Shield .40 First Impressions

[tcfiero]

My shield 40 with 165 grain felt like my 40C with 180 grain. Sweet gun and no problems getting back on target. I would highly recommend this as a carry gun.

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[Jchadmullins]

How's the pressing the release problem going? I have a problem with magazines dropping but I am not pressing the release. Were you able to correct the problem by adjusting your grip?

 

[jazzman452]

My local gun store has a waiting list for both calibers. There are 34 people waiting on the 9mm and only 1 waiting on the 40. I would get one in 40 if I was in a hurry, but I don't mind waiting for the 9. I did not add my name to the list as there are a few other guns that have my interest also.

Jim

 

[YZ400Man]

How's the pressing the release problem going? I have a problem with magazines dropping but I am not pressing the release. Were you able to correct the problem by adjusting your grip?

For me it is definitely the grip. I have big hands (also a lefty, my issue couldn't happen if I could reverse the release) and if I do no pay attention I let me right hand wrap around a bit too far. This allows the tip of my right index finger to push against the the pad on my left middle finger which will sometimes press the mag release. I just need to spend more time shooting with the extended mag so I lock the proper grip in muscle memory.

Good luck with your issue. I does sound like you are fighting a very different problem than I am.

 

[robkarrob]

I had the mag drop after the first few shots. I found the grip thumb indent is angled down, towards the mag release. The thumb indent on my LC9 was straight forward. If I keep my top finger tighter on the grip, it blocks my thumb from sliding down and touching the release. Or I can just concentrate on keeping my thumb straight. It's always something.

Bob

 

[Raising Cain]

If I read between the lines it doesn't sound like any new Shield .40 owners have regrets and wish they had purchased the 9mm instead. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

I purposely waited for the .40 over the 9mm.
I was at the gun shop the day the first 9mm arrived, and I got to fondle it like we were dating.
No regrets what so ever with the decision to wait.

If I was target shooting with it, then I may have went the other way.
But, this is a tool that was bought for a specific reason, & I wanted all the punch I could get out of the pistol.

YZ400MAN's spot on with his report. I concur with his assessment of the .40cal Shield.

 

[master7]

I SAW NO COMMENTS ABOUT THE DIFFICULTY LOADING THE MAGAZINE ON THE S&W SHIELD. I FIND IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO LOAD AND HAVING IT SIT AROUND WITH A FULL LOAD IN THE MAGAZINE DOES NOT IMPROVE THE SITUATION.

 

[1hatchet]

master7, why all of the caps? All caps is considered yelling on internet forums please stop.
Yes magazines are hard to load but gets easier after loading and cycling magazines, many members use this maglula | Tools for loading and unloading magazines

Otherwise welcome to the forum.

 

[Rocket-scientist]

I sit here reading this and just remembered my shield 40 is on my hip. Yes, I did forget it was there, way easier to carry than my glock 23. I still think the glocks shoots better (for me), but I've been carrying that pistol for 16+ years.

No issues loading my magazines, both of them are tight but not difficult. Next time I get to shoot I'm going to run the IDPA classifier to see how I do. This pistol does have some snap but no worse than my 329PD with full house 240 grain loads

I want some night sights, but no other mods on my mind so far. Only issue so far is some rust around the mag release, it's been 100-110 here in hell lately though.

Make sure you practice with some of your carry loads or a matched load. Real ammo may be hotter than the WWB you're shooting.

And have fun, this is a great pistol!

 

[BigCityChief]

I sit here reading this and just remembered my shield 40 is on my hip. Yes, I did forget it was there, way easier to carry than my glock 23. I still think the glocks shoots better (for me), but I've been carrying that pistol for 16+ years.



No issues loading my magazines, both of them are tight but not difficult. Next time I get to shoot I'm going to run the IDPA classifier to see how I do. This pistol does have some snap but no worse than my 329PD with full house 240 grain loads



I want some night sights, but no other mods on my mind so far. Only issue so far is some rust around the mag release, it's been 100-110 here in hell lately though.



Make sure you practice with some of your carry loads or a matched load. Real ammo may be hotter than the WWB you're shooting.



And have fun, this is a great pistol!

My thoughts, exactly, including the fact that my Glock 23 shoots better.


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[Dvan34]

I SAW NO COMMENTS ABOUT THE DIFFICULTY LOADING THE MAGAZINE ON THE S&W SHIELD. I FIND IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO LOAD AND HAVING IT SIT AROUND WITH A FULL LOAD IN THE MAGAZINE DOES NOT IMPROVE THE SITUATION.

I agree with you the .40 Shield mags are difficult to load. I finally use the UpLULA to load.I have kept my 3 mags loaded for several months including use. They are still difficult to use. Also the recoil spring is very strong. For those using a 9mm Lone Wolf barrel in a .40 to this might be problem. Although I have read comments from people inserting 9mm in .40 cal magazines. I would be reluctant to do either when carrying for self-defense.

 

[Dvan34]

The Mag upLULA is a great tool but I don't like having to rely upon it. In a drawn out self-defense scenario it ain't gonna be too handy. That's why I carry extra magazines.