it fits my hand like an Italian glove.

Ruger Nut said:

I use SAFETY and COMMON SENSE with ALL of my firearms!

Click to expand...

You carry without a holster, so no, you do not.

rwsmith said:

....has a great trigger and a manual safety which is a great combination. I wouldn't change a thing. I consider the manual safety to be essential, as the toggle trigger might not fire on hitting the floor, but if something pulls it.....

One thing that made me look at the Shield were the number of reviews that pointed out the trigger as being 'almost like single action.

Click to expand...

Striker fired in general is "almost" like single action, from your finger's point of view, and how you would define "almost."

I own a 1.0 Shield and put the Apex Duty Carry Kit flat faced trigger in it. Much better than the stock one. I don't care for the hinged, curved trigger on the Shield. I have handled the new Shield Plus and it has a very good trigger as well. It is a training issue. You would like the flat faced trigger once you get used to it. JMHO!

1sdfellow said:

Hello All,

I just recently handled a new Shield Plus at my local gun shop, and I came away more interested in buying the original Shield "1.0." Why? The new flat- faced trigger seemed something more appropriate for a target pistol than a concealed carry firearm. I'd be a bit nervous carrying a gun with such a light, short- throw trigger in my back pocket or behind my belt while walking on my land. In fact, I'm a little concerned about how light my 2.0 MP Full-size is with 5# over 1/8th inch pull versus 6.2# over 1/4" of my SD9VE (once I polished up the SD's trigger bar, and clipped a coil off of the striker block spring.)

Has anyone else got some thoughts about this new Shield Plus? And why exactly do people complain about the original Shield's trigger? As someone with considerable gunsmithing experience with trigger jobs without using aftermarket parts on Smith revolvers, I'm taking a new interest in the original Shield. Any responses appreciated.

Click to expand...

If you're in Mass or California the stock shield and SD9VE triggers are like 10.5 pounds or 11 pounds. I put Apex kits in both my Shield 1.0 and my SD9VE with factory triggers, and I like the 5.5-6 lb trigger with long pull - My shield is a no safety, and I never feel "unsafe" carrying them.

"I'd be a bit nervous carrying a gun with such a light, short- throw trigger in my back pocket or behind my belt while walking on my land."

Which is why one should ALWAYS carry with a proper holster that covers the trigger. Then your concern is a non issue. Proper draw technique and basic safety principles 100% of the time with any firearm.