Performance Center Shield Barrel

[MDFerrell]

Hello from a first time poster.
I have a Performance Center Shield 1.0 and considering replacing the ported Barrel with a non-ported. No problems with the Barrel, just considering going non-ported.
The question is should the new Barrel be purchased from S&W or after market.
I have never replaced a Barrel before and am reaching out for opinions from experienced forum members.
Thanks in advance and I appreciate any feedback.

 

[Rastoff]

I have used both factory and after market barrels. There are pros and cons to the whole venture.

After market barrels are usually easier to get. You can buy factory barrels, they're just not always available.

After market barrels are more expensive.

After market barrels are more accurate. Every company that makes barrels, makes this claim. Most of the time it's true, they are more accurate. However, most M&P owners aren't good enough to realize the small increase in accuracy.

So, my take on it is, get the factory barrel if you can. They're plenty good and will save you a few dollars.

 

[MDFerrell]

Thanks for the advice!

 

[joeb1]

Just wondering why you would want to do that to a Performance Center gun? You paid extra for that feature among others. I love my PC Shield45.

 

[Real Old Navy]

No problems with the Barrel, just considering going non-ported.

I don't think I would do it just because of the cost...but I'm a cool dude. I think if I was gonna do it I would replace it with a True Precision Threaded Stainless Steel fluted barrel...because cool dudes have cool lookin guns...and I'm a cool dude...with an empty wallet.

 

[MDFerrell]

I also love my PC Shielc 9mm. Just pondering having a non-ported Barrel to use occasionally.
The kind responses got me thinking that the Barrel money would help toward a new M&P compact 2.0.
Appreciate all opinions

 

[S+W Newbie]

I don't think I would do it just because of the cost...but I'm a cool dude. I think if I was gonna do it I would replace it with a True Precision Threaded Stainless Steel fluted barrel...because cool dudes have cool lookin guns...and I'm a cool dude...with an empty wallet.

LOL. The cooler you are the less money you have. So if your wallet is empty you are SUPER cool.

 

[tnhawk]

I also love my PC Shielc 9mm. Just pondering having a non-ported Barrel to use occasionally.
The kind responses got me thinking that the Barrel money would help toward a new M&P compact 2.0.
Appreciate all opinions

I would get a non ported Shield instead of getting a barrel for the PC Shield.

 

[MDFerrell]

Interesting thought!
Thanks

 

[sandog]

I have a PC .40, and would never consider going back to a non ported Shield.
Like the OP, I have no issues. I've gone out to my range after dark, shot the Shield held in close up to my body, and cleaning takes all of an extra ten seconds to wipe off the fouling from the inside of the slide and out side of the barrel next to the ports.
If someone tells you different, they don't have a PC, they're just repeating what they heard, or what they believe are problems with ported guns. The ports are just enough to reduce muzzle flip and perceived recoil slightly. No more.

Why would you want to go back to a standard barrel, and have more muzzle rise and slower time to get back on target ?
And as joeb1 said, you paid extra for that feature.

 

[MDFerrell]

Thanks Sandog,
This is my first Shield so I don't have any other to compare as far as muzzle flip. I have owned it for a couple of years and have no complaints with the performance.
I don't know why I even thought of buying the non-ported Barrel after reading all the great input from members with more experience than myself.