Happy with new Shield 9mm

[doug86]

Unboxed my new Shield 9mm this afternoon, and after a quick cleaning, went to the range. I'm very happy with this purchase. No issues on 1st 100 rounds. The factory trigger seems fine. After just a few rounds, I was finding the center of the target.

I've seen so much discussion about the trigger for this gun. and I don't see what all the fuss is about. I'm gonna leave it the way the factory made it. I say that after raving about how much the Apex trigger improved my SD9VE. I'm not claiming that an Apex trigger for the Shield won't change it, I'm just saying that for me, I don't feel the need for a change. I'm happy with the thing right out of the box.

(edit) I too noticed that it is REALLY had to get a full magazine inserted if there is a round in the chamber. Is it something that can be solved? Is the magazine spring just too big?

 

[KPWants]

Good for you. I have to wait 9 more days to do the same.

 

[armallard]

The more you shoot it the easier it will be to get in.

 

[Shieldtoter]

It's a great carry gun, I fitted mine with BigDots and the Apex rigger.

 

[MCorps0311]

Congratulations on your new 9mm Shield!

 

[Rastoff]

(edit) I too noticed that it is REALLY ha[r]d to get a full magazine inserted if there is a round in the chamber. Is it something that can be solved? Is the magazine spring just too big?

Yes, they are tight. There are things folks do to make it easier, but none of them are necessary. It's technique. Use the right technique and it will go in easily enough.

As you practice it will get easier. Not because the spring gets lighter, but because you become more accomplished at doing it.

 

[ThrowinRocks]

I've had that issue with other brands as well but like everyone said it just takes a little break in

 

[doug86]

The Shield simply rocks! Ran another 100 rounds through it. Still need some practice out beyond 7 yards, but certainly lethal inside that. Also very comfortable to carry IWB. So glad I finally made this purchase after a year of debating (with myself) about it.

 

[Targets Guy]

Only thing I didn't like about the Shield was loading the mags. A mag loader took care of that for me. Now I just enjoy the Shield.

adult image

 

[Valistar]

I swapped a SW MP FS 9mm for the Shield Performance Model and then realized there are ammo issues with the ported barrels. My LGS kindly allowed me to swap for a regular Shield since I hadn't shot the Performance Model yet.

Like my FS model, I had issues with the trigger on my first couple of trips to the range so I installed the Apex trigger package and couldn't be happier. There's no doubt I would have eventually learned to use the stock trigger, but you just can't beat the Apex trigger package. It reduces trigger pull by ~2lbs, consistent trigger break and reset, and adds a trigger safety. When you start shooting beyond 7 yards you'll really appreciate the smooth trigger pull the Apex package provides. Well worth the investment in my opinion.

Valistar

 

[Mister X]

I too noticed that it is REALLY had to get a full magazine inserted if there is a round in the chamber. Is it something that can be solved? Is the magazine spring just too big?

I simply download all of my autoloaders by one round. Many will say that is unnecessary, but I'm more confident in it's reliability by doing so.

Massad Ayoob: Reliability VS. Round Count | The Daily Caller

I also think leaving some flex in the spring could possibly prevent spring set and minimize spring fatigue. A lot of folks disagree with that and will counter with some metallurgy quote they have read, but as Massad Ayoob says...

"While some metallurgy school graduates tell us that springs don't lose tension from being kept compressed, anecdotal history shows us that a lot of magazine springs apparently haven't been to metallurgy school and haven't gotten the word."

 

[doug86]

Tight magazine update:

Inserting a full 7 round (shorter) magazine wasn't really getting any easier, but the 8 round (longer) mag seemed ok. Further research reveals that the springs in both are the same.

Obviously, the spring is more 'relaxed' when there is only one round left in the longer mag when compared to the shorter mag, which leads me to believe that the short magazine will function perfectly with slightly less compression when there is only one round left to feed.

I cut off one winding from the short magazine spring, and that made inserting the full magazine so much easier. So far the gun works fine. I ran the shorter magazine at least 7 times without an issue.

 

[Protected One]

Unboxed my new Shield 9mm this afternoon, and after a quick cleaning, went to the range. I'm very happy with this purchase. No issues on 1st 100 rounds. The factory trigger seems fine. After just a few rounds, I was finding the center of the target.

I've seen so much discussion about the trigger for this gun. and I don't see what all the fuss is about. I'm gonna leave it the way the factory made it. I say that after raving about how much the Apex trigger improved my SD9VE. I'm not claiming that an Apex trigger for the Shield won't change it, I'm just saying that for me, I don't feel the need for a change. I'm happy with the thing right out of the box.

(edit) I too noticed that it is REALLY had to get a full magazine inserted if there is a round in the chamber. Is it something that can be solved? Is the magazine spring just too big?

Just bought a second 9mm Shield last year and love it just as much as the first.

Like you, I don't see the need for changing out the trigger because the stock trigger does just fine. Since it's primarily a carry gun I focus my training on distances of 21' or less, and where I aim it is 'exactly" where the bullet goes!

Congratulations on your purchase! Hope it gives you years of reliable service and comfort.