Shield with Apex vs Walther PPS

[Redcoat3340]

I know the PPS vs Shield question has been posed a bunch of times. And the ultimate answer has always, wisely, been: try both and whichever feels best is best for you.

That said, I'm wondering if anyone has actual shooting experience with the stock PPS (or an improved one) versus a Shield with an Apex trigger kit installed?

For me the before and after on the Shield Apex installation was night and day...with the Shield cracking 'em out with a 4 lb. nice sharp trigger. I like the trigger a lot and shoot it well for it's size. Plus it's a great size for pocket carry. (My IWB carry is a Walther P99cAS)

But I've really come to like the Walther brand and I've got almost as many Walthers as I have S&Ws. So I was thinking about adding the PPS to the safe.

But, unless I can get the trigger as good as the Shield (which also has Trijicon Tru Glows mounted) I'm thinking I'd be investing a bunch of money I don't really need to...if I buy the PPS and then have to upgrade it just to get it as good as the Shield.

(Also, does anyone know if there is an Apex-like drop in trigger for the PPS? I checked their website and all that shows is one for the PPQ.)

Any comments, insights, etc. are greatly appreciated.

 

[bigwheelzip]

I don't have trigger details for you, but I'd like to ask why your P99 is not satisfying you? I have the Shield, and have shot the P99, and thought them roughly equal as shooters. But the P99's unique DA/SA makes it a great carry choice for a plastic striker fired gun.

 

[Arik]

I had the PPS. No experience with the Shield. I prefer the PPS grip

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[N4KVE]

I recently picked up a PPS M1 that has a date code of AL. I had a Shield 9mm which I sold when I picked up my XDs 45. I work for the largest FFL in Florida with 8 stores, & 45 gun shows a year where we have 82 tables per show, & usually sell 500 guns per show. So I always keep my eyes open for used guns that were hardly used. I get them at a great price, & when I get get tired of them, I sell them for what I paid, & not lose any $. The trigger on all these polymer striker does not bother me, as they are defense guns, not target guns. Should I "need" to use one, it will probably be at a distance of 5 feet, so again, I'm good with the trigger. So a few weeks ago when the PPS found me, I compared the trigger with a new PPS M2. The newer gun had the typical mushy striker fired trigger pull like my Shield, & XDs had. But the PPS M1 has a very crisp trigger. Much better than any other striker fired gun I have fired. Once the slack is taken up, if the trigger moves, the gun fires. Like a Gen 2/3 gun in single action mode. A few years ago, my friend bought a 40 PPS M1 from me while working at a show. He loves it. Now I'm not putting down a Shield, & with the $75 rebate from S&W, it's the deal of the century, but the PPS is the better gun to me. I have no experience with an Apex trigger, but by looking on line how gunsmiths can improve a few factory trigger parts that come with the Shield, I wonder why S&W can't do this. GARY

 

[mrchuck]

I have the new Walther "Creed" 9mm and the trigger is crisp and true.
Plus, they brought the price down to a very agreeable value.

 

[Farmer17]

The 5-1/2 to 7 lb trigger is probably good for a very small defensive handgun. I see a lot of people putting very light (3lb) triggers on small Glocks and other handguns with no manual safety and I wonder if it's a good idea. Most experts will tell you a little heavier trigger pull is a good safety feature on a defensive gun because of all the excitement and adrenaline pumping when the gun is drawn. Accidental/negligent discharges should not be taken lightly, and target or range pistols are a different animal.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Many thanks for all the good input. I think with what folks have said here and on a posting I made on the Walther forum I'm going to keep the Shield and hold off on the PPQ. As much as I like Walthers I've got probably got enough small pistols that I don't need another and there's nothing "wrong" with the Shield.

I really like both my P99s and shoot them pretty good (for me). The full size one is a more a range/HD pistol but I carry IWB the 99c. But that compact version is just a bit too thick and a tad too long for pocket carry, while the Shield fits just right in my jeans. The trigger, at 4 pounds, isn't too light, at least for me, and with the manual safety and trigger safety I feel comfortable carrying. It fits nicely in a DeSantis pocket holster with the trigger well covered.

Again, thanks for the responding....I think I'll save my money for either ammo or the P88 I'll never be able to afford.