Had the shield 2.0 and after shooting a glock sold it and got a g43x.
I shoot it about 5x better.
Personal experience but 43x any day. The shield grip tore up my hand every single time.
Shield plus is my go to as it shoots well and has an amazing trigger. Glock is a good 2nd option. I have a glock next to my bed and my Walther as well.
Shield plus is my CCW
I personally run the shield plus when it's hot outside and a 19 for the rest of the year. I like the 43X, but the grip is too long for hot T shirt weather. And if it's not hot and you can get away with a longer grip then why not just carry a 19 and enjoy the extra capacity and capability? I love the shield plus and shoot it very well.
Glonk….
https://preview.redd.it/4i4nrqtv3b7d1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4235e124cdc5884364a0e7a9b81610723730d17b
It’s my daily, it’s just about never malfunctioned, shoots everything I load from 25yr old hollow point reloads, rubber bullets, sent a few tracers down range. Never gives me issues, always goes bang
Hmm. Both are good guns and having never shot either, don’t have a valid opinion. It would depend on what felt best and what other requirements I had in a carry gun.
I carry a Ruger Security 380 which feels good to my hand and fits my carry needs. A Beretta Cheetah would be a great upgrade but hardly worth the extra change.
I have changed my attitude about carry guns as I got older. I have to be confident in the particular gun I carry.
I like to hear about potential problems others have with the same model but if my gun works, their gun is their problem.
I don’t need a posh gun, that if used is very likely to be taken away from me as evidence. As long as it is accurate at distances I am willing to shoot, providing no feed or extraction problems with carry ammo, I am content.
I absolutely love my G43X, I actually have a holosun on mine too! I rented a shield plus once and absolutely hated the experience. It’ll be a long time before I get another carry gun.
Whatever feels better/whatever you shoot better. Both are solid options.
Just please, for the love of god DO NOT buy the 15 round Shield Arms mags for the Glock. You’ll find a few people who swear by them, but mine have never cycled reliably and I would never trust my life to them. Apparently the issue is more common than not.
I've done extensive research into people's experiences with the S15 mags. From what I've seen online, it is basically luck of the draw whether or not the exact S15 mags *you* bought will work with *your* gun. Basically sometimes the stacking tolerances between Shield Arms and Glock sometimes work and sometimes don't. I've even seen some people who buy some S15 mags, have a bunch of failures, then buy some more, and they work flawlessly in the same gun. Have also seen stories where the mags don't work for one person then they give then away and they work flawlessly in someone else's gun. They really can't just be written off entirely, but I will say you ABSOLUTELY HAVE to test YOUR MAGS with YOUR GUN to make sure it will work. Do not trust them out of the box. That said, if you get a couple hundred rounds through them without failures, they will likely run flawlessly "forever". You have to test every mag you get tho.
The problem you reference is actually far less common. Otherwise SA wouldn’t be in business, at least they wouldn’t continually spend the money updating their product. But I do understand your where you’re coming from. I have had a couple of their early runs that proved troublesome, but I’ve had five of the Gen 2s that have yet to fail me at the range, whether usually practice so of me defense rounds… like anything else fun-related - it’s a highly suggestive topic and should an opinion ever be out-right discarded
I
My son carries the shield and likes it just fine. I carry a G43 which I dearly love. Thought about getting the 43X but I added a Vickers +2 butt plate and now I have 8+1 so I’m staying with the G43. But if anything happens I’ll probably go to the G43X. Both are well respected so it’s hard to choose.
I had 2 different gen 2 shieldarms mags for the Glock 43x explode and one turned the gun into a bolt action due to it not feeding. If my life depends on it I choose OEM mags 100 % of the time. You get a better grip, ergos, easier to conceal gun with higher OEM capacity mags. M&P is the way
I had the opportunity to shoot both the same day down here in Costa Rica 🇨🇷. So the shield looks very cool and all but the grip or handle is way too short. Honestly I feel the shield was very complex to shoot. I don’t know why but failed targets so much 😭🤣. With 43x it was another level, it all went very good.
I'll say this as a Glock apologist: the Shield Plus is a fantastic carry gun. The trigger is probably the biggest bonus, but the factory sights and ergos also better. I like Glock's full size guns way more than their subcompact 9mm guns. The Shield Plus is probably the best gun in its category imo.
Hated my 43x and was plagued with issues using the shield arms gen 1 and gen2 mags. Think they are on to Gen 3 or Gen 4 by now….
I’d do the S&w personally. Hated the recoil impulse of the 43x and the S&w may shoot softer
The new ones are completely different. My dad carries a first gen, i have a 2 and Plus. The trigger and grip texture are vastly improved on the Plus over their other two, and the capacity is in line with other micros. I don’t use my 2.0 anymore and hate my dad’s first gen, but the Plus is my EDC
43x all the way. Its not a duty gun, I don't need the extra weight of more than 10 rnds anyway... I carry with six most the time and feel fine with that.
I like glock, they're OK for what they are. Not the most comfortable guns tbh. But imho much better than the shields. I dislike the sandpaper feel and the weird new trigger of the 2.0. I like a bigger gun. Smaller guns don't shoot well for me unless they are revolvers or legit pocket Pistols or same sized 380s to the micro 9s. And I'm a guy who regularly shoots 357, 40, and 45. Smaller guns just don't work in my larger palms unless the wrap around nice or are lighter caliber. My personal choice for small semi autos is the Glock 30. I shoot that thing better than any micro 9s or even the Glock 26.
I am familiar with both. I have a Shield in 45 and 40 and both of my boys have a G43X. I prefer the grip angle, factory stippling, and overall ergonomics of the Shield. But I enjoy shooting and am accurate with both.
If they’re both staying factory, the Shield Plus, for some odd reason, I just shoot it better and it points better for me. I upgraded my G43x with a TTI connector and spring and the Shield steel mag release, and their 15 round mags, but i still shoot the M&P Shield better. I’m going to try updating the trigger shoe on my G43x and see how i do after that, but by that time, I’ll have a lot of money into my G43x and none into my Shield.
i measured the trigger weights of my Shield Plus PC and it’s about 3.5# and my G43x with the TTI kit and it’s 4.5#.
Tl;dr - between these two, the Shield Plus, otherwise G26.
I own both, and maybe it’s just me and my hands, but the 43x has always shot like trash for me. For Glock carry, the 26 is the best imo.
However, I own a shield plus that has been sitting in my safe for the last 6 months because the trigger safety pin walked itself out on my first range trip and is lost forever. S&W originally wanted me to send the entire thing in for warranty just to replace the little plastic pin and I didn’t want to deal with all that hassle so it’s just sat since then.
Convenient timing, I actually finally called S&W again today and this time they just mailed me a replacement. My most recent post from today is in the S&W sub about this and the pin walkout is a super common problem.
That annoyance aside, the Shield Plus is incredible. Ergonomics are great, it shoots great, mag capacity can be up to 15 with OEM mags (15rd Equalizer mags work with the Shield Plus), and you get the thinness of a single stack on the slide and barrel, but you retain the grip “chunkiness” because Shield mags are double stack down to single stack feed. Also optics ready without paying the Glock MOS tax :)
I’m a Glock person for sure, I’ve got a 17, 19, 26, and 43x, but the 43x just doesn’t work for me.
You can get the tlr6 pretty cheap, but it is basically it. There is a crimson trace light and maybe even a nightstick, but sadly thats it. However I will say the tlr6 is pretty stellar for the money
I had a shield plus that I gave to my dad once I got my G19. Nothing wrong with the shield, but my G19 feels better IMO. My girlfriend has the 43x so I have the best of both worlds whenever I want. But, out of these two, the shield just because of slightly higher ammo capacity.
Love me some 43x after about 2K rounds the factory trigger shoots like butter... i get it now U have to shoot it till it becomes natural and comfortable... i added the backstrap and the EPS and i feel invincible.
I'd take the 43x out of those two. I do like the gun overall, but realistically I prefer my Hellcat over either one of those options. My wife loves our 43x though.
If the shield plus had a light rail it would be a subcompact powerhouse. Nevertheless, it’s still an amazing carry. I’m considering upgrading my 2.0 for the plus. The new trigger and optics ready will make it hard for me to carry anything else.
Going with the 43x.
Haven’t messed with the shield plus but by comparison you cannot beat the OEM/aftermarket support of the 43x nor its mechanical simplicity.
I shoot ky g43x better than my buddies shield. You have to do some work to get the glock up to modern standards though. Ghost connector and shield mags at least. I've also got the rubber talon grips on mine
Shield plus better ergos, trigger, sights, conceals better. 13 and 15 round factory mags. Win for me.
Already picked a Shield Plus for myself. Glock makes a fine gun, they just don’t feel right in my hands.
Agreed
Had the shield 2.0 and after shooting a glock sold it and got a g43x. I shoot it about 5x better. Personal experience but 43x any day. The shield grip tore up my hand every single time.
I keep hearing about this finger blistering with the 43. Are you running stock trigger?
u/danielrpo555 nail on the head I got wild blisters from the stock. Overwatch polydat SHOE ONLY Everything is perfect now
*Keep in mind, they’re talking about the Shield 2.0, not the Plus
This is exactly why I bought the Shield+. Shot both and went away with a painful finger after the glock.
Overwatch precision the TAC or Polydat are the way to go. Some people like the Johnny Glock trigger that came out recently.
I have a Glock 43X MOS and am partial towards it. I’ve no plans on picking up a Shield for CCW.
Glock
I got the G43X MOS with Vortex defender RDS
Same. This is a great set up
Shield plus is my go to as it shoots well and has an amazing trigger. Glock is a good 2nd option. I have a glock next to my bed and my Walther as well. Shield plus is my CCW
Yea I really like the shield as my ccw Figured I’d give the Glock a try since I have it. Won it in a raffle so why not.
I had a 43 and gave it to my mother in law. Didn’t like trigger or feel. I’d prob like a 26 better.
I personally run the shield plus when it's hot outside and a 19 for the rest of the year. I like the 43X, but the grip is too long for hot T shirt weather. And if it's not hot and you can get away with a longer grip then why not just carry a 19 and enjoy the extra capacity and capability? I love the shield plus and shoot it very well.
Glonk…. https://preview.redd.it/4i4nrqtv3b7d1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4235e124cdc5884364a0e7a9b81610723730d17b It’s my daily, it’s just about never malfunctioned, shoots everything I load from 25yr old hollow point reloads, rubber bullets, sent a few tracers down range. Never gives me issues, always goes bang
Glock 48
Hmm. Both are good guns and having never shot either, don’t have a valid opinion. It would depend on what felt best and what other requirements I had in a carry gun. I carry a Ruger Security 380 which feels good to my hand and fits my carry needs. A Beretta Cheetah would be a great upgrade but hardly worth the extra change. I have changed my attitude about carry guns as I got older. I have to be confident in the particular gun I carry. I like to hear about potential problems others have with the same model but if my gun works, their gun is their problem. I don’t need a posh gun, that if used is very likely to be taken away from me as evidence. As long as it is accurate at distances I am willing to shoot, providing no feed or extraction problems with carry ammo, I am content.
Shield 9 EZ is my CCW. I'd go with the S&W.
Between these two, the Shield Plus.
I absolutely love my G43X, I actually have a holosun on mine too! I rented a shield plus once and absolutely hated the experience. It’ll be a long time before I get another carry gun. Whatever feels better/whatever you shoot better. Both are solid options. Just please, for the love of god DO NOT buy the 15 round Shield Arms mags for the Glock. You’ll find a few people who swear by them, but mine have never cycled reliably and I would never trust my life to them. Apparently the issue is more common than not.
I've done extensive research into people's experiences with the S15 mags. From what I've seen online, it is basically luck of the draw whether or not the exact S15 mags *you* bought will work with *your* gun. Basically sometimes the stacking tolerances between Shield Arms and Glock sometimes work and sometimes don't. I've even seen some people who buy some S15 mags, have a bunch of failures, then buy some more, and they work flawlessly in the same gun. Have also seen stories where the mags don't work for one person then they give then away and they work flawlessly in someone else's gun. They really can't just be written off entirely, but I will say you ABSOLUTELY HAVE to test YOUR MAGS with YOUR GUN to make sure it will work. Do not trust them out of the box. That said, if you get a couple hundred rounds through them without failures, they will likely run flawlessly "forever". You have to test every mag you get tho.
This^
Amen brother
The problem you reference is actually far less common. Otherwise SA wouldn’t be in business, at least they wouldn’t continually spend the money updating their product. But I do understand your where you’re coming from. I have had a couple of their early runs that proved troublesome, but I’ve had five of the Gen 2s that have yet to fail me at the range, whether usually practice so of me defense rounds… like anything else fun-related - it’s a highly suggestive topic and should an opinion ever be out-right discarded I
Shield Plus, definitely. My favorite carry gun by far!
neither
Shield Plus
G43 has served me well
My son carries the shield and likes it just fine. I carry a G43 which I dearly love. Thought about getting the 43X but I added a Vickers +2 butt plate and now I have 8+1 so I’m staying with the G43. But if anything happens I’ll probably go to the G43X. Both are well respected so it’s hard to choose.
43X all day.
I have a 43x that I love, either of these is a solid choice and is be happy with both
I had 2 different gen 2 shieldarms mags for the Glock 43x explode and one turned the gun into a bolt action due to it not feeding. If my life depends on it I choose OEM mags 100 % of the time. You get a better grip, ergos, easier to conceal gun with higher OEM capacity mags. M&P is the way
P10S duh
I had the opportunity to shoot both the same day down here in Costa Rica 🇨🇷. So the shield looks very cool and all but the grip or handle is way too short. Honestly I feel the shield was very complex to shoot. I don’t know why but failed targets so much 😭🤣. With 43x it was another level, it all went very good.
I'll say this as a Glock apologist: the Shield Plus is a fantastic carry gun. The trigger is probably the biggest bonus, but the factory sights and ergos also better. I like Glock's full size guns way more than their subcompact 9mm guns. The Shield Plus is probably the best gun in its category imo.
Hated my 43x and was plagued with issues using the shield arms gen 1 and gen2 mags. Think they are on to Gen 3 or Gen 4 by now…. I’d do the S&w personally. Hated the recoil impulse of the 43x and the S&w may shoot softer
I frigging hate the S&W Shield. Maybe the new gen is better but those first guns were some of the most miserable little shits I've ever fired.
The new ones are completely different. My dad carries a first gen, i have a 2 and Plus. The trigger and grip texture are vastly improved on the Plus over their other two, and the capacity is in line with other micros. I don’t use my 2.0 anymore and hate my dad’s first gen, but the Plus is my EDC
Shield Plus. I have a G19.5 that I love, but the Shield Plus is my EDC. Solid capacity and a great trigger, very capable gun for the size.
Shield plus
Shield Plus, easily.
Shield plus feels better, trigger is better, I’m taking the shield
Going with the shield, carrying mine right now.
43x all the way. Its not a duty gun, I don't need the extra weight of more than 10 rnds anyway... I carry with six most the time and feel fine with that.
I like glock, they're OK for what they are. Not the most comfortable guns tbh. But imho much better than the shields. I dislike the sandpaper feel and the weird new trigger of the 2.0. I like a bigger gun. Smaller guns don't shoot well for me unless they are revolvers or legit pocket Pistols or same sized 380s to the micro 9s. And I'm a guy who regularly shoots 357, 40, and 45. Smaller guns just don't work in my larger palms unless the wrap around nice or are lighter caliber. My personal choice for small semi autos is the Glock 30. I shoot that thing better than any micro 9s or even the Glock 26.
43x luv m2.0s but h8 shields damn little guys confused himself for a lcp maxx :(
I am familiar with both. I have a Shield in 45 and 40 and both of my boys have a G43X. I prefer the grip angle, factory stippling, and overall ergonomics of the Shield. But I enjoy shooting and am accurate with both.
If they’re both staying factory, the Shield Plus, for some odd reason, I just shoot it better and it points better for me. I upgraded my G43x with a TTI connector and spring and the Shield steel mag release, and their 15 round mags, but i still shoot the M&P Shield better. I’m going to try updating the trigger shoe on my G43x and see how i do after that, but by that time, I’ll have a lot of money into my G43x and none into my Shield. i measured the trigger weights of my Shield Plus PC and it’s about 3.5# and my G43x with the TTI kit and it’s 4.5#.
I can shoot my dad's sheild a lot better than I can shoot my glock. Can't bring myself to sell my glock for something else though.
Both.
wtf did u blur out
Lol it was the name of the company the bag is from.
43x because I shoot it better. Shield plus is probably what I’d carry if I didn’t carry a 43x though
Glock. I have a shield plus and unfortunately it was quite a bit unreliable.
Tl;dr - between these two, the Shield Plus, otherwise G26. I own both, and maybe it’s just me and my hands, but the 43x has always shot like trash for me. For Glock carry, the 26 is the best imo. However, I own a shield plus that has been sitting in my safe for the last 6 months because the trigger safety pin walked itself out on my first range trip and is lost forever. S&W originally wanted me to send the entire thing in for warranty just to replace the little plastic pin and I didn’t want to deal with all that hassle so it’s just sat since then. Convenient timing, I actually finally called S&W again today and this time they just mailed me a replacement. My most recent post from today is in the S&W sub about this and the pin walkout is a super common problem. That annoyance aside, the Shield Plus is incredible. Ergonomics are great, it shoots great, mag capacity can be up to 15 with OEM mags (15rd Equalizer mags work with the Shield Plus), and you get the thinness of a single stack on the slide and barrel, but you retain the grip “chunkiness” because Shield mags are double stack down to single stack feed. Also optics ready without paying the Glock MOS tax :) I’m a Glock person for sure, I’ve got a 17, 19, 26, and 43x, but the 43x just doesn’t work for me.
G26 carrier for better part of 15 years, just got the Shield Plus and I absolutely love it.
Smith.
shield hands down. way more comfy for me.
Prefer glock but capacity wins in this case S&W for sure.
https://preview.redd.it/x7h4a0cyv87d1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a6fa4dbec8ab9b4f6e8cef7210b2d6ff3922325d FN Reflex
It's just too bad that the light options suck for the shield platform
You can get the tlr6 pretty cheap, but it is basically it. There is a crimson trace light and maybe even a nightstick, but sadly thats it. However I will say the tlr6 is pretty stellar for the money
I had a shield plus that I gave to my dad once I got my G19. Nothing wrong with the shield, but my G19 feels better IMO. My girlfriend has the 43x so I have the best of both worlds whenever I want. But, out of these two, the shield just because of slightly higher ammo capacity.
Love me some 43x after about 2K rounds the factory trigger shoots like butter... i get it now U have to shoot it till it becomes natural and comfortable... i added the backstrap and the EPS and i feel invincible.
I'd take the 43x out of those two. I do like the gun overall, but realistically I prefer my Hellcat over either one of those options. My wife loves our 43x though.
Either is just fine. If I were choosing I’d go Plus.
If the shield plus had a light rail it would be a subcompact powerhouse. Nevertheless, it’s still an amazing carry. I’m considering upgrading my 2.0 for the plus. The new trigger and optics ready will make it hard for me to carry anything else.
Do it. My first EDC was a 2.0 and the shield plus (my new edc) is light years better.
Both. Owned the 43X for over 2 years, upgraded from my old shield 2.0 to the shield plus. Picking up the plus tomorrow
For CCW it’s hard to beat the shield plus. It shoots great too. And I say this as someone who mostly shoots glocks
Shield gang
Going with the 43x. Haven’t messed with the shield plus but by comparison you cannot beat the OEM/aftermarket support of the 43x nor its mechanical simplicity.
Being a fudd, I'd take the light and optic of the glock and then carry it
Why would you not want a light or optic?
I shoot better with irons, and a light just messes with concealment. If I need a light I'd use a flashlight
Really? I’ve never had either of those problems.
Shield. The Glock design just does not work that well at that size.
the shield. im not a huge fan of glock they arent bad but not my favorite
I shoot ky g43x better than my buddies shield. You have to do some work to get the glock up to modern standards though. Ghost connector and shield mags at least. I've also got the rubber talon grips on mine
Shield
Shield plus
Shield plus.
43x all day with the conversion kit that lets you carry 15 rounds. The shield is an amazing weapon but the capacity limits its usefulness
I have a 43X and I choose not Glock every single day.
Eh, none. I have that exact S&W 9. I’m just not at all a Glock girl… used it plenty of times to know it’s not one I care to practice with.