Grips to reduce sharpness of recoil

[robkarrob]

I have a 9mm barrel for my Shield 40. It works perfectly. The issue is you just can not find the barrels anymore as S&W is not releasing them to any distributors. I got mine over 2 years ago. It's hard to believe my Shield 40 is already 2 1/2 years old. Time is really flying by fast.

Bob

 

[carbuff]

I installed a Hogue Handall Jr. Grip Sleeve on the Shield. I did so to buffer the recoil pain resulting from the large quantities of ammunition I shoot during practice sessions.

It is difficult for me to focus both eyes on an iron blade front sight. The remedy I found is to install a fiber optic front sight. With it, my eyes immediately capture focus on the sight, I take aim and fire quickly on target. As a result, I have installed fiber optic front sights on all of my pistols and revolvers. The latest being on my M&P 40 Shield.

I have attached a photo of the Hogue Sleeve and the fiber optic front sight.

You will note that the sleeve has been installed reversely with the top on the bottom and the bottom on the top. I found my fingers better fit the sleeves finger protrusion this way.

My first range session with these modifications proved that I made the right choices. I had no focus problem and my hands were able to take the recoil shock of 250 rounds of 165gr FMJ without suffering pain.

Now, after shooting 650 total rounds without any gun failures, I have real confidence in the Shield as my gun for personal protection.

 

[DocSunShine]

An undercut and stippling will help.

 

[OldLawman]

The choice of .40 instead of 9mm was one of the first mistakes. .40 has a snappy recoil in virtually any platform that is available in 9mm; for example, the G23 v. G19.

A better choice in the same line might be the M&P Compact, even in the same caliber, as the grip is wider and spreads out the recoil. Small/thin grip guns entail a compromise, no matter what. Slide on rubber grip sleeves really won't do much to actually reduce the feeling to the hand, and interfere with concealment (meaning they can stick to covering clothing), which is the real reason for the Shield.

 

[RaginRog]

robkarrob, Fishinfool has identified my problem.

I do recognize and agree with your comments regarding the necessity to build strength in hands, arms and shoulders. In fact, I have been lifting light weights each day for the past twenty years.

My routine involves employing 10 lb dumbbells in each hand. I do five sets consisting of 25 curls each followed by holding both arms straight forward from the shoulder for 20 secs, dropping the arms to the waist for 5 secs and repeating this procedure 5 times.

It takes me about 1/2 hour to do these exercises. The result after many years is that my sidearm is held steady without movement at the target.

I have strength. I do not have health in my hands. They are arthritic. The shock of .40 caliber recoil is punishing after a few magazines.

It is too late and too costly for me to change calibers. I prefer finding a way to curb the sharpness of recoil by adding a grip (if one is made) to buffer the shock of recoil by my Shield.

I do thank all who have responded and wish one and all, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Strength I have as a frequent weight lifter, but years of lifting, a decade as an autoworker, and having very flat palms causes me some pain when firing either small single stack 9mm/40's or ,357 magnum rounds out of a revolver without a back strap. Muzzle flip is no problem. I prefer Pachmayr over Hogue for helping with recoil induced pain.

 

[dullh]

The best way to take the "snappiness" out of a .40 Shield is to trade it in on a 9mm Shield...

 

[martybee]

I installed a Hogue Handall Jr. Grip Sleeve on the Shield. I did so to buffer the recoil pain resulting from the large quantities of ammunition I shoot during practice sessions.

It is difficult for me to focus both eyes on an iron blade front sight. The remedy I found is to install a fiber optic front sight. With it, my eyes immediately capture focus on the sight, I take aim and fire quickly on target. As a result, I have installed fiber optic front sights on all of my pistols and revolvers. The latest being on my M&P 40 Shield.

I have attached a photo of the Hogue Sleeve and the fiber optic front sight.

You will note that the sleeve has been installed reversely with the top on the bottom and the bottom on the top. I found my fingers better fit the sleeves finger protrusion this way.

My first range session with these modifications proved that I made the right choices. I had no focus problem and my hands were able to take the recoil shock of 250 rounds of 165gr FMJ without suffering pain.

Now, after shooting 650 total rounds without any gun failures, I have real confidence in the Shield as my gun for personal protection.

Carbuff: I also am 83 years young and I have discomfort from arthritis.
I shoot a BG380, MP9FS and an SD40ve.
The 40S&W is quite comfortable to shoot as it is a FS and heavier than your Shield,
so the recoil is manageable and not excessive.
Of course the 9mm is also a joy to shoot, but the BG 380 is very snappy and hard on my hand.
I have some relief from the hard recoil to the palm and web of my hand by using a Hogue Handall Jr. I also wrap a Band-aid type bandage around the index finger first joint. It helps the finger to pull the trigger with less pain. Ialso use a padded leather glove with half the finger portion cut off.

I go to the local indoor range about 3 times a month and enjoy my shooting sessions.
Good Luck and keep-em shooting!
Here is a link to post with picture, on the rubber grip installed on my BG380
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/408639-bg380-hogue-griper.html

 

[Venenoindy]

Unfortunately I don't think a slip on or any kind of grip tape will make a significant difference, the .40 in snappy round and shooting it out of a small gun like the shield I think just make things a little more pronounced, like mentioned before I would recommend that you go the 9mm route if you want to practice more. The performance of the .40 is not much better than a good 9mm and the 9mm is cheaper and easier to shoot better, I had extensive surgery on wrist and can't shoot any other round than 9mm so now all my handguns are in that caliber and don't feel undergun.