I’m gonna give this .45 Shield a try. RANGE REPORT ADDED

[sigp220.45]

I've had half an eye out for a compact .45 to tote around and this Shield presented itself today for a paltry $295. Three mags, no box, looks well-cared for.

It doesn't say 2.0 on it, so I guess its a 1.0. Machts nichts to me. The trigger pull is nice. No thumb safety.

I'm on the Geezer Plan at the range (Monday - Thursday) so I won't be able to shoot it til next week. If all goes well I think I'll use it at my LEOSA qual on the 24th.

Here's some pictures. I like it so far. Any fans?

 

[mckenney99]

All the .45 Shields incorporated the 2.0 features. The early ones just weren't marked M2.0. I believe you'll be surprised by how well it shoots and how soft a shooter it is for a sub-compact .45.

 

[biku324]

Spend a few bucks on an Uplula magazine loader. Your fingers will thank you.

I have the Shield in 45, my wife the Shield 40. They're excellent!

 

[Squarebutt]

I'm also quite impressed with the low recoil and reliability. Haven't tried to push any hollow points through it, and I wish it would cycle my lead reloads, but as a carry gun with .45 ball it does just fine.

 

[biku324]

I've used these with 100% reliability:

We use these in 40:

 

[Valmet]

A friend of mine has one and swears by it. They feel great in my hands but I've yet to buy one.

 

[benf1]

If yours is anything like mine, you`ll love it! I had an issue with the earlier followers, but after an easy fix it has run perfectly throuh about 800 rounds of various factory ammo of fmj and hollow points, 185 and 230 gr. Only mods have been an Apex enhanced trigger and talon grip tape. For the first 5 yrs. I loaded the mags by hand which was a real pita until they loosened up some. However, I just bought an Uplula, shoulda done that 5 yrs. ago.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Mckenney99 is right. As far as I know all 45 shields have 2.0 upgrades but some simply lack the "2.0" mark on the slide. As others have stated it has surprisingly soft recoil for such a small 45 auto. Mine eats my reloads using the cast Lee 230gr TL bullet just fine and shoots POA though I have to seat for COAL a little shorter than the manuals suggest. I absolutely love my shield 45 and shoot it better than I expected for a compact auto.

 

[10Mad]

I really like mine. As an aside, it's almost exactly the same size as a Colt Defender. I bought mine to save the wear and tear on my defenders and if it weren't for the slightest difference in trigger guards they could use the same holster.

 

[zzclancy]

I bought a new Shield 2.0 45 with a manual safety.

I love it. Now I can't bring myself to carry a government 1911.

As Biku324 said buy a Uplula magazine loaded or a MakerShot magazine loader from Amazon.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I like my 45 Shield better that my 9 & 40 Shields. Seems be more accurate for me. Mine eats cast bullets too.

 

[swsig]

I have extolled the virtues of my Shield 45 many times on the Forum. I carry mine daily. It is not only the most accurate compact pistol I've ever shot, it is also extremely reliable. I have had only two failures in the last 4,300 rounds.

The early models had bad followers that led to failures to feed. S&W replaced them at no cost, and the FTFs disappeared. In your photos, it appears you have the upgraded followers. They can be identified by a vertical groove in the right front of the follower. FYI, below is a photo of an old follower (top), and a new upgraded follower (bottom, with an arrow pointing to the groove).

Enjoy your Shield 45!

 

[Beemerguy53]

I suspect there are very few social problems you can't solve with 7 rounds of .45ACP...and that looks like it was a very good buy!

Please let us know how it shoots...thanks!

 

[ultratec00]

All the .45 Shields incorporated the 2.0 features. The early ones just weren't marked M2.0. I believe you'll be surprised by how well it shoots and how soft a shooter it is for a sub-compact .45.

That is a big fat NEGATIVE. The Shields (at least single stack) retained the 1.0 sear housing and trigger bar loop. They did NOT incorporate the disconnector and updated trigger bar. Thank goodness.. The 1.0 trigger loop allows a person to tweak where the trigger breaks during the stroke

Both my Shield 45s have an Apex trigger. Did not feel the need to do a full sear and spring change. Was able to polish up the USB and the factory sear broke clean. Both shoot lights out w/ 185gr JHP pushing around 900 fps. They both have SS Guide Rods as well.

As with any short barreled, lightweight, polymer 45, ammunition selection is key. Keep that in mind when shopping.

 

[xfarfuldog]

I am very tempted to buy the Shield 45. I have a 2.0 and Plus. I've also owned the FS M&P 45 in the past. My problem is perceived recoil. Two carpel tunnel surgeries have made me recoil sensitive. I've owned a Glock 36 and a 30S. I really want to love the 30S but it is just to wide for my hand. Also tried the compact M&P 45 a few years ago. That gun was uncomfortable to shoot.

Could the Shield 45 possibly have less recoil than the 45 compact?

 

[ultratec00]

Shooting the same ammo, doubtful. The shield has a thinner grip because it is single stack, so that will affect perceived recoil.

Best bet is to find a local shooting range that has rentals and see if they have a shield 45 to try.

I will say this, compared to an XDS-45, the shield 45 is a hands down winner for shootability. All my M&P 45Cs typically sport a 10 round mag w/ X=grip spacer, which helps with recoil vs. the stock 45C mag.

Could the Shield 45 possibly have less recoil than the 45 compact?

 

[ColbyBruce]

The early versions had some issues with the RSA. My son's broke in less than 1/2 box of cartridges. S&W sent a new, redesigned one right out, so the problem must have been known early on. That gun has worked flawlessly ever since.

 

[j38]

I would echo the experience of previous posters in describing my experience with a .45 acp Shield - accurate, reliable and soft shooting. I've had no issues with hollow points and mine is currently loaded with Hornady 230 grain XTPs. I expect you'll like yours when you finally get to the range with it.

Jerry

 

[sotexas]

I will echo what has been said here....a reliable, soft shooting, accurate subcompact in .45acp that IMO is the best on the market. Comparing this to a SA XDS is like comparing a lamb to a lion . Congrats on a very nice pickup.If you get the chance try the 4" Shield .45

 

[hyena]

I would echo the experience of previous posters in describing my experience with a .45 acp Shield - accurate, reliable and soft shooting. I've had no issues with hollow points and mine is currently loaded with Hornady 230 grain XTPs. I expect you'll like yours when you finally get to the range with it.

Jerry

I will second what Jerry said. Big punch in a small package, but still easy to shoot. Mine is kept loaded with Winchester Ranger T series.