Jerry-R
US Veteran
I know you guys have heard all this before, but ................
I've been looking at the "pocket" pistol offerings for some time. Was getting tired of strapping on a two and a half pound 1911 for a quick run to the store, and wanted something discreet for a dinner out (shirt tail in and no jacket). I personally do not open carry even though Georgia "permits" it.
I considered the XDS in .45 (didn't see the point of a rail on a pistol that small), and some of the other small options in 40 caliber. I was fortunate enough to get to shoot a couple. For me, time to regain the sight picture for the second shot seemed a bit excessive due to muzzle rise in both those calibers (pocket pistol versions), so I opted for a 9mm.
The Smith&Wesson Shield is acceptably small, with higher capacity than some of the others. It comes with a seven round magazine, and an eight rounder - add one to each for a chambered round.
The trigger is actually pretty nice. Has the feel of a single action with about a quarter inch take-up. Some of the other pistols have what feels like a true double-action with a long stroke. The Shield has a "Glock-Like" tab in the trigger as part of the safety system, but also has a manual thumb safety. The thumb safety is easily manipulated - on or off. No personal issues with either, they work and are relatively intuitive.
The pistol has three white-dots for the sighting arrangement and both the front an rear are dovetailed. The rear has a set screw to lock it into place, but drift adjustable for windage if required. Mine shot to point of aim at fifteen yards. Off a sandbag at that distance it kept Federal 115 Grain Hollowpoints inside two inches.
There is a loaded chamber indicator, but it is merely a hole in the top - no tactile indicator protruding from the pistol. This is a non-issue for me. There is no such thing as an Ammunition Fairy that steals ammo from your loaded pistol. If you load the chamber, it stays that way until you shoot it dry.
Since there might be times I wanted to "wear" the Shield, I went to WERKZ for a synthetic holster. They make a nice OWB high-ride that is molded to the pistol, and a single mag-pouch for it. You can see the molded impression of the Smith logo and the rear cocking serrations on the sweat tab. Their products are well thought out, very reasonably priced, and all the edges are burnished smooth. Their web site is https://www.werkz.com/
Since I don't plan to reload for the 9mm, I have only run a box of 115 ball and a box of 115 HP's through it so far. 9MM is getting a little easier to find, but still a bit pricey for carry ammunition. I have had zero MALF's with the Shield so far (only a 100 rounds). For it's size it is pleasant to shoot, reliable, and accurate. Hard to ask for more than that.
I'm not a cartridge bigot, but never really gave much thought to carrying a nine. Overall, I am very pleased with the selection.
I've been looking at the "pocket" pistol offerings for some time. Was getting tired of strapping on a two and a half pound 1911 for a quick run to the store, and wanted something discreet for a dinner out (shirt tail in and no jacket). I personally do not open carry even though Georgia "permits" it.
I considered the XDS in .45 (didn't see the point of a rail on a pistol that small), and some of the other small options in 40 caliber. I was fortunate enough to get to shoot a couple. For me, time to regain the sight picture for the second shot seemed a bit excessive due to muzzle rise in both those calibers (pocket pistol versions), so I opted for a 9mm.
The Smith&Wesson Shield is acceptably small, with higher capacity than some of the others. It comes with a seven round magazine, and an eight rounder - add one to each for a chambered round.
The trigger is actually pretty nice. Has the feel of a single action with about a quarter inch take-up. Some of the other pistols have what feels like a true double-action with a long stroke. The Shield has a "Glock-Like" tab in the trigger as part of the safety system, but also has a manual thumb safety. The thumb safety is easily manipulated - on or off. No personal issues with either, they work and are relatively intuitive.
The pistol has three white-dots for the sighting arrangement and both the front an rear are dovetailed. The rear has a set screw to lock it into place, but drift adjustable for windage if required. Mine shot to point of aim at fifteen yards. Off a sandbag at that distance it kept Federal 115 Grain Hollowpoints inside two inches.
There is a loaded chamber indicator, but it is merely a hole in the top - no tactile indicator protruding from the pistol. This is a non-issue for me. There is no such thing as an Ammunition Fairy that steals ammo from your loaded pistol. If you load the chamber, it stays that way until you shoot it dry.
Since there might be times I wanted to "wear" the Shield, I went to WERKZ for a synthetic holster. They make a nice OWB high-ride that is molded to the pistol, and a single mag-pouch for it. You can see the molded impression of the Smith logo and the rear cocking serrations on the sweat tab. Their products are well thought out, very reasonably priced, and all the edges are burnished smooth. Their web site is https://www.werkz.com/
Since I don't plan to reload for the 9mm, I have only run a box of 115 ball and a box of 115 HP's through it so far. 9MM is getting a little easier to find, but still a bit pricey for carry ammunition. I have had zero MALF's with the Shield so far (only a 100 rounds). For it's size it is pleasant to shoot, reliable, and accurate. Hard to ask for more than that.
I'm not a cartridge bigot, but never really gave much thought to carrying a nine. Overall, I am very pleased with the selection.
Fired around 600 rounds of reloads no problem. Great pictures.
