Shield V Glock 43

[sns3guppy]

I don't know. It might be. I never measured it.

I rented the G43 at a range while I was playing with a suppressed G19, and I liked the G43 enough that I got one.

I wasn't d too particularly concerned about the looks, and I didn't measure the bore axis. The stock trigger isn't great, so I put in a Ghost connector, and I'm waiting on a set of Trijicon HD orange sights. The only other thing I added was a Pearce baseplate an extra mag.

The G43 is about the same size as the Shield, and will actually fit in the same Remora holster as the Shield. It wouldn't take the same formed holster, such as the Comptac Minotaur. It's compact and the RTF grip pattern (continued on the PG base plate, but not on the factory base plate) provides good purchase.

The Shield was great for concealment. It was the frame splitting at under 200 rounds that soured me on the design, otherwise I'd probably still have it. If I could get S&W to return it to me, that is. Of course, I couldn't carry it, as S&W wouldn't warranty it. But it was great for concealment. Just really dangerous to rely on for defense.

I threw a s&w 642 in my pocket yesterday while running around. No worries there.

 

[bcj128]

Had a group of recruits fresh out of the academy try both the Shield vs. G43. The overwhelming winner was the Shield. Saw a bunch of the recruits heading to the local S&W LE distributor to go buy Shields.

 

[bcj128]

So my department just finished its department range qual last week. I've been carrying my G43 for weeks now but decided to shoot it side by side with my shield. 100 rounds later I'm convinced I shoot the Shield better. (And I am what you would consider a Glock fanboy). I even had to say I really wanted to like the G43 better but just can't.

Anyhow I've let several staff who've become dissatisfied with their Glock 27's try both the G43 and Shield. All but one chose the Shield.

This is a fine little gun. The G43 now sits as a backup if my Shield goes down.

 

[Shielded]

I like my Shield, a lot, carries well, shoots great etc... By happen chance my LGS got in a used G43 from a regular trader, one of those lucky few who buys a gun shoots 30-50 rounds & then trades it off for something else. It was to good a deal to pass up so... it followed me home. I've yet to shoot it, but I like it's feel etc... I do like Glocks, so I had no qualms in purchasing it. As soon as I'm able to get to the range, I'll throw in my 2 cents on it & the Shield by comparison. The 43 has a hard row to hoe, IMO to beat out the Shield. My only nods to the 43 thus far is that it's lighter, and might be a tad better in a pocket carry role. As many have said, Glock is waaaay late to the party, even so I'll bet they'll sell a boatload of them.

 

[bcj128]

Shielded - I totally agree! I'm definitely not selling the G43, but right now my Shield gets the nod.

 

[rondooley]

I am a total glock fan boy. However my shield is a much better shooter than my 43.

 

[Shielded]

I am a total glock fan boy. However my shield is a much better shooter than my 43.

I'm very eager to try my 43 too, & see how it compares. I have a Hogue Handall Jr on both & the Pearce grip, so their as even as I can get them.

 

[martybee]

$5 a rental? I have great envy for you right now.

That is quite economical, but at my range they have a Wednesday special for members: $ 1.00. (But you have to buy & use their ammo). This way you get to try many different guns for a small amount of money!

mb

 

[Elliot45]

Glock 100% reliable???

bcj128, why is it when someone compares the Glock to a S&W, they always list that it is 100% reliable? You own a Shield, has it been 100% reliable? Mine has from the beginning and it's never had a misfire or jam and I've put over 1,000 rounds through it using all types of 9mm ammo. The Shield is my favorite CCW and it fits my hand better than the Glock, is just as reliable and has greater capacity. If I were listing the attributes of my Shield, I would list that it is 100% reliable, same as the Glock. Unless yours has had a problem, I would think you would be proud to list that attribute too. Just my opinion. Regards, Elliot45

 

[bcj128]

bcj128, why is it when someone compares the Glock to a S&W, they always list that it is 100% reliable? You own a Shield, has it been 100% reliable? Mine has from the beginning and it's never had a misfire or jam and I've put over 1,000 rounds through it using all types of 9mm ammo. The Shield is my favorite CCW and it fits my hand better than the Glock, is just as reliable and has greater capacity. If I were listing the attributes of my Shield, I would list that it is 100% reliable, same as the Glock. Unless yours has had a problem, I would think you would be proud to list that attribute too. Just my opinion. Regards, Elliot45

My shield has been 100% reliable and the trigger is far better than my G43. I believe I've spelled out all of its positives before in this thread. (If I didn't I apologize.). That has not been my experience with a lot of micro guns, nor my experience with the M&P line as a whole. The Glocks I've run (tens of thousands of rounds over 24 years) have all been100% reliable with the exception of one pistol. It is s reputation S&W still has to achieve.

 

[bcj128]

And to tag onto my last comment, there is a reason we always mention that the Glocks function 100 percent. I just finished a range trip with my shield and towards the end of the third magazine the gun locked up solid, and cannot be cycled or disassembled. The reason we comment about clocks being so reliable is because they are. I've never had anything like this with the Glock pistol and 24 years.