Sidearms & Scatterguns M&P Shield 45...ported or not?

[AK4900PA]

I'm thinking about picking up a shield 45 while they are running the rebate program, but I can't decide whether to go with the standard model or the performance center. I've never shot a handgun with a ported barrel before. I'm sure it helps with recoil to some extent, but I would think additional muzzle flash could be an issue in a low light situation. Which would you go with for an EDC pistol?

 

[Primus]

Just buy a 9mm shield. Either pistol is going to have flash at lowlight, so the porting doesn't matter much. The PC versions are not much more than the regulars. However the PC version comes with fiber optic while the normal comes with standard (or NS if you pay extra)

Smaller Footprint, more capacity, less recoil, cheaper and better selection of ammo, faster follow up shots and a caliber that with modern defensive loads makes the additional energy of the .40/.45 pointless.

 

[Rerun7]

+1 on the 9mm and I would also never cc a ported handgun just due to the muzzle blast from the ports. It's bad for low light as well as situations where you may have to fire the gun very close to you. Not to mention the additional concussion and noise.

 

[Cartman]

Nothing like being in a close quarters struggle with someone trying to kill you, bodies pressed together, both sets of hands fighting for your gun, your gun firing, and the fire and powder shooting out of the top of your barrel into your eyes. Don't count on firing with your arms extended in a self defense encounter. IMO skip the compensated barrel.

 

[spaniel]

Just buy a 9mm shield. Either pistol is going to have flash at lowlight, so the porting doesn't matter much. The PC versions are not much more than the regulars. However the PC version comes with fiber optic while the normal comes with standard (or NS if you pay extra)

Smaller Footprint, more capacity, less recoil, cheaper and better selection of ammo, faster follow up shots and a caliber that with modern defensive loads makes the additional energy of the .40/.45 pointless.

To each their own. I shoot 9mm/40 with similar speed and control in similar platforms. Maybe I'm a freak but it works for me so I carry 40s.

I would never carry a ported firearm. I've got one and shot it without hearing protection (hunting) once, and I believe the very occasional ringing in my ears is due to that single incident years ago. Whatever debatable advantage a ported 45 would give you over a 40 or 9 is just not worth it IMHO.

 

[Primus]

Nothing like being in a close quarters struggle with someone trying to kill you, bodies pressed together, both sets of hands fighting for your gun, your gun firing, and the fire and powder shooting out of the top of your barrel into your eyes. Don't count on firing with your arms extended in a self defense encounter. IMO skip the compensated barrel.

Good point about a contact shot or a struggle. In 9mm, the shield shoots pretty soft anyway. Its a great little CCW pistol.

 

[AK4900PA]

Pretty set on the 45, but I'll skip the ports. Thanks guys.

 

[Ghogs Nightmare]

A smidge late, but definitely stay with 45 and no need on the ports. They shoot GREAT for their size (I'd recommend checking out Palmetto State Armory) from what I"ve seen they have the best price around!

 

[Jakebrake300]

I have the regular .45 shield and I love it. I have many friends and family who have the .9 and the .40 and it really doesn't have much more noticeable recoil than the others.. I carry mine on a daily basis, size wise it's about a 1/8 to 1/4 inch bigger all around and magazine capacity is the same as the .40. I am very happy and have probably around 200 rounds through it. Yes new technology has made the smaller cartridges more efficient but I'm all about more horsepower! Plus it keeps my .454 casull off my hip more when hiking!

 

[AK4900PA]

I carried a G26 years ago and thought about getting another, but I want to try something different. I've yet to read a bad review on the 45 Shield and it seems like it would be just as easy to conceal as the glock I had. If my calculations are correct it should be right at 2lb for the pistol, 2 mags and 14 rounds of 45 ACP. Not too shabby. Combine that with an after rebate cost of $272 and it seems like a no brainer.

 

[Primus]

I carried a G26 years ago and thought about getting another, but I want to try something different. I've yet to read a bad review on the 45 Shield and it seems like it would be just as easy to conceal as the glock I had. If my calculations are correct it should be right at 2lb for the pistol, 2 mags and 14 rounds of 45 ACP. Not too shabby. Combine that with an after rebate cost of $272 and it seems like a no brainer.

G26 has been my primary carry for the last 10 years or so. Its hard to argue with that many rounds in such a small footprint. The sheild is just a well thought out single stack. It carries a bit easier than the 26 and still shoots like a compact pistol, with good recoil management. 9mm gives you 8+1 which moves closer to g26 capacity at a thinner footprint.

 

[AK4900PA]

I emailed magguts to see if they had any intention of doing a spring kit for the Shield .45 and was told that it's not for sure yet, but they are in the testing phase of development right now. If that works out 7+1 In addition to an extra mag with another 8 rounds in a easy to conceal package sounds pretty good to me. We'll see.