okiegtrider
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Good shootin SickMAK90!
Am I crazy for buying a Shield?
- Thread starter lankox
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ca survivor
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2. I'm going to Frontsight training in May and people say you are crazy to take a subcompact to a 4-day training course.
for this class I would take out of your choices, the Glock 19 an OBW and two mags holder, preferably both made of Kydex.
for this class I would take out of your choices, the Glock 19 an OBW and two mags holder, preferably both made of Kydex.
markmiela
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So let me ask a question, just got my permit and my state limits my capacity of a mag to 10 rounds. I am looking at the shield as a first pistol, didn't like the size and feel of the glock 43. So what other options do I have if I am limited to 10 rounds?
For subcompacts - Glock 26 or Springfield XDS (unless you're in CA).
If the point in taking the class is to become proficient with your carry gun then I would use my carry gun. If the Shield was my carry gun and not the correct gun for the course I would find another course. I wouldnt go on a marriage retreat with someone elses wife. I would take the one I am committed to.
All the manufacturers make 10 round mag versions for the various States that limit mag size. While a Singe-Stack would fit the bill nicely, You could get any Full-Size or Compact in a 10-Round version.
Along with the G26, in the Compacts, I like the G-19, XDMc, or even the M&Pc (if you're set on getting a S&W).
Go to your local gun store and browse. Everything they sell would be State Compliant. Spend some time (and money) to actually rent those that make your 'short list' and go with the handgun that feels the best to shoot.
DamnYankee
Member
Quite a few in the same category as the Shield. Here are just a few.
Kahr CM9, PM9, CW9 (all available in .40 too).
Bersa BP9CC.
Ruger LC9 & LC9S Pro.
Springfield XDS9 & 45.
The Glock 26 or m&p9c with neutered 12 round mags would be a little more shootable gun than the shield IMHO. Although the shield does shoot very well the two mentioned above might be better for classes that require a high volume of fire.
IMO you don't want a cm9/cw9 or the standard lc9.
IMO you don't want a cm9/cw9 or the standard lc9.
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No one seems to have mentioned the Ruger SR9c. It's also a good mid/compact size. Very close to the G19. Shoots very well, and most people have really good results with it. Mine has given me some trouble, which is why I bought a Shield for EDC, but the Ruger's back from service one more time and I'm optimistic. Actually, I'd probably carry the G19, but it doesn't come with a factory thumb safety. For me (just for me) that's important to have. All my pistols have thumb safeties, and I practice with it a lot.
You mentioned a 10 round mag limit state, and you can order the SR9c with two 10 round mags if you're in one. That's its "standard" mag capacity. Otherwise it'll ship with one 10 and one 17 mag.
If i took a 4 day class, I'd bring them both. I'd start with the Ruger since I'm more accurate with it, it's bigger, and has 17 round extended mags. If it bonked, I'd grab the Shield to finish out the course. I have comically large hands, and the Shield is still a challenge for me to hold properly.
You mentioned a 10 round mag limit state, and you can order the SR9c with two 10 round mags if you're in one. That's its "standard" mag capacity. Otherwise it'll ship with one 10 and one 17 mag.
If i took a 4 day class, I'd bring them both. I'd start with the Ruger since I'm more accurate with it, it's bigger, and has 17 round extended mags. If it bonked, I'd grab the Shield to finish out the course. I have comically large hands, and the Shield is still a challenge for me to hold properly.
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b2busy
Member
I have a Shield .40 and wish that I had got the 9 instead.
I love the feel and size of it, and if using amo of mid power range it is wonderful. The problem that I and by looking at the shield misfeeding posts you will find quite a few others has is the, "nose down in the magazine failure to feed." I am quite disappointed that after 4 trips back to S&W the problem was not resolved. this is specific to using ammo with muzzle energy above 450, and is quite pronounced in Golden Saber, Cor-Bon, and Doubletap ammo which push to the top of SAMMI specs.
The stated reason is not a tight enough grip. which is probably true due to certain springs not being strong enough.
I have added Talon grip and that resolved a lot of the misfeeds, but not all. I have ordered wolf 5% stronger Magazine springs in the hope that will resolve the issue. if not I will have to wait until somebody makes a stronger recoil spring. in any case the Shield design seems to function well in 9mm but needs modification in the 40.
I also have a Glock 27 and have not experienced any feeding problems with any ammo and the same grip. I have other posts in a thread that covers the misfeed problem and will post results after testing the new mag springs.
I love the feel and size of it, and if using amo of mid power range it is wonderful. The problem that I and by looking at the shield misfeeding posts you will find quite a few others has is the, "nose down in the magazine failure to feed." I am quite disappointed that after 4 trips back to S&W the problem was not resolved. this is specific to using ammo with muzzle energy above 450, and is quite pronounced in Golden Saber, Cor-Bon, and Doubletap ammo which push to the top of SAMMI specs.
The stated reason is not a tight enough grip. which is probably true due to certain springs not being strong enough.
I have added Talon grip and that resolved a lot of the misfeeds, but not all. I have ordered wolf 5% stronger Magazine springs in the hope that will resolve the issue. if not I will have to wait until somebody makes a stronger recoil spring. in any case the Shield design seems to function well in 9mm but needs modification in the 40.
I also have a Glock 27 and have not experienced any feeding problems with any ammo and the same grip. I have other posts in a thread that covers the misfeed problem and will post results after testing the new mag springs.
markmiela
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So lots of people are saying the Shield 9 wouldn't be there first choice as a first gun. I am looking at the Shield as my first gun. In went to the range prior to having my permit and shot a 22 did pretty well. Went to the range after getting my permit and rented a shield. 2nd time ever shooting a hand gun and from 25 feet in was on paper every time on an 16x16 target. So are you saying that I can't improve on that and get good groups because it is my first gun?
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I don't thonk you should take a BUG gun to that training. Your going to want a gun with more capacity and accuracy. As for getting a shield for your first gun, if your going to carry it then get it. But other than CCW I don't see a shield being the best choice for much else.
b2busy
Member
After firing it with the stronger mag springs I feel confident that it will accept 165 gn. Winchester PDX1s or Ranger Bonded.
the specification is 476 ft lbs at the muzzle (length not specified).
I still had some issues with winchester silvertip and DT 135 gn bonded. which specify at or above 500 ft lbs at the muzzle. about 1 out of 2 or 3 magazine loads had failures.
Targets Guy
US Veteran
Don't forget the mag loader!
Let me ask this of the folks here in this thread: Was a Shield anyone else's very first gun purchase?
No, I didn't think so.
My first gun was a S&W Md 19 in 1979 (I still have that) I think it depends on your age.
The Shield is a great choice for a gun be it your 1st 2nd or 3rd. Is the smallest gun IMO that I consider still in the "fighting gun" category. Its compact, Light weight, Very accurate and utterly reliable. With magguts.com you can turn your 8 round mag into 9 rounds +1 having 10 on tap. (Magguts have been very reliable for me)
Living in CA, your limited to 10 rounds correct? If this is the case then the Shield is IMO your best option. Compared to the G26 Round count is similar, Barrel length/Sight radius is similar and the Shield is a bit easier to conceal.
So, Be confident the you wont go wrong with the Shield, Practice shooting drills, Practice tactics, Keep a sharp mind and the Shield will serve you well
1SG
Out
If you were in a gun friendly state then I would choose The G19. It Dosent make much sense to go to front sight with a full size M&P or Glock if your going to carry a shield. Train with what your gonna fight with.
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kmanick
Member
pretty similar path here minus the.22 (there is no Ma compliant M&P .22 )
I shoot my shield quite a bit and it is my EDC but when I take my fS .40 to the range I feel like a sniper
SSguiderods drop in replacement makes racking the shield quite a bit easier, you may want to check that out. My wife had a real hard time racking the shield stock.
oldIrish
Member
Thanks. I do need to make her more comfortable with the
Shield. If it's the only gun she has trouble with, it's time
to correct that. I've read quite a few praise the stainless
steel rod. Appreciate the nudge.
Shield. If it's the only gun she has trouble with, it's time
to correct that. I've read quite a few praise the stainless
steel rod. Appreciate the nudge.
Rastoff
US Veteran
So, lankox, did you buy the Shield yet?
Where do you live in CA? If you like, I have a few different models you can shoot before you buy a gun. I also know the curriculum at Front Sight and can give you a taste of what it will be like.
Where do you live in CA? If you like, I have a few different models you can shoot before you buy a gun. I also know the curriculum at Front Sight and can give you a taste of what it will be like.
mrmike7189
Member
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