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Gen 1 Shield vs Shield Plus

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SavannahMan

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I have a Gen 1 Shield with Talon grip, HD night sights and mags extended to include 8,9 and 10 rounds. I carry 8+1 with the 10 rd mag as backup. Gun works perfectly and, as a 71 yr old, I love the sights and size. I’ve heard people complain about the trigger but I pull it and soon hear a bang. My question, have you found “moving up” to the Shield plus provided a significant difference over the Shield? Thanks.
 
I started out with the Shield 1.0 then graduated to a 2.0 when that came out. The trigger was a bit better on the 2.0. Upgraded to the Plus nearly two years ago and I can say it is an order of magnitude better than the earlier generations. The trigger is outstanding and I never have to worry if I’ve got enough firepower onboard. Even if the added capacity isn’t important to you, it might be worth your while checking out the Plus just for the trigger.
 
Think you would like the Plus trigger and capacity ... I know I did. I read many positive comments here about the Plus & bought one for $399 about a year ago - kept my Shield 1.0 as spare. Plus has been flawless.
 
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Thanks OldGoat. I appreciate your thoughts. My LGS is only offering $160 for the gun, HD night sights and 4 mags. I, too, may hang on to it even though I don’t really need it. These days you never know when a Chinese balloon may swoop in!
 
Agree 100%! That's why I decided to keep my 1.0 as backup. We're just keeping a known, proven, useful tool for a bargain price. So, if we walked into a shop offering a 1.0 like we have used and enjoyed for $190 with extras, it would be a race to see who got their billfold out first. Regards!
 
I purchased a 1.0 early on when they cost a lot more. I think it was $414 OTD at that time. I then put an Apex duty/carry kit in it, Ameriglo night sights and a Talon Grip. I also have 8 mags for it, four of which were given to me. I have so much invested in the 1.0 that I will have to be buried with it. The plus side is that it has a better trigger than even the plus IMHO.
 
I have had every Shield 3.1" variant 1.0, 2.0 & Plus 9mm & 40 S&W & prefer the Shield Plus Performance Center Model the best even more than the Optics Ready Shield Plus, its trigger is the best... Also like the fiber optic sights too...
So, I went about putting PC Springs etc. & Shield Plus Triggers in both my M2.0 Shields.
Even thought about selling the M1.0s & M2.0s BUT haven't done it YET... :rolleyes:
 

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I’ve also had every 3.1 variation. Recently just sold a 1.0 to fund a 2.0 w/laser and also bought the plus. My edc is the 2.0. They are very nice carry guns. Hard to say 1 is better than the other. Can’t go wrong with any. I’d sell it yourself and try to get $250-$300. The plus you can get for $375otd pretty much anywhere. I don’t see it being a huge improvement over the 1.0 or 2.0 honestly other than a slight trigger and capacity improvement.
 
My every day carry is a Shield plus. My third gen 45's keep pushing to change that. I gave my 1.0 to my sister to replace a two and a half inch 66. My 2.0 shoots so well, it isn't going anywhere.
 
I've had my Gen1 Shield9 since they came out in Spring of 2012. The only modification - an Apex Hard Sear and MagGuts Spring Kits.

I had over 36K rounds through it before Covid shut everything down. It's probably closing in on 40K by now. Not one problem with it. I JUST had to replace the RSA a few Months ago. (so anyone who says they NEED to be replaced every 5K -10K rounds is merely repeating dogma) ;)

I've shot every variant of the Shield that's come out over the Years and while they are all nice, I have yet to find one so much better that I felt the need to trade my trusty Gen1.

For anyone who doesn't own a Shield yet, I say SURE, go for the Shield Plus... but I see no NEED for anyone to Trade Up (unless they simply feel they need an excuse to buy a new gun, or like collecting every single Variant that hits the market) :)
 
I have a Gen 1 and Plus but there is a reason why I have the Plus.

SavannahMan said:
I have a Gen 1 Shield with Talon grip, HD night sights and mags extended to include 8,9 and 10 rounds. I carry 8+1 with the 10 rd mag as backup. Gun works perfectly and, as a 71 yr old, I love the sights and size. I’ve heard people complain about the trigger but I pull it and soon hear a bang. My question, have you found “moving up” to the Shield plus provided a significant difference over the Shield? Thanks.
Click to expand...

It sounds like you are not a "trigger snob" just like me.
There have only been 2 pistols that I didn't like the trigger and that is for a different story because we are here to talk about why you might want a Shield Plus.
The only reason why you would want a Plus in my opinion is the capacity of now being 16 total rounds when using the new Equalizer 15 rounds magazine.
I was completely happy with my little Gen 1 Shield and only ended up with the Plus because I had sent back a Taurus 380 back to the factory and after the second time Taurus told me they couldn't fix it and they sent me a 9mm replacement for my 380 even though they still had a different model 380 in production.
I work at a large sporting goods store and the firearm manager gave me full price for the Taurus as trade in for a Shield Plus that had just been bought and then returned because it didn't have a safety on it.
A married couple bought it and didn't realize S&W made Shield Plus with a safety and with no safety.
Because the Shield Plus had left the store it could only be legally sold as used so I ended up getting it for a really good price and with my Taurus money I ended up walking out of the store paying $80 dollars difference and that is the only reason why I have a Shield Plus.
My conclusion is if you are happy with your Gen 1 you do not need a Plus in my opinion.

PS--> My Gen 1 sits in the safe waiting for my youngest daughter to turn 21 because I know this pistol will function 100% day one when she gets it.
 
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I have a few guns in my collection I might part with that I don't carry anymore but not my Shield 1.0. It's easier to carry than my P365 and it works flawlessly. The trigger on the Shield reminds me of the Sigma 380 I had many years ago so I was familiar with it. It's a great gun and I trust it more than I trust most people.
 
thanks to All. i appreciate the insights. i’ll probably keep my gen 1. i also find it easier to carry than my 365XL with holosun 507k, which ive relagated to home defense. now thinking of selling the Sig for a full size M&P. too bad the holosun wont transfer, but that’s the problem for another day. thanks again.
 
I can take my Shield 1.0 (Remora) where my Shield Plus (DeSantis Speed Scabbard) can't go. Gotta have both.
AA
 
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