M&P Shield .45 auto vs. 3 inch 1911?

[American1776]

I don't like polymer framed pistols. But i like .45 auto, and I like small easy to carry pistols.

I've had 3 inch 1911's, and they've worked. But I always had the concern about long term reliability and durability. Seems like it's always on the razor edge of working.

I'm intrigued by the Shield 45. It's smaller and lighter than a Colt Defender or similar model. But I don't like polymer.

Does the Shield .45 offer benefits over an alloy frame 3 inch 1911? I'd imagine that recoil spring life is much longer, and reliability is much improved.

The price is about 1/3 of a 1911 too. Should I pull the trigger on a Shield 45?

thanks.

 

[MP1SG]

American1776
Hi the shield 45 is def def worth it. I have the Shield 9 40 and 45, I must admit the Shield 45 is far more accurate than the 9 or 40. For such a small gun its amazingly accurate and the recoil it totally manageable even with +P loadings my Shield 45 is currently ny EDC of choice. I have several 1911's 3" 4" and Govt model's and I like all my 1911's but as defensive pistol i would rather trust my life on a Shield or Glock, almost any polymer
gun.
The Shield 45 is a fine pistol that I believe will hold up against any 1911 as far as reliability and def give a 1911 a run for its money on the accuracy side

 

[Bozz10mm]

Now is a good time to get a Shield .45. $75 rebate thru the end of June. You can find them on line for around $315 before rebate.

Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield 45 ACP Centerfire Pistol with No Thumb Safety | Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Or if you prefer a thumb safety

S&W M&P 45 Shield Pistol w/ Thumb Safety ‒ 180022

 

[kye4some]

M&P Shield .45 auto vs. 3 inch 1911?

No, if it's not at least $1,400.01 US dollars polished and or purple it's utter ****.

Ok that was a bit harsh[emoji57] I've shot the Kimber and the 45 Shield both are nice 3" .45 ACPs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bat Guano]

The shortest 1911 I have experience with is the LW Commander, but I have my doubts that JMB had a 3" gun in mind when he designed the pistol. (I have been shooting 1911s since Elvis was on the Ed Sullivan show.) Now my experience with my new .45 Shield is minimal to date, but I am IMPRESSED with the small size, thinness, mild recoil, decent trigger and accuracy. Unfortunately it's on the ugly side, but I can live with that. When I'm shooting it all I can see is the back end of the pistol anyway.

I bought the Shield on a whim, taking advantage of the rebate and thinking that if I didn't like it I could just sell it. As of now it looks like a real keeper.

 

[yep380]

Dear XYZ gun forum: should I buy an XYZ?

Answer: Yes.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Never been willing to carry a 1911 with less than a 4" barrel/slide......gut tells me it would fail/jam at the worse possible moment..........

I know there are a lot of them out there and it's not 1980 anymore........but

 

[ultratec00]

1911s are 1911s. They have a sex appeal that won't dim with time. That said, a 1911 can be finicky and requires some tuning. Own a few to include a Sig Ultra, which I like considerably. The Ultra costs twice as much as my Shield 45 and is ~8oz heavier. That said, I've found my Shield 45 to be just as accurate and very reliable. I'd also have to say the recoil is more manageable with the Shield than the Ultra despite the fact it's ~8oz lighter. If anything were to happen that would require either gun be confiscated, damaged, or stolen, it's a whole lot easier on the wallet to go buy another Shield vs. an Ultra.

 

[GTBL]

I have some high $$ guns, but I carry a .45 Shield. I trust it! It's light, it's thin, it's reliable, and It's inexpensive.