Anybody not thrilled with the Shield?

[team sidewinder]

I am very happy with my shield for the price as I was considering the LC9 for a smaller more concealable 9mm pistol. My only other semi-auto pistol is a Sig 229R 9mm but because it is almost a full size gun I don't carry everyday like I do the shield. The shield is not as accurate and not as fast with follow-up shots as my Sig but a shield carried everyday IWB, OWB or pocket is better than a Sig ( insert any brand here ) in the night stand at home.

 

[MP1SG]

The way I see it, i carry both the Shield and a full size. However, the full size I carry is a 1911. I see no point in a 9c because its the middle of the two. If i want something large and accurate, i just take the 1911. If i want something small, very concealable, manageable ammo, and thinner I just carry the Shield.

Both work very good for their intended purposes. But like I said, the 9c is just pointless in that battle. We can compare apples to oranges (shields to 9c's) all day long. Everything has its up and everything has its downs. In the end, it depends on what you want to wear that day.

IMO, most people excuse to buy a 9c (for CCW). Is simply beause they cant get their hands on a Shield, and they dont feel like waiting. But as i said, thats just my opinion.

I think alot of people (Myself included) like the 9c for its magazine capacity. With the 9c you get a full size capacity weapon in a small concealable package (I have the 40c). And the ability to throw in a 15 or 17 rounds magazine is a big deal to some. A full size 1911 is 8 round mag or 10 round mag, the shield extended is 8 rounds, a 9c is 10/12 round mag. So personally I see a hugh difference in the 9c, the shield and a 1911. I have several 1911's But do not carry on for a CCW weapon Just not reliable enough in my opinion. Having said all this about ammo capacity. My EDC is a Shield 9 (I also have the 40 but wantd that extra round) i switched to a shield from a M&P 40c.
Just my 2 cents
1SG
Out

 

[Smitty357]

I carry my Shield primarily as a CC. The way i see it, IF i need anywhere near 8rds, I SHOULDNT BE CARRYING A WEAPON.

So with that being said, i feel than any large magazines are pretty useless in a form CC and defense. Lets face it, u shouldnt have to fire 10+ rounds off in your personal defense out of your primary carry weapon. If you need that many rounds, ur better off walking around with your AR or ur AK starpped across yours chest, IMO of course.

Also IMO, i believe i will only need one shot (maybe 2 and thats because he may flinch). So honest there is no need for large magazine capacity. Even the 8rds of the Shield (IMO) is far too many rounds. But with that being said, the Shield is 100x's more comfortable than any of the other weapons I have tried (next to the XDS).

As for reliability, i'll put my Kimber and Dan Wesson 1911's against ANY of my other hand guns. They are reliable, just not very comfortable. My Shield gives me both reliability and comfort, with more than enough ammo that should be used in personal defense against an attacker.

 

[blujax01]

Smitty while I hope I wouldn't need more than 1 or 2 rounds to "get my point across" I am reminded of the recent incident where two NYPD officers needed a combined 16 rounds to take down a lone gunman. Of course they hit 9 bystanders in the process...






.

 

[Smitty357]

If ammo capacity was a huge concern. Dont you guys think most of the Glock owners would carry around the 33rd mag in their 9mm vs 15rd mag.

 

[oneminute]

If ammo capacity was a huge concern. Dont you guys think most of the Glock owners would carry around the 33rd mag in their 9mm vs 15rd mag.

By your reasoning why do you even carry the shield then?
Just carry a two shot derringer and all will be fine.

 

[southchatham]

I'm with the op. I own the 9c and a bg380. I don't see the shield doing anything these 2 won't. If I did not already own a 9c I would probably buy a shield instead of the 9c.

 

[MP1SG]

I carry my Shield primarily as a CC. The way i see it, IF i need anywhere near 8rds, I SHOULDNT BE CARRYING A WEAPON.

So with that being said, i feel than any large magazines are pretty useless in a form CC and defense. Lets face it, u shouldnt have to fire 10+ rounds off in your personal defense out of your primary carry weapon. If you need that many rounds, ur better off walking around with your AR or ur AK starpped across yours chest, IMO of course.

Also IMO, i believe i will only need one shot (maybe 2 and thats because he may flinch). So honest there is no need for large magazine capacity. Even the 8rds of the Shield (IMO) is far too many rounds. But with that being said, the Shield is 100x's more comfortable than any of the other weapons I have tried (next to the XDS).

As for reliability, i'll put my Kimber and Dan Wesson 1911's against ANY of my other hand guns. They are reliable, just not very comfortable. My Shield gives me both reliability and comfort, with more than enough ammo that should be used in personal defense against an attacker.

Oh I emphatically disagree, there is a hugh need for hi cap pistols. Take the Colorado Movie theatre shooting for example. The shooter spent over 14 minutes in that theater systematically executing innocent people. The possibility of a civilian getting in a sustained firefight while un likley its possible (espically with todays economy desperate people do desperat things). And having a M&P with 12 to 15 rounds in a small package (M&P 9c 40c Glock 26/27) would be a very comforting feeling. I absolutley and totally agree with bullet placement being number one. And u can have a 30 shot pistol, If you do not put those rounds down range accuratley then the weapon is useless. BUT i stress BUT it sure is a comforting feeling knowing you have 10 to 12 rounds in a concealable weapon and maybe another spare mag on your person.
Again Just my 2 cents

 

[Smitty357]

The Colorado movie as well as several school shootings are few and far between the typical every day robbery, purse snatching, grocery store hold ups. In 95% of the cases a high capacity mag isnt handy enough to compensate for comfort and great concealability. I mean if you want to argue the school shootigs or the movie theatre shootings, why dont u just go back to what I said and carry ur AR or AK strapped around ur chest. I live in Louisiana, we are an open carry state. As long as the weapon is visible, they cant say u were doing anything illegal. So just walk around with it all day long and lets see how long u get tired of carrying a heavier weapon with large capacity mags, because "one day" u may need all of it. I'd be willing to bet it doesnt take long before u realize carrying all of that is more useless than it is useful.

Also with the movie theatre shooting. It was a gun free zone, so no matter what. You can't legally carry your weapon into the theatre anyways. A good defense lawyer would eat you alive in court had you happened to have used your weapon in a firearm free zone. At least in Louisiana so to speak, people around here are very sue happy people.

PS: There must be a reason the Shield is a very hot product and on back order for months or until next year. I'm not saying its the "perfect" weapon, but I'll be willing to bet its VERY much loved for CC purposes.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Smitty while I hope I wouldn't need more than 1 or 2 rounds to "get my point across" I am reminded of the recent incident where two NYPD officers needed a combined 16 rounds to take down a lone gunman. Of course they hit 9 bystanders in the process...





.

Proving that there is no substitute for practice, practice,practice like you fight. If they had dropped him with two, there would likely be 9 less civilians in the hospital. But we digress......

 

[Shielded]

Proving that there is no substitute for practice, practice,practice like you fight. If they had dropped him with two, there would likely be 9 less civilians in the hospital. But we digress......

Yep, two trips to the range a year ain't enough. That's what a county next to me does.

 

[Smitty357]

Yep, two trips to the range a year ain't enough. That's what a county next to me does.

Maybe the police and everyone should run around packing like this. It may look bulky and unconfortable, but hey at least its got a high cap mag.

 

[RussC]

8 Is Enough

Oh I emphatically disagree, there is a hugh need for hi cap pistols. Take the Colorado Movie theatre shooting for example. The shooter spent over 14 minutes in that theater systematically executing innocent people. The possibility of a civilian getting in a sustained firefight while un likley its possible (espically with todays economy desperate people do desperat things). And having a M&P with 12 to 15 rounds in a small package (M&P 9c 40c Glock 26/27) would be a very comforting feeling. I absolutley and totally agree with bullet placement being number one. And u can have a 30 shot pistol, If you do not put those rounds down range accuratley then the weapon is useless. BUT i stress BUT it sure is a comforting feeling knowing you have 10 to 12 rounds in a concealable weapon and maybe another spare mag on your person.
Again Just my 2 cents

MP1SG:

I carry a Shield 9 mm with 8 rounds and no backup magazine.

I am not interested in packing extra magazines and I like a single stack for pocket conceal.

The question I have is 8 enough?

I did some research after reading your post and I found Greg Ellifritz, usconcealedcarry.net actually gathered data from nearly 2,000 shootings over 10 years.

He broke the data down into 10 handgun calibers from .22 to 45 ACP.

I am not going to discuss each caliber but because this is a Shield thread I will provide his research for the 9 mm and 40 S&W

I will also include the 45 ACP data to prevent this thread from being overrun with the argument for big bore CCWs.

The data will answer the following questions based on nearly 2,000 shootings over 10 years:


1) What percentage of people shot stopped their aggressive action after one hit to the torso or head?

2) On average, how many shots did it take to stop the attacker?

3) What percentage of attackers did not stop no matter how many rounds they took?

9 mm Luger

47% stopped after one shot.

2.45 shots stopped the aggressor

13% of aggressors did not stop

40 S&W

52% stopped after one shot

2.36 shots stopped the aggressor

13% of aggressors did not stop

45 ACP

51% stopped after one shot

2.08 shots stopped the aggressor

14% of aggressors did not stop

Based on nearly 2,000 real life shootings over 10 years packing 8 rounds in my Shield 9 mm will be enough to stop 87% of aggressors with no more than 2.45 rounds making contact to the torso or head and the 13% that were not stopped regardless of the number of rounds making contact to the torso or head most likely will kill me. Not the most pleasant though but reality is the good guy packing has a chance of not coming out alive regardless of how many shots make contact.

Russ

 

[TexasG]

I have a Shield 9, it's accurate, I like how it feels. I used to carry a G26 (ughhh) - right now I carry a Sig P238. I'll most likely be upgrading from P238 (380) to P938 (9mm) in the near future. What I'm finally admitting is that I'm done with polymers and I'll probably sell my Shield. Would love to carry a 3913NL but, seems like they maybe a rarity since I've yet to find one for sale in the last few years.

 

[blujax01]

There is less than a 3 ounce difference in weight between the 9C and the Shield (19 oz vs 21.7 oz) so that's not a consideration.

The 9C feels better in my hand and is as concealable as I need it to be.

I can shoot a 2" ragged hole at 10 yards all day long.

That it carries 1-1/2x the capacity of the Shield is just a bonus.

As I said in post #19, I'm glad others like the Shield. I am not running it down just saying it's not for me.

Out.

 

[MP1SG]

Russ
Yes, 8 rounds is more than enough my current EDC weapon is the Shield 9 prior to that it was the shield 40 and prior to that it was the 40c. All i am saying its a good feeling knowing that you have 12 rounds in a small package. Also, I alwys carry spare ammo, if i carry my S&W 442 then I carry a spare speed strip and auto I carry I always carry a spare mag (Thats just me tho)Yes, Sometimes i still carry the 40c I am going to research Greg Ellifritz info as it sounds real interesting thanks for that tip

Smitty
Lets be real here strapping an M4/Ak weapon is NOT feasible, what is feasible is having a 10 plus mag capacity weapon as a CCW gun. AN M&P 9c or 40c is just as handy as a shield, the shield maybe a little better to "carry" but i doubt its any easier to "conceal" I carry many different guns from a Beretta M9 Sig 226/229 Glock 19/23 26/27 and sometimes a revolver. All of those guns I can conceal well. Its just some carry better and more comfortable. (i think there is a big difference in the wording concealing a weapon and carrying a weapon) And yes the colorado shootings are few and far between but DO happen, Google the Las Vegas Court house shooting several years ago. I wont even touch upon the recent church shootings. As far as carrying in a "gun free zone" I honestly doubt if someone in that movie theatre was carrying and that person was able to end the blood shed that ANY lawyer, Judge or jury would find fault with him. Infact i bet he would be praised as a hero not a criminal.

 

[dwp10mm]

MP1SG:

I carry a Shield 9 mm with 8 rounds and no backup magazine.

I am not interested in packing extra magazines and I like a single stack for pocket conceal.

The question I have is 8 enough?

I did some research after reading your post and I found Greg Ellifritz, usconcealedcarry.net actually gathered data from nearly 2,000 shootings over 10 years.

He broke the data down into 10 handgun calibers from .22 to 45 ACP.

I am not going to discuss each caliber but because this is a Shield thread I will provide his research for the 9 mm and 40 S&W

I will also include the 45 ACP data to prevent this thread from being overrun with the argument for big bore CCWs.

The data will answer the following questions based on nearly 2,000 shootings over 10 years:


1) What percentage of people shot stopped their aggressive action after one hit to the torso or head?

2) On average, how many shots did it take to stop the attacker?

3) What percentage of attackers did not stop no matter how many rounds they took?

9 mm Luger

47% stopped after one shot.

2.45 shots stopped the aggressor

13% of aggressors did not stop

40 S&W

52% stopped after one shot

2.36 shots stopped the aggressor

13% of aggressors did not stop

45 ACP

51% stopped after one shot

2.08 shots stopped the aggressor

14% of aggressors did not stop

Based on nearly 2,000 real life shootings over 10 years packing 8 rounds in my Shield 9 mm will be enough to stop 87% of aggressors with no more than 2.45 rounds making contact to the torso or head and the 13% that were not stopped regardless of the number of rounds making contact to the torso or head most likely will kill me. Not the most pleasant though but reality is the good guy packing has a chance of not coming out alive regardless of how many shots make contact.

Russ

Yeah, but how many times did they miss? If you missed with the first 8 shots and didn't have an extra mag it's kind of hard to get to those next two hits.

 

[RussC]

Yeah, but how many times did they miss? If you missed with the first 8 shots and didn't have an extra mag it's kind of hard to get to those next two hits.

Assuming 87% of bad guys are taken out with 2.45 9mm rounds when I practice defense shooting it should be my goal to hit my 8 1/2 x 11 inch Target at 7 yards 30% of the time per magazine. If I can consistently get 2 to 3 shots in the kill zone (anywhere on a 50 ft rated Target) I will be good to go 87% of the time.

Based on rapid point shooting drills I am consistently placing 3 out of 8 shots in the kill zone at 7 yards and doing it in less than 3 seconds.


Yes 12 rounds vs 8 rounds will increase your odds but we also need to factor in the bad guy is not going to wait for you to unload 12 rounds and every extra second you are shooting will increase the odds you are going to take a hit that is why I believe the quicker you can make contact with 2.45 rounds the better chance you have of living.

Russ

 

[Madgolfr1]

I was one of the lucky few in my state to be able to get my hands on a Shield this month. ( They are really TRICKLING into MA.) I basically bought it out of curiosity and opportunity converging in the same place and time. Anyway, after some fondling, inspection and a range session, I'll say that: a) It shoots well enough b) is well made enough c) packs decently d) just doesn't excite me. Guess it's just too close ( in every way) for me to reach past my beloved M&P9c when it comes carry time. I just like the M&Pc better and don't feel the need for the marginally thinner & lighter Shield. I'm not bashing it here, just commenting. I've now owned the Shield only two weeks and I'm already thinking about recouping my funds in a resale.
Just wondering if I'm odd man out in not being in lust with this new, and very capable handgun.

I did a comparison between the 9c and shield. Not much difference....so I went with the 9c. To much hoopla on the shield for me.

 

[dwp10mm]

Assuming 87% of bad guys are taken out with 2.45 9mm rounds when I practice defense shooting it should be my goal to hit my 8 1/2 x 11 inch Target at 7 yards 30% of the time per magazine. If I can consistently get 2 to 3 shots in the kill zone (anywhere on a 50 ft rated Target) I will be good to go 87% of the time.

Based on rapid point shooting drills I am consistently placing 3 out of 8 shots in the kill zone at 7 yards and doing it in less than 3 seconds.


Yes 12 rounds vs 8 rounds will increase your odds but we also need to factor in the bad guy is not going to wait for you to unload 12 rounds and every extra second you are shooting will increase the odds you are going to take a hit that is why I believe the quicker you can make contact with 2.45 rounds the better chance you have of living.

Russ

Don't get me wrong, my post was partially tongue in cheek. But I too will NOT miss at this distance on the range. But then again, no one is shooting back at me at the same time. That changes the experience a little I'm sure. Thus I do want those extra rounds available when the SHTF.

Getting back on topic here, I have picked up the Shield and it has exceeded my expectations. In fact, I'm finding it hard to go back to carrying my M&P Compacts now just because they feel gigantic. The stated weight differences between the two don't seem to translate to perceived feel when carrying.