Getting a Shield... Again...

[«Rambles»]

Hey folks. First time starting a thread here, and I just have a quick question I need input on. I purchased an M&P Shield in 9mm about 3 years ago, and absolutely LOVED it. Ran flawlessly. (Except one stovepipe but I was shooting WWB at the time so I'm sure it was just a light load or something.) Anyways... A few months ago I had to let go of the pistol to a railroad buddy of mine, due to some unexpected car expenses. I miss that pistol SO much! Im planning now to get another Shield, and basically wanted to know if there are any "bugs" in the newly produced shields to watch out for. The one I had I believe was manufactured in mid 2014 or so. Just curious if anyone's heard of any issues in the recent shields, or if it's just the same ole workhorse concealed carry pistol that I miss so much. (By "new", I don't mean the performance center or .45ACP. Just the standard run of the mill 9mm ones.) ~Thanks~
PS- I think I accidentally posted this in revolver section. Still getting use to things here. Lol. Sorry about that, but if any of you wheelgun guys/gals have any input, I'd appreciate all the help I can get.

 

[Targets Guy]

I got mine in Sep of 2015 and its been running perfect.

The Pach inner tube and pinky extender for the seven round mag have really helped me a lot.

 

[Shield9mm]

I had the one with thumb safety without issues, sold it and got me a 2016 without safety, and still no issues, love the shield never had any problem with it will eat any ammo I load on it.

 

[S&W Fan]

First of all-welcome!

I picked up my third Shield (9mm) late November, brand new no thumb safety model for $329 with free shipping.

I only have 200 rounds through it but it's 100% reliable and very accurate. I've added Ameriglo "i dot" night sights, the Apex duty/carry kit with aluminum trigger and Talon grip wrap. I've replaced my j frames with this pistol for carry. I guess I like it .

 

[jonh1373]

First range day with my shield performance center today. 150 flawless rounds of 124 speer and 147 hydar-shok. I would recommend the performance center model as the seer and trigger are nicer. Paid $424 at Cabelas last month.

 

[JL Murray]

Me and my wife both have 2016 Sheld 9s and other than a magazine spring breaking in the 7rd mag shoots like a champ.

 

[Com 45acp]

Only issue I'm aware of is getting a bad RSA

 

[Bozz10mm]

I think they are the same reliable guns they were 3 years ago.

 

[okiegtrider]

Had my own Shield about a year. I think it's a late 2015 production. I've had zero issues. I mean none at all. A few hundred rounds through it in the last year.

You'll see the several threads about some folks having problems with recoil spring assemblies. This seems to be the most significant thing that comes up around here from time to time regarding the Shield.

Haven't seen anything around here that says there is any difference between early and later Shields. It's not like any of them are very old, introduced in 2012 I think.

 

[brian y]

I originally bought one for the wife but liked it so much I picked one up for myself. I like it and have put close to 500 rounds though it with no problems. I picked up a few 8 round magazine's so much more comfortable to shoot with them if you have big hands.

 

[Rastoff]

My Shield 9mm is about a year old. I mostly shoot .45ACP so, I don't shoot the Shield much. Still, I have a couple hundred through it without issue. I have a lot of dry practice with it and haven't had any issues there either.

I wouldn't be concerned if I were you.

 

[«Rambles»]

Thanks all! Yeah, I figured I can't go wrong with another shield. Especially since I have a holster in the drawer that is already broke in and ready to go. Lol. Another thing that caught my eye while I was searching around online is the M&P bodyguard... I've never been a big fan of .380, but because of that, I've never had one. Started thinking that after I get my shield home, I wouldn't mind having another tiny Smith. Anyone with good/bad experiences with them? My (semi-auto) pistol caliber of choice has always stayed pretty much with 9mm. For some reason I've been eyeballing the bodyguard or other .380 as a pocket/BUG. I guess lately I've been thinking of the advantages of having at least one pistol that is small as possible, but maintains a little bit of "oomph". Lol. Plus it would match the shield. ��

 

[Hfrog355]

I'd just get the Shield and not worry about it. Quality levels have been without question.

 

[Rogue5]

My Shield is a 9mm, thumb safety from early 2014

Problem encountered: Dead Trigger occured after the 73rd Rnd at the range (Total fired 943 Rnds within a year).
What happened was the Sears plunger and spring got pushed in and stuck and would not push the sear back up. I tried using Hoppe's No. 9 or gun oil to try and free up the plunger but it wouldn't budge.

Magazines: A fully loaded 8 Rnd has a hard time locking in place when inserted in the gun, while the full loaded 7 Rnd will not seat.
I have to either: Keep the slide open and then insert the full magazine then release the slide, OR I have to put in one less Rnd in each magazine.

 

[Rastoff]

Magazines: A fully loaded 8 Rnd has a hard time locking in place when inserted in the gun, while the full loaded 7 Rnd will not seat.
I have to either: Keep the slide open and then insert the full magazine then release the slide, OR I have to put in one less Rnd in each magazine.

I suspect this is a technique issue rather than an equipment issue. I have no trouble inserting either mag with the slide closed. They do take a little more firm movement though.

Here's how I teach it:
Reloading the gun is simple and we've all done it. You just pop a new mag in there, right? Well, yes, but there is a methodology that will ensure a properly seated mag every time.

First we need to talk about indexing the mag. Here is what it looks like:

Grasp the magazine with your index finger along the front of the mag. This does a couple of things for us. First, it allows us to feel for a round a the top without looking. This way we'll know right away if we grabbed an empty mag or if the top round isn't in properly. If the round protrudes a little, push it back in. Secondly, this helps us guide the mag into the magwell. I'm sure you can touch the heel of your hand with your index finger with your eyes closed. With a properly indexed mag, you'll be able to insert it with your eyes closed too.

Now that you've indexed the mag, touch the flat back of the mag to the flat back of the magwell, but at a slight angle. Like this:

Once the mag is located in the magwell, in one motion, firmly seat it in the gun with the heel of your hand:

Make this one motion. You've all seen it, and most of us have done it, when someone uses a two motion method. They put the mag partially in and then wind up and slap that mag in hard. This double motion consumes time and is not as positive as when one, smooth motion is used. Plus, it increases the risk of pinching he heal of your firing hand. Anyone who's done that knows what I mean.

Of course it could be an equipment issue, but I think this method will work for you. I've always been able to get it to work.

 

[«Rambles»]

*update* Stopped by the LGS this morning to browse around and they have a few M&P 2.0's in... OMG! The grip & trigger feel excellent! Because of the move to the new apartment later this week, I've only freed up enough cash for one pistol. Definitely getting another shield for summertime, but I was also checking out some of the Glocks and whatnot. The guy behind the counter said "Hey. We have a few 2.0's if ya want to check one out." As soon as I pulled the trigger I was sold. Compared to the glock, it was night & day. Figure I'll do some more research but so far I'm in love with it. See a few members have had a few problems with the slide locking back. Anyone know just how common that problem seems to be? From what I read, s&w redesigned the slide lock a little I guess? If I get it later this week, it seems I'm getting a good deal. Out the door with tax included, $475.00.

 

[Hfrog355]

That seems like a really good price. Probably too good. Probably a price that's going to cost me money.