Maybe an XDs. I am greatly troubled by the recent release of the S&W Shield 45 ACP and it is causing me no small anguish of heart. That big 45 caliber muzzle calls to me like the sirens' song but I wonder if in such a small gun the 9mm wouldn't be more effective. Oh the depth of my agony, there are no words:/ I'm leaning mostly toward the Shield 9mm, followed by the LC9S Pro. I like the XDs but I absolutely do not want a fiber optic front sight. The last time I handled a 9mm Shield and an LC9S, both had exceptional triggers, much better than any other striker fired pistols I've ever had. This is a very tough choice. One thing I really insist on is a pistol that hits to the sights. The best I can do with my LCR 357 is about an inch below the sights with certain select magnum loads. All 38 loads (regardless of bullet weight or standard pressure vs +P) hit 3"-4" low and there isn't a sight option to resolve the issue. So, I'm curious if any of you have any of these pistols and have had issue finding a load to hit to the sights or are they generally right on? An inch high doesn't bother me at all but low does.

Hey rob,

Here's my take on the subject... look at what the cartridge was designed for and how it has evolved into in modern times... and then take a look at what is you intended purpose for it...

I thake it that you are looking at a defensive pocket pistol with enough "ummph" to get the job done... is that "instant stop"?... "instant kill"?... "make the perp stop long enough for you to make an escape"?... "make the perp stop long enough for you to take additional steps"?...

nothin is an instant stop/kill unless it's a head or CNS shot... a .22lr can do that to the head if placed correctly... but if a head/CNS shot is not feasible, then you need enough "ummph" to get the perps attention...

you also have to take into account barriers to penetration... clothing, obsticles, angle of shot, distance... etc.

now with all that... let's look at the 9mm vs .45acp and I'll throw the .380acp into the mix too...

Traditionally, the .45acp was optimized with a 5 in barrel cause with it's low chamber pressure, it needs all it can get to push that big bullet... the 9mm is a high pressure round and can get moving faster in shorter barrels... but then it's does have smaller mass to go down range further... the .380acp has the same basic problem as the .45acp but is also handicaped by a smaller mass bullet... now... if you need penetration... go 9mm.. smaller diameter, faster velocity, better shapped bullet to go deeper in tissue penetration to reach vital organs... but it also leaves a smaller temp cavity and shock value... the .45acp just thumps them like a slower moving hammer...

with today's modern bullet technology and powder development... a 9mm and even the .380acp can be a deadly stopper... the ammo industry is also now making the .45acp into a whole new elephant... so depending on your source, you can get ammo tailored to your weapon... check out Buffalo Bore...

Now it's a lot to consider... so let's get back to your choice of weapon's... don't base it on the ammo in today's world... they will all do the trick.. just pick the one that matches best with your particular pistol... and as for which pistol?... go handle each one and find one that fit's your hand, is comfortable, carries well and has a decent trigger... and then find and test the ammo that works best in that pistol... for me.. up and close "protection" can be a .380, 9mm, or .45 acp.. but with my arthritis... I have to look at what I can shoot several times if need be.. and that means in a small pocket pistol.. it's a .380acp... a 9mm in a small package can torque your wrist almost as much as a .45acp... if you don't have that problem, then it goes back to the fit, carry, shoot the best category... and don't count out the Taurus models... some of them have a much better trigger than I found in "first line" manufacturers..

So good luck in your search... a 9mm Kahr would be a fine choice.

mm and the XDs in 45 or 9mm. The fiber optic sight has not been an issue in 2 years of constant carry, at all. If it is Springfield includes a spare...I am not sold on the Shield in 45; the mags are VERY had to load the bun is just enough bigger that I would carry my Commander instead...The LC9 Pro addresses all the shortcomings of the first LC9; bad trigger invisible sights ...If you watch Palmetto State Armory and CDNN they will occasionally blow out SHIELDS for around 300 bucks.

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Of the Troops & For the Troops

Now that you mention it, I remember reading (here maybe?) about the 45 Shield being hard to insert a loaded magazine into when in battery. I'll keep my eyes open for PSA to put a 9mm shield on sale.

Last summer I picked up a Shield in 9mm after trying to convince myself to go with one of the 380s. The size difference just wasn't enough to convince me that the smaller cartridge was worth the smaller package. The first time I fired it was to qualify for the MO CCW course. Generic 115 gr ammo shot right to the sights at the official distance, whatever that was. Even though I'd never fired the gun before there was no issue with feeding or hitting where it was aimed. The group was a bit bigger than it should have been, but considering it was the first time ever firing the piece, no real complaints. Kept them all in the 9 ring and most in the 10. Oh, and as if that wasn't enough, I used different ammo for each mag load. Everything put into it has fired, functioned and grouped well enough for the purpose for which the pistol was acquired.

I'm intrigued by the 45 version as well. Perhaps next time we head north I'll find someone with one to try. A bottom feeding bellygun... hmmm, what's not to like?

I agree, the 45 version is very intreaging but I also kinda suspect it's at its best with longer barrels like 4 1/4"-5". I suspect I'll go with the 9mm but it's hard not to want a 45 model just because. Being back in school, the "just becauses" will have to wait a time or two:)

I have one in my pocket right now. Basically if I'm not at work, I have have it with me. I have shot an XDs and it felt good, but was just big enough to not work for me for a pocket gun. The shield is borderline as a pocket gun. It works great in cargo shorts/pants and slightly looser pants. I have big legs so when I get pants that fit my waist, they are snug in my legs/thighs so stuff in my pocket shows up. I have come to the conclusion that 99% of the non-gun carrying population is pretty clueless so an odd shaped bulge in a pocket isn't a big deal.

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https://facebook.com/M2bKydex/

I like the LCR but I don't like having only 5 rounds.

She is deadly with hers. Me? Not so much. I seem to shoot to the right with mine. In truth, I haven't shot more than a magazine or two's worth but Melodie has put a couple hundred through hers. I should take them both out and shoot them side-by-side to see if there is a difference. I wouldn't be at all surprised to find it's the driver rather than the tool. I will say they have very good triggers, real and visible sights, easy to load magazines and carry easily.

I carry a tuckable IWB a lot from High Noon. There is a big black metal clip that goes over my belt. Not once has anyone said anything about that clip. My wife was talking to a college student who was appalled that people might carry a gun. It was obvious to her from the conversation that he had no idea people could carry a gun concealed. She told him I carry all the time and SHE didn't know where I was carrying the gun. I think a lot of anti's are the same way - no clue about concealed carry. My dentist went to dental training and a woman from Canada was there - she was royally freaked out that people were allowed to carry guns - not knowing that three of her fellow dentists sitting next to her were all packing.

'the print'. I do agree that in ordinary daily situations, ordinary folks are not aware of the assorted 'tells'.

So, I do wear loose un-bloused shirts, or baggy pullovers/sweats. The assorted pocket holsters are selected to match the pant pockets, as much as possible, I do think that a upside down "T", center-swiveled to the the holster bottom, might be useful for some pocket/gun configs. However, all the material used should be 'conforming', rather than too rigid and printing.

Another good loose shirt holste,r is an IWB with a STRONG lipped-clip, that goes over the waistband and belt. into the front of the hipbone/pelvis hollow. Shorty guns stuff away nicely, in what I believe is called the 'appendix' carry, or the instant 'goodbye goodies' for the Flumbled Flinger
Folks.

About everyone here knows this stuff anyway. When it comes to the fuller 'service size' stuff, there just isn't a lot of security for retention and concealement, without a well designed and made holster. TYeah, about everyone has stuffed his fave 'goo to' in the waistband or wherever it will reasonably stay for quick trip to the carryout or drug store - at 11:45 PM -- for sumthin'. Like feeling the old castle surroundings may need a look-see....'just because'.

Anyway...kinda interesting to read the posta on the subject; whether 'pocket pieces' , orthe ol' sixshooter with the loading gate swung open, or a 'slabsides' stuck behind the hip in y'r jeans.The First Rule: "Have a gun."

Pretty bare bones but it works. Keeps the trigger covered, holds it upright and it slips off the gun easily when drawn.

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https://facebook.com/M2bKydex/

shields with safety on sale until midnight for $349.00 with free shipping

Oh well, such is the case when focused on homework. I'm gonna start watching and see what I can come up with. Im almost certain I've signed up for the PSA mailing list but I never get anything from them. I need to just watch their website.

Is the same as a red dot sight...they look like a cluster of grapes. It's plays all manner of havock with my astigmatism.

still showing both with and without safety for $349

no free shipping

9mm shield with safety right now $318.63 cash....$328.19 credit card.....free shipping

almost pulled the trigger. Im gonna put the squeeze on my LGS and see how low I can get them first.

Seems like I paid about $335.00 at the local Farm and Ranch store last year.