S&W Shield, Springfield XDS or Kahr

[arizona98tj]

I've not shot the Shield....don't know that I want to cuz I might just buy one.

That being said, I own both the PM9 and the XD-S .45ACP. I like them both and am waiting for my holster for the XD-S before I start carrying it. I've been CCWing the PM9 now for a number of years. In regards to size, there isn't that big of a difference.....the trade off being that you jump to a .45 caliber. I OWB carry so the slight size difference will not make a difference. Thus far, both have been 100% at the range. My PM9 review and my XD-S review with a few years between them. Bottom line, I like them both and look forward to carrying both of them (maybe even at the same time)

[Popeye]

What exactly did you not like about the Shield?

Like I mentioned the size wasn't right for me. It's not a better size for me than the PM9.
I did not like the feel of it in my hand.
The trigger wasn't all that I thought it was.
Wasn't crazy about the External Manual safety.
The sights were Ok but nothing special.
It just doesn't fill a need for me that I do not already have filled, and I'm certainly not going to buy one just to have one.

[Phillip]

Maybe all steel?

What exactly did you not like about the Shield?

I think I would like the shield if the trigger broke around 4 pounds. The gun is very accurate straight out of the box as was the Shield 40 I tried. I can't believe how little recoil there was with the 40. I wish I knew how to make the changes to the trigger as suggested. I tried a Glock in 40Cal that turned me against 40cal because of the recoil. Maybe a Kahr is not as brutal?
Yesterday I received the 2013 Kahr catalog. I am going to check into an all Steel Pistol from Kahr. I have always loved Wooden grips and love the one someone has posted above.

Thanks for all the suggestions.
Phil

[melissa5]

https://apextactical.com/store/produ...php?pid18.html

[jeepster09]

Actually this kit....is what is suggested:

https://apextactical.com/store/produ...php?pid65.html

[Phillip]

Thanks jeepster. I'll give it a try.

[phil413tx]

S&W Shield, Springfield XDS or Kahr

Here are a couple of wood grip Kahrs to look at...I love mine!!! This is my MK9 and my T9. I left the regular grips on my K9 because I love the feel. However, I love the wood grips on the other two.


ImageUploadedByTapatalk1364690336.276375.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1364690377.327963.jpg

[gb6491]

https://apextactical.com/store/produ...php?pid18.html

Actually this kit....is what is suggested:

https://apextactical.com/store/produ...php?pid65.html

I replaced just the sear as Melissa suggests (did this after reading her post about it sometime back). The kit might produce a better trigger, but given how nice my Shield's trigger is now, I've no regrets going with only the sear. I sold my first Shield because I didn't care for the trigger, but this one isn't going anywhere.

For the XD-S folks, I think the Powder River Precision trigger spring kit for the XD-S is money well spent.

Regards,
Greg

[Cokeman]

Where are you getting two Shields?

[340pd]

I own both the Shield and the PM9. Your carry decision needs to be based on which trigger system gives you the best results. Long smooth DA or the typical striker fired system. For pocket carry, IMHO, the Shield is not a pocket gun, the Kahr will pocket carry with ease. I like the manual safety on the Shield as you can rack the slide, load the gun, and clear the gun, all with the safety on. Just added insurance for the new shooter. I have handled and shot the XDs and I own an XDm.45. Nice platform. I found it a fine firearm, but did noit fit my needs any differently than the PM9 or the Shield. If I feel the need for a large caliber in a small gun, I grab my Kimber Ultra CDP II. They are not that far apart in size.

As for the Shield trigger, I went with the Apex hard sear alone. Install was a breeze.(YouTube will help). My trigger now breaks at 5-3/4# with a nice short reset.

As an instructor, I find myself inclined to believe that for carry, with the hope it is never needed, the Kahr, with it's long smooth trigger, may give one a snall amount more time to think before the shot breaks. Those moments, when adrenaline is pumping, could cause a inexperienced shooter a lot of legal bills with an unintended shot fired from a light, striker fired trigger system. It's all about the training and the and the ability of the shooter under extreme stress.

[jocko]

and I count 3 levers on the left side plus the glock trigger safety. KISS works for me..

[gb6491]

Where are you getting two Shields?

I got both at Sprague's Sports. The first one was part of S&W's initial release. The second was one of the first LE/Mil discounted Shields they received.
Regards,
Greg

[Ultona]

I love my CW9 and P9 and haven't really found anything close to them, Kahr pistols:

Have the best trigger out of the box, AND it is one piece steel!

Are the simplest in operation, looks, and mechanically

Pack more barrel length into the same OAL (Shield 3.1" vs P9 3.5") (XDs 3.3" vs CW45 3.64")

Have a track record of over ten years in the polymer frame versions

Magazines are consistent and the high end Kahrs use the same mags as the economy Kahrs. A 15 year old K9 mag will fit a new CW9 gun! Few companies keep their mags this interchangeable over decades.

Kahr poly pistols are usually either lighter or smaller or both compared to the competition.

Kahr gives you the option of buying a beautiful wood grip all stainless steel version of your polymer carry 9mm or 40 with the K and MK series. The magazines interchange between the poly and steel guns.

Kahr DOES NOT have a constant swirling media storm ad nauseam promoting its products unlike some larger companies. In fact I usually note that what some gun writer touts as a new milestone in carry gun innovation is usually a little fatter, longer, or heavier than a 10 year old P9!

No harm in buying a new gun to try them out, but if Kahr fits you hand, they are an excellent choice.

[Cokeman]

I got both at Sprague's Sports. The first one was part of S&W's initial release. The second was one of the first LE/Mil discounted Shields they received.
Regards,
Greg

I found a place yesterday that got 200 of them in Friday and still has 58 today. I was shocked.