I currently have a glock 43, but I'm looking to get a shield instead. I've been reading a few posts on here that the new ones are lacking in the quality department. Is this something I should wait to get or they good to go now? I was thinking about getting a performance center with night sights and a regular one with night sights.
New 9mm shields
- Thread starter Joeyg023
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Thanks. I hear so many good things about the shield I thought it might be better.
buckshotshorty
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Sounds like you're looking for something better, and that's a rather nebulous description when it refers to firearms. Choices in firearms are usually dependent upon a persons likes or dislikes when it comes to specific things like ergonomics, recoil mitigation, size, weight, accuracy, finish, reliability cost, etc.
If you want a Shield because you think it might be "Better" it precludes that something about your Glock is making you unhappy therefore the Shield might make you happy or may not!
Unless there is something you hate about the Glock ID keep it.
Sorry for the ramble
If you want a Shield because you think it might be "Better" it precludes that something about your Glock is making you unhappy therefore the Shield might make you happy or may not!
Unless there is something you hate about the Glock ID keep it.
Sorry for the ramble
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GA_Sheepdog
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I've fired probably 150 rds though a buddy of mines 43. I wasn't really impressed with it. The trigger was nothing like the FS glocks but its still good gun. I just never cared to buy one.
I don't think one is better then the other. It all depends on how they feel and shoot in your hand. They are both reliable and have a huge after market support. The glock is slightly smaller but the m&p holds one more round.
Btw if you wanna talk about better, I'd say the 43 and shield are better then a kahr cm9.
I don't think one is better then the other. It all depends on how they feel and shoot in your hand. They are both reliable and have a huge after market support. The glock is slightly smaller but the m&p holds one more round.
Btw if you wanna talk about better, I'd say the 43 and shield are better then a kahr cm9.
I love the Glock I was just looking at better options. I'm not as accurate as I could be with it. I either need to practice more or adjust the sights. I had Trijicon Hd night sights added before I shot it the first time so I'm thinking the rear sight needs to be adjusted. Either way I've just heard the Shields are more accurate, but I've never shot one. I came on here and came across a few threads were there was issues with the recoil springs and slides stuck bad and such. My Glock has been 100% reliable so far after 600 rounds.
GA_Sheepdog
Member
If I were you, I'd keep the glock and shoot it more. If you didn't have it I'd say go for the shield but one isn't more accurate then the other.
Shot a friend's G43. My Shield's trigger with the Apex carry kit far superio, IMHO. Never had a lick of trouble with my Shield.
I am a Glock certified armorer, and own and carry Glocks, so I am no Glockaphobe.
I am a Glock certified armorer, and own and carry Glocks, so I am no Glockaphobe.
I have shot both and both are equal IMO, I don't find mayor difference when shooting, both are great nice reliable and accurate pistols.
I went with the shield because is cheaper and hated the new glock finish, but IMO the g43 carries better.
I never experience any issues with either, but my shield had a gritty trigger also a bit heavy for my like.
I suggest to rent one and take it from there. If you are in Miami I might let you shoot mine ..
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Steved13
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I have a Glock 43, and a PC Shield. I like the Shield much better. For me the shield feels better, I shoot it better, and the shape carries better. I still have the G43 it's easy to rack the slide for my wife, but I hardly ever shoot it, it has become her gun.
TeaDub
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When starting out with a new gun, especially when switching from a double stack to a small single stack, it is "us" about 95% of the time. Before trading away a gun you love, practice with it. Concentrate on shooting fundamentals. Remove as many user errors as possible. In a perfect world, find a Shield to rent alongside your G43. Train literally back to back with them.
I have learned long ago (the hard way), not to trade away a reliable pistol on a whim. It may be that you like a Shield better. It took several range sessions to for me to learn my single stacks. I love them now.
okiegtrider
Member
+1
I find these tiny autos more difficult to shoot well than a full size, or even a compact model. I have to concentrate on fundamentals when shooting my Shield in order to make it work for me. YMMV
bedbugbilly
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I have a 9mm Shield and it runs flawlessly - a good pistol. However, when I was looking for a single stack 9 (I'm older and more of a revolver shooter), I had the opportunity to look at the Glock 43 as the LGS had on in for a customer who had ordered it (they were rather scarce at th time). Had they had one at the time, I would have opted for the Glock 43 (And I don't own any Glocks nor have I ever shot one).
I think you sort of answered your own question when you say that you aren't as accurate with the Glock and maybe yu need more practice. If you are going to dump the Glock and buy a Shield, you probably will like it very much. BUT, going with a higher priced Shield is not going to make you shoot any better . . . it takes practice and you need to "learn" the gun you are shooting - regardless if it is a standard handgun or an expensive ported, custom one.
There is an old saying . . . "beware of the man who shoots just one gun" and there is a lot of truth in that statement. We all end up having more than one handgun and most of us shoot all that we have. But when you stick to one and really work with it, you learn how it shoots, what your sight picture should be at different distances with different ammo and different bullet weights. That is why it is also important to practice at a variety of distances and not just at the 7 yard/21 feet that a lot of folks do when practicing with a SD handgun.
In the end, you have o decide which one you want and either are excellent handguns.
I think you sort of answered your own question when you say that you aren't as accurate with the Glock and maybe yu need more practice. If you are going to dump the Glock and buy a Shield, you probably will like it very much. BUT, going with a higher priced Shield is not going to make you shoot any better . . . it takes practice and you need to "learn" the gun you are shooting - regardless if it is a standard handgun or an expensive ported, custom one.
There is an old saying . . . "beware of the man who shoots just one gun" and there is a lot of truth in that statement. We all end up having more than one handgun and most of us shoot all that we have. But when you stick to one and really work with it, you learn how it shoots, what your sight picture should be at different distances with different ammo and different bullet weights. That is why it is also important to practice at a variety of distances and not just at the 7 yard/21 feet that a lot of folks do when practicing with a SD handgun.
In the end, you have o decide which one you want and either are excellent handguns.
Remember also that there is a skewed representation of problems with guns on Internet forums.
Those who shoot and have no problems do not generally run to specific gun forums for advice.
A significant percentage of people who come to a forum are inexperienced and have user-caused problems. So, while you will hear truthfully about some real problems with a particular gun, the actual incidence of occurrence in all the guns in the market is substantially lower than what it appears in a forum that at least in part is meant to help people with problems.
I note problems and am ready to overcome them if they occur. I find the fixes or the company's customer service are the key take-aways from problem discussion on forums. S&W CS is generally pretty good.
I echo others' advice: try before you buy, and make a concerted effort to learn to shoot any compact pistol, including your G43, well.
Being primarily close range guns, your grip, pointing technique and trigger control will account for 90% of your accuracy. Inside 10 yards, it is hard to argue (once you have mastered good techniques) that one good gun or special zapper ammo is any better than another for fast, close, personal defense.
If you actually, really shoot one better than another, then for some reason that gun has some minor characteristics that fit you better than some others, e.g., a better trigger.
However, good practice and plenty of it would overcome such small deficiencies with a gun as good as the G43 or the Shield.
Those who shoot and have no problems do not generally run to specific gun forums for advice.
A significant percentage of people who come to a forum are inexperienced and have user-caused problems. So, while you will hear truthfully about some real problems with a particular gun, the actual incidence of occurrence in all the guns in the market is substantially lower than what it appears in a forum that at least in part is meant to help people with problems.
I note problems and am ready to overcome them if they occur. I find the fixes or the company's customer service are the key take-aways from problem discussion on forums. S&W CS is generally pretty good.
I echo others' advice: try before you buy, and make a concerted effort to learn to shoot any compact pistol, including your G43, well.
Being primarily close range guns, your grip, pointing technique and trigger control will account for 90% of your accuracy. Inside 10 yards, it is hard to argue (once you have mastered good techniques) that one good gun or special zapper ammo is any better than another for fast, close, personal defense.
If you actually, really shoot one better than another, then for some reason that gun has some minor characteristics that fit you better than some others, e.g., a better trigger.
However, good practice and plenty of it would overcome such small deficiencies with a gun as good as the G43 or the Shield.
I have a regular 9mm Shield, PC 9mm Shield and Talo edition Glock 43. The PC Shield hands down has the best trigger out all three. On my last outing I shot it more accurately than my M&P PC 9L with full Apex trigger kit.
Unfortunately, the first 100 rounds in my new PC Shield the rear sight flew off. Lost the setscrew and plunger spring. Contacted S&W and was told they didn't have any parts in stock. Luckily I have a backup Shield I used to get the PC one back up and running. Over 600+ rounds on it so far and running like a top. Next on my list is PC Shield 45.
Unfortunately, the first 100 rounds in my new PC Shield the rear sight flew off. Lost the setscrew and plunger spring. Contacted S&W and was told they didn't have any parts in stock. Luckily I have a backup Shield I used to get the PC one back up and running. Over 600+ rounds on it so far and running like a top. Next on my list is PC Shield 45.
Just picked up my 2nd 9 mm Shield. Also have the .45.....I love the platform, shoot them great, great ergos, light recoil and all S&W's I own have been absolutely reliable.
Bought the 2nd to range for its maiden voyage this morning and it was superb.
This target was 100 rds, as fast as I could shoot, around the horn at 10 yds
I've owned a lot of guns in the past 40 years but the Shield platform for CC , for me, is by far the best.
It offers shootability almost on par with a full size out to 20yds, superior concealabity, ultra reliability. I can easily hide it even at the gym with just shorts and a workout shirt....Just my favorites.
Bought the 2nd to range for its maiden voyage this morning and it was superb.
This target was 100 rds, as fast as I could shoot, around the horn at 10 yds
I've owned a lot of guns in the past 40 years but the Shield platform for CC , for me, is by far the best.
It offers shootability almost on par with a full size out to 20yds, superior concealabity, ultra reliability. I can easily hide it even at the gym with just shorts and a workout shirt....Just my favorites.
jtaylor996
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I'd take my upgraded shield over a 43 any day, because I can shoot it a lot better. But if I shot the 43 better, then I'd take that, too.
Most would agree that both are great guns. I bought both and made several trips to the range to make a good head-to-head comparison. I liked both but the Shield ultimately won out for me for two main reasons: The Shield handled recoil a bit better and I was more accurate with it.
Before buying I researched every spec like crazy and read hundreds of posts and reviews comparing. The Shield is a touch heavier - a negative to some but I believe it helped me with recoil and followup shots. The grip is a bit longer on the shield - a negative to some but I'm a bigger guy and it won't affect concealment on me and it gives me an extra round.
When researching, I got tired of posts stating "shoot both..." - but as I ultimately realized that is the best advice. Only after getting both in my hands was I able to see how the slight differences in the specs translated into positives and negatives in relation to me.
Before buying I researched every spec like crazy and read hundreds of posts and reviews comparing. The Shield is a touch heavier - a negative to some but I believe it helped me with recoil and followup shots. The grip is a bit longer on the shield - a negative to some but I'm a bigger guy and it won't affect concealment on me and it gives me an extra round.
When researching, I got tired of posts stating "shoot both..." - but as I ultimately realized that is the best advice. Only after getting both in my hands was I able to see how the slight differences in the specs translated into positives and negatives in relation to me.
ThrowinRocks
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I own a Shield and an XD-s I could give you a number of reasons why I chose both but in the end it's up to you.
If you have a chance go shoot a Shield and make your own decision but remember there are in my opinion other single stacks that can be better than the Shield or the Glock.
Some brag on the new Walther PPS, XD-s, Kahr, and the Kel-Tec PF-9.
Don't depend on one or two opinions about which is better.
If you have a chance go shoot a Shield and make your own decision but remember there are in my opinion other single stacks that can be better than the Shield or the Glock.
Some brag on the new Walther PPS, XD-s, Kahr, and the Kel-Tec PF-9.
Don't depend on one or two opinions about which is better.
Totally disagree.. They are two different guns. The CM 9 is smaller and lighter. Much easier to carry. Mine has been perfect since new, about 700 rounds thru it already. I have a shield too, but there is nothing wrong with a CM9. I carry it 90% of the time.
Dvan34
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For combat shooting i would recommend you focus more on the 'front' sight to quickly access the target. That of course is not competition shooting. Front Sight Range and many instructors encourage that. It is faster than trying to line up both sight pictures. This is for shorter target distances like we may face in a SD situation 7 ft. to 21ft. or so with practice. Snap shooting. Put the front sight on the target where you want it. It works.
JimBianchi
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Bone stock, they are too similar to really pick one.
Add the apex trigger and the Shield is a clear standout.
Add the apex trigger and the Shield is a clear standout.
greeenteeee
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I have two Shields, PC and standard. Didn't shoot well with it at first. But eventually at one point was shooting better with it than my double stacks at 15 yards.
I wanted to like the G43 because it'd be easier to carry. Shooting it felt snappier, but that's from a few rounds in a rental. I honestly don't think you can try a new-to-you pistol and reach a fair conclusion without several hundred rounds.
I wanted to like the G43 because it'd be easier to carry. Shooting it felt snappier, but that's from a few rounds in a rental. I honestly don't think you can try a new-to-you pistol and reach a fair conclusion without several hundred rounds.
RGVshooter
Member
I owned a Kahr CM9. Great little sub compact perfectly designed for concealed carry whereas the G43 & M&P shield are what I would consider more combat capable. Between a Shield 9mm and a G43? I say keep the Glock.
Just picked up my 2nd 9 mm Shield. Also have the .45.....I love the platform, shoot them great, great ergos, light recoil and all S&W's I own have been absolutely reliable.
Bought the 2nd to range for its maiden voyage this morning and it was superb.
This target was 100 rds, as fast as I could shoot, around the horn at 10 yds
I've owned a lot of guns in the past 40 years but the Shield platform for CC , for me, is by far the best.
It offers shootability almost on par with a full size out to 20yds, superior concealabity, ultra reliability. I can easily hide it even at the gym with just shorts and a workout shirt....Just my favorites.
Nice Clayton target I sometimes shoot there
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I just saw a YouTube last night from one of the big "training companies". They recommended getting the Shield bacause it "doesn't need any improvements like the Glock".
They both seem to be very fine guns.
Got my Gen 1 Shield 9MM in a trade a couple of weeks ago and could not be happier. I was not really looking for one but took a leap of faith on a whim. It came without a safety & factory night sights. Amazing stock trigger measuring 7 lbs. and accurate out to 15 yards. I added to grip sleeve to help w/my XLG hands but left everything else alone. 300 + rounds so far w/o a single hiccup.
