Thinking about a Shield PC 45.

[J Rich]

So, I've been off the S&W train for a while. I'm thinking of getting a Shield just for another EDC.

I currently carry a P938 or a G30s. Which usually depends on where, when, and how I'm going. Each of these have there pros and cons.

I've never shot the shield, and don't know anyone that has one. I love .45s so, wanting the Shield 45 Performance Center just for the ported barrel vs a plain Shield 45. The question is does the porting really help with the recoil on the Shield 45? Not that I can't handle recoil, but I like fast follow up shots. I also have larger hands than some, so small guns can be a problem at times like my P938.

In my G30s I use a Tungsten guide rod to help manage the recoil. The frame of the 30 fills my hands nicely, but with the short barrel the weight of the Tungsten gr is a big improvement.


I could do the Shield 9 PC, but love the punch of the 45. So, who got them? What's the pros and cons? How about aftermarket parts? I sure I will find a way to void the warranty in the first week of ownership.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I have one. I feel it actually is easier to shoot than the 9mm shield ( which I owned for a week.) It's more of a rolling push vs snap and IMHO, is very manageable. As for the PC features, some don't like porting but I never had an adverse condition with extra flash/gas from mine. The trigger and FO sights are also way better than the standard shields (and worth the extra $ alone IMHO).
p.s. There are a few other threads covering this topic around here. Use of the search button should find them for you.
P.P.S if you don't mind the weight and extra width, the M&P45C is a real nice carry able shooter too!

 

[J Rich]

I know about the search bar. Just couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.

As for the M&P 45c. I have no doubt it's a nice shooter and carry. Thou its slightly larger than my G30s. I'm looking to be between the P938 and G30. I'm also a IWB guy unless it's winter then I'll go OWB with a Jacket. I also have a G21 which covers my full size needs. Thanks for the info.

 

[ScaryWoody]

I bought my Shield 45 for defensive carry. A ported barrel is not something I want for CCW but tastes will vary. It carries very nicely, I carry OWB. It has pretty much replaced my Glock 19 except for trips into the ATL.

 

[ultratec00]

If you match the ammo to the firearm (I.e. short barreled 45), I'm not all that convinced the advantage of a ported barrel. Other than the ported barrel, the only noticeable difference between the PC and production model are the fiber optic sights. You've got to decide yourself if it's worth the additional cost to go PC. I own two Shield 45s, both production models w/ thumb safety, Apex triggers, SS Guiderod, and Ameriglo I-dot tritiums. Both are exceptional shooters with my ammunition of choice.

Which firearm do you want continuity with, the P938 or the G30? The P938 has a thumb safety, the G30 doesn't. The Shield 45 PC isn't offered with a thumb safety.

 

[J Rich]

Thumb safeties are not a feature that I need on a EDC except on my 1911s and 1911 style pistols like the P938. So, that's not a deal breaker for me anyway.

As far as the ammo 97% of what I have is 180gr. and 230gr. I carry 150gr. Defense rds.

 

[Well Armed]

I have one. Matter of fact, I have a PC and a regular 45 Shield. The ported barrel is a none issue, and the flash isn't that more noticeable vs the flash that comes from the muzzle... Most who have an issue with the ports on the PC Shield are those who never owned one, and who are making assumptions based on general theories they've heard about or watch on the inet...

The blast coming out of my and most of the AR and AK pistols as well as the new Shockwave shotguns that are popular for home defense now days are something to talk about... The flash from a ported Shield, not so much to worry about IMHO...

I EDC the 45 PC version regularly while the regular version is a safe queen. I'll eventually will sell it off whenever I get around to it. I like it and it feels better in hand than my 9mm Shield which I also stopped carrying...

Note: I never fired both the 45 and 45 PC side by side, but I do know that the 45 PC is a light shooter. Even my new to shooting GF put a few mags through it, and didn't mind the recoil...

 

[J Rich]

I have one. Matter of fact, I have a PC and a regular 45 Shield. The ported barrel is a none issue, and the flash isn't that more noticeable vs the flash that comes from the muzzle... Most who have an issue with the ports on the PC Shield are those who never owned one, and who are making assumptions based on general theories they've heard about or watch on the inet...

I'm with you. The flash is not a concern to me. It's not a .50 cal. DE, or even a. 45LC. I think the size is right, I like the Ports, and having a better trigger is a plus.

I more I read the more unsure I am. There are a lot of posts about reliability issues. I haven't seen a common issue, but I may get one with zero issues or a complete lemon. The last S&W I had was the sw40ve I had zero failures with that gun. Even if I did I couldn't send it back to S&W the warranty was void.

If I have a issue with one of my Glocks I can be at the factory in 45 min. or order new parts online. S&W not so much. I'm keeping my eye out for a nice used one on my local forum.

 

[Well Armed]

I'm with you. The flash is not a concern to me. It's not a .50 cal. DE, or even a. 45LC. I think the size is right, I like the Ports, and having a better trigger is a plus.

I more I read the more unsure I am. There are a lot of posts about reliability issues. I haven't seen a common issue, but I may get one with zero issues or a complete lemon. The last S&W I had was the sw40ve I had zero failures with that gun. Even if I did I couldn't send it back to S&W the warranty was void.

If I have a issue with one of my Glocks I can be at the factory in 45 min. or order new parts online. S&W not so much. I'm keeping my eye out for a nice used one on my local forum.

Mine has been almost flawless except for the captured recoil spring breaking apart. I sent one email, and S&W had a new one in the mail within a week. Other than that, I haven't had any issues...

 

[clarkstoncz]

Wth over a year gone fighting both Mialno and S&W cs over my Rebate.

S&W finally came through with the promised mag loader, ammo and 2 spare .45 Shield mags.

So, there si still hope for thoseof you out there who are waiting and waiting for their rebate to become a reality.

I'm so happy, that I might even buy a M&P Compact 2.0

 

[Real Old Navy]

I have a Shield 1.0 9mm with CT laser...I love it! My 7rd is a +2 Strike...and (4) 8+2 Hyve mags...I replaced the guide rod with a SS among other things I've changed. I am sure that no matter what model Shield you get...you will be happy with it. I knew before I purchased mine that I was going to extend the mags for increased capacity...one of the reasons I went with the 9mm. I replaced the guide rod even before I fired the gun the first time...I wasn't comfortable with a polymer guide rod. I've replaced the trigger (Monarch) and added a mag release extension. TFO sights and threaded stainless barrel next. The PC version looks cool but wasn't what I wanted for me.

 

[ken158]

I have a regular and PC 45 and enjoy the sights and trigger on the PC and the ports are no issue and seem to keep muzzle down a bit. I’ll keep the PC for EDC and sell or trade the regular.

 

[FloridaS&W]

I more I read the more unsure I am. There are a lot of posts about reliability issues. I haven't seen a common issue, but I may get one with zero issues or a complete lemon...

I've been watching this forum for a while, and I have seen very few problems reported on the Shield 45, so it seems they are very reliable.

From what I've seen almost everyone loves the gun, and they love the accuracy. Quite a few members have purchased more than one. There were a few issues earlier (mostly mag issues) but when you think about the hundreds of thousands sold, overall it's been a huge success for M&P. Put some rounds down range with one and you'll understand.

 

[speedyquad]

I recently bought a 45 Shield 2.0 with night sights. It replaced my 40 Shield 1.0 as my EDC. I found the recoil to be slightly less on the 45. It also rolls more than the snap of the 40 so that makes it even more manageable.

I'll add that this is the 4th shield in our house. My wife carries a 40 shield and i sold a 9 shield to buy my 40 shield.