Acceptable accuracy of sights on shield

[FL-NC]

You aren't shooting a group, so you can't accurately analyze a group. Since your pistol skills are not great (by your admission) have someone who is more skilled fire your pistol and duplicate the drills you are attempting. This will show what, if any, defects are in the pistol. Then get him/her to work with you on fundamentals.

 

[Sulaco]

The Shield is a very accurate handgun. I can put shots in a fist sized group all day without issue at 7 yards or greater, and tighter than that if I try hard. I'd let a friend shoot it to make sure it isn't the gun, then work on dry firing a lot. Put a quarter on your front sight and practice dry firing until you can do it consistently without the quarter moving.

 

[needmorecowbell]

It's not the sights, it's that horrendous M&P trigger.

 

[ShadowsInSnow]

The trigger on the Shields that I tried sucked. It was almost as bad as a hand powered staple gun. I shoot double action revolvers and autos, Glocks and 1911s and they all release with minimal movement of the sights. The stock sights on the shield are heavy and break badly, causing the sights to move. Try dry firing the pistol to see if you are moving after trigger break.

 

[JO JO]

I have had a shield 9mm and now I have a shield 40 , both accurate to point of aim fist size groups at 7 yards sounds like something is off with your gun or your shooting can you have someone else shoot it to see if it is you or the gun
Your shield should do better than what your getting

 

[1KPerDay]

The trigger on the Shields that I tried sucked. It was almost as bad as a hand powered staple gun. I shoot double action revolvers and autos, Glocks and 1911s and they all release with minimal movement of the sights. The stock sights on the shield are heavy and break badly, causing the sights to move. Try dry firing the pistol to see if you are moving after trigger break.

Yep. One of mine was terrible in that regard. No matter how carefully I broke the shot the front sight would jerk off target. Apex trigger kit sorted it.

 

[kcofohio]

Yep. One of mine was terrible in that regard. No matter how carefully I broke the shot the front sight would jerk off target. Apex trigger kit sorted it.

This is a possibility. I just got 2 LNIB Shields. I have only dry-fired them. I would have to go with the Apex kit if I keep either or both. It was the same with our M&P40, full size. I almost think that Apex Tactical is a subsidiary of S&W.

To the OP, is the Shield you have a Maryland approved model? Heavier trigger? Is the trigger smooth or gritty?
As others have said, try dry-firing and watch the movement of the front sight to the POA.

 

[Bama59]

I'm no marksman and took me a long time to get away from hitting low left. Retired LEO told me Shield is a close quarter battle weapon , 15 -20 feet is far as I go. I've been practicing lately with 124 gr FMJ and defense rounds JHP 124 gr +p. Three Dot sights were just a blur so installing Ameriglo Hackathorne sights helped a lot .