M&P .45 for Carry: Shield 2.0 or Compact or ???

[Redcoat3340]

I'd like to upgrade one of my carry guns to a .45. Thinking of a Shield but worry about .45 recoil in a small, light(er) gun.

So I'm wondering if there's a Compact .45 in 2.0? I've got both the Shield and 5" M&P 2.0s in 9mm, really like them, and like the way they shoot for me.

But when I went looking for a .45 2.0 in compact I couldn't find one. Do they make it in that size yet?

I could get a "1.0" and add an Apex, but that's another $100 and I might as well buy a 2.0 if they make them.

Suggestions on a carry .45.....all advice welcome.

 

[FloridaS&W]

Go with the Shield 45... many of us have them on this forum and I can tell you for a fact the recoil concern is not valid on this model. I don't know how they did it but S&W virtually tamed the recoil with this system; some say it's even less than the 9mm. They had a few magazine issues last year, but overall it's a gem, and a very accurate gem at that.

 

[DMSC]

I agree, the Shield 45 recoil is very manageable. Not as easy to shoot as a 9mm but not at all difficult to shoot.

If you're worried about it, maybe you can find a range that has one to rent before you buy.

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[greeenteeee]

I agree, the Shield 45 recoil is very manageable. Not as easy to shoot as a 9mm but not at all difficult to shoot.

If you're worried about it, maybe you can find a range that has one to rent before you buy.

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I have a Shield in 9 and 40 and have shot 45 pistols. The way the Shield handles 40, I'm sure it'll shoot the 45 VERY VERY well.

 

[carbuff]

The Shield .45 is not a target pistol. One would not take it to the range to send 300 rounds down range plunking paper targets.

It is a powerful and easily concealable defensive protector.

Thus, for its purpose, protection, the the recoil issue for the limited times it would be shot, it would be quite manageable.

 

[swsig]

The Shield .45 is not a target pistol. One would not take it to the range to send 300 rounds down range plunking paper targets.

It is a powerful and easily concealable defensive protector.

Thus, for its purpose, protection, the the recoil issue for the limited times it would be shot, it would be quite manageable.

I agree, but if you want to do so, the Shield 45 is good enough to treat as a target pistol, though probably not for competition. I shoot mine at the range at paper targets at a rate of 300 rounds per month. It is surprisingly accurate for a short-barrel carry pistol, and as others have noted, its mild recoil makes it fun to shoot. I routinely put 60-70% of my shots into a 4"x4" square at 15 yards, and about 50% into the square at 20 yards. On a really good day, I've put 50% into the square at 25 yards, but my average at that distance is more like 30%. It is enjoyable to shoot, and I've put over 4000 rounds through it in the year since I bought it.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Okay then. I'm be looking at/for a Shield both at my range and at my LGSs.

So I have a basis for comparison, what's the going rate for them? I like the safety model as it gives me the option to use it or not. Anyone have a favorite or recommended online seller?

 

[Redcoat3340]

Okay then. I'm be looking at/for a Shield both at my range and at my LGSs.

So I have a basis for comparison, what's the going rate for them? I like the safety model as it gives me the option to use it or not. Anyone have a favorite or recommended online seller?

 

[carbuff]

swsig, what you say does make sense and I respect your comments.

My thinking is that a small size high caliber pistol is a defensive weapon and shot only so many times for training purposes. I have found shooting as many rounds in a single session with such a pistol much more both fatiguing and painful than with a larger size pistol.

Shooting a full size pistol or revolver with its heavier weight, longer barrel and greater sight radius produces less recoil and can be fun to shoot many more rounds in a range session without the pain of repeated recoil.

If the op does purchase a Shield 45, I have no doubt that he will find it to be an excellent choice.

 

[Ballanrk]

Here is a good list of prices. Granted the better the price the more likely you will have to catch it in stock. As for a local purchase I’d say anything out the door less than $400 is a good deal.

022188867244 - Sw M&p Shield 45acp 3.3 W/ Thumb Safety 7rd 6rd | gun.deals

 

[ultratec00]

Love my Shield 45, highly recommend. As noted, it is a short barreled polymer firearm. Choice of ammunition will make a world of difference.

 

[Wee Hooker]

What about a M&P Compact 1.0 in 45? I have this one and used to own the shield 45. The Compact is very comfortable and more range friendly . The shield 45 is more manageable than the Shied 40 but still not a "shoot it all day gun" IMHO. The 45 Compact is both.

 

[dben002]

Have both Shield 45 and Shield 9 2.0.

EDC the 45 for over a year. Recoil really fairly tame due to the
recoil spring and rod system S&W put in it.....I was surprised when I first shot it myself....

Have since assigned the 45 to bedroom duty as I was able to
carry 10 rounds in the Shield 9.

You will find the 45 to be a nice and accurate shooter if you decide to go that way......

 

[DMSC]

What about a M&P Compact 1.0 in 45? I have this one and used to own the shield 45. The Compact is very comfortable and more range friendly . The shield 45 is more manageable than the Shied 40 but still not a "shoot it all day gun" IMHO. The 45 Compact is both.

I own both a 45c and a Shield 45.

Though I can carry the 45c concealed (it's not much bigger than a Glock 19), the Shield is a LOT easier to carry.

I was actually surprised at how close the two are in felt recoil/muzzle flip.

And, the 45c only holds two more rounds with the standard magazines.

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[Doogie85]

Shield 45 has been my EDC for over a year now. In my opinion and as noted by others, recoil is a non issue with the Shield 45.
I also have the M&P 45 2.0 and love it, but for EDC the Shield 45 is hard to beat.

 

[swsig]

swsig, what you say does make sense and I respect your comments.

My thinking is that a small size high caliber pistol is a defensive weapon and shot only so many times for training purposes. I have found shooting as many rounds in a single session with such a pistol much more both fatiguing and painful than with a larger size pistol....

I think everyone is slightly different in their reactions to a given gun. I rented a Shield 45 before I bought one, and it was so much better than what I expected (no problems with the rough textured grip, way less recoil than anticipated, amazingly accurate), that it benefited greatly due to the contrast effect. I subsequently bought one and liked shooting it so much, that I shoot it as often as my SIG P320 357 SIG and my FNX-45 Tactical range guns.

 

[FloridaS&W]

Oh great, you guys have done it now. This thread makes me want to get back to the range and punch some more big holes with my Shield 45.

 

[FloridaS&W]

Okay then. I'm be looking at/for a Shield both at my range and at my LGSs.

So I have a basis for comparison, what's the going rate for them? I like the safety model as it gives me the option to use it or not. Anyone have a favorite or recommended online seller?

A lot of us got them for a steal last summer, they had a rebate going and I only paid $258 after rebate as I recall, from Palmetto State Armory online.

A couple of other online retailers I have had good deals from over the years would be Grab-a-Gun and Prepper Gun Shop.

Happy hunting!

 

[Redcoat3340]

Many thanks to all. Decided to go with 2.0 as I have 3 others: Shield in 9mm, .380 EZ, and 5".

Ordered 2.0 Shield with safety this afternoon....price is $400. Should have it by the end of the week.

 

[ScaryWoody]

$400 out the door is about right for now. I got mine last summer for $264 after rebate. So not as good as FloridaS&W but close. Palmetto charges sales tax in Georgia so I used Grab-A-Gun.