Wow. I've got about six 13 rounders that I might need to call them about.
Calling all S&W Shield fans: 300 flawless rounds through my Shield Plus
- Thread starter Autodidactic
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TomJ
Contributing Member
When loading by hand the 13th round can be tough to load. I use the Uplala loader and while it's not difficult to load the 13th round, it's not easy. If you're using a magazine loader and still having that issue I'd call them. They offered to either have me send them the magazine for repair or send me the spring and follower. My impression was that they were aware of the issue based on our conversation.
Capybara
Member
Same boat as you OP, I've carried the Shield 1.0 for almost 8 years, flawless. I thought it might be getting a little too much holster wear and
internal spring wear after 8 years of daily and practice so I recently bought a Shield Plus PC and will be adding it to my CCW upon renewal at the end of the year.
So far:
1. Trigger on the Plus PC is leagues better than my stock 1.0 trigger
2. Fiber Optic sights are easier to see
3. It's ported! I like that for quick strings and follow up shots, it makes a nice little improvement
4. I like the new grip texture, it's kind of sand-papery. I have the Talon Grip Wrap on my 1.0 that works but I like this new texture better, it's super grippy without eating your skin.
Since I live behind enemy lines I can only use the 10 rounders so no experience with the 13 rounder, my previous owner blocked it to 10 rounds because we have to.
I am a Smith fan, I have lots of them, semi-auto pistols, revolvers, and a shotgun although I don't have a Smith rifle yet. I also really dig my new M&P 12 bullpup shotgun, great partner to the Shield for HD.
internal spring wear after 8 years of daily and practice so I recently bought a Shield Plus PC and will be adding it to my CCW upon renewal at the end of the year.
So far:
1. Trigger on the Plus PC is leagues better than my stock 1.0 trigger
2. Fiber Optic sights are easier to see
3. It's ported! I like that for quick strings and follow up shots, it makes a nice little improvement
4. I like the new grip texture, it's kind of sand-papery. I have the Talon Grip Wrap on my 1.0 that works but I like this new texture better, it's super grippy without eating your skin.
Since I live behind enemy lines I can only use the 10 rounders so no experience with the 13 rounder, my previous owner blocked it to 10 rounds because we have to.
I am a Smith fan, I have lots of them, semi-auto pistols, revolvers, and a shotgun although I don't have a Smith rifle yet. I also really dig my new M&P 12 bullpup shotgun, great partner to the Shield for HD.
OP
OP
Autodidactic
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Honestly, I'm happy with 10 rounds for concealed carry. I feel that's enough in most circumstances. I wish mine was a PC though!
I'm a Smith fan too. I have four.
I'd like a Smith AR one day.
OP
OP
Autodidactic
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By the way, my parents are behind enemy lines and after the summer of mostly peaceful protest in 2020, my mom finally said my dad could get a firearm. He's been renting guns at ranges for a while.
I'd like to give him my Shield 1.0 because he doesn't have a firearm and it's on the CA list of approved handguns.
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I (obviously) don’t know how old your dad is, but if racking the slide is an issue, consider the E-Z. The Shield is a good choice, though.
DTL
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I have just passed the 1000 rounds through my Plus Performance Center 3.1" Mostly Norma 115 & 124 gr. FMJ, but some Blazer 115 and Underwood Extreme Defender 90 gr both standard and +P. My choice for upcoming NJ qualifying will be the 124gr. Norma.
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tightgroup tiger
Member
My Shield PC plus is shooting really well. I have no complaints so far. I just got the springs in my Gen 1 and my son is taking me to the range tomorrow so I can check it out. I
'll put 100 rounds through it to see if it's stove piping is gone.
If it is working correctly I'll give it to him, he needs one.
As far as accuracy goes I have no complaint with my gen 1.
This target is when it was relatively new, after I worked on the trigger.
It's still heavier but a lot smoother.
When I first got it I was shooting low left, that was me doing that. I had to learn to shoot that heavy trigger. It or I don't shoot this good any more, probably both.
My eyes are as good as they were and I've been sitting around getting fat since I had my foot operated on. Just now able to wear shoes again but can't walk very well yet, no strength in my right foot yet.
'll put 100 rounds through it to see if it's stove piping is gone.
If it is working correctly I'll give it to him, he needs one.
As far as accuracy goes I have no complaint with my gen 1.
This target is when it was relatively new, after I worked on the trigger.
It's still heavier but a lot smoother.
When I first got it I was shooting low left, that was me doing that. I had to learn to shoot that heavy trigger. It or I don't shoot this good any more, probably both.
My eyes are as good as they were and I've been sitting around getting fat since I had my foot operated on. Just now able to wear shoes again but can't walk very well yet, no strength in my right foot yet.
CajunBass
Member
Another option for anyone having trouble racking a slide, is a Recover Tactical Slide Assist. I got one for my Shield off Ebay for about twenty bucks. Some of the best money I ever spent. It just attaches to the rear of the slide with a single screw that just clamps down around the slide. No modifications needed. Gives the slide a nice set of "wings" similar to the EZ's. It adds a little bit of bulk I suppose, but looks almost like it came from the factory that way. They're available for other guns too.
I like my Shield also.
OP
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Autodidactic
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OP
OP
Autodidactic
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He’s still strong enough to rack. But they aren’t getting younger
Free advice being worth what you've paid for it . . . be sure to go shoot with him while you can.
gila_dog1
Member
About 700 rounds (various factory ammo plus reloads) thru my Shield Plus, with no malfunctions. Any inaccuracy is my fault. It's better than I am. I really like how well it conceals. With an untucked shirt over a T shirt. I stick it in the CYA IWB holster in my pants at the 4 o'clock position and it just disappears. With the 13 round magazine it prints a little, but I see lots of guys with cell phone holsters, so I don't think it's a big deal. The 10 round magazine hides even better, but I like the 13 round magazine because I can get all my fingers on it.
I got to shoot a Hellcat the other day. Its recoil was sharper and the grip was sorta square and at a funny angle. I like the Shield's grip a lot better. I think S&W made the grip angle the same as a 1911, which is the perfect angle. For a while I couldn't put the 13th round in the magazine, but now I can. I guess it just needed to be broken in. Mine has a thumb safety, and for me it's kinda small and hard to operate. So I put a piece of shrink tubing on the little safety lever and that made it a bit fatter and grippier and much easier to operate.
I got to shoot a Hellcat the other day. Its recoil was sharper and the grip was sorta square and at a funny angle. I like the Shield's grip a lot better. I think S&W made the grip angle the same as a 1911, which is the perfect angle. For a while I couldn't put the 13th round in the magazine, but now I can. I guess it just needed to be broken in. Mine has a thumb safety, and for me it's kinda small and hard to operate. So I put a piece of shrink tubing on the little safety lever and that made it a bit fatter and grippier and much easier to operate.
OP
OP
Autodidactic
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Good point, my dad has heart problems. My mom is like the iron lady. Looks 15 years younger than she is, etc. But it's he I have to worry about. I just bought San Francisco Giants tickets soon for he, my son, and I. #BaseballBehindEnemyLines
By the way, they are attorneys like you.
Well, that's good. At least somebody does!
OP, my question to you is this. Is there enough of a difference to upgrade to a plus from an original 1.0 ?
I own a 1.0 as well and have 4-5 thousand rounds through it. I've thought about upgrading, but the original just keeps working. I have a hard time fixing what isn't broken. Since you had an original maybe you could share a little more insight ?
-Jeff
I own a 1.0 as well and have 4-5 thousand rounds through it. I've thought about upgrading, but the original just keeps working. I have a hard time fixing what isn't broken. Since you had an original maybe you could share a little more insight ?
-Jeff
OP
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Autodidactic
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The 1.0 is great, and a reliable workhorse. Basically, if you want increased capacity and a better trigger, it can be worth upgrading. But, the original shields are good guns too. I’m keeping mine for that reason, unless a family member takes it.
I'm not the OP, but I agree with @Autodidactic on this. My 1.0 was a workhorse, and 100% reliable. (And when I say 100%, that's precisely what I mean: 100%.) Granted, it was only about 750-800 rounds, but the darned thing never missed a beat. I wanted the extra capacity, didn't care about the better trigger (but I realize now that it's a real bonus). Moving from 7 to 13 round mags without having to buy any new holsters was a big upgrade, IMHO. That said, if you like your Shield, you can keep your Shield.
jar
Contributing Member
I got a chance to take my new Shield 2.0 and my old 469 to the range today and also have been carrying the new Shield long enough to at least get some initial impressions.
First a image showing the relative size of the two.
For this image I first aligned the top of each slide and the front strap of the grips. There is of course a really big difference in the grip width of the two, the 469 a double stack based on the S&W 59 while the shield is a single stack. As you can see the slide is slightly shorter on the Shield and also the barrel is only 3.1" vs the 3.5" barrel of the 469. Surprisingly though the grip are almost identical in length and as you can see the trigger location nearly identical.
Both fit nicely is an IWB holster from Lou Alessi that he made for my Sig P225 and also in a Mr. Softy from High Noon Holsters. The 469 prints just very slightly more than the Shield with the 7 round magazine but about the same as the Shield with the 8 round mag. Both also have a manual thumb safety, slide mounted on the 469 and frame mounted on the Shield.
There the similarities end.
The 469 is a conventional alloy frame DA/SA and with 15 round magazines from my 5906s. The Shield has 7 and 8 round magazines so the same capacity if carried with an heir and a spare. The Shield is a striker fired SA while the 469 is hammer fired. I like the trigger (both DA and SA) on the 469 more than the trigger on the Shield but not by much.
I found very little if any difference in accuracy or reliability (still early though on the Shield) but the Shield is noticeably more comfortable to wear over an extended period simply because it's lighter and holds less ammo.
The 9mm Parabellum Sig P290RS is similar in size to the Shield if slightly wider and slightly shorter in grip height and is a conventional DAO but compared to either of the Smiths a Royal Pain to field strip.
First a image showing the relative size of the two.
For this image I first aligned the top of each slide and the front strap of the grips. There is of course a really big difference in the grip width of the two, the 469 a double stack based on the S&W 59 while the shield is a single stack. As you can see the slide is slightly shorter on the Shield and also the barrel is only 3.1" vs the 3.5" barrel of the 469. Surprisingly though the grip are almost identical in length and as you can see the trigger location nearly identical.
Both fit nicely is an IWB holster from Lou Alessi that he made for my Sig P225 and also in a Mr. Softy from High Noon Holsters. The 469 prints just very slightly more than the Shield with the 7 round magazine but about the same as the Shield with the 8 round mag. Both also have a manual thumb safety, slide mounted on the 469 and frame mounted on the Shield.
There the similarities end.
The 469 is a conventional alloy frame DA/SA and with 15 round magazines from my 5906s. The Shield has 7 and 8 round magazines so the same capacity if carried with an heir and a spare. The Shield is a striker fired SA while the 469 is hammer fired. I like the trigger (both DA and SA) on the 469 more than the trigger on the Shield but not by much.
I found very little if any difference in accuracy or reliability (still early though on the Shield) but the Shield is noticeably more comfortable to wear over an extended period simply because it's lighter and holds less ammo.
The 9mm Parabellum Sig P290RS is similar in size to the Shield if slightly wider and slightly shorter in grip height and is a conventional DAO but compared to either of the Smiths a Royal Pain to field strip.
OP
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Autodidactic
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Having the holster compatibility is nice. By the way, I just bought my third Desantis Nemesis holster for my Shield. Three different guns.
Original Shield is very reliable. People don’t be knowing unless they had one.
Very nice selection! I like those older metal S&W semi autos. Regarding the 2.0, the .45 acps are calling my name..
Capybara
Member
FWIW, the California Handgun Roster only applies to new, dealer sold pistols.
You can gift him any off-roster pistol you would like as a resident of America. So if you'd like to gift him a new Shield Plus or a 365 or a Hellcat, feel free. I will say that as long as he has good hand strength, but if he has Arthritis or diminished hand strength, the Shield 1.0 is pretty difficult to charge, the Shield EZ is the one to give people who have diminished hand strength. Your FFL ships it to his FFL in California, they will charge him a transfer fee and he does the paperwork and they are in business. Make sure that he talks to his FFL and that they are okay accepting an Interstate Interfamilial transfer. You will send a note that says you are your Dad's son and are gifting him this firearm, possibly a copy of your license, talk to the FFL, they'll tell you what they require.
Read all about it http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/index.php?title=Transferring_Firearms_Among_Some_Family_Members#:~:text=Intrafamilial transfer is easy and,occur through a California FFL. Good luck.
My Shield 1.0 when it was new and pretty. Now it's got 8 years of road miles on it and over 3,000 rounds at last count. Even had a case on a reload (not mine), that blew out near the case rim a few years back. Took it to a gunsmith to check it out, gun was fine, case made a huge boom and flame. That impressed me a lot.
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Kp321
Member
I have been shooting a Shield 1.0 for several years, at least 1000 rounds of my reloads with zero failures. I got a real bargain on the pistol so sprung for the Apex trigger kit. I bought a Shield+ as soon as my LGS had one. Same performance and accuracy as the 1.0 and the factory trigger is on par with the Apex upgrade. I have installed a red dot sight on the 1.0 for a range toy and carry the +.
TheotherMikeG
Member
I love my Shield 45 and have been jonesing for a Shield plus. Couple things holding me back though; I've got a Glock 19 and a S&W 6906 that do anything I want 9mm to do, and I figure that $500+ will be better used on primers, powder, and projectiles.
tightgroup tiger
Member
The new recoil spring seemed to fix my Gen 1. We put 150 rounds through it on Friday and it worked flawlessly, so I'm gifting it to my Son.
My Son was saying it doesn't shoot as good as my Shield + PC so I tried it and was able to get 4 out of 6 in the bulleyes at 7 yds with it.
Not as good as the target I posted earlier but it was good enough to make him stop talking.
I told him when you bring two different triggers to the shooting range you probably won't shoot as good with either of them.
Bring only one and things can improve greatly with practice.
My Son was saying it doesn't shoot as good as my Shield + PC so I tried it and was able to get 4 out of 6 in the bulleyes at 7 yds with it.
Not as good as the target I posted earlier but it was good enough to make him stop talking.
I told him when you bring two different triggers to the shooting range you probably won't shoot as good with either of them.
Bring only one and things can improve greatly with practice.
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