Why are so many buying Shields?

[palmettostate1]

I carry one but it is not comfortable for competition, including BUG division, nor can I stand to shoot more than a couple magazines at a time. It is a purpose-built firearm and that is to carry a lot and shoot a little, your mileage may vary.

It is not fun to shoot. I shoot an FS9 in USPSA, a Glock 19 in IDPA and the FS9 or Glock 17 in 3-gun.

 

[Watchdog]

Why are so many buying Shields?

They're cheap.

 

[RobzGuns]

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.

 

[CB3]

Affordable, shootable, reliable, concealable. I own other guns too for other purposes.

 

[palmettostate1]

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.

Ha. I don't want to experiment any more. I will take your word for it.

 

[Ranger17]

maybe its like "why do so many people buy Camry's" (or Accords, F150s, etc); the Shield has a certain job to do and for most buyers it seems to do it quite well at an affordable price.

I bought mine (PC model) as it is an intended carry piece someday, but in the meantime its just as much fun at the range as my full size MP.
Each range trip with the Shield has been close to or over 100+ rounds, and never any complaints from me.... only smiles....

just my .02 of course.

 

[palmettostate1]

I just see so many posts here and other places complaining of poor accuracy at 25 yards, not comfortable for long range sessions, pinching while reloading....etc.

 

[dalefan88]

When I bring mine to the range I usually put about 100 rounds thru it. I like shooting mine.


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[Rpg]

I suspect folks like these things because they are cheap, Light, small and readily available.

The drawbacks are that they are cheap, scream for aftermarket accessories and aren't useful over about 7 yards.

Lots of folks imagine defending themselves (and others) in a movie theater or shopping center.

Not possible in larger settings than face to face, arms length

Although we hear from folks who say they've fired thousands of rounds in one, I suspect they are a very small subsection of the consumer base.

There is also the problem with reliability: these things have had some problems.

A SD handgun must always work: every time.

Although I've used all them, they haven't impressed me.

They aren't sufficiently reliable, nor are they pleasant enough to shoot, for me to want one.

I use a M 38 or ( usually) a Colt Comander in 45acp for SD.

I can easily hit theatre or shopping center ranges with these handguns, and they are easily carried: and they all work, all the time and are easy to carry.

A bit pricier for sure, but reliability is the most important issue in a SD handgun, second is being able to reach beyond arms length from the holster in 1.5 seconds.

 

[palmettostate1]

I suspect folks like these things because they are cheap, Light, small and readily available.

The drawbacks are that they are cheap, scream for aftermarket accessories and aren't useful over about 7 yards.

Lots of folks imagine defending themselves (and others) in a movie theater or shopping center.

Not possible in larger settings than face to face, arms length

Although we hear from folks who say they've fired thousands of rounds in one, I suspect they are a very small subsection of the consumer base.

There is also the problem with reliability: these things have had some problems.

A SD handgun must always work: every time.

Although I've used all them, they haven't impressed me.

They aren't sufficiently reliable, nor are they pleasant enough to shoot, for me to want one.

I use a M 38 or ( usually) a Colt Comander in 45acp for SD.

I can easily hit theatre or shopping center ranges with these handguns, and they are easily carried: and they all work, all the time and are easy to carry.

A bit pricier for sure, but reliability is the most important issue in a SD handgun, second is being able to reach beyond arms length from the holster in 1.5 seconds.

Thanks for the input.

 

[rwsmith]

It's the most carryable....

It's the most carryable of the M&Ps without going to the .380. Their triggers are very good for a DAO.

 

[Steved13]

I find it fun to shoot. I've put 400 rounds through in 1 session, and never put less than 200 through it. I've had mine for about a month and have 1500 rounds through it. I love shooting it every time. I just got a full size PC with an RMR...only thing I don't like about that gun, is it will take away from shooting my Shield. Not sure why some find it uncomfortable, but I have a friend who hates chocolate...I'll never understand that either.

 

[Peak53]

I just see so many posts here and other places complaining of poor accuracy at 25 yards, not comfortable for long range sessions, pinching while reloading....etc.

Not intended to be a 25 yard gun or for long range sessions. Its a concealed carry specialty piece.

 

[Bard4jeff]

For me, it's size, cost and reliability. My opinion is put 500 down the pipe to make sure it runs then run it a little every month to stay sharp. It's no problem for me to shoot, in 9mm anyway, and I can wear it 12 hours without noticing much till those last few hours. Finish wise could be better but for $350/400 it's good. Besides it's a tool not meant to be a safe queen and this is coming from a guy that's OCD about my firearms lol.
I also have trouble staying tight past 15 yards but then again it's a short barrel and not made for that. I can't hit squat with my model 60 or glock 43 at that range either.
As far as the theater/parking lot long distance scenarios mentioned above, lol, if they have a rifle I don't give a **** if I'm running my 1911, your screwed. If they are running a pistol they'd be missing just as much as anybody else.
Bottom line, to me anyway is they are auto versions of a .38 as far as use. I trust them as much as any of the others I have or I would not keep it.


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[Watchdog]

I use a M 38 or ( usually) a Colt Comander in 45acp for SD. A bit pricier for sure, but reliability is the most important issue in a SD handgun, second is being able to reach beyond arms length from the holster in 1.5 seconds.

Absolutely. An older Series 70 Combat Commander is on my short list of must-have pistols. Preferably a blued one, but I'd buy a satin nickel one if the price was right. Just haven't found the right price yet. I search LGSs weekly in hopes of finding one. I have no interest in the newer ones. I'll find my Commander one of these days, I just know it.

Also...everything else you say in your post is true. Or at least I agree with everything else you say. Well thought out comments for sure.

 

[TTSH]

They're cheap.

This says it all. Or you can call them "inexpensive" if the word "cheap" sounds too derogatory.

 

[Watchdog]

I carry one but it is not comfortable for competition...It is not fun to shoot.

If you don't like shooting it, get rid of the thing. You'll take a beatin' on it if you sell it, but there's no point in hanging on to a pistol that doesn't work for you. Ditch it and get something you like to shoot and carry.

For whatever it's worth, I carry a Glock 30S. I used to carry it in the Blackhawk Serpa shown here, but now it rides in an El Paso Saddlery Yaqui Slide.

 

[instymp]

Not intended to be a 25 yard gun or for long range sessions. Its a concealed carry specialty piece.

This. Not a range gun.

 

[jbtrucker]

When I bring mine to the range I usually put about 100 rounds thru it. I like shooting mine.


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I also like shooting mine and usually practice with 150 rounds or more of 115 gr or 124 gr with no problem. I chose the 9mm Shield for price and felt good in hand , plus I'm a S&W fan

 

[Maxshield]

Not intended to be a 25 yard gun or for long range sessions. Its a concealed carry specialty piece.

Not intended to shoot 2" groups at 25 yds....If you can do 10" you'll be fine for SD.....they'll be doin a 5 second 100 yd dash, as soon as the bangin starts anyway