Hi RanchHand,
Nice list of handguns you have there, aside from the 642, the rest are much larger than the Shield. The Shield is popular due the the small size, high quality, and low price. If the Shield was priced at $550, they would be everywhere. The gun is a steal at $400, if you can find one. I've pretty much given up finding one this year, sorry I can't be of more help to the original poster. BTW: Are you suggesting the Taurus 945 is of equal quality as the S&W 4566? Please share your experiences with us if this is true, I don't hear much about the 945.
RESPONSE TO DASA
The T-945 is a near copy to the 4566 in size IMO. The ergonomics are perfect for my hands plus at 28 ounces is easy to carry especially in the North East where Sweatshirts are common 6-9 months a year.. And I LIKE .45's
The 945 is nowhere near the quality of the SW line. But as long as ANY gun fires when its supposed to, Feeds as it should, they are ALL good weapons.. You get to a gun show and see one try it just to get the feel of the grip/gun ETC.. Mine are one stainless with rosewood grips and one in black with rosewood grips. Both guns have the Gold plated details. Both are .45 caliber. 8+1 with a 10 rd back up clip.
You can drop the hammer back 1 notch to its safe position and leave the ambi safety off with no fear of accidental discharge. Gun is Traditional DA/SA,
and the 2 -I have VERY accurate for SD. They are NOT Smith's but ok just the same. I used the SS one to take my CCW test. The instructor said, " you love that gun don't you?" I said yeah 'fraid so.. only guns I have that are NOT SW's.