Greetings!

I have a purchase permit that I don't want to waste, so considering the current rebate program, I am toying with the idea of purchasing a Shield Plus.

I currently have an assortment of Glocks for GSSF matches, and I like my SIG P365s for carry. I have only one S&W semi-auto, a 439. I'm leaning towards a standard iron sight model, but could consider a model that is factory cut for an optic.

My questions are:
1. What kind of accuracy potential does a Shield Plus have, namely how tight of a 5 or 10 round group at 7 or 10 yards?
2. What type of issues can I expect to experience with a Shield Plus?

At the moment, I contemplate using it for possibly recreational PPC or IDPA matches, and possibly as a carry pistol.

As always, thanks in advance for your assistance!

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Judge control not gun control!

My 4” Shield plus shoots disappointing groups. It’s clearly not a bullseye precision gun, but it’s fine for SD.

Quite often questions are asked as to the accuracy of a particular model S&W. Not knowing the skill level of the OP, it is an impossible question to answer. Now, put your gun in a Ransom Rest taking away the human element and fire for groups with different ammo will tell you the accuracy potential of the gun and loads. As noted, the S&W Shield was not designed as a target gun but as a personal protection gun and priced accordingly.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

I can appreciate the cautious responses concerning the accuracy question. Let me rephrase the question. This can be answered whether the pistol is fired via a human or a ransom rest:

Does a S&W Shield Plus have the potential mechanical accuracy to hold the 10 ring of a B27 target out to 10, or perhaps even 15 yards? I don't want to invest in a pistol that struggles to stay within the perimeter of a Q target!

I know that the Shield Plus is designed as a self-defense pistol and not a target pistol. However, target courses of fire have evolved to the point of utilizing self-defense handguns as "target pistols"!

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Judge control not gun control!

Maybe consider the equalizer as it has 3.6 inch barrel and cut for optic sight.

These are 7 and 10 yards, with mine.

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And my CZ75 can do this.

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I have a 1.0 Shield 9 with nearly 6,000 rounds on it. I typically shoot it at 15 and occasionally at 20 yards. I agree that it's not a target pistol, but it's accurate enough for self defense purposes. I keep accuracy records based on the percentage of shots each of my guns places into a 4" by 4" square. At 15 yards, my Shield 9 has placed 45% of its shots into the square over its last 1200 rounds. All shots were from a standing unsupported stance with a two-handed grip.

It's too bad the Shield Plus does not come in .45 acp. I purchased a Shield 45 and was astonished at the increase in accuracy over the 9. Over its last 600 rounds, my Shield 45 has placed 72% of its shots into the 4" by 4" square at 15 yards. That's about a 50% increase in accuracy over my Shield 9. Guess which Shield I carry. Below is one of my better 15 yard targets with the 45.



Good Luck with your choice.

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What, me worry?

Very nice results and description! Would be interested in your thoughts and those of other experienced shooters re: what factors contribute to better results with .45 - weight? trigger? or??? Regards

For me I can stay on a 4" splatter target out to 10 - 12 yds. Have had zero issues with mine. I would buy the optics ready just in case.

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Is that a gun No a lifesaver

Thanks! I've often wondered about the superiority of my Shield 45 over my Shield 9. It could be due to

1. An inherent ballistic superiority of the .45 acp over the 9mm.
2. The longer 3.3" barrel and the better trigger of the Shield 45 make it more accurate.
3. An individual factor. For whatever reasons, I'm simply better suited to shooting the 45.

I lean toward #1. It's hard to improve upon the genius of John Browning. Since I'm no ballistics expert, perhaps one of our colleagues who is will come along to explain. In any case, my hat's off to the engineers at S&W who created such superb accuracy with such a short barrel.

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What, me worry?

I made this Youtube video the day after I bought my PC Shield.

The target is a 1" dot at 25 yards. I am shooting with my right hand and filming with my cell phone in my left hand.

I do not have an accuracy problem with my Shields (two 9mm and one .45). All three guns shoot about the same. I do have a problem holding on to both the gun and the camera tight enough to not drop either one because of recoil. This is a bigger problem with my .45 Shield.

I have had zero problems with any of my Shields since purchasing them.

I have an original Shield 3” barrel and a Shield+. I have installed a red dot on the original and use it for an informal match shot at 15 yards on a B-8 target, 3 3/8” ten ring. I normally shoot in the high 90’s while a friend shooting the same model pistol routinely shoots 100 (dang it!). So yes, the Shield will shoot accurately.

I have a Shield Plus Performance Center 9mm 3.1 barrel...I just qualified here in NJ with a 96% score (48/50) on a FBI Q target... 24@ 7yards, 14@10, 6@15,and 6@25.... I also had the same score with my Shield 45

Accurate enough for a SD weapon! It can shoot tight groups if you’re patient. I’ve owned over 35 handguns and honestly feel the Shields are the best carry option.

The the gun just isn't for you, or something is wrong with it.

I have a 4" Performance Center Shield Plus... I frequently put several rounds thru the same hole. I've done it with up to 8 rounds in the same hole...

I find the 4" Shield Plus to be super accurate.

On a recent range trip... First 3 rounds thru my 4" Shield Plus.... (target is just a 8.5"x11" piece of photo copy paper - so, not a big target)




And, proof it was the Shield Plus... Here is the full photo. See the gun at the bottom:

I have a 4" PC Shield Plus that I routinely shoot a 4" steel target at 15 or so yards at. I am able to hit it every single time unless I am just rapid firing. I don't find the Shield to be any different in accuracy than a M&P 9 or Glock 19 for that matter.

Yes, I am better in accuracy with the 4" Shield Plus compared to the Glock 19. In fact, I just gave my Glock 19 to my son last weekend.

I have four shields. Two gen 1s and two gen 2s with both of the gen twos being the 4 inch model. One of the gen 2 versions is a plus. The shields will all hold onto the label on the standard sized water bottle at 25 yards when I focus on demonstrating how to show off in front of friends but never in front of students.

Of course 24 years as a firearms instructor helps. Might also be the old age thing, in that I am too lazy to move while shooting.

“I have a purchase permit that I don't want to waste”. I don’t know what that means I assume some limitation by your state on what or how many you can have. I have a Shield that I use as a carry gun when concealability is an issue. But I would never suggest anyone buy one for a competition gun. That just isn’t their application. When shooting your matches do you see anyone using a Shield?
EDIT: But after reading through the posts here… If I saw someone that could shoot the label of a standard water bottle at 25 yards with a Shield, I would know I was in the presence of greatness. Bravo!

For accuracy, my example is pretty much the same as my P365x shooting off a bag (although off the bag I'm better with the Sig when I speed things up.)

Have had no problems with the Shield Plus when it comes to reliability the year or two I've had it.

I think that we have some differing perspectives on the concept of competition. While I do shoot NRA 2700 matches, I also shoot GSSF (Glock only), PPC, and IDPA type matches. I would NEVER consider employing a Shield (or any other combat-style pistol) in a precision pistol match.

In this particular case, I am inquiring about the Shield's mechanical ability to group consistently on the 10 ring of a B27 target out to about 20-25 yards, provided that I do my part.

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Judge control not gun control!

I agree but I keep trying to find something better. Currently have a Hellcat, Hellcat Pro with Optic, and a PPS M2 collecting dust and the plus is currently on my belt.

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Is that a gun No a lifesaver

What was the range to the target?

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Release the Kraken

The PPS M2 is the small gun I shoot the best with the Kahr CW9 a fairly close second. That said, I've yet to try a Hellcat or a Shield.

I've handled a P365, but I found the grip very small, and I've had trouble with pistols like that in the past. Yeah, I'm looking at you, Star M43. Shoots great at the range, but could never draw from a holster and get the same grip twice.

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Release the Kraken

7 yards in that picture

Nice enough group for social work.

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Release the Kraken

I’m not the greatest but with my 3” barrel Shield 9 I consistently get decent center mass and head shot groups at 10 yards and sometimes at 15 yards (they open up a bit the farther away). I tested out my new XS “big dot” sights this week at 7 yards and 10 yards…shot the 7 yard target quickly and kind of lazy- I buy three paper targets usually to waste one, dial in the second, then bring out the third- but the whole “lazy” mag was center enough to determine the sights work as promised.
Also, my accuracy with my Shield Plus is WAY better than with my larger M&P 9…probably because I shoot it all the time.
In short…I have three S&W pistols and recommend them to anyone. Regardless of what they are “meant” to do…I’ve found them to do that and more…I like shooting targets with sub compact pistols…I think you will like yours.

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A friend of mine has an Equalizer and my Bodyguard 2.0 will shoot rings around it.

I don't target practice per say, but I have one of those rubber shooting balls that when I am out in the fields, I throw out a ways and shoot at it. Yardages unknown, but I manage to hit it on a regular basis. I have an OG Shield, Shield plus, and just ordered a Shield plus with the treaded barrel.

And KevskatesNM how do you like the XS big dot sights. I have been looking at those myself. Is the front sight bright at night?

I've had a S&W M&P 9mm 2.0 Performance Center Model for years. It is probably the most accurate semi-auto in my collection. I say probably because I also have a Sig P365 with a match barrel in it.

See if you can rent a PC Model from your local range before deciding.

Well after trying the others I now carry a 4" Shield / Shield 4" .45
or 1911 Commander the majority of the time. I carry the 3.1" Shield plus when walking / walking the dogs while wearing shorts. I have no issue switching between the different guns and out to 10 yrds the groupings are consistent. My older eyes do prefer the extra sight of the longer barrels.

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Is that a gun No a lifesaver

The mountain has come to Mohammed.
IDPA has Back Up Gun and Concealed Carry divisions and PPC has the Off Duty division just so you can compete with your hideout gun.
A friend shoots a variety of small guns in IDPA and does darned well.