My Shield .45 after 2000 rounds

[rwsmith]

One of the thinkgs I really like......

I have an Apex DCAEK in my M&P 40 compact, and I like it, but my Shield trigger so far is good and getting better, so I'm going to wait a bit more to see how good it gets. I really enjoy shooting it now. I'm reluctant to go Apex because I don't need the hassle if I ever have to send it back for warranty work.

My Shield has a great trigger, almost feels like single action. When I switch from a gun with a heavier trigger I have to be careful not to squeeze one off too soon.

 

[swsig]

OP Update

I went to the range yesterday and fired 120 more rounds, 100 AE FMJ, and 20 Fed Hydra-Shok HP. My only prep work was a normal clean and lube. The magazines were not touched and no further polishing was done on the feed ramp. All rounds fed, fired, and ejected perfectly. That's now 290 consecutive rounds without a nosedive failure to feed. I'm hoping that's the end of it. I'll let you know one way or the other after some additional range time.

 

[martybee]

My Shield has a great trigger, almost feels like single action. When I switch from a gun with a heavier trigger I have to be careful not to squeeze one off too soon.

Same with me!

 

[Rastoff]

My Shield has a great trigger, almost feels like single action.

That's because it is a single action.

 

[Will41]

I was thinking the same thing. If I shoot 200 rounds or more a month, the trigger will continue to improve. Also, I don't want to have the problems some mentioned here. If it was just a range gun, it would be different.

I have an Apex DCAEK in my M&P 40 compact, and I like it, but my Shield trigger so far is good and getting better, so I'm going to wait a bit more to see how good it gets. I really enjoy shooting it now. I'm reluctant to go Apex because I don't need the hassle if I ever have to send it back for warranty work.

 

[M29since14]

I think people shoot the Shield 45 better than the Shield 9 for basically two reasons - the very grippy surfaces of the gun, which means it is less likely to move erratically in your hand during recoil, and generally it's just a more accurate gun.

I haven't had my Shield 9 out of its box since the 45 came along. Owing to the magazine spring problems I've had with the 9, I don't feel like trusting it, and it's not the type of gun I enjoy shooting just for fun. Fortunately, the Shield 45 has made up for the disappointment of the Shield 9. One just terrific, the other miserable by comparison.

 

[1sailor]

One of the first things that surprised me with my new Shield 45 is just how much fun it is to shoot. I have heard of others having problems with the aggressive grip texture but I haven't noticed it other than it really helps me to keep ahold of such a small pistol.

 

[mac6150]

First time user

I recently bought a shield 45 and my first time at the range was not very impressive, to say the least. I watched videos on how accurate the shield is and it just wasn't matching what I did at the range. In my case I think the problem is me, not the gun. I'm a long time 1911 user and this being my first striker fired pistol presents a learning curve. I used a lighter mainspring in my 1911 to reduce trigger pull and wasn't expecting the heavier trigger pull of the shield. I think this is the primary reason my rounds on target were all over the place. The only cure for that is practice, lots of practice. I have only put 50 rounds or so through the pistol but will add significantly to that today when I hit the range. Other than my inexperience with this type of firearm, I love the little guy. Shooting is easy for me and I like the way the grip feels. I have not fired it enough to know how I like the sights, but they seem fine so far.

 

[OKFC05]

Aside from initially disassembling and deburring magazines, the "secret" is to clean them with CRC Silicone spray while disassembled and wipe it all off. All that's left is a slight dry residue of silicone powder, and the Heptane (white gasoline) in the spray is a super solvent. NO SMOKING!!!

 

[1sailor]

mac6150, when I first got my Shield 45 I thought the trigger was more than sufficient for defensive work. I like to shoot my pistols though and decided to install the Apex Hard Sear. It noticeably improved the feel and reduced the trigger pull. For the $40 or so I paid it made it's monies worth of difference. I also installed a set of TFX sights which are much easier for me to see and reduced the time it takes me to re-aquire my target. I have approx. 1100 rounds downrange now and if I move up to 50ft (I typically shoot at 20 meters) I can pretty much keep all rounds within about a 2.5" group if you don't count one or two fliers that are my fault. In my experience the little .45 can shoot well above it's price and size range.

 

[mac6150]

This little gun is starting to impress me.

Well, just fired another 75 rounds through my shield 45 and what an improvement. After a thorough cleaning my most recent trip to the range showed improvement. Now instead of being all over the target my rounds are clustered within a three inch group, with most holes on target touching with a few flyers. The only thing I noticed is that its shooting a little to the left. Its still too early to decide if its the gun or me causing this. I'll give it a few more trips to the range before attempting to adjust the front sight. I do like the feel of the gun in my hand. It feels like a natural extension of my arm.