Got the 9mm Ported Shield today. Range report & compared to regular Shield

[M5RahuL]

After waiting about a month, I finally got the PC Shield!
Already have the regular version, but the PC just kept taunting me..

So, took it to the range today and put about 500 rounds (124gr Blazer Brass and Lawman ) thru it!

Had no issues until I tried the Federal HST! The gun was obviously dirty after 500rds, and I wanted to test with JHPs. The first one went bang, but the next had a FTF !

So, cleared it, and tried a few more HSTs.. Of the 20 I put thru the PC, I had 3 FTF issues Tried a few more ( ~50 ) more FMJ Blazer and no malfunctions! The HSTs are 124gr ( no +p )

What gives ?

Otherwise, the PC shot true, and the HiViz sights felt great. The PC version is def. worth the wait !!

Compared to the regular Shield, the trigger ( for me ) is night and day! The PC's trigger is just awesome! I tried both, and the difference is substantial!!

I also noticed a decent difference in muzzle flip. It was much easier to get back on target with the PC

All in all, I'm very happy with the purchase and the only issue that might hold me back from EDC'ing this pistol would be repeated FTF with defense/carry ammo !

Going to try some Hornady and Gold Dots in a couple of days and update my findings...

 

[hexnut]

I've had no trouble with my PC but I have not tried that many different brands of ammo. Maybe it will get better with break in. If not I would call S&W. The PC models are supposed to be gone through and be top notch when they leave the factory. Oh yeah, I really like mine.

 

[Bayoutalker]

Have any of you tried firing the ported Shield in the dark? I had heard that the flash was a bit blinding.

Cliff

 

[jdesro1911]

Have any of you tried firing the ported Shield in the dark? I had heard that the flash was a bit blinding.

Cliff

I'm not the OP and I don't have any experience with the ported Shield myself, but last year Julie Golob of the S&W Shooting Team used one at the IDPA BUG Nationals where there were a few low-light stages.

She was using full-power defensive ammo and she claims that the flash was not too distracting.

Watching the video it didn't seem like the flash was much more than a non-ported short barrel pistol, but different ammo might have different results, of course.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diOTHVCKchw[/ame]

 

[Mister X]

My primary concern with ported guns has always been the possibility of hot gases being vented into the eyes/face when firing from a ECQ or retention position.

 

[hexnut]

From all the videos I have seen the flash is so fast even the camera can't catch it every time. Every one that has shot one says its not a problem. I have not shot mine in the dark but I can say its not a problem in low light.

 

[hexnut]

My primary concern with ported guns has always been the possibility of hot gases being vented into the eyes/face when firing from a ECQ or retention position.

Have you tried firing from various retentions positions?

Why would you want to and with the exception of LEOs it probably will never happen in any encounter I may have. I have carried for over 30 years and it not even come close to happening.

 

[hexnut]

And you're basing that statement on what?

I've spent the last 3 decades training Officer's and working with PD's on their DT programs. As such we've spent a lot of time not only preparing and going over what they encounter as LEO's, but also how various civilian defense scenarios occur and ECQ scenarios are a relatively common occurrence.

Everyone can train how they see fit, but I highly recommend at least having a basic working knowledge of ECQ methods.

I base that on MY experience and I did state with the exception of LEOs. And I am an experience combat veteran. You have made it clear of your bias toward ported guns, that's cool so If you don't like them by all means do not ever buy one but let the ones who like them enjoy them. I have 13 hand guns and I enjoy them all including my ported M&P. You have a very pleasant rest of the day.

 

[MichiganScott]

Had no issues until I tried the Federal HST! The gun was obviously dirty after 500rds, and I wanted to test with JHPs. The first one went bang, but the next had a FTF !

So, cleared it, and tried a few more HSTs.. Of the 20 I put thru the PC, I had 3 FTF issues Tried a few more ( ~50 ) more FMJ Blazer and no malfunctions! The HSTs are 124gr ( no +p )

What gives ?

I believe you answered your own question. Plus porting, almost by definition, helps foul a semi-auto quicker.

 

[notaliberal]

I noticed that my PC gets dirtier much quicker than my Glock. It is the nature of the beast.

 

[royal barnes]

I have tested HST 124's in both my current Shields with no issues and one of those is a Ported PC. It is the defense round I carry in all my 9's. As far as issues with the porting when firing I have shot mine from every position I know. I did not shoot with the gun directly under my chin. Other than feeling a little heat at the upper chest tucked position I did not experience any difficulties or discomfort.

 

[Mister X]

Someone can buy a ported handgun if they want, but if personal defense is the primary objective, I would avoid ported models and think it best to reserve their use to range and sport only. You can find opinions advocating for or against just about any position or perspective on the internet, but I would seriously consider heeding the words of some of the most distinguished and recognized experienced leaders in the industry.

The biggest negative thing I see with the porting is that if you have to fire from a retention position, it will blast hot gases and debris up toward your eyes. That's not just a distraction; it could cause permanent vision damage, and at the worst possible time. - Massad Ayoob

I don’t like ported barrels on self-defense guns. The clearest danger is the risk of hot, explosive gases vented up into the shooters eyes and face. - Michael de Bethencourt

Ported barrels can be downright dangerous when fired from retention. I have personally seen where what appeared to be part of the jacket embed itself into the face of one of our officers during retention training. Even if no hard particles leave the port, the gas definitely is directed straight into your face.- Mike Moore, Gunsite Academy Instructor

I have zero use for the comped Glocks. I have seen people injured from shooting them from retention and not getting the gun canted outboard enough before pulling the trigger. - Chuck Haggard

I do know one thing about the retention position. It sucks when one is using a ported gun!!! - Marty Hayes


Compensated Glocks--retention shooting is miserable, flash is increased, and I am aware of one organization that had reliability issues with them due to debris build-up. - Dr. Gary Roberts aka DocGKR

A thorough explanation as to why porting should be avoided on a defensive firearm... Snub Training – Ported Barrels |

...

 

[Smooth1]

Someone can buy a ported handgun if they want, but if personal defense is the primary objective, I would avoid ported models and think it best to reserve their use to range and sport only. You can find opinions advocating for or against just about any position or perspective from anonymous posters on the internet who may have little to no experience in regards to the topic at hand. You can choose to listen to them or heed the words of some of the most distinguished and recognized experienced leaders in the industry. I would recommend the later.

The biggest negative thing I see with the porting is that if you have to fire from a retention position, it will blast hot gases and debris up toward your eyes. That's not just a distraction; it could cause permanent vision damage, and at the worst possible time. - Massad Ayoob

I don’t like ported barrels on self-defense guns. The clearest danger is the risk of hot, explosive gases vented up into the shooters eyes and face. - Michael de Bethencourt

Ported barrels can be downright dangerous when fired from retention. I have personally seen where what appeared to be part of the jacket embed itself into the face of one of our officers during retention training. Even if no hard particles leave the port, the gas definitely is directed straight into your face.- Mike Moore, Gunsite Academy Instructor

I have zero use for the comped Glocks. I have seen people injured from shooting them from retention and not getting the gun canted outboard enough before pulling the trigger. - Chuck Haggard

I do know one thing about the retention position. It sucks when one is using a ported gun!!! - Marty Hayes


Compensated Glocks--retention shooting is miserable, flash is increased, and I am aware of one organization that had reliability issues with them due to debris build-up. - Dr. Gary Roberts aka DocGKR

A thorough explanation as to why porting should be avoided on a defensive firearm... https://snubtraining.wordpress.com/2009/06/28/snub-training-ported-barrels/

...

Man you just won't give it a rest

 

[Mister X]

Man you just won't give it a rest

Irregardless, are the men I quoted wrong?

 

[Mal Cap]

All good things said by all. I agree about the retention position for self-defense. I'm a retired LEO and would use that position if required and it might well be instinctive. I have a non-ported 9 Shield and I'm happy with it and now I don't need to purchase the PC version. Enjoy your handguns. BTW I've shot quite a few rounds of PerFecta 115 Grain 9mm Luger, Tulammo USA, Inc. and that stuff provides a nice bright white flash in a lighted range out of my 9 Shield, let alone in a dimmed light ported environment. Shoot safe everyone.

 

[hexnut]

mr x please never buy a ported gun. I have a suspesion you won't be happy with one. To save your self money and heart ache just don't do it. Personally I don't care either way but I would feel bad if I didn't advise you on this. So please don't do it.

hexnut

 

[pyro]

Irregardless, are the men I quoted wrong?

I believe the ports on the shield are not directed completely upward. At least on my M&P CORE they directed in a V shape. This is a change from most ported guns. It would not direct hot gasses directly upward towards the face unless you were holding the gun wonky.

 

[Mister X]

I believe the ports on the shield are not directed completely upward. At least on my M&P CORE they directed in a V shape. This is a change from most ported guns. It would not direct hot gasses directly upward towards the face unless you were holding the gun wonky.

And that's the point. When shooting from a 'typical' standing retention position, the gun is on the side of the body and will be canted slightly using the thumb as an offset to allow the slide to cycle. In an ECQ scenario there's really no telling what position you could have to fire from. For example, it's possible to have to bring the gun out across the body and fire such as in a car-jacking situation or in particular, grappling entanglements.

Here's an example of a pretty standard standing retention firing position...starting at 1:30

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M5sK8TE1nq4[/ame]

From a student who took a ported Glock to a Shivworks(Southnarc/Craig Douglas) ECQC course...

"Run my GLOCK19C during livefire and having some issues with the muzzle blast during several positions. I have to switched it to a regular Glock19 after my nose and mouth was bleeding."

Source- AAR: Shivworks ECQC Sacramento 10/5-7/12

ECQ scenarios and having to fire from a compressed or retention position while entangled or otherwise engaged with an assailant are very common occurrences during civilian defense occurrences. Anyone is free to disagree and dispute that as fact, but the stats demonstrate otherwise as does practical experience and common sense.

With that being said, is the possibilty of vented gas from a ported handgun causing affecting vision by making contact with the eyes, the primary concern in an actual defense scenario? - Absolutely not...and I never said it was, but it is nonetheless enough of a tangible potential problem that it should still be a consideration(albeit somewhat of a relatively minor one compared to other factors)and is easily remedied by simply selecting a non-ported model as pretty much every single personal defense instructor recommends.

 

[okiegtrider]

 

[pushpullpete]

okiegtrider, Oh so true.