Another Shield 40 issue - they have feelings

[S&WForty]

I took my Shield to the range a few days ago. I shot about 100 rds of WWB 180 grain and about 28 rds of HydraShoks in 180 grain. Prior to this outing, I had begun to think I was going to retire the Shield from EDC in favor of my j-frame 638. I've just really fallen for revolvers the last two years. (I won't mention the 2.5" 686+ I sit and daydream about while I'm at work... )

Back to the issue with the Shield. It shot so well, it totally ruined my plans to switch to my 638 for EDC. It's got a lot of nerve. It's like it has become a mind reader. (it must be a female... Yeeouch.)

In all seriousness, the best way to describe it was that it was operating on autopilot. I had just shot my 638 and 686+ almost flawlessly and was loving the long and deliberate DA pulls. Then that little striker fired animal shot like a dream. I almost felt as if I was lazily aiming it, but it pointed so naturally hitting the target almost effortlessly. It's a great little shooter.

It's all stock with a April 2013 test fire date.

 

[DHart]

Thanks! You're not helping my Shield resistance.

I've been edging ever closer to picking up a Shield in 9, which I've fired and loved. I do have to wonder... how is the Shield 40 to shoot? Generally, I haven't been much of a fan of .40 due to the sharp recoil. But my M&P40 and M&P40C launch forty so softly and comfortably, that I'm wondering if the Shield 40 might be similar in this respect? (Soft and enjoyable to shoot?)

 

[turbo38gn]

I have zero problems shooting my 40 Shield... the recoil has never been an issue as I was accustomed to shooting my MP40fs and then my compact.. the Shield is just an absolutely perfect carry gun IMO... it's got the giddy up, size and enough round count to give me all the confidence I need.

 

[Dick_B]

I can shoot my MP40fs all day and it never hurts. My MP 40 Shield though is a lot tougher on my hand. I think my size hand aggravating that. I love the Shield though. Never had a problem with it.

 

[Magload]

I have had words with my 40 Shield and she still wants to shoot 2 inches left. I know it is my trigger finger that she don't like but I am going to break her of the habit. If I squeeze her so tight she shakes and back off just a little she will put the bullets in the center out to 15 yds. She does shoot tight groups even when they are 2" left. I have threaten to move her rear over to the right (sight) but I am going to just keep trying to get her to shoot dead center. The more I shoot her the more I am getting to love her. We have sent 500 rounds down range now plus she feels so good on my hip. Now she is getting shot way more then my 40 CORE, 9mm FS racegun and FS 22, and they shoot POA. Don

 

[ckcc]

My Shield 9 has separation anxiety when I'm not carrying or shooting it.... I may have to get a Shield .40 to keep it company. I understand the autopilot feeling.... with the XS Big Dot sights I just pull the gun up and that big white ball just seems to lock on target... up close and shooting fast I don't seem to even notice the rear sight at all but it comes in handy for those longer shots. It's good to have Shield issues like these.

 

[Rastoff]

I have had words with my 40 Shield and she still wants to shoot 2 inches left.

Are you using the mag with the pinky extension?

 

[S&WForty]

Thanks! You're not helping my Shield resistance.

I've been edging ever closer to picking up a Shield in 9, which I've fired and loved. I do have to wonder... how is the Shield 40 to shoot? Generally, I haven't been much of a fan of .40 due to the sharp recoil. But my M&P40 and M&P40C launch forty so softly and comfortably, that I'm wondering if the Shield 40 might be similar in this respect? (Soft and enjoyable to shoot?)

I never shot them side by side, but I once shot a friend's G27 along with my SW990L compact, 50 rds each. The recoil between the two felt pretty much the same. When I have shot my SW side by side with the Shield, I clearly felt less recoil with the Shield. IMO, the Shield is superior to the G27 in terms of recoil. I know not everyone has handled a G27, but I know many consider the various Glocks to be benchmarks in their classes. I have nothing but respect for them.

My Shield's trigger is not at all gritty like my two SW99s. I had resisted the temptation to get a M&P full size or compact for years due to reading complaints of them having gritty triggers. Seemed like no reason to upgrade to the same complaint!

About a year before I learned of the Shield, I was contemplating getting a G27. I'm so glad I put that on the back burner then stumbled upon the Shield in early 2013.

Since I EDC with the shorter mag, I have shot exclusively with that mag the last several range outings. If recoil was too harsh, you'd find me taming it with the longer mag.

 

[DHart]

I never shot them side by side, but I once shot a friend's G27 along with my SW990L compact, 50 rds each. The recoil between the two felt pretty much the same. When I have shot my SW side by side with the Shield, I clearly felt less recoil with the Shield. IMO, the Shield is superior to the G27 in terms of recoil. I know not everyone has handled a G27, but I know many consider the various Glocks to be benchmarks in their classes. I have nothing but respect for them.

My Shield's trigger is not at all gritty like my two SW99s. I had resisted the temptation to get a M&P full size or compact for years due to reading complaints of them having gritty triggers. Seemed like no reason to upgrade to the same complaint!

About a year before I learned of the Shield, I was contemplating getting a G27. I'm so glad I put that on the back burner then stumbled upon the Shield in early 2013.

Since I EDC with the shorter mag, I have shot exclusively with that mag the last several range outings. If recoil was too harsh, you'd find me taming it with the longer mag.

I've enjoyed my Glocks for years... in 9 and .45. But Glocks in .40, especially the G27 and G23, are unfriendly in my experience. Just not enjoyable to shoot, at all.

The M&P40C I bought when they first came out launches .40 like a dream. Very enjoyable. Same with the M&P40 I bought a couple of years ago, great triggers, very soft and enjoyable to shoot.

So, if the Shield 40 is anything like the larger M&P40s, I think I might like it! Will have to rent one at the range next time I go. I rented and really enjoyed the Shield 9 - great small pistol and at a size that is as small as I like to go. My pocket pistol nines don't see much use; I have no need to go that small and suffer the disadvantages of a pocket-sized pistol.

 

[Magload]

Are you using the mag with the pinky extension?

Yep on the 7 rounder and ordered 3 more for my new 7 rounders with the intention to shoot IDPA CCP with it. I joined but the club here only shoots once a month. Don

 

[Grey.Ghost]

My baby Sheila....I mean Shield...just hates to be left alone. I take care of her and she takes care of me. There's a ring on layaway for her. (New holster).

 

[PirateJim]

When I was plotting to buy my Shield, I was thinking 9mm given its size. But about the time I was getting serious my LGS had an M&P promotion with S&W reps and test guns to try. At that point I already owned two Glock 40s and I remain a fan of the caliber. The 40 Shield was noticeably snappier than the 9, but not that bad! A 40 followed me home that day and I love her so much.

So much in fact that I traded my Glock 23, which was always too bulky for me to carry comfortably and my Glock 21 which has a grip like holding a 2x4 for my sweet Pro 40L. The girls aren't jealous though, I sleep with the Pro, but I take the Shield out all the time.

 

[Magload]

You got that right Jim I like my 9mm Pro she knows what needs to be done. She is the Racegun and is decked out petty nice but wouldn't want her for EDC she is a little on the heavy side and a little top heavy with the UltraDot . Don

 

[Rastoff]

Yep on the 7 rounder and ordered 3 more for my new 7 rounders with the intention to shoot IDPA CCP with it.

I thought that might be the case. Try shooting with the mag that doesn't have the extension.

 

[PROnSHIELD]

The girls aren't jealous though, I sleep with the Pro, but I take the Shield out all the time.

My girls get the same type of attention

 

[Magload]

I thought that might be the case. Try shooting with the mag that doesn't have the extension.

That is what the first 500 rounds were fired with w/o the extension. I really don't mind the 6 round mag with my pinky under the grip. I could see me shooting low left with the grip I understand that but I am getting no low shots. it's trigger pull and maybe not enough support hand palm against the grip. I will see what happens using the extension. The main reason I got them was I was having problems getting a good grip when drawing the gun from IWB. Don

 

[ABPOS]

Couple of questions about the shield. Do you guys chamber a round and then load another in the mag? Will the mag seat? I've been wondering that about all these smaller single stack guns. Sometimes it gets real tight.

Also, how does the action operate in comparison with a Glock. I know it's different. Because a Glock is like half cocked when at rest. And I think there is a difference with the M&P's but I forget what it is exactly.

And third, not a question, but 40S&W, your thread needs more pictures..........

Maybe I'll start. Hmmmmm.... I don't own a shield though. But... what can I insert....

OK, this is my step Dad and it was the last time I went shooting with him. He has passed on now but I bought that .45 M&P from my Mom...... Probably a little bit dramatic and maybe a thread stealer, but I though the OP might appreciate it as we've been having a conversation....

 

[S&WForty]

I put one round in the mag and chamber it, then load the mag to capacity. It takes a good push, but the mag locks in just fine. Pics? Hmm. I'll have to work on that!

 

[ABPOS]

So how many does that make? 7 total or 8? Or 9? hmmmm... I should go on the website and look I guess..

 

[S&WForty]

So how many does that make? 7 total or 8? Or 9? hmmmm... I should go on the website and look I guess..

6+1 and 7+1 for the 40.
7+1 and 8+1 for the 9mm.