My first gun and carry gun was a S&W PC Shield 9mm. It was a great first carry gun. I got it on sale at Cabelas for something like $450. Years went by and I dabbled into a few different carry options until I found the G43X. The G43X has been my favorite carry gun… but I always feared I’d go back to my first carry piece because I’d shoot the PC shield better… so I tested it at the range today.
I was actually more accurate with the shield slow fire by a small margin. This is most likely due to the fact the PC Trigger is insanely light. My sight set up is also a bit different. I have the Ameriglo Spartans on my Glock and they are really meant to be for quick target acquisition and self defense accuracy. I was totally fine accuracy wise with the Glock. Turns out both guns are more accurate than me. I had 2 accidental shots with the M&P (all down range and safe), because I’m used to the heavy Glock trigger. In a way I guess my worst 2 shots were with the shield. I pulled some shots with both guns, guess they’re both more accurate than me (hadn’t been to the range in a while).
Glock was far better accuracy and speed wise with rapid fire. I love the reset of the Glock. I have grown to really like the Glock grip angle, I feel it helps with recoil control. I get back on target fast with the Glock.
Both guns are about the same size. M&P has the advantage of being smaller if needed with flush fit mags, but I’ve always hated flush fit mags. I’m also not a big fan of magazine spacers like the shield used.
The og shield grip is too thin for me. G43X is just right. Shield is 8+1, Glock is 10+1. I no longer like Manuel safeties like the one on my shield, the shield feels too top heavy and tall, might help with felt recoil but the Glock dimensions just feel right (that’s the gun I’ve been running for years now so it should). PC shield trigger is too light imo. I’d stil carry it but my preference would be my poopy heavy Glock trigger. I much prefer my draw stroke with the Glock. The grip being a slightly chunkier gives me a really confident purchase. I prefer the Glock slide release. Shield I always have to go over the top of the gun for a reload, I like to hit the slide release these days.
And man I love running the 43x. The sucker just runs, and I was having a blast shooting it. Ran through way too many rounds .
Both guns ran perfectly. Both guns would be great for carry. If I trained with the shield again I’m sure I would become proficient with it. That being said, The 43X is going to stay my choice for sure. No safeties, I like the recoil impulse, good self defense trigger, good draw, while also still being comfortable to carry.
I carry the Shield compact with safety off.
Twice, I was window shopping with the intention to get a 43 but they were out of stock. I’m seriously considering.
Ya, Scoutbob has me drooling, now, over the G43X temping me to take a look at it. Just having to think of choosing it over my Sig P365, if I like it. Should I or Shouldn’t I. Darn it, Scoutbob! I ah… I ah…THINK I ah… I THINK I’ll just stick to my Sig P365 “FOR NOW”
I would definitely try before you buy unless you just want an excuse for another gun. The shield has options without a safety.
I like the shield way more than the p365, but it’s also bigger than the p365. I shot the p365 at the range and did not like it. I hear some people much prefer a shield (especially the shield plus) or 365 over the 43x. Many people do not prefer the Glock grip angle or trigger.
43x has some snap to it. I really like the recoil impulse of Glocks with a longer grip and shorter slide. For example I love my 19x. But there is also a G48 which is the 43x with a g19 length slide.
I have this same experience between Glocks and the other pistols I have tried. I do believe it is the grip angle that helps, me at least, get the sights back on target a hair quicker.
I do have a newer Canik that has a better reset and much nicer trigger over all that might give my well worn G19 a run for its money. I haven’t had time to compare both on a timer yet so can’t say for sure. Though it is a full size vs the compact G19 so it won’t be a direct or completely fair comparison.
I had a G42 but felt that it didn’t conceal any better than my P365. It was fun to shoot though.
For deep concealment I really like my Ruger LCP Max. It is a noticeably smaller and more easily concealable package than most all the other options out there. Though it is not much fun to shoot after the first couple of mags. But with a good amount of dryfire practice and some range time it can be surprisingly fast and accurate for its size.
I’ve been tempted to buy the gen one LCO lately. They’re under $200 and have a great track record.
My only real reservation is it’s another gun to train with, maintain, and my carry gun is the only gun that stays locked up with one in the chamber. I don’t like loading my gun everytime I put it on. I prefer to limit administrative handling. It would be another fun to handle BUT I might bight in the future. I’ve wanted a snub nose for awhile too, at least that would be a fun part of my collection if nothing else. I’ve heard the smiths haven’t been as high of quality as of late.
I’ve heard nothing but good about Canins. My only reservation is the Glock has a long track record if reliability. I’m sure the cabins are fine, but I’d pay an extra $100 300 for a Glock for the confidence factor. I am very picky about that for my carry pistols.
I had a Gen 1 LCP for awhile. It is slightly smaller and a little lighter than the Max due to the lower capacity.
But the trigger is almost as hard to master as a double action revolver and the sights are almost useless. The LCP Max is noticeably more shootable due to its slightly beefier grip and much better trigger and sights. But it does cost more than the gen 1.
I like the shield safety. My only fear is it being activated on accident. I’m kind of under the thought that if I’m going to carry a gun with a safety that’s fine but but I don’t like the idea of switching between no safety and safety out of fear of failing to deactivate when called in.
The larger M&P frames have safety’s that can be removed at home. They’ll even mail you spacers to cover the hole free. I wish the shields were the same way.
After a lot of thinking and listening to bunch of reviews ai decided to with the M&P Shield Plus over the G43x, I bought one online yesterday and cannot wait for it to arrive.
You’ll be happy that’s a really good choice. M&Ps are on the same tier as Glock, usually come with better features at a significantly better price…. But I’m still a Glock shill now. It is what it is I guess
I got the CC magazine in the mail and they are pretty good reading but on the back and they are always advertising for them but I wonder if those Shadow handguns are any good because they look nice but that don’t mean much.
I’ve been intrigued but I usually come up with a stock Glock is more reliable and cheaper.
If your going to mod your Glock like crazy shadow systems might be a more affordable and reliable option. All the mods can cause malfunctions in Glock but companies like Shadow System can figure out what mods will work right and what not.
I still think generally the consensus is stock Glock is better. On the other hand, as a Glock guy, I’m somewhat intrigued by the Rugar RXM.
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drooling, now, over the G43X temping me to take a look at it. Just having to think of choosing it over my Sig P365, if I like it. 
Should I or Shouldn’t I. Darn it, Scoutbob! I ah… I ah…THINK I ah… I THINK I’ll just stick to my Sig P365 
