First range trip, pics, CA Compliant S&W 9mm Shield

[ifilef]

This is a work in progress. In a word, the pistol is an OUTSTANDING 9mm handgun.

This was my first shooting of the firearm. I believe that I shoot it better than my Beretta and SA XD. Shot it at an outdoor range with wind blowing. Scroll to second post for targets @ 15 yds. For me, this was good. One shot a second. No failures of any kind. Was more concerned about operation and reliability than accuracy, but I am pleased with this first outing.

Shot <50 cartridges-excuse- took a bunch of photos there, below.

Ergonomics- 5 Stars
Recoil - a 'dream' - 5 Stars
Trigger-excellent 6.6# (only measured twice)- 4 Stars
(Update trigger pull weight- after 135 rounds, averaging 5.75- 6 lbs., no modifications).
Overall- 5 Stars

Cons: quite a time seating 7 rd magazine with +1
Initial shot fired (only), hot brass struck me in face below my right eye. Eye protection is really important.
Problematical for most women and handicapped or weakened men due to strength initially required in manipulating/retracting the slide and engaging the slide stop.

Comments welcome, especially concerning the contents of the photos- if anything seems out of sort, etc. Gun ran flawlessly. Talon rubberized grips on frame. FrogLubed prior to first range trip. Will do another FL heat application tonight- that should do it! I've color-filled slide with three coats of silver nail polish- doesn't 'take' as well as white, and my color balance was 'off' a bit because the silver looks better than depicted.

May shoot again tomorrow. Really don't think I could be happier with this first outing- and this is from a left-handed shooter! The gun isn't really designed for people like me!

I think this may become my favorite shooter of all! Been shooting for about 25 years.

LOTS OF FUN!

[ifilef]

Normal primer strikes for Shield?



15 yards, first target shot on right-Fed target ammo; second target on left, WWB, superimposed over previous shooter's targets. My targets are 8" diameter:

[shakyshoot]

Congrats on the new Shield. I had to buy the Shield after shooting it once. (even though I had no plans to buy another 9mm.) Those are normal primer strikes. The mags get easier to load after not too many cycles, and they'll be easier to seat too, as the spring softens up a bit. My trigger (still factory) is a very smooth 5 lb 12 oz after 1600 rds.

[Memnon]

What box are you using? Any other accessories in the plans?

[ifilef]

Congrats on the new Shield. I had to buy the Shield after shooting it once. (even though I had no plans to buy another 9mm.) Those are normal primer strikes. The mags get easier to load after not too many cycles, and they'll be easier to seat too, as the spring softens up a bit. My trigger (still factory) is a very smooth 5 lb 12 oz after 1600 rds.

Re: 7+1- I was a bit concerned about seating that magazine- was afraid I was forcing and it did not want to 'cooperate' at first. I'd say it is presently 'stubborn' in that respect. Wonder if that has anything to do with the magazine disconnect.

Loading magazines is pretty much a 'snap' with the UpLula. I can see where it would be a PITA hand-loading mags, at least initially.

Those things posted by you are 'good to know' and all positive, so good to hear, too! Thanks!

[iluvmycolt]

Congrats on your new shield. Good shooting and nice pics.

[glockstockand2]

Congrats on the shield, awesome looking firearm!

[islabaseball]

Glad to hear no Kaboom been scared to go shoot mine after reading

[ifilef]

Glad to hear no Kaboom been scared to go shoot mine after reading

I 'tried' but it wouldn't cooperate. I 'begged' it to kaboom but it just wouldn't grant my 'wish'.

Go back to the other thread, would you please? That one deals with the .40 Shield, and you won't look so much like a complete tr*ll there, though I am not personally aware of kaboom issues with the .40 Shield. Perhaps I just don't have any knowledge of it when I should?

Good day, sir!

p.s. In that thread, you made the same statement. I then responded to your post as follows:

"I'm not going to let you get away with such a broad-stroked disparaging ambiguous statement without citing sources, giving considerably more detail, what gun(s), manufacturers you refer to, what proof you have, etc., what circumstances were involved, how many have been reported, what ammo was used, injury reports, etc.

So, kindly elaborate responsibly. [Emphasis added].

....I am aware of confirmed Kabooms in Glocks in .40 that were related to barrel design and certain .40 loads that may (or may not) have exceeded pressure limits due to bullet setback or overcharging.

In fact, and at least in the past, I associated the word 'kaboom' with Glocks in .40 caliber only."

---------------------------

You never did respond there to my inquiry, did you, and now you make the same claim as to 9mm! Really....

[ifilef]

Congrats on your new shield. Good shooting and nice pics.

Thanks, appreciate it!

[ifilef]

Congrats on the shield, awesome looking firearm!

I don't recall every having such a pleasurable experience shooting a new firearm! Try it- you might like it!

Thanks!

[pitbull30]

Glad to hear no Kaboom been scared to go shoot mine after reading

[Gary13]

Rented one last week and brought along my Gen 4 26. Shot both about as well. Shield felt nice. I would consider getting one.

[static2126]

Glad to hear no Kaboom been scared to go shoot mine after reading

Will take your 9mm off your hands for 200 dollars if you are too scared to shoot it.

[rogervzv]

I have the Shield 9mm and really like it. It is one of the 3 guns that I designated for my CCW license.

The cool thing about the Shield is that it is small enough to carry and sturdy enough to be a range gun and it is just plain fun to shoot as a range gun. My description of my Shield is that it is a very "mannerly" gun. It shoots tight groups, the fixed sight is right on the money, the recoil is very kind, and overall it is just a fun and easy gun to shoot. I like my Shield better than I like certain guns that I paid a LOT more money for. S&W really got this one right.