I'm not a Glock guy, but...

[Radarcontact]

I'm looking at getting another CCW and I was sold on the Shield. Then the PC Shield came out and I thought I might rather have it instead. Then the Glock 43 came out, and although I'm not a fan of the style, etc. I do know that they are good reliable guns. I've also always been jealous of the Glock guys over the truckloads of accessories, holsters, sights, etc., etc., etc. that they always have available to them vs the rest of us.

Now most people will say, "You can get the Shield for $150 less, so it's a no-brainer. If they were the same price it'd be a harder choice."
My problem is this: I am comparing the PC Shield @ $500(?) to the Glock which I can get for $379 through my local gun shop and mil discount. Even the regular Shield vs Glock would be the same price...

Looking for opinions.

Thanks!
// Radar //

 

[RobzGuns]

Shoot both side-by-side and decide for yourself.
I don't care for a ported CC pistol (the PC Shield IS ported, isn't it?)

I got the Shield 4yrs ago, still has the original factory trigger and has been flawless.
The G43 shoots great and feels as nice to shoot as my Shield, but I don't like it enough to switch.

The only thing I've changed on my Shield is gone with the MagGuts mags, which makes the mags easier to hand load, easier to seat into the grip and increases the 7 round mag to 8 rounds. For some, the fact that the G43 only carries 6+1 is enough of a turnoff.

So again, shoot both and go with what works for you.

 

[scattershot]

FWIW, I think Smith & Wesson has some kind of military discount, too.

 

[ken158]

I don't want fire flying out the slide of a carry gun. The other upgrades of the PC model are worthy but the ported slide is a deal breaker for me.

 

[Arik]

My opinion is ......are you looking for an accessory or a firearm for self defense? If you like looks and styles buy whatever tickles your fancy. If you're looking for a firearm style isn't a factor.

 

[Motorsporting]

I also wouldn't want a ported CCW. I don't get why S&W did that. I'd get the regular Shield and then swap out the sights yourself.

 

[Bob O]

I haven't handled or shot the 43, but I have to agree with the aftermarket potential....... I'm in the process of building a range gun.

 

[Rastoff]

Beware, the Glock will point differently. So, if you're going to swap between guns, this is not the best combination.

 

[Shieldtoter]

I've tried 'em both...my conclusion.? Get the Shield, it's a softer shooter.Rock solid reliable. All the cool aftermarket items one would want is now avail for the Shield.

 

[Triggerman66]

I have both and shoot the Shield better. I don't like the 43's grooved trigger but the overall size is good. Waiting for ZEV to produce their fine connector for the 43/42 series Glocks, seems like they are dragging their feet on this.

 

[ShieldUser]

If you plan to carry, both will work. Shield 9mm is a softer shooter but I thought Glock 43 felt more concealable. For non-carry, I would get a larger handgun.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I'm looking at getting another CCW and I was sold on the Shield. Then the PC Shield came out and I thought I might rather have it instead. Then the Glock 43 came out, and although I'm not a fan of the style, etc. I do know that they are good reliable guns. I've also always been jealous of the Glock guys over the truckloads of accessories, holsters, sights, etc., etc., etc. that they always have available to them vs the rest of us.

Now most people will say, "You can get the Shield for $150 less, so it's a no-brainer. If they were the same price it'd be a harder choice."
My problem is this: I am comparing the PC Shield @ $500(?) to the Glock which I can get for $379 through my local gun shop and mil discount. Even the regular Shield vs Glock would be the same price...

Looking for opinions.

Thanks!
// Radar //

I would never buy a ported pistol for defense (or for any other reason), and so as between a ported Shield and a Glock, I would get the Glock. As between the no thumb safety version of the Shield and the Glock, you will be well served with either. I suppose the Shield would get the nod due to a higher magazine capacity, but they are both good pistols.

 

[agksimon]

I would never buy a ported pistol for defense (or for any other reason), and so as between a ported Shield and a Glock, I would get the Glock. As between the no thumb safety version of the Shield and the Glock, you will be well served with either. I suppose the Shield would get the nod due to a higher magazine capacity, but they are both good pistols.

There are some nice aftermarket two round magazine extensions for the Glock 43, that look like they came with the gun from the factory. They make the Glock eight rounds and when put on top of a Shield with an eight round magazine, they are the same length, top to bottom.
Megatron 404

 

[Resqu2]

A few thoughts, you can get a PC Shield for $399 with your discount. The Shield has got to be so popular that everyone makes accessories for them. Not found a holster that I liked in my search that wasn't available for the Shield. Talon grips, Apex trigger & any night sights that you want are all there for us. As for Glock, as someone above said, they point different and I don't like them for this reason. I never could get used to shooting them and now I don't have any.

 

[T-Diver]

Get what's best for you

I've shot the Glock 43 and the Shield (among other single stack 9mm pistols) at my LGS in December, and truthfully, I was torn between the Glock and the Walther PPS. The Shield, while many people sing its praises, didn't feel that great in my hand. Maybe because it was a range gun and I didn't spend much time with it, but the Glock 43 (for me) shot better, as did the Walther.

In the end, you should go to the range and try many different brands of firearm. Number one, it's fun, and number 2, you do yourself a disservice by not exploring all your options. Based on your price point, you can probably look at many good brands - S&W Shield, Glock 43, Walther PPS (M1 or M2), Springfield XDs, Kahr CW9, or Ruger LC9S Pro. Good luck.

 

[Bob O]

I'm waiting for the PPS M2 to make it to my LGS.

 

[Smooth1]

If your military or exmilitary you can get a blue label 43 & that puts the price more in line with the shield. FWI I sold my Shield & will go with another GLOCK eventually

 

[Ofc.JL]

I had a early Shield in 9mm and sold it to get a G43. Liked the G43 but the grip is just too small for my big hands, it was twisting under recoil. Sold the G43 and got a PPS M2. Trigger now too wide and NO SPARE MAGAZINES available anywhere. Walther says "No idea when mags will be here". Sold that PPS M2 and got a brand new Shield again. Very happy with the new Shield, as I noticed that minor problems S&W was having trouble with while producing the Shield were now gone(Fit and finish, mostly). And all this just to find a nice, flat, off duty pistol. Jeez!
Of course, as always, YMMV.

 

[dpsk]

I was 50/50 between the 9mm Shield and G43, after I decided to sell off my Ruger LC9s (tip of the striker broke after less than 500 rounds - couldn't trust it after that). I had shot both pistols and liked features of each one, and I ended up with the G43. Primarily it was because I have more Glocks and shoot them more often. I have an M&P 9c that I bought for my Wife's use, as she shot it better than other models she'd tried. I also have a M&P 22 compact. S&W certainly did a great job with the Shield, and I know I would have been just as satisfied with a Shield as I am with the G43. However, I had to choose between one, and the decision was made based on my personal familiarity with Glocks over the M&P line. My recommendation for ANY gun purchase decision between two favored model, is to try each one out individually. Make the choice based on the one YOU feel more comfortable with.

 

[Radarcontact]

Well, thank you all for your opinions, that's awesome to get so much so quick!

Let me address a few things that were mentioned:
I don't have an issue with a ported CCW. If done correctly, as I assume the experts at S&W have, the difference in muzzle velocity should be negligible. And those who are concerned about "flash blinding" probably haven't shot a ported vs a non-ported side by side at night. My buddy had his Glock retrofitted with a ported barrel/slide (lone wolf?) and he shot it out on the ranch to show me; to be honest, the only difference in "flame" was the direction it "flew" -- his ported threw it out to the side and our "normal" guns threw it out the front. As far as noise levels...well, obviously not a concern if I'm reacting to a life-threatening situation.

That said...

This will be for CCW. I have an FN FNX-9 as my home gun, and it's just a little too big for everyday carry with the clothes I wear here in Florida.

I think the biggest point AGAINST the Glock is the grip angle. I think the Shield is the same as my FNX which I shoot extremely well, and instinctively.

The biggest FOR the Glock would prob be resale, considering the price I'd pay vs what I could get if I decided to sell it later on.

I didn't know S&W had mil discounts...I will def look into that!
Thank you!

// Radar //