My Sad .40 Shield Story...

[Smitty357]

I think the OP should sell his Shield to someone who will love it for what it is. I believe a fair price of $100 shipped to FFL is more than fair. It will put a great gun in the hands of someone who's "waiting" on a list to get one. And it will put the $100 into the pocket of the OP, so he can go buy a better weapon.........Both people win!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BadBrad1]

Well my .40 sheild has a I find to be a overall nice little package. It does have some minor issues, the most annoying is how far left it shoots and the gross sight adjusments required to bring impact to point of aim. This problem seems limited to a small # of pisyols and I cannot fault a complete series for an occasional manufacturers defect. That being said a couple of issues raised by the OP are somewhat valid:
1. The mags are hard loading
2. With the short magazine the pistol is a bit nose heavy, well balanced with the long mag.

I have not experienced any other issues, the trigger is as expected for the type of action and the yellow takedown lever thing is a novel non-issue. o mag wobble, mag drops or malfunctions, the only real annoyance to me is the rubber grip extension on the extended magazine. That damn thing sliding up and down when I load the mags with rounds is annoying and with my fat hands I have pinched my fingers on mag insertion...I wish it were firmly attached in place rather then sliding about.

Overall I like it very much and it groups nice and tight.

 

[BobFr]

The dimpled mags by S&W service solved my mag drop problem on my .40 Shield. I then fired about 175 rounds through it to prove the mag drop problem, a combination of 100 rounds of WWB, 50 Speer Gold Dot, and 25 PDX-1. Two failures to return to battery, which a push on the slide solved. No magazine drops.

I've since added the Apex Tactical Shield Carry kit, Truglo TFO sights, and a CT laser. I will test again, but expect good results.

One concern I have is the .40 Shield magazines I've had on backorder since late July. I assume the delay is because S&W is re-engineering the mags, but it will be interesting to actually test them to see if the drop problem is solved without dimpling, which is a real kludge.

 

[MP1SG]

Have a seat Son grab a coffee and buckle up

Wow Jesus, After 7 months of the shield being on the market, the ONLY thing negative I heard about this weapon is the mag drop issue, A few white dot front sights fell out and maybe some shooting to the left and low.
Did you even fire the weapon?? Maybe i missed that in your post, but it sounds like you just brought it home, and never even shot it. And as the other post said, If you have been on this forum for any length of time, and if its true your claims of being an expierenced shooter and dealer. You would think you would have the common sense to at least googe M&P shield.
I own both shield 9 and 40 and love them both (I also am LEO firearms Inst and have/own many DIFFERENT) weapons. I have never had a problem loading the mags for either gun (I have 6 mags for the 9 and 6 for the 40).
Just seems you jumped to judgement before you even put any rounds down range. And Are you seriously seriously comparing the KelTec to the S&W? I own a KelTec 380 and its a great gun but in NO way does it compare to the M&P. For some who has a great deal of knowledge in S&W weapons, perhaps you should have know that you DO NOT need a tool to dis assemble the M&P. You can simply move the take down lever to the 6 o clock positin and pull the trigger (Ensuring the weapon is empty safe and pointed in a safe direction) Or did you not know that? The glock dis assebles the same way. I paid $318.67 I doubt i could buy a glock for that price, AND glock DOES not make a weapon as small as the Shield the Glock 26/27 is much bigger A great great great gun but bigger.
just my 2 cents
Last But Not least Do you really care if the weapon is "top heavy and un balanced even un loaded"
1SG
Out

 

[Vision Remodeling]

Sorry your having a bad day, this should cheer you up. My Shield 9 is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Enjoy your Keltec.

 

[MP22]

"If" you were the great gun guru you claim to be, you would located one in the LGS or a friend to handle and fondle one before you purchased one instead of going into it blind and now complaining. Not a wise move...or maybe you just want to stir things a little.

 

[DocSunShine]

If you don't like it then sell it, should sell like a hot cake, .40 Shield is a fine weapon. My father nor I have had any trouble with both of ours.

 

[Lost Lake]

For what it's worth, after sharing this experience here, I expect to be disparaged, criticized, derided and ridiculed by the S&W fanboys, so have at it....

You called it Nostradamus!

 

[Maddmax]

WOW Bobdat. Tell us how you really feel...

I know people with both models of Shield and love them. I got one of the first 9's when they came out,sight un-seen,just a call from my LGS and an "I'll be in to get it after work" (They had two,the other one was gone an hour later) and have ZERO issues with it. It was also a little tack driver right out of the box,after a good cleaning and going over first. Being a "LEO", I would have thunk you would have given it a good once over first,SOP for any LEO's I know and shoot with.

Your Quote:
As a very experienced shooter of S&W's (and other major brands) for decades; a championship combat pistol and revolver shooter; a former LEO and armorer; a S&W dealer for 25 years; and, a gun-lover for fifty years, I think I can judge a poorly designed pistol when I see & hold one. :un-quote

Next Time,Clean It,Then Try Shooting It First. You might get some cheese with that whine....

Also Quote:
For what it's worth, after sharing this experience here, I expect to be disparaged, criticized, derided and ridiculed by the S&W fanboys, so have at it.... un-quote.

YOU cast the first stone just LOOKING for a fight. What-cha' expect back,a cookie ? I know you came in looking for a fight. Not to sit by the fire and try our Kool-Aid and Polka Music... Have a nice day and "we" just don't care. Any problem's have been well known for a long time,you stepped in your own pile,IF you ACTUALLY even owned one. ...Pay retail with a LEO discount,don't look in the box !?!?!? come on it could have been full of rocks !!. "Some" of us might be a titch crazy,but WE ARE NOT STUPID !!!

I almost detect the slight scent of a Troll....sniff sniff.

 

[bobdat]

You called it Nostradamus!

Well, the fanboys came out in force, as expected. It's too bad that in almost two dozen derisive posts, only one or two had any additive, factual value.

Nothing said in these two dozen replies changes the fact that the Shield .40 is a mediocre sub-compact not ready for primary defensive carry because of the kinds of defects and shortcomings its design suffers from.

On the enlightning side, this forum is a clear reflection of America in general, lately:

Attack the person who disagrees with your beliefs and opinions; become an unthinking pawn in the battle to remain polarized and thereby reinforce your dysfunctionality; defend mediocrity instead of demanding performance to a higher standard of excellence.

Just read the above replies....excuse after excuse for the shortcomings of this mediocre pistol and a concurrent demand to settle for substandard accuracy, reliability, and performance....the new america!

Well, it's been fun fellas. You haven't disappointed my expectations as to how the majority of you die-hard S&W fans would react to my objective assessment of a rather disappointing S&W product.

Maybe if you had redirected your anger toward S&W's design team instead of toward me, they would work harder to introduce a better product next time around.

 

[Maddmax]

Well my .40 sheild has a I find to be a overall nice little package. It does have some minor issues, the most annoying is how far left it shoots and the gross sight adjusments required to bring impact to point of aim. This problem seems limited to a small # of pisyols and I cannot fault a complete series for an occasional manufacturers defect. That being said a couple of issues raised by the OP are somewhat valid:
1. The mags are hard loading
2. With the short magazine the pistol is a bit nose heavy, well balanced with the long mag.

I have not experienced any other issues, the trigger is as expected for the type of action and the yellow takedown lever thing is a novel non-issue. o mag wobble, mag drops or malfunctions, the only real annoyance to me is the rubber grip extension on the extended magazine. That damn thing sliding up and down when I load the mags with rounds is annoying and with my fat hands I have pinched my fingers on mag insertion...I wish it were firmly attached in place rather then sliding about.

Overall I like it very much and it groups nice and tight.

Get an UpLula for loading and add a titch of glue to the lower side of the rubber grip. Leave a round out if hard loading until you get it broke in. I DO NOT under stand the nose heavy thing Danged gun ain't big enough to be "Nose heavy"

 

[robkarrob]

I walked into the Ford showroom and saw a red Mustang GT 500 convertable. I just had to have it and bought it on the spot. An hour later I driving down the road and it's too loud. It rides like a truck and the shifter hangs between 2nd and 3rd gear. It spins the tires with hardly pressing on the gas, and it only get 12 mpg. What a piece of ****. I just wish I had taken it on a test drive first. LOL

Bob

 

[Maddmax]

Well, the fanboys came out in force, as expected. It's too bad that in almost two dozen derisive posts, only one or two had any additive, factual value.

Nothing said in these two dozen replies changes the fact that the Shield .40 is a mediocre sub-compact not ready for primary defensive carry because of the kinds of defects and shortcomings its design suffers from.

On the enlightning side, this forum is a clear reflection of America in general, lately:

Attack the person who disagrees with your beliefs and opinions; become an unthinking pawn in the battle to remain polarized and thereby reinforce your dysfunctionality; defend mediocrity instead of demanding performance to a higher standard of excellence.

Just read the above replies....excuse after excuse for the shortcomings of this mediocre pistol and a concurrent demand to settle for substandard accuracy, reliability, and performance....the new america!

Well, it's been fun fellas. You haven't disappointed my expectations as to how the majority of you die-hard S&W fans would react to my objective assessment of a rather disappointing S&W product.

Maybe if you had redirected your anger toward S&W's design team instead of toward me, they would work harder to introduce a better product next time around.

Yup. You never fired or handled the gun. Definitely smell a "Kool-Aid" Troll looking for a fight from the other side.

 

[Fat B]

Well, the fanboys came out in force, as expected. It's too bad that in almost two dozen derisive posts, only one or two had any additive, factual value..

Hmmm... I understand that you were expecting something and it turned out to be something different. However you wouldn't get chastised as much if you made clearer points and less generalizations. Here's my point. You talk about "Well documented problems" with the mag drop but also with accuracy and reliability. This is the first I've heard about accuracy and reliability problems. Well documented from where? And if they are so well documented, you still bought one?

Problem with the MSRP? It's cheaper than a Beretta Nano, Walther PPS and an XDS. I'm sorry as they are probably good guns but Kel Tec is not in S&W's league.

Varying frame strength consistency? Oh, good Lord! Where do you get your information? I'm calling you on this one. Time to show your cards and let us see your sources.

I can understand if you felt uncomfortable with the grip or didn't like the balance but now I'm suspecting you're making up stuff to get a rise out of the S&W community. Must have read it on the internet. They can't put anything that's not true on the internet. Bonjour!

 

[MP1SG]

He is obviousley some mis guided in expierenced hero Troll hiding behind the internet, Hoping to get a reaction from the S&W community.
It does NOT appear he even fired the Shield to get a true and accurate assement of the guns capabilities. Claims to be a S&W salesman or rep who was probably "let go" (In other words fired) for his in ability to be loyal to a great Company.
This happens every so often, Some guy/girl comes on this forum and bashes a product and just waits for a reaction. And as usual I fall for it hook line and sinker. Be that as it may the Shield is a great gun, as I said I have the Shield 40 and 9. After 1,000 + rounds in each gun without a SINGLE failure, I couldnt be more please with this weapon. To the OP i suggest at least shoot the gun then make a decision, Someone with your expierence (alleged expierence) should have the common sense to at least fire a mag or two.
Or sell it get a KelTec and live happily ever after. Or FOREVER hold your peace
1SG
Out

 

[kennyb]

Well, the fanboys came out in force, as expected. It's too bad that in almost two dozen derisive posts, only one or two had any additive, factual value.

Nothing said in these two dozen replies changes the fact that the Shield .40 is a mediocre sub-compact not ready for primary defensive carry because of the kinds of defects and shortcomings its design suffers from.

On the enlightning side, this forum is a clear reflection of America in general, lately:

Attack the person who disagrees with your beliefs and opinions; become an unthinking pawn in the battle to remain polarized and thereby reinforce your dysfunctionality; defend mediocrity instead of demanding performance to a higher standard of excellence.

Just read the above replies....excuse after excuse for the shortcomings of this mediocre pistol and a concurrent demand to settle for substandard accuracy, reliability, and performance....the new america!

Well, it's been fun fellas. You haven't disappointed my expectations as to how the majority of you die-hard S&W fans would react to my objective assessment of a rather disappointing S&W product.

Maybe if you had redirected your anger toward S&W's design team instead of toward me, they would work harder to introduce a better product next time around.

you still failed to explain this LEO deal where there is no saleasman, you don't open the box until you pay FULL MSRP, all under the cloak of darkness and stealth...LOL...
most of the guys here are pretty savvy and i would venture to say they figured you out very quickly!

 

[GKC]

Nothing said in these two dozen replies changes the fact that the Shield .40 is a mediocre sub-compact not ready for primary defensive carry because of the kinds of defects and shortcomings its design suffers from.

There is nothing to change, since the Shield is not a mediocre sub-compact, certainly not in the majority opinion.

On the enlightning side, this forum is a clear reflection of America in general

Actually, not...it is, though, indicative of the trend of individuals or small groups who think that the overwhelming majority must either submit to their opinions and beliefs, or the majority is wrong, blind, brainwashed, etc. This trend is best described as "You are free to agree with me, but you are not free to disagree with me."

You are entitled to your opinion...but if the majority of Shield owners have a positive opinion of the gun, then that is going to be the prevailing opinion. No one here (that I have read) is demanding that you change your opinion...but you seem to expect that everyone here should change theirs.

I don't think it's gonna work...

 

[Stuckless]

It's top heavy when empty???

That's a new complaint, and I must say, a hilarious one.

It also comes with 2 white dots on the back sight and only one on the front.

 

[pyro]

KelTec, really?" KelTec has a few good points if you can get past the visuals of a gun that looks like it was dragged behind a car. This is a strange post. I find anybody that uses the term"fanboy," before there is a single reply, is a bit strange also. There may be valid dislikes, but there was a lot of imaturity creeping into the OP's post.

 

[blujax01]

A member for four years - you had to "chase" for 6 months to find a Shield - yet not once during that time did you look into reviews on this Forum?

Not even curious how others felt about the same gun you were actively seeking for half a year?

Never read a single thread on the Shield?

Not once found a single gun store during a 6 month quest with a display model to look at first-hand?

Okey Dokey...

By the way, after reading the hundreds of comments written in various threads in this forum, and after feeling the Shield in my own hand (an S&W display with a chained to the counter unit) I decided on a different gun so I am not a Shield "Fanboy".