Glock 43 vs Shield?

My favorite guns in this category are the Glock 43 for its overall small size and weight and the PPS M2 conversely for its extra weight that adds to shootability. The shield is somewhere inbetween, not as compact as the Glock and not as heavy as the Walther. Might be a sweet spot for you. It's all preference. My wife likes the 43, I carry a PPS M2, plenty of people out there love their Shields. Just pick what you like!
 
I have both. I have thousand of rounds through my Shield and less than 250 through my 43. If I can get my POI to shift to the right my 43 will be the ticket. I say that I will only use the 43 for pocket but if I improve my shooting with it I may carry it other ways as well.
 
I purchased a G 43 and was very disappointed with the handling of the pistol...one of those "just does not feel or shoot right for me" pistols. A friend traded me a Sig P238 and a dozen mags for it.
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I would buy a 43 just to trade it if I could get a deal like that.
 
I've held the Shield, couldn't release the slide to save my life
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With the 9mm Shield (and probably the 40S&W) the recoil spring is very tight when the gun is new. I would lock mine open every time I put it in the safe for the first couple months and that seemed to help. It feels like a normal gun now after a few hundred rounds through it.

My new 45ACP Shield didn't have that issue at all.
 
I would buy the Shield because it has a safety. I think the Glock shoots better tho. I have an LC9, my choice for a new one would be the LC0s with the safety. The LC is a tad smaller than the others.
 
Mastrogiacomo said:
I've held the Shield, couldn't release the slide to save my life...get the Glock...and it's not even close as far as I'm concerned...get the Glock...



Laura
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Because SW didnt intend it as a release. Its a lock. To release it you pull back and slingshot it.

Glocks make good paperweights and hammers.


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I have shields in 9 and 40, and I've shot the G43.
I thought the Glock felt pretty good in my hand, and I shot it pretty well.
The Shield .40 will wear you out.
I wouldn't sell my shield 9 for a G43, but I might sell the .40 to buy the Glock.
Either way, you can't go wrong.
 
Have both.

I have them both. Kind of a horse a piece. The 43 is abit more comfortable for CCW. As it's abit smaller. But the Shield feels better in my hand. Love them both!
 
Tailgator, I already have two Sig P 238 pistols and it was still a great trade ( but you have to ask what was he going to use a dozen P 238 mags for?):)
It turned out the 238 was one of their recall pistols from 6-8 years ago, I sent it to sig and received what had to be a completely new and updated pistol. There was not even a sign of the previous wear marks on slide, barrel and frame..and new night sights....love Sig Service Dept.
 
It is all about personal preferrence, the ergonomics of both are good, you need to get both in your hands and shoot both to make that call yourself.

I went with the 43, it just fits me better, and - for me - is much easier to conceal, carry, draw etc... from pocket carry. I usually carry a bigger double-stack IWB or OWB, the 43 is specifically for when I can't dress around my bigger EDC and need/want to pocket carry.

How you are going to carry it should be a factor in the decision. The 43 comes in a little smaller making it much easier to pocket carry. If you are going IWB, OWB or any other belt/waist holster both will work well.
 
Ignore anybody who tells you there is a bad choice to be made between the Shield, the G-43, and my own personal choice which I got after I tried the other two, the Walther PPS-M2!
 
Tailgator, I already have two Sig P 238 pistols and it was still a great trade ( but you have to ask what was he going to use a dozen P 238 mags for?)
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My wife and I have two, also - his and hers. I'm a bit short of a dozen mags, though. Sheesh. They are $40 bucks a pop locally. You got a pretty good deal just with the mags.

It turned out the 238 was one of their recall pistols from 6-8 years ago, I sent it to sig and received what had to be a completely new and updated pistol. There was not even a sign of the previous wear marks on slide, barrel and frame..and new night sights....love Sig Service Dept.
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I haven't had the need to deal with Sig CS, but it sounds like they treated you pretty great. Good to hear.
 
I was leaning towards buying a Glock 43 last year after handling one in a gun shop. A friend of mine that had a Shield said he was very impressed with his. I was lucky enough to find a gun shop/range that had rentals and was able to fire the Smith Shield and G43 back to back.

After a few shots with the Glock I knew I was going with the Shield. The advertised 5.5lbs trigger on the G43 was so stiff I felt like I was trying to fire my 642 Airweight revolver. Add to that more capacity and saving over $100 going with the Shield.
 
I was questioning this exact same thing.. 43 vs Shield. I shot them both and ultimateley decided on the Shield.... until my LGS guy pulled out the PPS M2 and made me try it.... the rest is history. Dont count the Walther out of your consideration. Understand its not as popular as Glock or S&W, but great, reliable brand.
 
Both are good quality pistols. It comes down to personal preference. I ended up choosing the Glock, and have no regrets. I liked them both, but the kicker for me was the mag release on the Glock was reversible for a lefty.
 
Cornhusker77 said:
I have shields in 9 and 40, and I've shot the G43.

I thought the Glock felt pretty good in my hand, and I shot it pretty well.

The Shield .40 will wear you out.

I wouldn't sell my shield 9 for a G43, but I might sell the .40 to buy the Glock.

Either way, you can't go wrong.
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Shield 40 will wear you out

Seriously.

I have no issue with it personally and the 45 is softer yet.

Recoil in a 3.5 in or shorter barreled firearm of 40 or 45 will be noticeable but is definitely not unmanageable with proper technique.


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