Talk me out of buying a Shield .45

[MacA]

Unless you want to pay Smith & Wesson for the honor of being a beta tester for them, wait a year.

I usually follow this advice on brand new platforms, but S&W has had a lot of success with the Shield in 9mm, as well as the .40, so I think the risk is minor! It better be, I just picked mine up on Saturday. I am a long-time .45ACP "worshiper". So when my LGS got a couple in, I decided to take a chance. Took it apart and gave it a good clean and lube. Will get to range this week and try it out.

 

[Pointblank2U]

I usually follow this advice on brand new platforms, but S&W has had a lot of success with the Shield in 9mm, as well as the .40, so I think the risk is minor! It better be, I just picked mine up on Saturday. I am a long-time .45ACP "worshiper". So when my LGS got a couple in, I decided to take a chance. Took it apart and gave it a good clean and lube. Will get to range this week and try it out.

Sales success and quality control are not really related issues. Most people don't read these forums. They go to a gun store and buy a gun based on looks or feel in the hand. There were some serious issues with the 9mm Shield, to the point that they were unable to furnish replacement RSAs for awhile.

 

[MacA]

Sales success and quality control are not really related issues. Most people don't read these forums. They go to a gun store and buy a gun based on looks or feel in the hand. There were some serious issues with the 9mm Shield, to the point that they were unable to furnish replacement RSAs for awhile.

Long-term sales success is usually a direct result of consumer confidence. Consumer confidence is most definitely swayed by quality control. Bad reviews and ongoing issues would indeed kill sales over time whether you "read these forums" or not. And the Shield is one of the most successful subcompact models on the market today. I would tend to agree with your concerns if they were introducing the .45ACP right after the 9mm. But since the 9mm issues have been resolved, and they have had success with the launch of the .40 model, I think it is very unlikely that they will have MAJOR issues with the .45ACP. Very low risk to purchase now, in my humble opinion.

 

[Bonephish]

But since the 9mm issues have been resolved, and they have had success with the launch of the .40 model, I think it is very unlikely that they will have MAJOR issues with the .45ACP. Very low risk to purchase now, in my humble opinion.

I purchased two pistols from a first production run - the .45 Shield last week and a Walther PPS M2 in January. Both are extensions of successfully selling guns, the Shield 9/40 and the PPS M1. I have never experienced a malfunction of any kind with either of these quality-made pistols. My Sigs have also been flawless from day 1.

Buy the .45 Shield with confidence. And enjoy shooting this great little pistol.

 

[oldfart64]

I am about to pull the trigger Djust sayin'.)

OK, do you have arthritis? do you have really small hands? are you used to shooting? are you used to a pistol that has a pretty big recoil?

If you answered any of the first three questions yes and the last question no, maybe you should try a 9mm shield first. Otherwise, pull the trigger and go for it.

 

[Pointer1]

Snappy is a relative thing depending on the individual, but technique can make a lot of difference. Change your standard two hand grip and wrap your weak hand trigger finger around the front of the trigger guard, thumbs forward. Very stable, less snap, IMO.

As for holsters, I'm using a Remora for now.



Bonephish, I've got a question for you. When you remove your slide to clean it, are there scallop like machine marks down the center?



Just curious, doesn't seem to affect anything, just looks odd.

I just picked up one today and the same marks are down the middle

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!