Posted: 10/26/2015 11:50:28 PM EDT
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Hi everyone!
My CHL is gonna be in here pretty soon and I have a question or two for y'all. Aside from additional training, which I already have scheduled and paid for, I'm looking for opinions on a smaller and more concealable option than my Glock 19 or CZ 75B. I looked at a number of options but I decided to narrow it down now to the Glock 43 and the S&W Shield, both in 9-MM. I've test fired both, less than 50 or 100 rounds each so not enough for a surefire consensus. Both of them were excellent in my opinion and with practice I'm positive I could be every bit as accurate with them as I am with my Glock 19 or CZ (well maybe, I am PRETTY accurate with my CZ  ).
I can't say for sure whether or not I liked the G43 more than I did the Shield, and even if I did, I'm not sure I like the Glock enough to warrant spending an extra $50 or $100 on it. So should I go with the Shield or the G43? I'd like to know y'all's opinion on this. Obviously, I don't think I'll go wrong either way, but if possible I'd like to hear from people who have more experience with both of them than I do so I can make a more informed choice. Around here, Glocks can be had for around $450 and Shields for $350 or so, I'm sure I could find both cheaper if I shopped around but we'll use those for now. Oh and PS, I'm planning on IWB carry at either the 3 o clock or appendix position. If y'all have any holster suggestions those would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks! |
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I've been carrying a Shield 9mm for a few years now, much longer than any other pistol I've owned for daily carry (J-frame, G19, G26, P30SK, 3" 1911, Kel Tec P3-AT, Walther PPS).
I have the model with the manual safety, so I would give it a bump over the Glock 43. It's not that I don't trust the Glock, but I do like the safety available if I want to use it. I don't keep it engaged while I am carry the pistol, but when it goes into the drawer at night I engage the safety. You can get the model with no safety if you like. You can also load/unload while the safety is engaged. For me, the Shield fits my large hand better. I also like the option of using a short (7 round) or long (8 round) magazine...I'm pretty sure there are extended mags available for the G43 at this point. I have shot both extensively, and they shoot about the same. The Shield is marginally larger, but not enough to make any difference while carrying. For the money, I would go with the Shield. The extra $$ is not worth it. |
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Both are good but I daily carry a Shield 9, purchased before the 43 was available, with Apex trigger upgrade, Trijicon HD sights and Talon grips. I've shot the 43 and will stay with the Shield but honestly I would happy to carry either. Training should overcome any small difference between the two.
I've tried a few IWB kydex holsters for the Shield but settled on a Crossbreed mini-tuck, as Crossbreeds just seem to match my body/frame type best (3-3:30 carry). I have no thoughts about appendix holsters since that carry method doesn't work for me. Good luck. |
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43.. hands down.
If you are looking for a great IWB holster for 3 o'clock'ish I'd check out Hidden Hybrid Holsters. They are a "Crossbreed-type" holster but I believe much improved from the Crossbreeds. Not taking anything away from Mark Craighead, God rest his soul. Agree with previous post though, both are great guns and you should worry more about putting your money into good training following your purchase. Either way, you will be happy with your purchase. G43 vs. Shield is Chevy vs. Ford and Coke vs. Pepsi. |
http:// http://youtu.be/EdYH2M7CJN4 ETA... Was trying to share the video of LAV testing both. But uploading from my phone seems impossible. YouTube Vickers Tactical. Shield and G43 |
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I've had a 9mm Shield for a few years and carry it just about every day. I haven't had the chance to shoot a G43 but have handled a few of them.
Since the G43 mags and accessories aren't compatible with any other Glocks, I don't think you should consider that just because you have other Glocks. On the other hand, manual of arms is the same, except for the size, so there is something to the similarity. If you are only going to carry IWB, the Shield is an excellent option. S&W improved the trigger on the Shields to where there is an audible/tactile reset and, although a little heavier than the rest of my Glocks, it is very Glock like and easy to learn if you are used to shooting Glocks. They have been out long enough to have accumulated a very good track record. In my hands, mine is also very accurate. I really didn't understand the saying "a little gun that shoots big" until I got my Shield. It really is as easy to shoot well as a much larger pistol. For me, it doesn't have any more recoil or muzzle flip than my G19. The price on the Shield is also really attractive for what you get. For the price, hell even if it was the same price as the G43, it really is a well made gun and should last a long time, even with frequent use. I really like that you can buy factory extended 8rd mags, which work out VERY well for reloads. A down side to the Shield is that it is big enough that you probably won't be pocket carrying it, if you want that option. The G43 is small enough that it could probably be pocket carried, given pockets larger than those in, say, dress slacks. Like I said, I haven't actually shot one, but it is my understanding that they also shoot very well. It is also my understanding that they are proving to be very reliable. The grip is a little shorter than the Shield, which is one of the hardest parts of a CCW gun to conceal, so it should (theoretically) conceal IWB a little easier than the Shield, although the Shield just seems to disappear, given a good holster. A real plus for the G43 is that, for me, it feels better in my hand than the Shield, but not enough for me to ditch my Shield and run out and pick up a G43. I'll probably end up with a G43, but I have other things I want first and I want to see if larger capacity mags come out to carry for reloads. Myself, I'm not crazy about the 6rd capacity of the G43 mags, but that is a personal preference on my part and not a real knock on the gun. As for holsters, for me, the hybrid kydex/leather holsters like the CrossBreed SuperTuck work very well for me. They are large enough to spread the weight of the gun out and are VERY comfortable and concealable, which means that you will be more likely to actually have the gun with you in the event you need it. Holsters are a very personal thing, though, so you'll likely have to do some looking and decide what you want to try. Don't get discouraged if something doesn't work for you, just try something else. Just about everyone who carries, me included, ends up with a box of holsters they have tried and didn't like. Not that they were bad, they just didn't work for us. Keep at it and you'll find something that works for you. In the end, it really doesn't matter which one you get. Both are more similar than they are different and serve the same purpose. They both are good CCW guns and should serve you well. Just remember to practice, practice, practice. Bub75 |
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I am typically a Glock guy, but I ended up buying a Shield over a 43. The truth is I got it to fill a specific need. I normally carry a Glock 26 appendix, and I needed a gun to put in a smart carry holster for times when I wear a suit. I felt that I could shoot the Shield better and run it better. It felt closer to a full sized gun, as it is bigger than the 43. It conceals well enough. Also the fact that it was cheaper didn't really hurt things.
Both are good choices for a concealed carry piece. |
| I'm a 1911 45ACP guy but back problems made me take a look and 9mm compacts. I bought a Shield 9mm and couldn't be happier. I put all the Apex mods in it (my choice) and it now has a consistent 4lb 4oz trigger pull from shot to shot. They are soft shooting, very accurate, and very controllable. |
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One of my partners bought herself a Shield as a present to herself after graduating from the Academy. She can shoot that little gun better than most people can shoot a full sized gun at 15-25 yards.
It is one of the most accurate sub-compacts I have ever shot. I carry a G19 daily and just could not justify the need for one of the smaller guns. |
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I've owned 2 shields and a G43.
The Shield is a GREAT value. I personally had to put in the Apex kit and trigger before I liked the trigger, but the ONLY things I didn't like compared to the G43 is the grip and the weight. The grip is longer front to back, which I don't really like (but I have big palms and short fingers). It also felt bulky and heavy though I know it's only a few ounces different. -- For the price, I think the Shield is great--I paid $339 new and have seen them for $319 online (though I think I spent $120 on upgraded parts for the trigger). That said, the G43 feels smaller, lighter and thinner even with the Pearce +1 or TTI +2 (I can't do flat mag-bases...gotta get my pinky on it). -- Bottom line: if the Shield feels good in your hand, and you don't mind the extra weight (which DOES make shooting it a bit easier--it's 20% softer shooting than the G43 in my opinion), get one. If you just want a really comfortable carry gun with a bit more size-versatility, and don't mind paying more or a little more snap and recoil, get the G43. I personally love my G43 because it feels better in my hand AND carries better than the Shields did. |
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I say Glock but mind you Ive never shot a Shield. I got mine for $ 357 from an LE supplier bit I'd bet they can be had for under $400 on the market, or less.
I admit I had no intention of comparison. I own another Glock for duty carry so buying the 43 was a no-brainer. I practice with either hand, off hand, no hand, both hands, the round you shoot at home with snap caps are as important as the rounds you shoot on the range. It seems the MP is respected. Ive heard other opinions but SW has never failed me in 50 years of shooting. Why should it now? |
| They're on an even playing field. If you don't have a personal preference then the Shield wins with its price. Bought my dad a Shield because he wanted a safety. I bought a Glock because it was within $40 of the Shield with Blue label pricing and I mainly carry Glocks (up to 5 or 6 of them now). |
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Quoted:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/images/firearms/zoom_lg/10108_01_lg.jpg Might get this one but I have no idea why they ported it. Meh... I just want it because it's new to be honest. I'm looking at the G43 as well since I love my G19. I can't decide either... may just get both. I got the email about these. If you have never shot a ported gun this size for defense let me tell you, it is the worst idea since lawn darts. Shoot it from retention close in to your body like taught in most defensive courses. Great way to clear your sinuses and trim your eyebrows... |
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You really have to try both to know which one is best for you?
The 2 big differences between them is size and trigger. The 43 is noticeably smaller. That could be a good or bad thing depending on your hand size, how you plan to carry it, preferences, etc.? They vary somewhat from gun to gun but the 43 has a typical Glock trigger and the Shield has a typical M&P trigger. You already own a G19 and assuming you like the 19's trigger then you will probably prefer the 43's trigger. Other then that there is really not much difference between them |
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Quoted: Shield comes ready to go with 7 & 8 round mags. The G43 needs $10.00 per mag (Pearce +1 extension is least expensive option) just to have 7 round capacity. Both are great, shootable guns but the Shield wins on capacity and price. |