I'm interested in finding out real world reliability, but also shootability, of a Sheild in 45 ACP for a male with XL glove-size hands. The price is surely right.
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Who Has Shot a M&P Shield 45 a Lot?
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Have one, have shot it at 100 yds and hit 55 gal drum easy. Up close at practical distances is ok, trigger leaves Much to be desired. Plan on selling it as LW Commander is way better.
OP
That is very helpful. Thank you.
I've put a few rounds thru mine. I found it to be very reliable - even breaking-in, no issues or problems with any of the ammunition I used. It struck me as kind of a "soft shooter" - recoil is more of a push than a jolt. 
Of any of my 45s, it's certainly one of the more pleasant to shoot. I don't carry it much because I prefer a couple of my 3rd Gen 45's and 9's for that, but I do take the Shield to the range whenever I go because It's just a fun little gun to shoot. I think you'll be pleased with it.
Of any of my 45s, it's certainly one of the more pleasant to shoot. I don't carry it much because I prefer a couple of my 3rd Gen 45's and 9's for that, but I do take the Shield to the range whenever I go because It's just a fun little gun to shoot. I think you'll be pleased with it.
I've got one my wife bought me (WHAT was she thinking! 
). I have north of 300 rounds through it with the only malfunction being the first time I tried to charge it with a mag of 230 RA45T. That round hung up. But since then, zero malfunctions. I do keep it cleaned and lubed.
It is accurate enough. Using 230 Federal ball it will do 2 inches at 15 yards. This is a late production...August 2021? 2.0 on the slide. Trigger is...meh. Spongy, but the reset IS audible and tactile. It will stay stock as I will not put any money into a cheap plastic gun.
I use it strictly at work and as a training aid at the range. I am not a fan of strike fired plastic. So this will be the only one I own. Sub $400 it is fine, for what it is. I wouldn't pay any more for one. Good luck! Regards 18DAI
). I have north of 300 rounds through it with the only malfunction being the first time I tried to charge it with a mag of 230 RA45T. That round hung up. But since then, zero malfunctions. I do keep it cleaned and lubed.It is accurate enough. Using 230 Federal ball it will do 2 inches at 15 yards. This is a late production...August 2021? 2.0 on the slide. Trigger is...meh. Spongy, but the reset IS audible and tactile. It will stay stock as I will not put any money into a cheap plastic gun.
I use it strictly at work and as a training aid at the range. I am not a fan of strike fired plastic. So this will be the only one I own. Sub $400 it is fine, for what it is. I wouldn't pay any more for one. Good luck! Regards 18DAI
OP
Again, thank you all!
Mine has been very reliable and controllable. I have no complaints. It is the only .45 ACP that I have pocket carried. If you are in the Albuquerque area you are welcome to shoot mine.
Have one that has less than 300 rounds through it.
Like it a lot, no problems, reliable & points good for me, like my Colt 1911 did.
To me, like it way better than the 45 glocks I had.
To Me, felt recoil isn't more than the 9 I sold.
Like it a lot, no problems, reliable & points good for me, like my Colt 1911 did.
To me, like it way better than the 45 glocks I had.
To Me, felt recoil isn't more than the 9 I sold.
I have one that the box says was from 2017. Have about 2,000 rounds through it without any malfunction (admitting that 90% of that was factory ball). Cost under $300 when I got it (with the $75.00 rebate). Comfortable to shoot for such a small .45. Trigger is the standard plastic pistol "Meh", but I wanted an inexpensive striker .45 that I can take with me when I fly by airline without worrying too much if it gets lost/stolen. Wanted it over others (like Glock) as I like thumb safeties.
1sailor
Member
Back when they first came out (and had that rebate) I bought one as a gift for my son. I took it out just to make sure it worked (was going to be carried). I ended up having so much fun with it that before I knew it I had to go out and buy another one for my son. Great little pistol. I also owned a Sig P220. When the time came to reduce the herd I kept the Shield over the Sig. I did install the Apex sear which is a great trigger enhancement for a very reasonable cost. A LOT softer shooting than I was expecting. Forgot to mention that I bought the thumb safety models and they have about the nicest safety I've run into on any pistol.
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I have "several hundred rounds" through mine. (I am not a round counter, except for certain rifles.) It's accurate and easy to shoot. I don't recall ever having a hang-up, and that's saying something because almost all of my shooting is done with lead bullet handloads.
The Shield 45 is a nice little gun, but if you can use a Commander for the same purposes, I too would rather have the Commander. If the Commander is a bit too big, that's when the Shield would come into play, IMO. I also agree with John that the Shield .45 is a use-as-purchased piece. I don't see the sense in spending a bunch of money on accessories, and really, I think the gun is fine as-is. If you need night sights, I guess that's one thing, but all the other monkey business stuff, not so much.
The Shield 45 is a nice little gun, but if you can use a Commander for the same purposes, I too would rather have the Commander. If the Commander is a bit too big, that's when the Shield would come into play, IMO. I also agree with John that the Shield .45 is a use-as-purchased piece. I don't see the sense in spending a bunch of money on accessories, and really, I think the gun is fine as-is. If you need night sights, I guess that's one thing, but all the other monkey business stuff, not so much.
Since you mentioned glove size, I'm assuming you have concerns about the grip. I too have XL glove-size hands and I find the grip a little thin but comfortable. The recoil is also comfortable.
I should mention that I use the extended baseplate for the magazines or else my little finger has nothing to do.
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I have the Shield 45. I have put approximately 1,000 rounds through the beast.
No problems after limp wrist issues early on. I shoot it very well, without issues.
Would not hesitate to conceal carry.
No problems after limp wrist issues early on. I shoot it very well, without issues.
Would not hesitate to conceal carry.
I forgot to address the glove size thing. I agree with rock doc. I usually wear XL or XXL gloves and can get along just fine with the Shield .45.
If you object to the grippy texture of the frame, which my daughter does, you can add a Hogue Handall or something similar to solve that matter and give yourself a slightly bigger grip at the same time. She does not have large hands but can manage her Shield .45 with Handall just fine.
If you object to the grippy texture of the frame, which my daughter does, you can add a Hogue Handall or something similar to solve that matter and give yourself a slightly bigger grip at the same time. She does not have large hands but can manage her Shield .45 with Handall just fine.
OP
Very good, everyone. I think I'll try one (since they cost about 5 tanks of gas).
Naturally, we will expect an evaluation from you. Pretty sure you'll like it.
I have nearly 8,000 rounds through my Shield 45. I like it a lot, and carry it often. I wouldn't do so unless I found it to be both accurate and reliable. Here's my report:
Shield 45
Purchased February, 2017
Round count: 7,661
Accuracy scores (Percent of shots from my last 15 range visits that hit inside a 4"x 4" square): 15 yards, 404/565 = 72%; 20 yards, 369/728 = 51% These were taken two-handed, standing unsupported.
I bought this Shield because of the many favorable reviews on the Forum. I love this gun. It's easy to carry (I carry it in my right front pocket in a DeSantis Nemesis holster), its recoil is surprisingly mild, and its 15-yard accuracy is astonishing. The attached target photo shows one of my better days at 15 yards (40 rounds) with my Shield 45. I can't believe that it is so accurate with such a short barrel. It outshoots ever other pistol I have, including my SIG P320 compact. The only exception is my FNX 45 Tactical with its 5.25" barrel and Vortex red dot.
I did have the original magazine followers, so I had a bunch of failures to feed initially, but after I received the redesigned followers, the FTFs went away, and it has been very reliable since. The factory trigger is just fine with me. While it is not as good as the excellent trigger in my P320, or the single action of my FNX, it is good enough that I've never felt a need to replace it.
I added a Hogue grip which has helped to improve my accuracy. My main challenge is shooting one handed. The combination of a small gun and a big round means you need a very firm grip and a firm trigger pull, or you'll limp wrist it into a failure to feed. But those have diminished with practice. Overall, however, I have no reservations about carrying my Shield 45. Even though my M&P 40c usually gets chosen for my daily carry, it's because of its greater round capacity, not because of its greater ability. Anyone considering the purchase of a standard Shield should consider the 45 first. It is superior to the 9 in every way, except capacity. And to me, it's worth giving up one extra round for the superiority of the 45.
Shield 45
Purchased February, 2017
Round count: 7,661
Accuracy scores (Percent of shots from my last 15 range visits that hit inside a 4"x 4" square): 15 yards, 404/565 = 72%; 20 yards, 369/728 = 51% These were taken two-handed, standing unsupported.
I bought this Shield because of the many favorable reviews on the Forum. I love this gun. It's easy to carry (I carry it in my right front pocket in a DeSantis Nemesis holster), its recoil is surprisingly mild, and its 15-yard accuracy is astonishing. The attached target photo shows one of my better days at 15 yards (40 rounds) with my Shield 45. I can't believe that it is so accurate with such a short barrel. It outshoots ever other pistol I have, including my SIG P320 compact. The only exception is my FNX 45 Tactical with its 5.25" barrel and Vortex red dot.
I did have the original magazine followers, so I had a bunch of failures to feed initially, but after I received the redesigned followers, the FTFs went away, and it has been very reliable since. The factory trigger is just fine with me. While it is not as good as the excellent trigger in my P320, or the single action of my FNX, it is good enough that I've never felt a need to replace it.
I added a Hogue grip which has helped to improve my accuracy. My main challenge is shooting one handed. The combination of a small gun and a big round means you need a very firm grip and a firm trigger pull, or you'll limp wrist it into a failure to feed. But those have diminished with practice. Overall, however, I have no reservations about carrying my Shield 45. Even though my M&P 40c usually gets chosen for my daily carry, it's because of its greater round capacity, not because of its greater ability. Anyone considering the purchase of a standard Shield should consider the 45 first. It is superior to the 9 in every way, except capacity. And to me, it's worth giving up one extra round for the superiority of the 45.
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Mine has probably 150-200 rounds of totally trouble free rounds down range. After buying a Glock 27 about 20 years ago, I was sort of expecting a similar recoil response. However I was totally surprised by how soft shooting it is.
It's my main "hot weather" carry gun because of its size and it's plastic. (sweat issues) I wipe it every few days and have yet to see any sign of rust or problems of any sort. It's darn accurate for it's size too.
I'm switched over to the 4516 for cold weather carry now, but 45 Shield is my second favorite carry piece. For a striker fired gun, I was impressed. The only other striker fired handgun I have is a PMR (22 magnum yard gun) My Shield is a keeper.
But I'm a 45 guy at heart anyway. ;-)
It's my main "hot weather" carry gun because of its size and it's plastic. (sweat issues) I wipe it every few days and have yet to see any sign of rust or problems of any sort. It's darn accurate for it's size too.
I'm switched over to the 4516 for cold weather carry now, but 45 Shield is my second favorite carry piece. For a striker fired gun, I was impressed. The only other striker fired handgun I have is a PMR (22 magnum yard gun) My Shield is a keeper.
But I'm a 45 guy at heart anyway. ;-)
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OP
Thank you very much, but I'm near Ruidoso. Very kind offer!
