First time out with the shield

[Steak]

Well just got back. Ohhhhhh yessss!! I absolutely love it. 150 rounds 115 grain. Wanted 124 but range was out.

Very little recoil. I'd be willing to say it was on par with shooting my 3.8 XDm 40 as far as recoil. Just smooth, no hurt hand, no raw mark. I liked shooting it so much when I was done with my 2 boxes I went back for a third because I was having so much fun.

The mags were both hard to get the last round in and I was frustrated at first. However after running several of both mags through it, I was able to get all of them in for the rest of the session.

I'm going to post my targets, obviously not to brag because I could be a LOT better. Just for members to see I guess. These were all 7 yards and the one with the orange center was 5 yards and was the last target of the day.

I adjusted my grip towards the end and seemed to do better. By adjusting the grip I mean pushing forwards with my right hand and pulling back with my left. Not too hard with either but it seemed to tighten the groups and hit more towards center.

For whatever reason almost all of my shots seem to be low and to the left. Not way off target as you can see, but something I'm doing needs to be cleaned up.

At any rate, the trigger on the shield is very crisp as far as the break. The reset is very short, actually surprised me. It can really be felt too. I actually think I like this trigger better then my XDm because it's such a crisp break.

I had one round out of 150 that didn't fire. I assume it's the ammo? It was something the range sells but I can't remember the brand. Was in a gold red and black box. I pulled the trigger and nothing happened. I dropped the mag and ejected the round. I could see where the primer had been struck by the pin. I reinserted the mag and continued shooting.

I showed the R.O. and he said it was up to me but he would fire it again. I loaded in another mag and it fired no problem. I'm wondering, this had to be an ammo issue and not the gun right? I'm wondering if when I loaded it in the mag I didn't push it all the way against the back of the mag and it caused a light strike. Is that even possible?

Well that's my report and I am very very happy with this smooth, low recoil gun. Going to shoot some carry load through the 3 mags several times before I start carrying. First impression is a last impression and mine was very good!

The targets are in order from when I shot it for the very first time until the last target (orange center)

 

[RobzGuns]

Glad to read that you liked it as much as you'd hoped to.

 

[sup]

Those are just like my groups, when you find out how to correct it let me know. I know it's to do with the grip. I've seen the target tightening fingers and such, but i just can't correct it.
Good luck.

 

[CJ.]

My groups are on the opposite side....likely cause I am lefty.

In my case its due to the 6.5 lb trigger pull. I had the same issue when I bought a used Glock 26 that had aftermarket trigger parts bringing to 6.5 lbs, I swapped everything back to stock, 5.5 lbs and now me and the gun are dead on.

I am gonna get an Apex sear and bring the Shield down to 5.5 and see what happens.

Good luck.

 

[ccpacker]

What kind of sight picture are you holding? Mid-center, target center on top of sight, etc. The BG is really hurt. You shot his gizzard out.

 

[fcusn1]

As for the round not firing I would assume it was the round and not the gun. Hard primer or something of that nature. I am thinking of getting my wife on of those little beauties. I hear nothing but good things about them.

 

[Steak]

Pretty much mid center, dividing center bulls eye with front sight dot.

I guess the more I shoot the better I'll get. Only get to range about once every other month

 

[Dohmein]

My wife shot hers a little low n left the first time out but not since then. Oddly enough I am more accurate with this gun than I am with the 9c. Love the shield

 

[RussC]

Steak:

Thanks I am glad you enjoy your shield. If you are shooting low it usually means you are flinching. I find myself doing it. Your groups will tighten up with practice. I think there are some good tips on the thread "trigger control."

Thanks again for sharing your pictures.

Russ

 

[mtnsmithguy]

I took my new Shield .40 to the range today. I shoot a lot, am a pistol instructor, yadda, yadda and have carried a Glock 27 .40 off duty for 14 years, now retired LEO. I expected it to have a snappier recoil than my G27. Not so IMO, about the same with the same ammo. I shot Hornady Critical Defense and WWB 165 gr. Even my wife, who hates to shoot the Glock, loved the Shield. She has small hands, it fits her better. Only had time to put 50 rounds thru it as I was also instructing a friend learning to shoot. No issues, all fed, shot, ejected fine. Its much slimmer than the G27, about the same size as my KT PF9. Congrats S&W, this one should do well.

 

[Steak]

Steak:

Thanks I am glad you enjoy your shield. If you are shooting low it usually means you are flinching. I find myself doing it. Your groups will tighten up with practice. I think there are some good tips on the thread "trigger control."

Thanks again for sharing your pictures.

Russ

Thanks, and I think you're right about flinching. Just as I was almost out of ammo on the last target I started feeling more comfortable.

 

[Shielded]

A buddy of mine who is our local CCDW instructor had a great way to see if you were flinching or jerking the trigger. He would load a mag or the cylinder with live ammo and dummy rounds. You could easily tell if you flinched, or jerked when you would hit the dummy round. Best way to reduce the habit is dry firing with snap caps, just as the pros do. Just be sure not to have any live ammo anywhere near you when you practice.

 

[frankw]

Those targets with the low left syndrome for a right hand shooter are usually a good indication of anticipating recoil and clamping down on your grip.
Dry firing is a good way to work on this along with range time.
In a good safe area with no loaded ammo in the same room, point your handgun at a spot on the wall and practice pressing the trigger while concentrating on the front sight. Stay relaxed, don't tighten your grip or your shoulders.Grip is firm but not choking the gun to death.
The front sight should not move during your trigger press.
Dry fire and then some range time will help.

Good Luck!

 

[kbm6893]

Try changing where your index finger squeezes the trigger. Lots of guys put the trigger in the first joint of the finger. Move it so the trigger is midway between the tip of your finger and the first joint. Bet your groups move up and right

 

[RobzGuns]

In the Google Images search type in 'shooters wheel' and print out a copy. It's a great tool for diagnosing trigger control problems.

 

[Will41]

Your first target looks like my first target with my FS 9mm.

But, I hit the bullseye with no problem with the compact 9mm the first time out.

I ordered a Shield on Saturday, and they told me to expect a very long wait. I am going to keep looking.

 

[GnarlyTwoTrack]

I ordered a Shield on Saturday, and they told me to expect a very long wait. I am going to keep looking.

try calling around first. That's what I did cause the local place had a waiting list. found 5 9's at a shop 2 hrs away and they had plenty of the 40's. Though, idk... That was only a few weeks after the release.