Markmontana
Member
I’ve been waiting on the Shield Plus to become available in 30 Super Carry. Smith first released theShield EZ in 30SC but I’ve never been a fan of the EZ platform. Last week I was able to get a Shield Plus from Cajun Concealed. It came with night sights for $549 plus shipping. I also have a Shield Plus in 9mm and I shoot it well. But, here’s a quick range report on the model in 30SC.
I’ve made two brief trips to the local range. I was able to score a case of the Remington HTP 30SC 100gr JHP about a month ago from PSA. I have a case of Federal AE 100gr FMJ on order but it hasen’t arrived. Since the Remington load is very expensiveI was limiting the number of rounds.
In first range trip I ran 100 rounds unsupported at 21ft. There were no malfunctions of any kind and the groups were about twice the size of groups Iget with my 9mm Shield Plus, in this case 4-5 inches and consistently LEFT of point of aim. Hmmm. So I took the target and pistol to the range “gunsmith”, he kept fooling with it for 30 minutes or so and said “all good”.
On second range visit I started to run another 100 rounds but early on my rounds were still hitting LEFT of point of aim. Not much, about 2-3 inches but still left. My 9mm was dead on right out of the box. So, I had one of the range employees shoot a mag thinking it must be me. His experience was same as mine. So, I finished off the rest of the 100 rounds again with no malfunctions.
At this point I would say a few things about this new pistol in a new caliber.
— it feels a little “snappier” than my 9mm. Also, I’m not sure what powder Remington is using in this load but it is definitely not “low flash”. Muzzle flash is there. These two things are not material enough to present a problem for me but they are different than 9mm version.
— After 200 rounds there has never been a stoppage of any kind. The pistol is reliable.
— Like it’s 9mm brother the shield Plus ergonomics are excellent for me and I really like the flat face trigger.
— The mags are really stiff. I could not fully load them without my mag lula.
— It’s not a bullseye gun. Even though groups are large all rounds stay in the center mass of silhouette target. As for shooting left of aim I can just aim two inches right at defensive distance until I get it figured out. I’m not sure how good the gunsmith was at the range but I intend to take it to my regular gunsmith for a second opinion. When I visually inspect the sights to me they do not look off.
Don’t get me wrong, I really like shooting this pistol. And, I like the idea of a 13 round flush fit magazine and an extended 16 round magazine no longer than the 9mm version. I’m sure I’ll get the POI issue figured out.
As an aside, during the second range outing I pulled my current carry gun, a Sig P365XL Spectre, and put a couple of mags down range. It shot right to POA with a tight group I could cover with my fist. It is a sweet shooter.
I’ve made two brief trips to the local range. I was able to score a case of the Remington HTP 30SC 100gr JHP about a month ago from PSA. I have a case of Federal AE 100gr FMJ on order but it hasen’t arrived. Since the Remington load is very expensiveI was limiting the number of rounds.
In first range trip I ran 100 rounds unsupported at 21ft. There were no malfunctions of any kind and the groups were about twice the size of groups Iget with my 9mm Shield Plus, in this case 4-5 inches and consistently LEFT of point of aim. Hmmm. So I took the target and pistol to the range “gunsmith”, he kept fooling with it for 30 minutes or so and said “all good”.
On second range visit I started to run another 100 rounds but early on my rounds were still hitting LEFT of point of aim. Not much, about 2-3 inches but still left. My 9mm was dead on right out of the box. So, I had one of the range employees shoot a mag thinking it must be me. His experience was same as mine. So, I finished off the rest of the 100 rounds again with no malfunctions.
At this point I would say a few things about this new pistol in a new caliber.
— it feels a little “snappier” than my 9mm. Also, I’m not sure what powder Remington is using in this load but it is definitely not “low flash”. Muzzle flash is there. These two things are not material enough to present a problem for me but they are different than 9mm version.
— After 200 rounds there has never been a stoppage of any kind. The pistol is reliable.
— Like it’s 9mm brother the shield Plus ergonomics are excellent for me and I really like the flat face trigger.
— The mags are really stiff. I could not fully load them without my mag lula.
— It’s not a bullseye gun. Even though groups are large all rounds stay in the center mass of silhouette target. As for shooting left of aim I can just aim two inches right at defensive distance until I get it figured out. I’m not sure how good the gunsmith was at the range but I intend to take it to my regular gunsmith for a second opinion. When I visually inspect the sights to me they do not look off.
Don’t get me wrong, I really like shooting this pistol. And, I like the idea of a 13 round flush fit magazine and an extended 16 round magazine no longer than the 9mm version. I’m sure I’ll get the POI issue figured out.
As an aside, during the second range outing I pulled my current carry gun, a Sig P365XL Spectre, and put a couple of mags down range. It shot right to POA with a tight group I could cover with my fist. It is a sweet shooter.
