Shield 9mm to 45acp, did you or would you?

[LAA]

Quotes from thread....

"In the past, there was a more marked difference between 9mm, .40s&w, and .45auto. But not so much anymore. Not with the modern loads that are available these days. No handgun is going to knock anyone down. Regardless of caliber."

"Buy which gun you like the best, but for other reasons besides caliber."

The 45 may not knock a human down, but it sure does a better job on many target objects. No doubt, that the target is getting hit with more blunt force. I do prefer 45 for the caliber. I've also found the 45 to consistently hit the target much more accurately as distance expands from 7 to 25 yards. I once had my doubts about the 45 being squeezed in to a Shield package. Those were erased on day one. I just don't much care for 9mm anymore. But then, I always preferred the full size 45's over 9's.

 

[FLS&W]

Have the 9 & 45. The 9 is now for sale on consignment. The 45 has a much better trigger and for about the same capacity, I prefer the 45 ACP.

 

[Bishop99]

I have both Shields and I shot the 40 Shield numerous times. I finally got the time to go to the range after getting the gun a month and a half ago. This is a pleasant gun to shoot and 200 flawless rounds. It surprised me like the first time firing my wife's Shield 9. I went and got one the next week. Recoil impulse is much better to me in 45 than the 40 Shield. I vote get both. The Shield 45 is slightly bigger than the 9. So when wearing more form fitting clothing the Shield 9 will be my edc. Any other time the 45 will be in tow.

 

[bloodlord77]

I have the 45 midsize, love it, and would never get rid of it. My fullsize 9mm stays in my holster though.

 

[kthom]

The way I'm built, my six round mag conceals slightly better in my IWB holster, so I carry the seven rounder in my spare mag pouch. And when traveling, I've got three seven rounders loaded up in my possibles bag for spare ammo just in case. Even though my hands are fairly large, I can shoot the gun with either mag in place comfortably and accurately so I'm good to go with either one!

 

[BigALChief]

Cabelas has them for $375 right now. I really should be Christmas shopping for someone other than myself... tempted

 

[awmp]

Shield 45 arrived.

Cleaned it and have been drying firing it before I get to the range.

The texture is just a little too much but 600 grit sandpaper smoothed it to just the right texture that feels good in the hand.

I have a set of Trijicon HDs (yellow front on the way). I was curious though I ordered them and they just said M&P Shield, will they still work on a 45acp Shield?

 

[LAA]

Shield 45 arrived.

Cleaned it and have been drying firing it before I get to the range.

The texture is just a little too much but 600 grit sandpaper smoothed it to just the right texture that feels good in the hand.

I have a set of Trijicon HDs (yellow front on the way). I was curious though I ordered them and they just said M&P Shield, will they still work on a 45acp Shield?

They'll work.

 

[vista461]

Cabelas has them for $375 right now. I really should be Christmas shopping for someone other than myself... tempted

Damn and I thought when I got mine there for $399 it was a steal. That was the cheapest price around here.

 

[GKC]

I had a Shield 9mm, and now have the Shield 45. I didn't go to the 45 directly, but had some other carry pistols in between, so this is from memory, but:

Size: the 45 is slightly larger than the 9, but still easy to carry and conceal.

Grip: the grip texture on the 45 is significantly better than the 9.

Trigger: again, this is from memory, but it seems to me that the trigger is somewhat better than I remember it being on the 9.

Caliber: I much prefer 45, and my favorite platform is a 1911. I find them too heavy to carry comfortably, even the compact models. I did buy a Springfield XD-S in 45 when they first came out, but before I even fired it, the recall was announced. My dealer gave me a full refund (actually, allowed the full price on a trade, so I never sent mine in, and haven't considered them since.) I was hoping that S&W would make a Shield 45, and when they did, I bought one as soon as I could.

Capacity: I am not bothered in the least by the "limited" capacity of the Shield 45. I carry it with the 6 round magazine in the well plus one round in the chamber, and two 7 round magazines for backup. If I can't handle whatever is happening with 21 rounds of 45, then I better be running away!

Safety: mine has the thumb safety, which I prefer. I find the safety to be both positive to engage and easy to disengage, and does not intrude or create any other problems with my grip. It's a vastly improved design over the other M&P models I've owned with a safety, which were too big and mushy. I know some don't like a safety, but I do, so I'm glad I could find one.

Ammo: my choice of carry ammo is Hornady CD, which is somewhat hard to find where I live...but, I prefer it over ball ammo (which is easy to find, and great for the range.)

Recoil management: the recoil impulse is surprising for such a small, light pistol...actually better (IMO) than a metal framed compact 1911. That was surprising to me! This is subjective, and each person's experience/perception may be different (or as is commonly said, YMMV) but I think the grip is the difference, as well as the overall design.

All in all, I think the Shield 45 is better in every way than the Shield 9...but that's for me. It may not be for you, but that is a choice that has to be made by each individual.

 

[Wolfman-Iraq]

$369.00 shipped at Buds Gun Shop, with Military/LE Discount.
Both Shield 45 models 11531LE & 180022LE.

 

[Penna Shooter]

Lots of good feedback to tell the consensus love both. I do not have either, but leaning towards the Shield.45acp. I have a few autos in Sigs.P220 SSE, carry. Love this .45 my main edc in the winter months, and P225 single stack 9mm, and the most recent striker fire P320, 40 and 9mm. Two neighbors have shields which I shot many time, solid shooters....The .45 shield would fit my daily switch of edc as each day differs from autos to revolvers for carry. Merry Christmas all.

 

[Bozz10mm]

If the .45 ACP Shield would have been available 3 years ago, I would have bought it instead of the Shield 9mm. I want a Shield in .45 ACP, but I'll probably stick with the 9mm.

A while back, I said I'd stick with the 9mm. I didn't. With the current rebates, it was too good to pass up. Now I have a .45 Shield and 9mm Shield.

 

[martybee]

A while back, I said I'd stick with the 9mm. I didn't. With the current rebates, it was too good to pass up. Now I have a .45 Shield and 9mm Shield.

Brought home my new M&P Shield45 today!
Field striped it, cleaned, lubed, and inspected it. Looks good. Loaded all 3 mags with 230 gr. FMJRN and it is ready to shoot! (Bought an extra 7-rd. mag on eBay). Will take it to the LGS&R on Tue. and try to shoot at least 51 rds. The $75.Rebate application will be mailed in tomorrow. I rented a Shield45 a couple of weeks ago and loved how it shot! I Have had the Shield9 for about 1-1/2 years and it is also a very fine piece!

 

[Big1]

I took my Shield .45 out a couple of weeks ago and ready to take it out again this week, I brought some Underwood 185gr xtp and some 200 gr Bond HP and some defenders 120gr that I need to try out.

 

[rwsmith]

Do what you have to.....

Do what you have to to get a .45 Shield

 

[Dad_Roman]

....or two

 

[BigDog48]

Have both, love both,but now love the 45 more. Others have hit it, but the trigger is great and recoil is much tamer than I expected. Then there's just some appealing about the bigger bore.

Here are the loaded mags side by side.

 

[gwgw60]

The Shield 45 has become my favorite shooting and carry choice over the Nano, LC9, G43, LCR, and Shield 40. It feels good in the hand and I shoot it very well.

The Shield 40 beats my hand up too much, but the 45 is just fine. The only reason I keep the 40 to be 40 capable if we get into an ammo crunch again and the 40 is all I can find.

 

[Tradewind36]

I've had the Shield 9 for a couple years and have no problems with it. I've looked at the Shield .45 and I've gone back and forth on it, like to have one but there's nothing wrong with my 9. If I found a super deal on the .45 I'd probably get one.

I guess I now have no reason not to add the Shield .45

 

[Dad_Roman]

Glad we could enable

 

[ArmedWithKnowledge]

Not a chance

I own the Shield 9mm and there is no way I would switch to the .45 ACP.
It's true when talking about FMJ rounds the .45 ACP would be more effective, but this is really only applicable to military applications because expanding/flattening rounds are banned by the Hague Convention of 1899 (which means JHP aren't allowed).
However with regards to modern ammunition design, a 9mm JHP round made by a quality munitions company (Federal's HST rounds for example) is JUST as effective as a .45 JHP round when it comes to the requirements for stopping a threat (proper penetration depth of between 12-18 inches, proper expansion, proper expansion after passing through clothing, obstacles, etc.).
So that said, I cannot see any reason to switch to a larger, heavier round. I can carry more 9mm, it weighs less, and it's less expensive to purchase for practice. And on a side note, the 9mm kicks a lot less in a small polymer carry gun like the Shield (especially if you use the 147 grain rounds, and AmmoQuest tested the 147 grain Federal HST, it performed perfectly).

 

[BigDog48]

I own the Shield 9mm and there is no way I would switch to the .45 ACP.
It's true when talking about FMJ rounds the .45 ACP would be more effective, but this is really only applicable to military applications because expanding/flattening rounds are banned by the Hague Convention of 1899 (which means JHP aren't allowed).
However with regards to modern ammunition design, a 9mm JHP round made by a quality munitions company (Federal's HST rounds for example) is JUST as effective as a .45 JHP round when it comes to the requirements for stopping a threat (proper penetration depth of between 12-18 inches, proper expansion, proper expansion after passing through clothing, obstacles, etc.).
So that said, I cannot see any reason to switch to a larger, heavier round. I can carry more 9mm, it weighs less, and it's less expensive to purchase for practice. And on a side note, the 9mm kicks a lot less in a small polymer carry gun like the Shield (especially if you use the 147 grain rounds, and AmmoQuest tested the 147 grain Federal HST, it performed perfectly).

No offense, but I have, carry and shoot both with Federal HST, and surprisingly the 45 "kick" with 230 gr HST is not much different than the 9 with 147 gr HST. It's more of a push than a kick, and given I have my choice and you have yours, everyone is happy. I still carry the 9 some days and the 45 others. I also occasionally carry a 642 .38 special, a Glock 19, a Kimber Custom II and a Bodyguard 380. I also practice with all 6 and a few others. My plan, should the need every arise is to be able to hit the person trying to kill me, my family or some other innocent person with as many rounds as necessary, which I expect (regardless of caliber) will be less than 5...if not, I'm ready. I figure I'm armed with experience, any day, any way I'm carrying.

 

[ArmedWithKnowledge]

No offense, but I have, carry and shoot both with Federal HST, and surprisingly the 45 "kick" with 230 gr HST is not much different than the 9 with 147 gr HST. It's more of a push than a kick, and given I have my choice and you have yours, everyone is happy. I still carry the 9 some days and the 45 others. I also occasionally carry a 642 .38 special, a Glock 19, a Kimber Custom II and a Bodyguard 380. I also practice with all 6 and a few others. My plan, should the need every arise is to be able to hit the person trying to kill me, my family or some other innocent person with as many rounds as necessary, which I expect (regardless of caliber) will be less than 5...if not, I'm ready. I figure I'm armed with experience, any day, any way I'm carrying.

No reason for me to take offense, we're all entitled to our opinions. It's interesting you find the recoil to be very similar. I've never compared the two...hmm, future range experiment?
And that's why there are so many makes, models and calibers, something for everyone. If the .45 ACP works for ya, I say go on with your bad self.

 

[Bozz10mm]

Yesterday I shot my Shield .45 back to back with my Shield 9mm. After 125 rounds of .45 ACP, I shot 50 rounds of 9mm. The .45 was not unpleasant at all, but there is definitely a difference in recoil.

Not sure which one I prefer to carry as EDC. With the Magguts +2 kit, I can have 10 rounds of 9mm with the short mag. The .45 only holds 7 rounds with the short mag, but it speaks with more authority.

 

[Dad_Roman]

NEEEEED MAAAGGUUUUUTS.....


I emailed em....they are working on it

Hyve has a +1 base...

Barracuda said they will not pursue it....

Im hoping for a +2 from MagGuts....have to wait and see (lot to ask for a 45 sized round)

 

[huskybiker]

The shield 9 has been my EDC for a couple of years, and I'm very pleased with it. It's been 100% reliable since day one. That being said, I couldn't help myself last night. I bought a 45 on GB for $349 shipped. With the current promotion of 2 extra mags, 2 boxes of Hornady CD, and a mag loader, it was a no brainer for me. I'm anxiously awaiting its arrival!

 

[MP1SG]

i commented back in Dec 2016 on this topic. Personally in my opinion and only my opinion the 45 is a better performing round than the 9mm regardless of the 9mm weight/ grain. Again ONLY my opinion.
Having said that and Ill conceded that the 9mm is easier to shoot therefore getting rounds on target quicker has its advantages.
I'd ,much rather put ONE (1) 230 grain 45 on target than ONE 147grain . 9mm on target again thats my opinion
That being said i till sometimes carry my Shield 9mm

 

[Nonuthin]

When I see these kinds of threads, I always think about the same things....
Would you rather be hit by a fast moving feather or a slow moving rock?
A BB gun has less recoil than a 45 so shot placement and follow up is much easier...
If I'm gonna carry 2 pounds of steel around, it might as well be a 45.
Why are all these other calibers always trying to be a 45?
Let's admit, once and for all, the 45 is the time-proven handgun king that all others are measured against.
That said, I'm a die-hard 40 fan.

 

[clarkstoncz]

Years ago I had an early Shield 9mm.

XS Big Dots, and a horrible trigger.

slapped my hand in recoil both from the back, and stung my trigger finger
with both FMJ and double Tap +P loads.

My wife had a Ruger LC9 that was tamer but that horrid DAO trigger
meant that it didn't shoot as accurate as the Shield.

Well, I decided to go back a a .45 ACP, and now have a Shield .45 PC
pistol that shoot both soft and accurate for me..at least @9 yards.

Even shooting in a dim range lane, no problems with muzzle blast or flash...
with 230 FMJ or my hot Double Tap 200 grain Gold Dots.

Doesn't sting my finger either.

A nice IWB from Black Arch Holsters

will make it even better.

So, that's my story!