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Posted: 8/3/2015 4:18:14 PM EDT
I am looking at the Glock 43 and M&P Shield for my next purchase to use for concealed carry. I have read and watched reviews and comparisons on these two guns, but one has not really seem to reign superior over the other. I do love a Glock. I bought my first handgun, G19 Gen4, a few months ago (I'm only 20) and absolutely fell in love with the Glock platform and function. With that being said, I am open to try another brand of pistol, but I want the most bang for my buck between the two. Yes, Glock has a excellent track record, so if I cannot find any real reasons to go with the M&P Shield, then I will automatically go with the G43. I can get the G43 for $430 out the door.
I will be getting one of these in January when I turn 21, so I have time to decide and try them both out, but I figured I would go ahead and start getting opinions and feedback on these two. Thanks. |
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I am looking at the Glock 43 and M&P Shield for my next purchase to use for concealed carry... View Quote In a pocket or on a belt? |
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I love my 43.
I hated the feel of the Shield. You already like the simplicity of the Glock, that would be my recommendation. Dave N |
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Belt with an Alien Gear 3.0 Cloak Tuck holster View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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I am looking at the Glock 43 and M&P Shield for my next purchase to use for concealed carry... In a pocket or on a belt? Belt with an Alien Gear 3.0 Cloak Tuck holster Shield. My usual carry guns are a Glock 23 and a Glock 27. Shield is for when I really don't want to get caught carrying. |
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I like my shield. For a carry gun I do like the manual safety aspect of the shield. Also it is very accurate and easy to shoot. I've shot a 43 and would still take my shield anyday. The shield also holds more ammo! Don't buy a shield in 40 cal though. They are WAY too snappy to shoot well.
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Shield
Less Money More rounds A bit more compact More holsters available The Glock is FUGLY |
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I rented and shot both last month at a local range. The trigger on the G43 had a much more obvious reset click, and seemed easier to shoot accurately. The trigger alone would have me going for the G43.
I'd suggest you go to a range that rents both, and spend an hour putting 100-200 rounds through them. You should have your mind made up by the time you leave the range. To each his own - don't let anyone here sway you. They are both good pistols. |
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If you're a Glock guy go with the 43 (I am and it just feels right). The Shield is a good gun it just doesn't feel as "right" to me (like I said, I'm a Glock guy).
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It sounds like you already are leaning toward the Glock 43, buy in confidence. The biggest advantage of the 43 in your case is the familiarity of platform since you already have a G19. The G43 is bested by the Shield in capacity but you can always add capacity with mag extensions for the 43 while you cannot shorten the grip on the Shield.
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Can anyone give any pros and cons on both of these guns?
How much would an M&P run at a PX? |
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It sounds like you already are leaning toward the Glock 43, buy in confidence. The biggest advantage of the 43 in your case is the familiarity of platform since you already have a G19. The G43 is bested by the Shield in capacity but you can always add capacity with mag extensions for the 43 while you cannot shorten the grip on the Shield. View Quote Damn, was it that obvious that I have already fell in love with the whole Glock thing? And yes, I already planned on doing the +2 extension for the 43, IF I ended up getting it. I have shot numerous types of Glocks and only one Sig. When I picked up my grandpa's SIG, I felt lost. Also, should I buy with confidence or perfection? I'm just trying to see if it is already too late the venture out of the Glock Cult... |
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Can't go wrong with either in my opinion.
I have a 9mm Shield because Glock was too late to the market. |
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Can't go wrong with either choice. I own several Glocks including the 19 and 26 but the Shield, purchased before the release of the 43, is my EDC. Slimness is the main reason since I'm in shorts and a t-shirt most of time. If I had to make the choice today? 43. Am I getting one to replace the Shield? No.
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Ive shot both guns and like them both for different reasons. The shield fits my hand better and has more capacity, but the Glock shoots better for me and I like the trigger better. I shoot from trigger reset during longer strings of fire, and the shield has a different, almost "false reset" feel to it and it throws me off every time I shoot my father-in-laws gun. I compare it almost to the feel of short stroking a pump shotgun if you can understand what im trying to say.
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How does the gripping and size feel in your hands compared to other Glocks? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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I love my 43. I hated the feel of the Shield. You already like the simplicity of the Glock, that would be my recommendation. Dave N How does the gripping and size feel in your hands compared to other Glocks? Obviously the grip is much smaller. I love it. If you have large hands, I'm sure it would be much different for you. I have medium hands. Mine and from what I have read, nearly all G43 have proven reliable with just about any ammo. It's accurate, simple design, easy to conceal. I changed to a Ghost Edge connector for a lighter, smoother pull. I also added Ameriglo Classic night sights. I added Taran +1 base plates for an extra round without adding much length. I use an OWB holster from Daytona Beach Holsters. Dave N |
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Does not matter what we think you should buy. Both pistols are good to go you need to decide which one fits you best, you shoot the best, and you will carry every chance you get. I could tell you get neither as I think the Walther PPS is a better single stack 9mm but that statement is completely bias as the PPS is my favorite.
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I have both and like both. Primary carry is G23 (Sig barrel in ATM), G26 and if I have to wear a slimmer profile pistol then its between G43 & Shield. Out of the box the shield is about perfect but after installing the +1 TT base plate and trijicon HD's with orange front on the G43 that is my go to in all things small. Both have good track records. I did notice some people having issues with the (Recoil spring assembly) RSA on the shield as posted on the S&W forum but mine is doing fine and doesn't show wear. Appears S&W must be well aware of the issue as they are sending out new RSA without question however turn around has been around 6 to 8 weeks, some cases even longer. IMO that is kind of long to have a carry gun out of commission. Glock parts are always abundant. Good luck with your decision, you can't go wrong with either. Everyone's hands are different, so it is really a personal decision. I will add that I do like that the G43 barrel is a tad longer and I load that with 147 +P HST's and with the shield I use 124 +P for its 3.1" barrel. Another consideration is if your other carry gun is a glock I think it is away good to stick with familiar guns/platforms if you rotate them as I do. Trigger familiarity can only be a plus.
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Ive shot both guns and like them both for different reasons. The shield fits my hand better and has more capacity, but the Glock shoots better for me and I like the trigger better. I shoot from trigger reset during longer strings of fire, and the shield has a different, almost "false reset" feel to it and it throws me off every time I shoot my father-in-laws gun. I compare it almost to the feel of short stroking a pump shotgun if you can understand what im trying to say. View Quote That what I heard about the Shield. And yes, I understand your reference to a pump shotgun. Done it plenty of times when I would decide to duck hunt with a pump instead of a semi. |
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Does not matter what we think you should buy. Both pistols are good to go you need to decide which one fits you best, you shoot the best, and you will carry every chance you get. I could tell you get neither as I think the Walther PPS is a better single stack 9mm but that statement is completely bias as the PPS is my favorite. View Quote What makes you like that gun so much? |
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Obviously the grip is much smaller. I love it. If you have large hands, I'm sure it would be much different for you. I have medium hands. Mine and from what I have read, nearly all G43 have proven reliable with just about any ammo. It's accurate, simple design, easy to conceal. I changed to a Ghost Edge connector for a lighter, smoother pull. I also added Ameriglo Classic night sights. I added Taran +1 base plates for an extra round without adding much length. I use an OWB holster from Daytona Beach Holsters. Dave N View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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I love my 43. I hated the feel of the Shield. You already like the simplicity of the Glock, that would be my recommendation. Dave N How does the gripping and size feel in your hands compared to other Glocks? Obviously the grip is much smaller. I love it. If you have large hands, I'm sure it would be much different for you. I have medium hands. Mine and from what I have read, nearly all G43 have proven reliable with just about any ammo. It's accurate, simple design, easy to conceal. I changed to a Ghost Edge connector for a lighter, smoother pull. I also added Ameriglo Classic night sights. I added Taran +1 base plates for an extra round without adding much length. I use an OWB holster from Daytona Beach Holsters. Dave N I like the setup. I have the Ghost Ultimate and Trijicon night sights already on my 19 and I love the whole setup with this. Simple, but great. |
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Can anyone give any pros and cons on both of these guns? How much would an M&P run at a PX? View Quote I find the prices at the PX/MCX/CGX to be not good in general, plenty of mil/first responder programs out there from Glock, S&W, Sig, etc. Check out Quantico Tactical if you go the Shield route. |
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Does not matter what we think you should buy. Both pistols are good to go you need to decide which one fits you best, you shoot the best, and you will carry every chance you get. I could tell you get neither as I think the Walther PPS is a better single stack 9mm but that statement is completely bias as the PPS is my favorite. What makes you like that gun so much? The PPS is very slim and offers 3 different magazine lengths for varying concealability. Despite being very slim and a compact pistol that conceals very well, the PPS still shoots like a full size pistol, for me at least. I've shot steel, aluminum and brass cased with varying bullets weights from 115 to 147 grain with 100% reliability. |
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I'll give a "Plus 3" for the PPS.
Very similar size to Shield, but no safety so the trigger would probably feel more similar to your Glock. I LOVE my PPS. Wonderful gun. |
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I find the prices at the PX/MCX/CGX to be not good in general, plenty of mil/first responder programs out there from Glock, S&W, Sig, etc. Check out Quantico Tactical if you go the Shield route. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Can anyone give any pros and cons on both of these guns? How much would an M&P run at a PX? I find the prices at the PX/MCX/CGX to be not good in general, plenty of mil/first responder programs out there from Glock, S&W, Sig, etc. Check out Quantico Tactical if you go the Shield route. Thank you for the heads up. The G43 is I think $430, no tax at the PX. Is that a fair price for that gun? And how much does the Shield generally run if you're getting a nice price for it? |
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I'll give a "Plus 3" for the PPS. Very similar size to Shield, but no safety so the trigger would probably feel more similar to your Glock. I LOVE my PPS. Wonderful gun. View Quote How much would a PPS run at a reasonable price? Definitely will not be one of those people who purchases blindly at like Cabelas, Bass Pro, etc. They have like a $125+ higher price than local gun shops. I looked at it on Walther's website and it looks pretty sweet. I looked at the Springfield XD-S a few months ago, but I just cannot get past the whole fact of it being made in Croatia |
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How much would a PPS run at a reasonable price? Definitely will not be one of those people who purchases blindly at like Cabelas, Bass Pro, etc. They have like a $125+ higher price than local gun shops. I looked at it on Walther's website and it looks pretty sweet... View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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I'll give a "Plus 3" for the PPS. Very similar size to Shield, but no safety so the trigger would probably feel more similar to your Glock. I LOVE my PPS. Wonderful gun. How much would a PPS run at a reasonable price? Definitely will not be one of those people who purchases blindly at like Cabelas, Bass Pro, etc. They have like a $125+ higher price than local gun shops. I looked at it on Walther's website and it looks pretty sweet... FWIW, Bud's has them right now for $459 cash/$472 retail. Not sure how that compares with "street price" as I haven't priced them in quite a while. |
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Shield... hands down... I also have the tuck 3.0 and it's a very comfortable rig. good luck!
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Shield hands down. The only Glocks I like/respect are the 19,20SF,& 21SF. The rest of them, Glock can keep... YMMV...
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I bought the shield this weekend after handling both. Simple reason was ergonomics. The glock didn't fit.
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Odd. Ergonomics what why I prefer the G43.
The SHIELD is a GREAT VALUE, but the grip is too long front to back for my medium hands; I think for larger hands it would be fine. The G43s grip length front-to-back is much shorter and I shoot it a lot better (even after I dumped a ton of money giving the Shield an apex kit and trigger). My biggest complaint with the PPS was also the ergos--it felt more uncomfortably rectangular (and slippery) than Glocks--I thought the Shield felt better. But there was also the price, the non-standard mag-release "paddles" (though I know I could get used to that), and the fact that it is disabled if a piece of plastic breaks where the various grip panels insert (I know of no cases where that's been a problem, but don't like that design feature). Everyone I know shoots the PPS well though. The G43 already has more stuff available for it than the PPS does, and as much or more than the Shield. -- For someone who just wants a reliable shooter that's a step up from a SCCY that's a GREAT value, I'd recommend the Shield. For someone looking for a really nice shooting gun who doesn't care about cost, a little extra size and weight, and likes the grip and mag-release, the PPS would be great. For everyone else, there's the G43. |
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Odd. Ergonomics what why I prefer the G43. The SHIELD is a GREAT VALUE, but the grip is too long front to back for my medium hands; I think for larger hands it would be fine. The G43s grip length front-to-back is much shorter and I shoot it a lot better (even after I dumped a ton of money giving the Shield an apex kit and trigger). My biggest complaint with the PPS was also the ergos--it felt more uncomfortably rectangular (and slippery) than Glocks--I thought the Shield felt better. But there was also the price, the non-standard mag-release "paddles" (though I know I could get used to that), and the fact that it is disabled if a piece of plastic breaks where the various grip panels insert (I know of no cases where that's been a problem, but don't like that design feature). Everyone I know shoots the PPS well though. The G43 already has more stuff available for it than the PPS does, and as much or more than the Shield. -- For someone who just wants a reliable shooter that's a step up from a SCCY that's a GREAT value, I'd recommend the Shield. For someone looking for a really nice shooting gun who doesn't care about cost, a little extra size and weight, and likes the grip and mag-release, the PPS would be great. For everyone else, there's the G43. View Quote I just want the BEST functioning gun. The one that will not crap out on me. I know my G19 won't, so I want the same assurance from my CCW. I also want a small gun, because I am a skinny guy, so it need it as low profile as possible. I do not care about how pretty it is. How much does the PPS normally run? as well as the Shield? |
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I just want the BEST functioning gun. The one that will not crap out on me. I know my G19 won't, so I want the same assurance from my CCW. I also want a small gun, because I am a skinny guy, so it need it as low profile as possible. I do not care about how pretty it is. How much does the PPS normally run? as well as the Shield? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Odd. Ergonomics what why I prefer the G43. The SHIELD is a GREAT VALUE, but the grip is too long front to back for my medium hands; I think for larger hands it would be fine. The G43s grip length front-to-back is much shorter and I shoot it a lot better (even after I dumped a ton of money giving the Shield an apex kit and trigger). My biggest complaint with the PPS was also the ergos--it felt more uncomfortably rectangular (and slippery) than Glocks--I thought the Shield felt better. But there was also the price, the non-standard mag-release "paddles" (though I know I could get used to that), and the fact that it is disabled if a piece of plastic breaks where the various grip panels insert (I know of no cases where that's been a problem, but don't like that design feature). Everyone I know shoots the PPS well though. The G43 already has more stuff available for it than the PPS does, and as much or more than the Shield. -- For someone who just wants a reliable shooter that's a step up from a SCCY that's a GREAT value, I'd recommend the Shield. For someone looking for a really nice shooting gun who doesn't care about cost, a little extra size and weight, and likes the grip and mag-release, the PPS would be great. For everyone else, there's the G43. I just want the BEST functioning gun. The one that will not crap out on me. I know my G19 won't, so I want the same assurance from my CCW. I also want a small gun, because I am a skinny guy, so it need it as low profile as possible. I do not care about how pretty it is. How much does the PPS normally run? as well as the Shield? Do yourself a favor and shoot all three before buying one. If you like your G19, you might as well get the G43. They both have almost identical trigger feel which is important for muscle memory and training purposes. |
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How much would a PPS run at a reasonable price? Definitely will not be one of those people who purchases blindly at like Cabelas, Bass Pro, etc. They have like a $125+ higher price than local gun shops. I looked at it on Walther's website and it looks pretty sweet. I looked at the Springfield XD-S a few months ago, but I just cannot get past the whole fact of it being made in Croatia View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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I'll give a "Plus 3" for the PPS. Very similar size to Shield, but no safety so the trigger would probably feel more similar to your Glock. I LOVE my PPS. Wonderful gun. How much would a PPS run at a reasonable price? Definitely will not be one of those people who purchases blindly at like Cabelas, Bass Pro, etc. They have like a $125+ higher price than local gun shops. I looked at it on Walther's website and it looks pretty sweet. I looked at the Springfield XD-S a few months ago, but I just cannot get past the whole fact of it being made in Croatia My Grandparents were made in Croatia I think PPS is more than shield, but not 100% sure (and I don't think it is by much). I always go to online places like Bud's gun shop to look at prices. |
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I got the chance to shoot a "custom" g43 and it was a decent pistol, as is the Shield. I personally ended up with the Shield because I shoot M&P's and because the Shield is cheaper and has a higher capacity. I would have bought a shield years ago if it would have came out without a safety then.
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My Grandparents were made in Croatia I think PPS is more than shield, but not 100% sure (and I don't think it is by much). I always go to online places like Bud's gun shop to look at prices. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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I'll give a "Plus 3" for the PPS. Very similar size to Shield, but no safety so the trigger would probably feel more similar to your Glock. I LOVE my PPS. Wonderful gun. How much would a PPS run at a reasonable price? Definitely will not be one of those people who purchases blindly at like Cabelas, Bass Pro, etc. They have like a $125+ higher price than local gun shops. I looked at it on Walther's website and it looks pretty sweet. I looked at the Springfield XD-S a few months ago, but I just cannot get past the whole fact of it being made in Croatia My Grandparents were made in Croatia I think PPS is more than shield, but not 100% sure (and I don't think it is by much). I always go to online places like Bud's gun shop to look at prices. $459 right now @ Buds with free shipping http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/84621/Walther+Arms+2796333+PPS+Standard+9mm+3.2"+6%2B17%2B1+Poly+Grips+Bl |
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My Grandparents were made in Croatia I think PPS is more than shield, but not 100% sure (and I don't think it is by much). I always go to online places like Bud's gun shop to look at prices. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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I'll give a "Plus 3" for the PPS. Very similar size to Shield, but no safety so the trigger would probably feel more similar to your Glock. I LOVE my PPS. Wonderful gun. How much would a PPS run at a reasonable price? Definitely will not be one of those people who purchases blindly at like Cabelas, Bass Pro, etc. They have like a $125+ higher price than local gun shops. I looked at it on Walther's website and it looks pretty sweet. I looked at the Springfield XD-S a few months ago, but I just cannot get past the whole fact of it being made in Croatia My Grandparents were made in Croatia I think PPS is more than shield, but not 100% sure (and I don't think it is by much). I always go to online places like Bud's gun shop to look at prices. Thank you sir. And sorry about the Croatia thing |
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I am looking at the Glock 43 and M&P Shield for my next purchase to use for concealed carry. I have read and watched reviews and comparisons on these two guns, but one has not really seem to reign superior over the other. I do love a Glock. I bought my first handgun, G19 Gen4, a few months ago (I'm only 20) and absolutely fell in love with the Glock platform and function. With that being said, I am open to try another brand of pistol, but I want the most bang for my buck between the two. Yes, Glock has a excellent track record, so if I cannot find any real reasons to go with the M&P Shield, then I will automatically go with the G43. I can get the G43 for $430 out the door. I will be getting one of these in January when I turn 21, so I have time to decide and try them both out, but I figured I would go ahead and start getting opinions and feedback on these two. Thanks. Here's my take : http://youtu.be/hLWLtbUMnPo I assume that the Shield has your vote |
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Certified Glock fanboi. I chose the Shield. View Quote From a guy who owns mostly glocks, if I had to choose it would be a tough call but I would lean towards shield too. Regardless of physical dimensions or numbers on paper, the 43 just feels too small in my hands to be comfortable. |
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