Something like M&P Shield but not so ugly!

M

Mustey

New member
I am looking to replace my Makarov. Really liking the Shield, on paper...
(The added difficulty of shooting a sub-compact is something I feel confident with)

Unfortunately, I live in Europe and I don't have access to such nice shops and knowledgeable people. No such thing as "go rent both guns, see which you like better" for me :(

I like the ballistics of the M&P Shield. I wouldn't accept less than that (I could be wrong, but this is where I draw the line).
So, 9x19 out of a 3" barrel seems to be the minimum.
I am not going to do 6 rounds, this isn't 1880... 7+1 will do, but since I must carry with empty chamber, ideally looking at an 8-round mag.

Problem is, I HATE plastic wonder guns! The Shield in particular Looks like something downloaded from the internet.

Is there something like the Shield, in 9x19, but with a proper metal frame and, dare I say, looks nice?
Nice looking to me is a Sig 232 stainless with wood grips. But the x17 cartridge is pretty much dead where I live.
I don't mind if it's hammer or striker fired.

Thanks
 
Mustey said:
Is there something like the Shield, in 9x19, but with a proper metal frame and, dare I say, looks nice?...
I don't mind if it's hammer or striker fired.
Click to expand...
If used guns are under consideration, and you can live with traditional DA/SA operation or long-stroke DAO, there's always the pistols that the Shield effectively replaced (albeit with several years delay)—the Models 3913, 3914, 3953, 3954, 908, and 908S, and the slightly smaller CS9.

Model differences...

xxx3 = stainless steel slide with silver-colored alloy frame, xxx4 = matte blued carbon steel slide with black frame.

xx1x = DA/SA, xx5x = DAO.

The 908 and 908S were lower-priced "Value Series" models with some plastic bits and no RH-side ambi decocker/safety lever. The two models are roughly analogous to the 3914 and 3913 respectively.

The CS9 is effectively a downscaled 3913/3914, offered in either finish.
 
Something like M&P Shield but not so ugly!

P239 comes to mind.

Part of the appeal of the S&W Shield is also its weight and cost. These factors are enabled by the polymer frame. For a person pointing out that it's not 1880 anymore, I'd point out that polymer has been around for decades.


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Anything that is using an all metal frame, is of similar size and capacity... Is going to weigh more as well.

This is good and bad.

Good, as it has less felt recoil. Bad because its not as nice to carry.


You can find some decent little metal framed pistols in that size, but usually 6 rounds is the capacity. Some have been mentioned above.


Personally... The advantages of polymer striker pistols, are worth some degradation of the aesthetics. Though, I do like the looks of many poly pistols.

It is a tool first and foremost after all, and functionality, reliability, and ease of use trump looks for me. Getting it all, and good looks, is nice though.


The Glock 43 may work for you... As while it is poly framed, it is very simple and utilitarian in design. Not flashy and simple has its own charms.


Are you allowed hollow point ammo? Some places do not allow that.

If that is the case, then a .380 (9x17) will poke a 9mm sized hole just as well as a 9x19.

The Colt Mustang is a good traditional looking pistol if you would consider 380... They have a metal frame and poly frame version. They look nearly identical, you wouldn't know it was polymer from a quick glance... I am not sure if they still offer the metal framed version though.
 
I have a Sig P6, the West German Police service version of the older version of the P225 and I think that would be a good one to consider. I also agree with the Sig P239 9mm, I’m on the lookout for one of these myself. A CZ P-01 like mine would be another good choice to consider.
 
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The Shield is 590 grams. Its pretty slim. It will carry as easily as your Mak.
The frame has steel inserts that the slide actually runs on. Internal parts ,pins,etc are also in steelblock subassemblies.

You do whatever makes you happy.There are a number of good choices. A Shield might be one of them.
 
Sig P938 or P239.

Edit to add: only 6 & 7 round mags are available currently for the P938. The P239 has 8 & 10 round mags available.
 
My Walther PPS is an ugly little cuss but I learned to love it very quickly once I shot it and started carrying it. The all day, almost forget it is there, carry comfort really is a big plus

I appreciate a fine looking pistol but for a very effective tool the poly frame single stacks work excellent for me and millions of others.
 
OK, no plastic. But that leaves a number of aluminum framed pistols, which have been pointed out above. But is a single stack the desired choice?

There are only a few choices in single stack, metal framed, 9mm pistols. And I can't think of any not mentioned already.

But if you can go with a double stack, the CZ RAMI is one great little pistol. The width of the grip is maybe offset by the shortness, and you still get 10 rounds in the magazine.

Bart Noir
 
Is there something like the Shield, in 9x19, but with a proper metal frame and, dare I say, looks nice?
Click to expand...
Star/Firestar M43.
This example is slightly beat up, but, Google M43 & there's a ton of images.

attachment.php


Two problems though:
1.) They aren't made anymore and parts are getting hard to come by.
2.) They are heavy & don't carry as well as a plastic gun.


I agree w/you about the shield. They are "Warthog" ugly - - but - - just like the A10 "Warthog", they are something you really don't want to screw with.
I consider my .45 acp Shield just about the perfect carry piece.
Ugly enough that I don't care how dinged up it gets and it packs a punch in a size that's usable for something more than arm's distance.
Plus - inexpensive.
 

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3rd gen S&W? Not made anymore but beloved by owners and probably available with some searching and luck. Not sure about where you live, though?
 
So here's a thought. Right now if the US a lot of Star BM pistols are showing up that came from Spanish police departments. Maybe some are in your area too? Over here they're priced very affordably, say $230 before shipping and tax.
 
If you want a smallish steel 9mm pistol and don't mind single-action, my Star BM was $300 OTD with shipping and FFL. It is an extremely good shooter.

But my Glock 43 shoots as well out to 10 yards or so and is much easier to carry.
 
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