Shield Plus: A Paper-Pusher's Impressions

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I held one today at the store, it was priced at 550usd. Very nice, it fills the hand nicely. Is it sized more like the shield 45? I held a p365xl right afterwards, definitely felt smaller than the shield. I'll wait for the price to drop on the shield before diving in.
 
I can't say for sure, but the Plus feels more like a Shield 9 to me than it does a Shield 45. I can't seem to find a width measurement for a Shield 45 on either handgunhero or genitron.

For those of you considering a Plus, please be forewarned: As of this post, extra mags are still (largely) unavailable. I have checked S&W, Mec Gar, Gun Mag Warehouse, Mag Shack, CDNN, Bud's, Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore, Omaha Sports, Academy, and fair number of others every day since I got my Plus. There are 5 or 6 available on GB, but they're all auctions, no BIN mags at all. Prices are running $50-75 and up, even with several days remaining in the auctions.
 
I have the Shield 1.0 and really like it. I tried a P65 but did not like it as well as the Shield. I will have to try a Shield 2.0 when the craziness subsides.
 
Unfortunately, the "craziness" is not likely to subside anytime soon. The Democrats are currently on the verge of introducing a bill making "high-capacity" magazines illegal. Get 'em while you can.
 
My Shield 1.0 holds 7 in it's current CCW configuration with another 8 in the extended mag. carried in my spare mag. holster. Weight? Uh, light. Sorry, I'm 260 lbs. Weight really isn't the issue. Proper fit and comfort in my IWB holster is. And, the way I figure it, if I need more than 15, I'm in a world of hurt.
I did take a look at the Shield 2.0 + yesterday at the range. Didn't shoot it, but it does carry 12 rds. It was wider throughout the grip and was heavier than the 1.0. To be expected for sure. But, would it be more comfortable in my holster? I don't think so. If it don't fit, you'll end up leaving it at home instead of on your person! Not where a CCW weapon is supposed to be! But, if I was 60 lbs lighter? Maybe!
 
TLDR: It was a short test, but I think I will have a new carry gun as soon as I find spare mags.

First, I have a caveat, as I often do: I'm a middle-aged paper-pusher. I'm not a police officer, I'm not former military, I'm not a competitive shooter. Just a guy who carries a gun. Please take that into account in deciding how much weight to put into my review of the Shield Plus.

Second, I'm not ordinarily one to run out and buy the latest and greatest pistol. I'm generally not interested in being a beta tester and have always been perfectly happy with older, proven designs. With those things said, I've owned a Shield 1.0 since about August of 2017 (I think it was). As of this writing, I've carried that Shield for about 3.5 years and have somewhere around 750-800 rounds through it. It's been an absolutely fantastic carry gun, and 100% reliable. And that's precisely what I mean. That Shield 1.0 has fed, fired, and ejected every single round I've ever put through it. I've often said that my Shield "told my G19 to sit down and shut up... and she did." Anyway, I could never see enough difference between the 1.0 and 2.0 to justify the cost of upgrading, especially when my 1.0 ran so well.

Enter the Shield Plus.... I couldn't justify the upgrade to a 2.0, but then the Shield Plus came out with its 13 round mag. I thought, "Hold up a second. A Shield with an extra 5 rounds? With a pistol and two spare mags, I'd go from 25 rounds to 40? And my current holsters and mag pouches should still fit?" So I bought one and yes, I know that: (a) I paid the New Model Price; and (b) I might be a beta tester this time around. Still, I stopped at my LGS and they had the No Thumb Safety model, which was exactly what I wanted, at a reasonable price. Not dirt cheap, but reasonable. I took it to my gunsmith and had my night sights moved over from my Shield 1.0. (And FYI - it was a clean, perfect-fit swap.)

Ammo supplies being what they are, I knew I would probably not be able to replace what I shot up, at least not any time soon. Also, spare Shield Plus mags are currently made of unobtainium. A few days ago, I loaded up the magazines. The mags are not nearly as hard to load as regular Shield magazines. Yesterday, I field stripped it, blew some compressed air in it to get out any dust or manufacturing debris (of which I saw none), and put a drop of oil here and there.

I finally got out to a buddy's range today. I shot:
100 rounds of 124 grain Fiocchi FMJ - result: 100% fed, fired and ejected
50 rounds of 124 grain Speer Gold Dots - result: 100% fed, fired and ejected

The Shield Plus ran like a top right out of the box. I didn't take my 1.0 to shoot it side by side with the Plus, and maybe I should have. I'm no trigger snob, and I've never been bothered by the Shield trigger. With that said, the Shield Plus does not have a 1911 trigger and never will without aftermarket intervention. However, the trigger was certainly crisp enough for me.

My one and only possible complaint, and it's really a minor one: The new trigger design rubbed by trigger finger a little.
Great review. I like your no nonsense approach.. "This is what I like and why. This is what I don't like and why." Other's mileage may vary. You've found something you like and it's time for an upgrade. Well done!
 
Nice write up :thumbup:. Your situation is one most CCW people are in; finding the perfect fit/feel/function carry pistol without having to sweat all the minutiae between different guns that gun guys often find themselves debating about.

As someone posted already; we are in the golden age of carry pistols. I can’t think of any time in history where there are more options for compact, reliable, ergonomic, affordable and effective defensive arms available to the consumer. Add in a decade or more of good defensive ammo development and we are sitting pretty for sure.

With the reliability and effectiveness of so many choices it really does boil down to finding what feels best. Springfield, S&W, SIG, Glock, Mossberg, Walther, Kimber, etc. all put out very good guns, add in their ability to squeeze Browning Hi-Power capacity into PP sized guns and what’s not to love? ;)

I’m glad the Shield 2 fit the bill for you, especially since you’re familiar with the design of the Shield and like it. I’m sure you won’t be undergunned should it be called on to save your life... but let’s all hope that never occurs.

Stay safe.
 
Thanks Spats McGee.. I have been looking long and hard at the Ruger Max 9 and had determined that was the one for me. Then your review and discussion of the Shield Plus gave me pause and inclined me to also consider it. Well, after picking it up and holding it... that's all it took. I like the feel and texture of the grip in my hand. The capacity is what I was looking for. I think this will be an excellent replacement for the Sig P365 that I had and didn't like.

I think I may wait a bit for the prices to stabilize. Thanks again for alerting me to it.
 
In spite of only having 150 rounds through it, my Shield Plus became my EDC over the weekend. I emptied my 1.0 mags and loaded the Plus mags. Obviously, I would have preferred to have at least 2 more 13-rounders for carry, but those are still made of unobtainium as of this posting. I emailed S&W and they said it would be "a few more weeks" before Plus mags are available for sale (separate from pistols).

Equally obviously, I would have preferred to shoot it more before moving it up to EDC status, but time and ammo supplies being what they are these days, that could have taken a while. Nonetheless, the first 150 rounds went through without so much as a hiccup, so I feel pretty good about it. I'll shoot it more as my time and ammo stockpiles allow.

I have also come to realize that if this Shield performs as well as my 1.0 did, it could well be the last concealed carry pistol I ever buy. Between it, my Shield 45 (assuming I can get it "qualified for carry"), and my Ruger LCR, all of my carry needs are covered, and covered by pistols I really like.
 
In spite of only having 150 rounds through it, my Shield Plus became my EDC over the weekend. I emptied my 1.0 mags and loaded the Plus mags. Obviously, I would have preferred to have at least 2 more 13-rounders for carry, but those are still made of unobtainium as of this posting. I emailed S&W and they said it would be "a few more weeks" before Plus mags are available for sale (separate from pistols).

Equally obviously, I would have preferred to shoot it more before moving it up to EDC status, but time and ammo supplies being what they are these days, that could have taken a while. Nonetheless, the first 150 rounds went through without so much as a hiccup, so I feel pretty good about it. I'll shoot it more as my time and ammo stockpiles allow.

I have also come to realize that if this Shield performs as well as my 1.0 did, it could well be the last concealed carry pistol I ever buy. Between it, my Shield 45 (assuming I can get it "qualified for carry"), and my Ruger LCR, all of my carry needs are covered, and covered by pistols I really like.

I too used less ammo in the vetting process for the same reasons. My main concern was that I was able to shoot different types of ammo with it flawlessly..and I did. I've moved mine fully into EDC status..though I have a few others that I rotate it with...I really, really like this Shield Plus.. it's "COMFORTABLE" would be a descriptive word for it...and to me that's a very important quality in an EDC firearm. As I originally stated, I tried the Sig P365..but found it to be to small and uncomfortable for me. I love my P365XL...but the longer grip prints a little more than I like. Same goes for my P30SK..love it too..but I use it with a pinky extension to get a full grip, so printing is also an issue. The Shield with the 10 shot magazine gives me adequate support on my pinky finger..the grip just long enough where I can shoot it consistently without it dropping off. More importantly, it conceals extremely well. I think I may have finally found the semiauto pistol that I've been searching for. Time will tell that story...when I see which gun I reach for and carry the most as my EDC. And of course, my LCR357, the firearm I carried for years, continues to stay by my side thru the evening and night... it's an old friend.
 
....I really, really like this Shield Plus.. it's "COMFORTABLE" would be a descriptive word for it...and to me that's a very important quality in an EDC firearm.
I'm with you on that. I know the old saw about how carrying a gun should be "comforting," but not necessarily "comfortable," but .... if I can find an EDC that is both comforting and comfortable, why would I not carry that one?!?
.... As I originally stated, I tried the Sig P365..but found it to be to small and uncomfortable for me. I love my P365XL...but the longer grip prints a little more than I like. Same goes for my P30SK..love it too..but I use it with a pinky extension to get a full grip, so printing is also an issue. The Shield with the 10 shot magazine gives me adequate support on my pinky finger..the grip just long enough where I can shoot it consistently without it dropping off.
I don't get quite enough grip with the 10-rounder. I never did with my Shield's 7-rounder, either. I actually gave my 7-rounder to a friend who has a Shield. I find that the extended mag is a far better fit for my hands, so I carry with the extended mag, with extended mags for spares. (And I will be soooo glad when Shield Plus mags are available!)
More importantly, it conceals extremely well. I think I may have finally found the semiauto pistol that I've been searching for. Time will tell that story...when I see which gun I reach for and carry the most as my EDC. And of course, my LCR357, the firearm I carried for years, continues to stay by my side thru the evening and night... it's an old friend.
I'm glad you like it and I hope it serves you well. As far as concealment, well, I guess 3+ years with my first Shield kind of tells my tale. They are easy to hide. And if the Plus hadn't come out, I'd have been perfectly content to keep on carrying it. Just about the only time my LCR gets to come out is when the weather is hot enough that I can't stand the thought of a cover shirt.
 
@Spats McGee
I too am a Shield 1.0 fan... with a rebate and low price a few years back ... I couldn’t resist ... and it sent my 43 to the safe and then traded .... and .. yes the Shield Plus is on my radar .. but I’m gonna wait till next year ... Medical bills and had to buy 3 sets of tires and a transmission..... soooo funds are tight

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@Spats McGee
I too am a Shield 1.0 fan... with a rebate and low price a few years back ... I couldn’t resist ... and it sent my 43 to the safe and then traded .... and .. yes the Shield Plus is on my radar .. but I’m gonna wait till next year ... Medical bills and had to buy 3 sets of tires and a transmission..... soooo funds are tight
I get it, on both counts (the stuff I underlined). I've said (and I think I posted it in the OP of this thread) that my Shield told my G19 to sit down and shut up.... and she did. The G19 went to the safe soon after I got my 1.0 and I only rarely took her out after that. As for bills, I get that, too. I've had to postpone a number of gun purchases because finances were just too tight. Fortunately, I didn't really have to go without. If your 1.0 is like mine, it'll hold up just fine until next year.
 
MAGAZINES!!! I finally found some available on GB for $50 per 13-rounder from a seller named Brohey. I only ordered a couple, because I think the price will come down when mag supply catches up with pistol supply, and obvously, I'd rather pay less than more.
 
I haven't gotten the new mags to the range yet, but I hope to do so soon. I'm digging my new EDC setup.
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When the Shield was first out I couldn't get past the hinged trigger. But when the Plus came out with the not-hinged trigger it was neck and neck with the P365XL. I chose the latter but it was close... Fine weapons these days in small packages.
 
When the Shield was first out I couldn't get past the hinged trigger. But when the Plus came out with the not-hinged trigger it was neck and neck with the P365XL. I chose the latter but it was close... Fine weapons these days in small packages.
The hinged trigger never bothered me. Maybe it's in part because I spent about 4 years prior to buying my Shield learning a Glock trigger. I can appreciate a good trigger, I'm not enough of a connoisseur to be genuinely bothered by even halfway-decent triggers.
 
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