Love my Shield 45 today, six years later. Don’t need the 2.0 or the plus. If you need a budget gun look for one of these used. Plenty of folks dumped these perfectly fine guns for the next latest and greatest thing and you can pick them up for a low price.
Just called a shop the other day to ask if they possibly had one and they actually had a used PC shield 45 and the price is great. Going Tuesday to check it out.
Chicken Nug Master There was a NC Trooper about 20 years back sent 5 rounds of 357 into perp. Perp sent ONE. 22 round back. This is on video too. Oh...results. ..dead trooper, perp still in prison.
I have a full size M&P 45 and I just bought the M&P Shield 45. I love both of them but the transition to the Shield was fairly easy. I have large hands and the Shield takes a bit different grip but it's totally controllable. I've fired FMJ and Semi wadcutters from it and there is no feed problem. I now carry the Shield as my personal Concealed carry weapon and the Full size is the house protection weapon. My recommendation?... carry the M&P 45 Shield...you won't regret it.
Hi Eric. First of all thanks for your service to our country. i just purchased the M&P shield in 45 for my new carrier weapon. and so far, i am liking it a lot. Keep up the good work on the videos. i am a big fan!!!
My 45 Shield is a normal summer carry for me. In a DeSantis OWB leather holster, it hugs right up into my waist and covers easily with a light shirt. I did have a machinist swap out the stock sights for a set of XS Big Dot sights (stock sights had to be milled out) and I added a Hogue beavertail grip to make it fill my hand better. Everyone who shoots it loves it. My biggest problem with the gun is deciding which of my shooting buddies I want to leave it to in my will.
Im a Glock guy,carried the Glock 19 for years.But for this 45 Sheild, i kept the Glock 19 as a house gun.Its hard to beat this single stack 45......very comfortable to carry.Been carrying the 45 Sheild for almost a year........0 problems and flawless!
as a person that owns this weapon from personal experience using it I can say that it is an amazing pistol it has great accuracy and amazing recoil !!!!
i just bought one today,,, put about 100 rds through it and love it,,,,, love the trigger,,,, have the same pistol in 9mm too,,, both are my carry weapons,,,,, has the best trigger of any factory gun,,, got mine with night glow sights and no safety lever
I have a shield 9 and shield 40 I got in 204. Really like them. I also have a 43 I -Ickes up in 2019. I carry it everyday, but am really considering carrying my shields 40 (same capacity as 43) and am really wanting to try the shield 45.
The Shield 45 is one of my favorites. The sights on the 45 are the same as the 9 but triggers are different. This is by far my favorite small 45. It's sized perfectly for the cartridge. Pearce grips makes a finger extension for the 6 round mag it increases control a bit but doesn't affect concealment. Hyve makes a +1 for the 7 rounder. Great little 45.
Need to see more of Ray. I love his input, seems like a very knowledgeable guy. I wouldn't suggest this gun as a first conceal carry. If you have a decent amount of experience shooting handguns (particularly smaller ones) than I would say it would be a good conceal carry.
Gun shop talked me into your gun as a carry gun weeks ago. M&P 45 auto full size. The rounds they sold me for carry were Hornady critical defense 185 gr FTX
I love compact .45s, I've been carrying the Glock g36 off and on for years. 45 isn't to snappy or obnoxious will providing more than enough ft lbs. I hope this round is relevant for another 100 years.
Took a bit to get used to. I was hitting kinda low and to the right...but that was easy to fix. The small mag made it hard to have a firm grip. On the 9mm and 40, it is not hard to use two fingers to shoot, but the recoil make the two finger grip hard. I had to buy all extended mags. That being said, I still enjoy the gun today. The best small frame 45 has been the Xd mod 2 .45 for me. Good video!
I am having trouble with the .45 Shield dropping magazines. I am certain it's my own problem, I feel the release button hitting my fingers. However, I'm looking for a way to find a spare catch and modify it. The spring seems strong enough already.
Pete Zaitcev I have had that issue with the most of the single stack, compact 9mm. My finger squeezes the mag release just beside the guard as I fire. It reminds me of the looney tunes episodes.
Sounds like it's just a training issue you should keep practicing until you get really good at it it's kinda dumb to modify a gun for a training issue not calling you dumb but if it were I having the same issue I would just train more!
I think I sliced my finger open loading magazines as some point throughout the day. Generally when we film pistol reviews, we try to get out there and knock out 3-4 in a day.
I saw it and scrolled down because I knew someone would have asked. Between the thousands of eyes that see this stuff, someones going to catch every little detail, collectively.
I'm a Glock 43 owner but I recently shot a S&W PC Shield and fell in love with it. I loved the sights, trigger, and the porting on the barrel and slide. After my last 2 guns with S&W I'm unsure if I will purchase anything from them in the future, but if I do, I might just have to pick one of these up along with my preferred holster the Stealthgear Onyx. Hopefully they'll come out with a performance center version!
Highly recommend Rustoleum "Hunter Green" spray paint for ShootSteel Targets. Paint the targets, upright shields, and the wooden uprights ALL the same color. Looks great with the trees in the background.
The Walther PPS does the same thing with their different size magazines. The witness holes on the flush fit magazine has an extra witness hole for the +1 magazine.
I like N82 Professional Holster and Hidden Hybrid Holsters !!!! I've also learned to add Talon Rubber Grips to all my Hand Guns when Possible !!! I've been carrying my 9mm Shield 8+1 for Over 2 years in a N82 holster. When I think I might need More, I Carry a M&P9c 12+1 in a Hidden Hybrid !! With 32Rd spare magazine !!
I really enjoyed this video!!! Good shooting, Good evaluation, A great up beat fun video to watch. I liked the feel and attitude on this video!!!!!!!!!!!
Regarding your reference to compatibility of the Apex Shield Trigger & Kit for the 9/40 models working in the new Shield 45, this is not entirely accurate. The striker block, for instance, does not fit or function at all in the new Shield 45. Apex will be releasing a an Action Enhancement Trigger specifically for the Shield 45, as well as a Duty/Carry Kit for the 45. These new products are in their final stages of testing and we hope to release them by Christmas. Iraqveteran8888, if you'd like additional information please contact us at 623-322-0200. Scott Folk will be happy to walk you through the changes being made and update you on where the new products stand. Thanks. - APEX
very cool video and very informative. And excellent shooting! thank you very much for a informative video and have purchased one of these now myself. Can't wait to take it out and run it through its paces. Thanks again.
Eric kept saying ray was going to come in and shoot. But i never saw him. Heard his voice and saw the gun float in air but never actually saw ray. Either way another great video
I'm very surprised about your desire to replace the trigger so soon. Most of the other reviewers are complimenting S&W's upgrade on the 45, saying the trigger is much better than what is stock on the 9 and 40. Do you really think it needs an Apex? Just wondering.
As for me, with it being designed as a carry pistol, I'd leave the stock trigger as it is. Might do some polish work for the engagement surfaces but that's about it. Most of the Shields I've ever handled have had quite nice triggers out of the box.
Show some more ballistic tests with that Underwood ammo out of short barrel carry guns. Velocities are most likely rated out of a 5 inch barrel. How far will a .40 caliber kill?
you said you bought this gun from Big Woods Goods in Canton Ga, Wow I don't live far from there in Calhoun Ga about 30 min down the road-great review of this pistol in fact I enjoyed this video so much I subscribed this morning
Love G30, esp. G30S. In same cap./size class, P320, XD(m) compact & Mod.2 are great also. Shield 45, Kahr P45, XD-S are much slimmer, lighter (tho XD-S is pudgy a tad). Some folks can't manage weight and thickness of G30S. If you have some good meat on you, def. look at G30S or Mod.2.
First time watcher and subscriber. Good job. Thank you. Took me a while to decide on a Shield because of the trigger feel. Guess I'll get used to it soon, picking my .45 shield up next week. Called S&W about the slide release not being able to be released with your thumb. They said after it locks back just sling shot it. It's the only way to do it to keep it slim. I think that is a flaw though because you can't release it even using both hands.
I couldn't release the slide lock with my thumb for the first few hundred rounds now I can release it with my right thumb without issues just needs to break in!
i knew i wasnt the only one who feels like you know? SOMETIMES, you just wanna carry a .45. hey eric, have you had any problems ftf/fte running the 14rd m&p mags? my buddy has a sig 227 and the 10rd mags are flawless but the 14rd mags arent reliable. the m&p45 actually feels really good in hand and with 10rds and an apex trigger i think youve got a nice carry .45. i think some would argue a glock 30s/sf would be better but thats a pretty thick and heavy gun itself. i really want to like the hk45c but dont have any experience with it. i was hoping itd be worth switching out my glock 19 for when i do want to carry a .45. since its colder i dont mind carrying a 1911 gov but i havent edc'd it. i also have a springfield lightweight champion operator but it feels a little angrier than id like when i shoot it. my buddy has an xd-s .45 and its been a hard transition from his glock 19. made me not want one actually lol. not sure what the perfect carry .45 is but a jm 625 seems like itd be a fun challenge too!
Hmmmm, might pick up one of these to replace my USP 45 as a concealed carry gun. (Yes, the USP is full size. Yes, I can hide it well. Yes, I'm about as big around as a toothpick)
it wont satisfy you the way that usp45 does! honestly i dont know what could. i think the only way you could go now is something in 9mm or another hk in .45 or just keep running the usp! wish hk came out with a vp45 instead of that .40, that would have been interesting. hell even a hk45c sk...but ionno how pleasant that would be to shoot lol
jacob manalang I'm looking at a P229 Legion/Elite as my next carry gun. Will be in 357 Sig, but will also pick up a 40 barrel. I shot one in 9 a few weeks ago and OH MY GOD DO I NEED IT! Smaller than the H&K, a bit less recoil impulse, and most importantly its DA/SA.
Hey Iraqveteran8888, any idea when the Performance Center version of the 45 shield will be introduced? I want this so bad but I would like to wait for the PC version.
One problem with this firearm if you live in a hot climate: the new stippling will rip the flesh off your side. Fine if you live where it's cool enough to wear an undershirt at all times, but hotter environments make that troublesome. I bought a Pachmayer sleeve for it, but it makes the gun wider and less comfortable. With that sole caveat, however, it is in all other was a fantastic and surprisingly accurate gun.
I have all 9mm handguns. I just dont have the money to buy lots of different calibers for guns. But i am really considering buying a .45 next year and or a .357 mag
45 acp and 357 mag are both great choices. I'm going to assume all your 9mms are semi auto. You may enjoy having a revolver just for something different. So if I were you Id go with 357 mag, plus you can shoot the cheaper 38 special in the 357 mag chamber. Just my 2 cents, but you can not go wrong with either caliber.
Jake Outdoors Yup. All semi autos. Thats what i was thinking. If i got a 357 mag i could have the choice to shoot 2 different calibers in the same gun. Maybe a 7 shot 357 mag. Man that would be a great bug out/survival gun.
If you are concerned about cylinder capacity there are a few 357s that hold 8 rounds. The S&W 627 is the only one that comes to mind. However I do like revolvers that hold odd number of rounds. (The cylinders lock up between the chambers instead of on them.) Plus in the future you can always buy a lever gun in 357 and that is one less caliber to buy or reload. I ended up purchasing a 9mm rifle because its cheap to shoot and I already load 9mm. It was a good choice in my opinion.
You should try a S&W model 60 3inch barrel, or model 66 great 357 mag revolvers in my opinion. They aren't really made to shoot non stop 357 mag but as a walk around the woods or carry gun even they will do just fine with 357 mag you can just plink with 38 special
Does bigger size 45c provide better accuracy, less recoil over the Shield45? I can't seem to decide which is better to get. I don't CC often and 45c sure is bigger but certainly not a lot bigger. Shield45 is real hot right now so I am wondering if 45c is an overall better performer?
Well if you want to push the envelope and not carry an alloy or even steel frame 1911 you could load it with 255 grain + p Buffalo bore hardcast semi wad-cutters which I'm sure would take care of anything east of grizzly country. With shot placement you could even take care of a grizzly. It's been done before with a 9 although it took about eight shots. With 255 grain 45 you could probably get it done with half that number of bullets although I don't think I'd go walking around grizzley country with only four rounds in my Shield.
One thing I would question is, will a hollow point bullet expand from that short of a barrel and yes there are short barrel loads for the shorter barreled guns but has anyone tried these in the S&W Shield .45 yet. I'd like to see some tests on this subject with this gun. Has anyone out there heard or done testing to see how a 230gr .45 hollow point bullet performs in this firearm?
GunsHarleysUSA I'm skeptical whether most bullets will expand or perform optimally from a short-barrel given cold weather humidity Etc. however I think if you use some sort of semi wadcutter 230 grains and up fully loaded or + p you're going to get some nice sectional density momentum and penetration which is I think the most you can hope for.
this comment is a bit off subject. but I've notice that you and sootch have have showed 22lr conversation kits for ar 15s. i have one and was wondering if you can run one suppressed. i thought I'd ask yous since yous run alot suppressed. thanks.
Hey Eric, they came out with a performance center version in 45. I'm curious if the porting would sacrifice any needed/desired velocity. The shield already sports a pretty short barrel. I always thought 45acp ball is one round that is suited well for plinking or self defense. Don't know out of a stubby ported barrel though? I've been looking to trade in my Glock 21 for a more concealable option, since it is my only handgun now. Your Shield videos really have grabbed my interest and I know I'd carry it a lot more, since the Glock just sits in my ''Oh shit!"Bag in my truck. The shield is less likely to get stolen if I carry it and more likely to help me if I ever need it in a pinch.
Utubnagain I believe it was kentuckylakeprepper did a video on how his rusted and would fail to retain his mags till he cleaned it. Stainless is something they can call it if they have enough of the right elements in the steel, but even if those are met it does not assure they are completely stainless to do that you need something like nitrogen purged steel. Under the effects of sweat and certain people's PH in their sweat it will rust a lot of "stainless" steels.
The shield frames are all polymer, as well as the mag release button. If that is rust it would have to be from the spring, and it would have to be pretty nasty inside to have that much rust creeping out. I'd say it's probably dirt.
which gun would you recommend more for concealed carry? the 45 shield or the 45 compact? i was thinking about picking one or the other up after the new year
i have a g36 carried it for a while...had a xds that i traded for it....i had the m&p shield 45 put in my mitts...was set with $$$ in my pocket for another glock ... after range testing both(g27)....my opinion is that it out performs both the 36 and xds in carry and accuracy right out of the box....just wish it didnt come in a cardboard box....
Is rather have the cardboard box rather than a plastic one that adds cost to the firearm to offset the plastic box cost! Mine is very nice box and all !!!!
Love my Shield 45 today, six years later. Don’t need the 2.0 or the plus. If you need a budget gun look for one of these used. Plenty of folks dumped these perfectly fine guns for the next latest and greatest thing and you can pick them up for a low price.
Just called a shop the other day to ask if they possibly had one and they actually had a used PC shield 45 and the price is great. Going Tuesday to check it out.
I'm a Vet, and I've never seen anyone get up from a .45cal hit, but MANY survivors from 32auto, 9mm, and 7.65 Chinese/Russian rounds!!
TheSpritz0 happy late Veterans Day
Chicken Nug Master There was a NC Trooper about 20 years back sent 5 rounds of 357 into perp. Perp sent ONE. 22 round back. This is on video too. Oh...results. ..dead trooper, perp still in prison.
Thanks BRO!! At least I've been in firefights, many times over my 8.5 years in the Airborne...
And your combat experience is?? I've been in countless firefights in my 8.5 years in the Airborne, pal...
Bosnia with Canadian Forces, weapon was a .45ACP 1911 I traded with a Croatian soldier in Zagreb...
I have a full size M&P 45 and I just bought the M&P Shield 45. I love both of them but the transition to the Shield was fairly easy. I have large hands and the Shield takes a bit different grip but it's totally controllable. I've fired FMJ and Semi wadcutters from it and there is no feed problem. I now carry the Shield as my personal Concealed carry weapon and the Full size is the house protection weapon. My recommendation?... carry the M&P 45 Shield...you won't regret it.
It's super excellent
Liking the new stippling
Hi Eric. First of all thanks for your service to our country. i just purchased the M&P shield in 45 for my new carrier weapon. and so far, i am liking it a lot. Keep up the good work on the videos. i am a big fan!!!
My 45 Shield is a normal summer carry for me. In a DeSantis OWB leather holster, it hugs right up into my waist and covers easily with a light shirt. I did have a machinist swap out the stock sights for a set of XS Big Dot sights (stock sights had to be milled out) and I added a Hogue beavertail grip to make it fill my hand better. Everyone who shoots it loves it. My biggest problem with the gun is deciding which of my shooting buddies I want to leave it to in my will.
Love this gun, I carry it every day off duty. I've personally shot it 30 yards body shots all day.
Im a Glock guy,carried the Glock 19 for years.But for this 45 Sheild, i kept the Glock 19 as a house gun.Its hard to beat this single stack 45......very comfortable to carry.Been carrying the 45 Sheild for almost a year........0 problems and flawless!
as a person that owns this weapon from personal experience using it I can say that it is an amazing pistol it has great accuracy and amazing recoil !!!!
Joshua Conine You are correct sir
Joshua Conine I have the same gun, but haven't shot it. Lol hopefully I can take it to the range soon
i just bought one today,,, put about 100 rds through it and love it,,,,, love the trigger,,,, have the same pistol in 9mm too,,, both are my carry weapons,,,,, has the best trigger of any factory gun,,, got mine with night glow sights and no safety lever
I have carried my M&P .45 Shield for about 4 years. It shoots everything I put in it. I shoot every week at the club and it rocks
The Shield 45 is a great pistol, I love mine & have done many reviews on my Channel as well! Carry On!
Loving the work, keep it up man. Happy late Veterans Day 👍
isaac castanon because im canadian happy remembrance day
Love the Shield 45. My EDC now
Tony stevens Do you have any issues concealing it? How do you carry?
AJ&KATE WOOD appendix with a slim tuk holster is fairly easy
shield is way better than the glock 43 in my opinion..
I had a 43. Hated it! Did a even trade for a p320 compact. Couldn't be happier.
Always has been.
Glock 43 is a good reliable gun but I agree with you. Shield is a better size, better capacity, better features, etc.
I have a shield 9 and shield 40 I got in 204. Really like them. I also have a 43 I -Ickes up in 2019. I carry it everyday, but am really considering carrying my shields 40 (same capacity as 43) and am really wanting to try the shield 45.
The Shield 45 is one of my favorites. The sights on the 45 are the same as the 9 but triggers are different. This is by far my favorite small 45. It's sized perfectly for the cartridge. Pearce grips makes a finger extension for the 6 round mag it increases control a bit but doesn't affect concealment. Hyve makes a +1 for the 7 rounder. Great little 45.
How is the recoil! I’ve been told that the slim grip combined with the recoil is like getting karate chopped in the hand with a steel gauntlet
I'm sorry guys I know this is an older post but I've had my 45 shield now two three months Maybe and I absolutely love it
holy shit 0:15 dat shit ricochet bullet went straight up flying - dangerous as fuck!
firebladeflow I think it was the empty case
+CrossEyedSniper 1 lmao not 100% sure why is that 😆
Right back up over his head, I saw it too
Something came back up. Probably would have just hurt like a bitch unless it hit his face.
It's soda vapor coming off the gopher. Not a richocet.
Need to see more of Ray. I love his input, seems like a very knowledgeable guy. I wouldn't suggest this gun as a first conceal carry. If you have a decent amount of experience shooting handguns (particularly smaller ones) than I would say it would be a good conceal carry.
Christina Ricci as Wednesday changed my life. Goth chicks are where it's at! ( If you can keep their emotions in check..)
😉
Dude!! Me too!! I had the biggest crush on her in that movie when I was around 10 or 11 years old!
Christina Ricci in Black snake moan and a box of tissues changed my life
Gun shop talked me into your gun as a carry gun weeks ago. M&P 45 auto full size. The rounds they sold me for carry were Hornady critical defense 185 gr FTX
I like the 9 but I prefer a 40 cal I recently fell back in love with the 45. And my EDC is a 357 mag.
I love compact .45s, I've been carrying the Glock g36 off and on for years. 45 isn't to snappy or obnoxious will providing more than enough ft lbs. I hope this round is relevant for another 100 years.
Took a bit to get used to. I was hitting kinda low and to the right...but that was easy to fix. The small mag made it hard to have a firm grip. On the 9mm and 40, it is not hard to use two fingers to shoot, but the recoil make the two finger grip hard. I had to buy all extended mags. That being said, I still enjoy the gun today. The best small frame 45 has been the Xd mod 2 .45 for me. Good video!
S&W is one of the few US companies that seems to know the shape of the human hand.
I have this in 9... put an Apex trigger in and went with Hogue grips and night sights... great combo!
I really like mine, Had it a few months now, No issues at all with it. Good shooting gun right out of the box. You do some good shooting here !
0:15 pause and watch the bullet deflect.. the falling target really saves you when you're that close
nope, it's the angle in the first place that let the bullet ricochet. The target is not meant to be shot at, at an angle for this very reason.
I am having trouble with the .45 Shield dropping magazines. I am certain it's my own problem, I feel the release button hitting my fingers. However, I'm looking for a way to find a spare catch and modify it. The spring seems strong enough already.
Pete Zaitcev I have had that issue with the most of the single stack, compact 9mm. My finger squeezes the mag release just beside the guard as I fire. It reminds me of the looney tunes episodes.
Sounds like it's just a training issue you should keep practicing until you get really good at it it's kinda dumb to modify a gun for a training issue not calling you dumb but if it were I having the same issue I would just train more!
just bought one from TruPrep Marietta, Ga. thanks to those guys over there!
I can't remember off the top of my head, but it was the cheapest price around and you can't beat their customer service and friendly, helpful staff.
DudeofGwinnett yea I like mine alot
At 18:44 Eric's left index finger is bleeding. What kind of accident was it?
I think I sliced my finger open loading magazines as some point throughout the day. Generally when we film pistol reviews, we try to get out there and knock out 3-4 in a day.
That is creepy that you noticed, and felt the need to ask
I saw it and scrolled down because I knew someone would have asked. Between the thousands of eyes that see this stuff, someones going to catch every little detail, collectively.
I think it was too much white privilege you racist
Pete Zaitcev go to bro thanks for the call if you're free I'll climbing
I'm a Glock 43 owner but I recently shot a S&W PC Shield and fell in love with it. I loved the sights, trigger, and the porting on the barrel and slide. After my last 2 guns with S&W I'm unsure if I will purchase anything from them in the future, but if I do, I might just have to pick one of these up along with my preferred holster the Stealthgear Onyx. Hopefully they'll come out with a performance center version!
Love the video. Would like to hear comparison between the .40 shield and .45 shield in recoil control.
I would love to see more of Ray. hes really relaxed and enjoyable on camera
Always nice to see Ray!
Highly recommend Rustoleum "Hunter Green" spray paint for ShootSteel Targets.
Paint the targets, upright shields, and the wooden uprights ALL the same color.
Looks great with the trees in the background.
Glad to see Ray he seems like a great guy
We appreciate the shout out!
-Big woods goods
Erick watch out the ricochet is not far from you bro !
best gun vids on youtube is iv8888
dan
The Walther PPS does the same thing with their different size magazines. The witness holes on the flush fit magazine has an extra witness hole for the +1 magazine.
that gun shoot to the left...
I own a few shields. The 45 is seriously the best tiny 45acp gun ive ever shot.
I have one on order at my local sportsman shop Eric. No thumb safety, and a set of night sights. Should be in by next saturday.
I'm still stuck between an M&P .45 Compact or a Sig 227 Carry for my first .45acp.
I like N82 Professional Holster and Hidden Hybrid Holsters !!!!
I've also learned to add Talon Rubber Grips to all my Hand Guns when Possible !!!
I've been carrying my 9mm Shield 8+1 for Over 2 years in a N82 holster.
When I think I might need More, I Carry a M&P9c 12+1 in a Hidden Hybrid !!
With 32Rd spare magazine !!
Good stuff! Love that Smith came out with this. Figures, right after I trade my carry 1911 in for a SW Shield 9mm..... Lol
That’s funny! I bought the Shield in .45 specifically because I know I want a 1911 eventually.
I really enjoyed this video!!! Good shooting, Good evaluation, A great up beat fun video to watch. I liked the feel and attitude on this video!!!!!!!!!!!
Regarding your reference to compatibility of the Apex Shield Trigger & Kit for the 9/40 models working in the new Shield 45, this is not entirely accurate. The striker block, for instance, does not fit or function at all in the new Shield 45. Apex will be releasing a an Action Enhancement Trigger specifically for the Shield 45, as well as a Duty/Carry Kit for the 45. These new products are in their final stages of testing and we hope to release them by Christmas. Iraqveteran8888, if you'd like additional information please contact us at 623-322-0200. Scott Folk will be happy to walk you through the changes being made and update you on where the new products stand. Thanks. - APEX
Just got the 45 performance center love it very thin same size as Glock 19 - fun fun 🤩 thx for the video 7 years ago now 2024 June 😊
I have the 2.0 since it came out and the trigger is pretty light for a concealed carry pistol! Way lighter than any of my other pistols outta the box!
Yea mine shoots a little bit to the left, I still love mine and it’s definitely accurate enough for me to carry
Awesome. I was just considering this for my own needs. Good review.
I got the M&P Shield .40 Great gun to have
very cool video and very informative. And excellent shooting! thank you very much for a informative video and have purchased one of these now myself. Can't wait to take it out and run it through its paces. Thanks again.
Low and to the left.
Pocket rocket. Can't wait till mine arrives at my FFL Monday or TUesday!
Eric kept saying ray was going to come in and shoot. But i never saw him. Heard his voice and saw the gun float in air but never actually saw ray. Either way another great video
I find it ironic that you use both of my preferred carry loads. The Federal HST and the Underwood Xtreme Defender. Thanks for the video Eric!
Didn't recognize you without the gunsmith beard your opinion is worth a lot more than 2 cents you got a lot of knowledge in that beardless noggin.
Love that fact that it’s not so noticeable even wearing my sweats u can’t tell
Damn it! Now I have to buy another shield. Already have the 9 and 40. Thanks, Iraqveteran8888. My wallet is pissed you showed me this existed.
I'm very surprised about your desire to replace the trigger so soon. Most of the other reviewers are complimenting S&W's upgrade on the 45, saying the trigger is much better than what is stock on the 9 and 40. Do you really think it needs an Apex? Just wondering.
Aaron Neumeyer yea, I think so. the positive reset is much better on the 45acp but still leaves a lot to be desired for a SD trigger
I've found the trigger to be perfectly fine, but others may disagree.
As for me, with it being designed as a carry pistol, I'd leave the stock trigger as it is. Might do some polish work for the engagement surfaces but that's about it. Most of the Shields I've ever handled have had quite nice triggers out of the box.
Show some more ballistic tests with that Underwood ammo out of short barrel carry guns. Velocities are most likely rated out of a 5 inch barrel. How far will a .40 caliber kill?
Cool video as always. Waiting on Shot Show 2017 before making a new purchase.
the performace center model is awesome i love it
you said you bought this gun from Big Woods Goods in Canton Ga, Wow I don't live far from there in Calhoun Ga about 30 min down the road-great review of this pistol in fact I enjoyed this video so much I subscribed this morning
I'm giving a thumbs up just for that hilarious comment in the beginning.
I didn't recognize Ray without the beard!
Why get this when you can get glock 30.?
Fagan Roberts Because Glock ergonomics are terrible?
Fagan Roberts this is a good bit smaller still in terms of weight width and length
Love G30, esp. G30S. In same cap./size class, P320, XD(m) compact & Mod.2 are great also. Shield 45, Kahr P45, XD-S are much slimmer, lighter (tho XD-S is pudgy a tad). Some folks can't manage weight and thickness of G30S. If you have some good meat on you, def. look at G30S or Mod.2.
Excellent review!!
First time watcher and subscriber. Good job. Thank you. Took me a while to decide on a Shield because of the trigger feel. Guess I'll get used to it soon, picking my .45 shield up next week. Called S&W about the slide release not being able to be released with your thumb. They said after it locks back just sling shot it. It's the only way to do it to keep it slim. I think that is a flaw though because you can't release it even using both hands.
I couldn't release the slide lock with my thumb for the first few hundred rounds now I can release it with my right thumb without issues just needs to break in!
i knew i wasnt the only one who feels like you know? SOMETIMES, you just wanna carry a .45.
hey eric, have you had any problems ftf/fte running the 14rd m&p mags? my buddy has a sig 227 and the 10rd mags are flawless but the 14rd mags arent reliable.
the m&p45 actually feels really good in hand and with 10rds and an apex trigger i think youve got a nice carry .45. i think some would argue a glock 30s/sf would be better but thats a pretty thick and heavy gun itself.
i really want to like the hk45c but dont have any experience with it. i was hoping itd be worth switching out my glock 19 for when i do want to carry a .45. since its colder i dont mind carrying a 1911 gov but i havent edc'd it. i also have a springfield lightweight champion operator but it feels a little angrier than id like when i shoot it.
my buddy has an xd-s .45 and its been a hard transition from his glock 19. made me not want one actually lol. not sure what the perfect carry .45 is but a jm 625 seems like itd be a fun challenge too!
what did you cut your finger on I seen it bleeding towards the end of the video after you said you wouldn't end the episode with a miss
Hmmmm, might pick up one of these to replace my USP 45 as a concealed carry gun. (Yes, the USP is full size. Yes, I can hide it well. Yes, I'm about as big around as a toothpick)
*think you can hide it well ;) :D
firebladeflow Appendix carry ;) Doesn't print unless I'm wearing a tight shirt
DirtRider500R or see a pretty lady :'D
it wont satisfy you the way that usp45 does! honestly i dont know what could. i think the only way you could go now is something in 9mm or another hk in .45 or just keep running the usp! wish hk came out with a vp45 instead of that .40, that would have been interesting. hell even a hk45c sk...but ionno how pleasant that would be to shoot lol
jacob manalang I'm looking at a P229 Legion/Elite as my next carry gun. Will be in 357 Sig, but will also pick up a 40 barrel. I shot one in 9 a few weeks ago and OH MY GOD DO I NEED IT! Smaller than the H&K, a bit less recoil impulse, and most importantly its DA/SA.
Hey Iraqveteran8888, any idea when the Performance Center version of the 45 shield will be introduced? I want this so bad but I would like to wait for the PC version.
One problem with this firearm if you live in a hot climate: the new stippling will rip the flesh off your side. Fine if you live where it's cool enough to wear an undershirt at all times, but hotter environments make that troublesome. I bought a Pachmayer sleeve for it, but it makes the gun wider and less comfortable. With that sole caveat, however, it is in all other was a fantastic and surprisingly accurate gun.
I carry this gun on my ankle on duty and I forget it's there. Great gun!
I have all 9mm handguns. I just dont have the money to buy lots of different calibers for guns. But i am really considering buying a .45 next year and or a .357 mag
45 acp and 357 mag are both great choices. I'm going to assume all your 9mms are semi auto. You may enjoy having a revolver just for something different. So if I were you Id go with 357 mag, plus you can shoot the cheaper 38 special in the 357 mag chamber. Just my 2 cents, but you can not go wrong with either caliber.
Jake Outdoors Yup. All semi autos. Thats what i was thinking. If i got a 357 mag i could have the choice to shoot 2 different calibers in the same gun. Maybe a 7 shot 357 mag. Man that would be a great bug out/survival gun.
If you are concerned about cylinder capacity there are a few 357s that hold 8 rounds. The S&W 627 is the only one that comes to mind. However I do like revolvers that hold odd number of rounds. (The cylinders lock up between the chambers instead of on them.) Plus in the future you can always buy a lever gun in 357 and that is one less caliber to buy or reload. I ended up purchasing a 9mm rifle because its cheap to shoot and I already load 9mm. It was a good choice in my opinion.
You should try a S&W model 60 3inch barrel, or model 66 great 357 mag revolvers in my opinion. They aren't really made to shoot non stop 357 mag but as a walk around the woods or carry gun even they will do just fine with 357 mag you can just plink with 38 special
Jake Outdoors Nice!!!
That intro was sick!!! 👍👍
Rhythm of shooting seems slow, is the caliber maybe too large for pistol of this size? How controllable it is after firing?
happy belated veterans day, and that's a fancy pistol, may have to get one of those and let my 1911 have a break
Does bigger size 45c provide better accuracy, less recoil over the Shield45? I can't seem to decide which is better to get. I don't CC often and 45c sure is bigger but certainly not a lot bigger. Shield45 is real hot right now so I am wondering if 45c is an overall better performer?
What’d you decide? 🙂
@@permanenceaesthetic6545 45C was my choice.
Nice Double Tap Eric!! Thanks for the M&P Shield .45 ACP Video!! It's Surely a Fun Shooting Gun ~~
we need more Ray and gun smithing lol love Ray
I wish this gun would come out in 10mm it would be perfect for hiking,fishing and camping especially here in the south east!
Well if you want to push the envelope and not carry an alloy or even steel frame 1911 you could load it with 255 grain + p Buffalo bore hardcast semi wad-cutters which I'm sure would take care of anything east of grizzly country.
With shot placement you could even take care of a grizzly. It's been done before with a 9 although it took about eight shots. With 255 grain 45 you could probably get it done with half that number of bullets although I don't think I'd go walking around grizzley country with only four rounds in my Shield.
One thing I would question is, will a hollow point bullet expand from that short of a barrel and yes there are short barrel loads for the shorter barreled guns but has anyone tried these in the S&W Shield .45 yet. I'd like to see some tests on this subject with this gun. Has anyone out there heard or done testing to see how a 230gr .45 hollow point bullet performs in this firearm?
GunsHarleysUSA I'm skeptical whether most bullets will expand or perform optimally from a short-barrel given cold weather humidity Etc. however I think if you use some sort of semi wadcutter 230 grains and up fully loaded or + p you're going to get some nice sectional density momentum and penetration which is I think the most you can hope for.
yes I have,expanded well
Abel Perez what grain weight what velocity what brand what temperature 4 layers denim etc?
Speer Gold Dot makes them for short barrel guns,expanded well
230 Gr Gold Dots for short barrel.I live in Florida and yes went through denim.Also the Critical Duty did good too
how many fps do you loss off that ported barrel?
freaking love the shield 45
So this is right out of the box, no cleaning before hand ?
Ray, he's a good ole boy!
this comment is a bit off subject. but I've notice that you and sootch have have showed 22lr conversation kits for ar 15s. i have one and was wondering if you can run one suppressed. i thought I'd ask yous since yous run alot suppressed. thanks.
I like watching my friends shoot.
Hey Eric, they came out with a performance center version in 45. I'm curious if the porting would sacrifice any needed/desired velocity. The shield already sports a pretty short barrel. I always thought 45acp ball is one round that is suited well for plinking or self defense. Don't know out of a stubby ported barrel though? I've been looking to trade in my Glock 21 for a more concealable option, since it is my only handgun now. Your Shield videos really have grabbed my interest and I know I'd carry it a lot more, since the Glock just sits in my ''Oh shit!"Bag in my truck. The shield is less likely to get stolen if I carry it and more likely to help me if I ever need it in a pinch.
I contacted apex tactical and they said they do not currently have anything for the 45 shield.
Also, how's the expansion with defense ammo out of the 3.3 barrel? Does it get full powder burn and velocity?
Seeing some rust around the mag release on the 9mm might want to get that cleaned up or it could come to bite you when it matters most.
Utubnagain I believe it was kentuckylakeprepper did a video on how his rusted and would fail to retain his mags till he cleaned it. Stainless is something they can call it if they have enough of the right elements in the steel, but even if those are met it does not assure they are completely stainless to do that you need something like nitrogen purged steel. Under the effects of sweat and certain people's PH in their sweat it will rust a lot of "stainless" steels.
The shield frames are all polymer, as well as the mag release button. If that is rust it would have to be from the spring, and it would have to be pretty nasty inside to have that much rust creeping out. I'd say it's probably dirt.
Nice shirt, Eric.
which gun would you recommend more for concealed carry? the 45 shield or the 45 compact? i was thinking about picking one or the other up after the new year
man im so happy i got one of these with night sights and no safety NIB for $325
Heck yeah Ray! Hope to see him in more to come! A little weird beardless though lol
i have a g36 carried it for a while...had a xds that i traded for it....i had the m&p shield 45 put in my mitts...was set with $$$ in my pocket for another glock ... after range testing both(g27)....my opinion is that it out performs both the 36 and xds in carry and accuracy right out of the box....just wish it didnt come in a cardboard box....
Is rather have the cardboard box rather than a plastic one that adds cost to the firearm to offset the plastic box cost! Mine is very nice box and all !!!!