Ported Shield 9mm vs Shield 9mm

[xdmshooter59]

Did you use a timer or just go by feel? Did you only shoot two-handed or did you try strong and weak hand only?

No timer. Everything was based simply on first impression and feel. I did not shoot strong or weak hand either. My sole purpose was to decern a couple things mainly. Did porting help with muzzle flip and was the improved trigger that much better than standard Shield and did it make any significant difference in accuracy. The answer to both of those was "yes" however, not enough IMO to make a difference in a defensive situation. Keep in mind, we each only put 50 rounds thru each gun. Over a much more extensive comparison, possibly some more nuances might become apparent.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[Bonephish]

I have the standard Shield with Apex trigger and Ameriglo sights - Better trigger and sights than the PC and more accurate.

Ameriglo sights are so bright they loook electrified.

 

[Deacon Blues]

I'd like to get the ported Shield but I would like to put an unported barrel in it. Are there barrels available? And if so, from where?

 

[SVTCOBRATKD]

I have both. I would get a standard and with the money saved use it on TFX sites. I have had no issues with either cycling ammo. The ported does get dirtier and drier much faster, but not a big issue. Did not cause any failures. I really can't tell any difference in recoil or trigger. My standard's trigger is better than my full size with Apex kit.

 

[Com 45acp]

I have the standard Shield with Apex trigger and Ameriglo sights - Better trigger and sights than the PC and more accurate.

Ameriglo sights are so bright they loook electrified.

Have you shot a performance center model to make this claim? I think it the person behind the gun not the gun. I doubt your gun is any more accurate than a pc shield.

 

[True_Precision_Inc]

I'd like to get the ported Shield but I would like to put an unported barrel in it. Are there barrels available? And if so, from where?

We have threaded 9mm on pre-order that should be ready on Feb 15th. These are designed, and made right here in Ga in the good ole' USA. We will have 40-9 conversion barrels for the Shield in a few weeks and non-thread right after that.

 

[Bonephish]

Have you shot a performance center model to make this claim? I think it the person behind the gun not the gun. I doubt your gun is any more accurate than a pc shield.

I have shot a PC Shield 9mm. My gun is more accurate because the trigger is smoother and lighter and sights are better than the factory PC model.

 

[Valistar]

I traded a S&W 9mm Full Size for a Shield 9mm performance model at one of my LGS's a few weeks ago. I really didn't have any issues with the ported barrel until I saw a post concerning certain brands of ammo that you're not supposed to shoot with a ported barrel. Sure enough, when I checked my inventory of CCI and Federal 9mm ammo it says on the back of the box "do not shoot with ported barrel weapons" or words to that effect. I called CCI and Federal and both CS reps confirmed that the copper coating is thin and there's a chance that a piece can shear off and discharge through the ports. I went back to my LGS and they kindly allowed me to swap for a regular shield with NS and no cost since I hadn't shot the performance model yet. There is ammo that you can shoot with no problems through the performance model, I just didn't want the hassle of having to keep an inventory of mixed 9mm to support the performance model and the safety concerns were not worth the risk in my opinion. I'm very happy with the regular shield!!

Valistar

 

[Mister X]

I traded a S&W 9mm Full Size for a Shield 9mm performance model at one of my LGS's a few weeks ago. I really didn't have any issues with the ported barrel until I saw a post concerning certain brands of ammo that you're not supposed to shoot with a ported barrel. Sure enough, when I checked my inventory of CCI and Federal 9mm ammo it says on the back of the box "do not shoot with ported barrel weapons" or words to that effect. I called CCI and Federal and both CS reps confirmed that the copper coating is thin and there's a chance that a piece can shear off and discharge through the ports. I went back to my LGS and they kindly allowed me to swap for a regular shield with NS and no cost since I hadn't shot the performance model yet. There is ammo that you can shoot with no problems through the performance model, I just didn't want the hassle of having to keep an inventory of mixed 9mm to support the performance model and the safety concerns were not worth the risk in my opinion. I'm very happy with the regular shield!!

Valistar

"Ported barrels can be downright dangerous when fired from retention. I have personally seen where what appeared to be part of the jacket embed itself into the face of one of our officers during retention training. Even if no hard particles leave the port, the gas definitely is directed straight into your face." - Mike Moore Gunsite Academy Instructor

Many people say they simply won't ever fire from compressed or retention positions, but considering the vast majority of civilian armed self-defense scenarios occur at contact out to about 3-5 yards maximum, it is an absolutely vital shooting method IMO. It simply isn't a very good idea to fully extend your weapon when the threat is an arms length away.

 

[Mildew]

I don't disagree with the post above. However, the metal piece would have to make it though one of the two barrel ports (one on each side) and then make it through one of the six slide ports (three on each side). I could happen, but maybe not.

That being said, perhaps I could modify my retention shooting position to take care of the potential problem.

I bought a Shield 45 PC and took it to the range for the first time last weekend. It's not perfect, but I'm happy with it.

 

[jim46ok]

It sounds like if a person likes everything about the PC except the porting, then we're right back to the standard pistol with Apex trigger job and aftermarket sights. To each his(her) own, I guess.

 

[xdmshooter59]

It sounds like if a person likes everything about the PC except the porting, then we're right back to the standard pistol with Apex trigger job and aftermarket sights. To each his(her) own, I guess.

I would tend to agree here except the trigger upgrade and sight upgrade on a standard Shield would bring the total investment to more than what a PC Shield would cost. Here again "to each his own".

In my unscientific review I noted the porting made very little noticeable difference than the standard version that I could "Feel" while firing rapidly. I'm sure if you could set up a high speed camera and played it back with each gun side by side superimposed you may be able to detect a small difference in muzzle flip. It's basic physics and you can't cheat physics. In the case of the PC Shield you have two small ports which IMO is not going to be a significant difference over non-ported barrel to begin with.

The only other argument I've seen (there are many threads on the subject) other than more noise is shooting a ported barrel from retention. Since the Shield was designed as a carry gun there is some merit to this and the last page in the Shield manual even warns from shooting a ported gun from the hip / retention. Now.... obviously S&W had to print this for liability reasons, but I can't help but wonder what the thought process must have been as to why porting on a carry gun and a small carry gun at that? Marketing ploy to increase Shield sales is the only thing that comes to mind.

 

[Com 45acp]

I traded a S&W 9mm Full Size for a Shield 9mm performance model at one of my LGS's a few weeks ago. I really didn't have any issues with the ported barrel until I saw a post concerning certain brands of ammo that you're not supposed to shoot with a ported barrel. Sure enough, when I checked my inventory of CCI and Federal 9mm ammo it says on the back of the box "do not shoot with ported barrel weapons" or words to that effect. I called CCI and Federal and both CS reps confirmed that the copper coating is thin and there's a chance that a piece can shear off and discharge through the ports. I went back to my LGS and they kindly allowed me to swap for a regular shield with NS and no cost since I hadn't shot the performance model yet. There is ammo that you can shoot with no problems through the performance model, I just didn't want the hassle of having to keep an inventory of mixed 9mm to support the performance model and the safety concerns were not worth the risk in my opinion. I'm very happy with the regular shield!!

Valistar

Can you explain further what loads and brand Federal and CCI are stating not to use in ported models?
Thanks

 

[Ranger17]

Can you explain further what loads and brand Federal and CCI are stating not to use in ported models?
Thanks

I can say based on info I was given, CCI Blazer is one of them; its boxes are marked not for ported barrel use and i was told by their cust service its due to thin plating that can flake off. I cant say what Federal but i'd assume their basic line.

I have not had any issues with Herters or Remington UMC for practice ammo in my PC Shield. Frankly didnt have issues with the Blazer rounds until i read on it and then stopped using more for precautionary reasons.

 

[Steved13]

Can you explain further what loads and brand Federal and CCI are stating not to use in ported models?
Thanks

For federal it's the Walmart stuff. I've shot thousands before I found out about it...never had a problem, but I stopped using it just to be on the safe side. It does say not for Ported barrels on the box.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/9mm-100-Round-GMJ-Ammunition-Pack/22027232

 

[Com 45acp]

Ok, the reason I asked is I carry Federal Tactical LE 124 grain +p+ hydra shok. Velocity on box is like 1170 Which is obviously not +p+ velocity. Guess a marketing ploy. But box doesn't mention anything about not using in ported barrels.

 

[Valistar]

Can you explain further what loads and brand Federal and CCI are stating not to use in ported models?
Thanks

As stated, CCI Blazer Brass 115g and 124g; unfortunately I shot all of my Federal 115g this weekend so I have no further information on the Federal ammo. I can confirm that the ported barrel warning was on the boxes of both brands. Unless your sitting on some really old ammo, you should be good to go if the warning is not on the box. For the +P+ shooters, if it were me I'd give CS a call just to be on the safe side.

Valistar

 

[Ranger17]

i'll add (from their cust service dept) that if one likes to use CCi/Speer ammo their Lawman was the next step up and was ok as it's plating was thicker

and for reference from CCi on their Blazer Brass warning:

"The bullet is a plated bullet. The plating on the bullet is thin. Some of the ported barrels had issues with shaving the copper plating from the lead core and spraying back onto the shooter. It is safety warning to prevent injuries from ported barrels."

 

[Valistar]

i'll add (from their cust service dept) that if one likes to use CCi/Speer ammo their Lawman was the next step up and was ok as it's plating was thicker

and for reference from CCi on their Blazer Brass warning:

"The bullet is a plated bullet. The plating on the bullet is thin. Some of the ported barrels had issues with shaving the copper plating from the lead core and spraying back onto the shooter. It is safety warning to prevent injuries from ported barrels."

That's the other issue I had, when you go up to the next level for range ammo, there's a corresponding increase in price...no thanks! I'd rather buy what's on sale without having to worry about the safety issues with a ported barrel.

Valistar

 

[xdmshooter59]

I know for sure Magtech is fine to use in ported barrels.

From Troy at Magtech:

There is no problem using our ammunition in your ported barrel, but please be aware that the ports will generate both significantly more muzzle flash and more critically, serious blast from the barrel directed upwards. This can be an issue if the gun is fired in a close to body defensive manner. It would be best to take care to extend the pistol away from your body, always wear proper eye protection and cant the pistol outboard if a close to body technique is being employed.

Some companies load a plated bullet (vs a true jacketed bullet) in some lower cost products. This thin plating can be shaved by the ports and possibly be directed back at the shooter. I have also heard some concerns with lower pressure ammunition not having sufficient energy to cycle a ported pistol, though I have not experienced issues with any of our ammunition.

Thank you for choosing Magtech. Please let us know if you have any further questions.