Why are so many buying Shields?
- Thread starter palmettostate1
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Rett Skutt
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I don't know about competition shooting, never competed. As for me, it is easy to carry. Much easier than the Canik 9mm I had and sold. And in my opinion, that is what the Shield was built for. A single stack, short barrel, thin handgun. Would I want to get into a running gun battle with it, no way. Defending myself or a family member from a person wanting to do me/us harm within 3 to 10 yards, absolutely.
As for me shooting the Shield, again no problem. I really like shooting it, and within 10 yards; I can place 7 rounds center mass on an IDPA target. I usually shoot 100 to 150 rounds per practice shooting time with great fun. The only down side shooting the Shield is the small mags, lots of reloading of the mags. However, I have 6 mags and doing 2 or 3 mag reloads during my shooting time/practice is no problem. BTW, I also have XS Big Dot sights on the Shield.
I then switch over to my M&P 9mm Pro 5" for more fun. I have 6 - 17 round mags for the Pro, and go thru 2 or 3 reloads of those mags. I love shooting both guns. But I realize that each have their own purpose. The Shield for EDC and the Pro for Home defense and open carry (If I choose to do that on my property).
As others have stated, I don't think the Shield was developed for competition, or shooting for accuracy at or beyond 25 yards. Again in my opinion, if you are shooting at people beyond 10 yards for "self-defense", you are in the wrong situation.
I shoot the M&P Pro with 5" barrel or my SR45 for fun and practice. Just like my 2 - AR15's. I have one AR with a 20" match grade barrel and Nikon P223 scope for targets out at 200 yards or more. The other AR with the 16" barrel is just fun to shoot out to 100 yards. Look thru the EOTech sight and plink away. Making that AR500 metal sing is really fun to me.
So why are so many people buying Shields. Price, easy carry, (for some) easy to shoot, and lots of ways to upgrade or personalize it. Just my two cents added to the conversation.
Take care and Happy Holidays,
I think mine is defective. The one I have is fun to shoot and accurate from contact to 25 yards.
okiegtrider
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Perhaps it's just cause so many of us fanboys just like them.
Ballistic147
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I've had my Shield for two years now and it gets carried every day. It's not a target gun by any means however it is IMO the best small carry gun on the market. I have no problem hitting center mass out to 25 yards and can easily run a couple hundred rounds through it in a single range session with no discomfort at all and I very much enjoy shooting it. Maybe more so than my FS. My wife has one as well and has done a couple hundred rounds in a session with no complaints. Both have been 100% reliable with all sorts of factory ammo and my own reloads. Both are bone stock.
Now granted, the Shield isn't for everybody. Some folks just don't like the small size of it. I can see someone with arthritis having issues with a few mags but the recoil really isn't that bad. Not even close to my Suoer Redhawk with full house 44 Mags! From what you posted sounds to me like you need to find a gun that is better suited to your tastes.
Now granted, the Shield isn't for everybody. Some folks just don't like the small size of it. I can see someone with arthritis having issues with a few mags but the recoil really isn't that bad. Not even close to my Suoer Redhawk with full house 44 Mags! From what you posted sounds to me like you need to find a gun that is better suited to your tastes.
DocB
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I have been looking at the Shield ever since it first came out and was all the rage for a while. I just don't care for it. They are cheap now and probably dependable. Appear to be durable too. A good quality gun for somebody who needs one.
'Cause the intitial investment was more than reasonable; it fits in the front pocket of my jeans with no problem; it's accurate out to the 15 yards at my range; I can use or ignore the safety; and I'm good with it.
That said, I usually carry a Sig 320 IWB if I'm wearing an untucked shirt...the Shield is for tucked-in-clothes or summer.
And I probably invested too much in it....it was the first pistol I ever upgraded and went a bit overboard with night sights; Apex trigger package; and Talons. But then again I have a superb carry piece, have no problem putting a box or two through every other trip to the range, and have developed complete confidence in it.
That said, I usually carry a Sig 320 IWB if I'm wearing an untucked shirt...the Shield is for tucked-in-clothes or summer.
And I probably invested too much in it....it was the first pistol I ever upgraded and went a bit overboard with night sights; Apex trigger package; and Talons. But then again I have a superb carry piece, have no problem putting a box or two through every other trip to the range, and have developed complete confidence in it.
zymurgeist
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People are different. I absolutely hate shooting a Glock. The grip angle is all wrong for me and it won't point for beans. My natural point of aim for a Glock is awkward and promotes poor recoil control. For other people it's perfect. The gun should fit the owner and you should buy what fits you.
JK-linux
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Because they are cheaper than a 26 or 43?
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palmettostate1
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My point exactly. Some buy them and think they are bullseye pistols.
Amp
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Thanks for saying that because my Shield now sits in the safe where my 3913 was before I got it re-lamped.
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palmettostate1
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I don't know about competition shooting, never competed. As for me, it is easy to carry. Much easier than the Canik 9mm I had and sold. And in my opinion, that is what the Shield was built for. A single stack, short barrel, thin handgun. Would I want to get into a running gun battle with it, no way. Defending myself or a family member from a person wanting to do me/us harm within 3 to 10 yards, absolutely.
As for me shooting the Shield, again no problem. I really like shooting it, and within 10 yards; I can place 7 rounds center mass on an IDPA target. I usually shoot 100 to 150 rounds per practice shooting time with great fun. The only down side shooting the Shield is the small mags, lots of reloading of the mags. However, I have 6 mags and doing 2 or 3 mag reloads during my shooting time/practice is no problem. BTW, I also have XS Big Dot sights on the Shield.
I then switch over to my M&P 9mm Pro 5" for more fun. I have 6 - 17 round mags for the Pro, and go thru 2 or 3 reloads of those mags. I love shooting both guns. But I realize that each have their own purpose. The Shield for EDC and the Pro for Home defense and open carry (If I choose to do that on my property).
As others have stated, I don't think the Shield was developed for competition, or shooting for accuracy at or beyond 25 yards. Again in my opinion, if you are shooting at people beyond 10 yards for "self-defense", you are in the wrong situation.
I shoot the M&P Pro with 5" barrel or my SR45 for fun and practice. Just like my 2 - AR15's. I have one AR with a 20" match grade barrel and Nikon P223 scope for targets out at 200 yards or more. The other AR with the 16" barrel is just fun to shoot out to 100 yards. Look thru the EOTech sight and plink away. Making that AR500 metal sing is really fun to me.
So why are so many people buying Shields. Price, easy carry, (for some) easy to shoot, and lots of ways to upgrade or personalize it. Just my two cents added to the conversation.
Take care and Happy Holidays,
Agreed. I tell people if I am 10 or more yards away, I am running! LOL
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palmettostate1
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It does fit nicely in the front pocket of my shorts. It "prints" if I try to conceal it under a t-shirt. Shorts and the t-shirts are the norm here in the south.
I don't know. I bought a Glock 43. 
kmanick
Member
Not much to say here others haven't already.
I've had mine for just a little over a year now. probably 1200 rounds through it. It's very easy to carry concealed and now that I've put the time into it, I'm reasonably accurate with it out to about 40 feet.
I also have 9C and a springfield XDM 3.8C .45 that I rotate as my EDC's,
really dependent on time of year and clothing options. I like shooting my Xdm and 9C a lot more than my shield , but my shield has it's "niche"
and for what it does , it does very very well.
I've had mine for just a little over a year now. probably 1200 rounds through it. It's very easy to carry concealed and now that I've put the time into it, I'm reasonably accurate with it out to about 40 feet.
I also have 9C and a springfield XDM 3.8C .45 that I rotate as my EDC's,
really dependent on time of year and clothing options. I like shooting my Xdm and 9C a lot more than my shield , but my shield has it's "niche"
and for what it does , it does very very well.
Protected One
Member
I agree. To me, the shield is a VERY comfortable shooter. I can run a couple hundred rounds in a single shooting session - no problem.If you think the Shield is uncomfortable to shoot more than a couple mags through, you obviously haven't tried the PF-9, original LC9, DB9, or Nano (to name a few).
I carried the PF-9 for a few Years before the Shield came out in 2012 and THAT pistol was one that I shot just enough through to stay proficient, then finished up my range time with either my XDMc, G26, or other larger pistol.
Try one of the other Subcompacts I listed above, THEN come back and tell us that the Shield is as harsh to shoot as those.
Why are so many buying FS?
When I decided to purchase a gun, I knew this would be a "one and done" proposition. The Shield is affordable, very concealable, (combat) accurate, and proven reliable. I never purchased it to practice dot torture, and you won't find me sniping an active shooter with my 3" barrel. Whatever challenges I find with a subcompact just adds to the fun factor, IMHO. These are guns with real personality. Considering that the OP has multiple firearms, I think the real question would be, why *wouldn't* the OP want a Shield, or the like, in the stable?
When I decided to purchase a gun, I knew this would be a "one and done" proposition. The Shield is affordable, very concealable, (combat) accurate, and proven reliable. I never purchased it to practice dot torture, and you won't find me sniping an active shooter with my 3" barrel. Whatever challenges I find with a subcompact just adds to the fun factor, IMHO. These are guns with real personality. Considering that the OP has multiple firearms, I think the real question would be, why *wouldn't* the OP want a Shield, or the like, in the stable?
oldfart64
Member
to each his own
I am an old guy, I have arthritis, I own a shield. I shoot about 100 rounds twice a month. No problems. I have talons on mine and they helped. I bought it because it was nice in my hand , it is very reliable, it was inexpensive , and at 10 yards I am deadly accurate. I try a mag once in a while at 25 yards, I can keep the shots in a dinner plate size group. I figure that is good enough. I compete with a Ruger American Pistol pro version. I like it for most of the same reasons, and It holds 17 rounds. It is my home defense pistol just like the shield is my ccw.
I am an old guy, I have arthritis, I own a shield. I shoot about 100 rounds twice a month. No problems. I have talons on mine and they helped. I bought it because it was nice in my hand , it is very reliable, it was inexpensive , and at 10 yards I am deadly accurate. I try a mag once in a while at 25 yards, I can keep the shots in a dinner plate size group. I figure that is good enough. I compete with a Ruger American Pistol pro version. I like it for most of the same reasons, and It holds 17 rounds. It is my home defense pistol just like the shield is my ccw.
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