Suggestions for a carry weapon

Swamp Donkey

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If you are going to do it, get a Fulton Armory or something else with milspec receiver, op rod etc (all forged).

Springfield Armory uses sandcast recievers (yes, like a Raven pistol) and is the Kia of firearms companies.
 

playzwtrux

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Take a close look at the Smith Shield. It has a very nice rebate right now. The Shields are well under $300.

It's now on my list to shoot with the Springfield XDS. Found a Shield 9 online for $309 and after the rebate it's be $234. I'd say that's not a bad deal.
A local shooting range has both that I can rent to shoot, so determining which is better shouldn't be too much of an issue.
Sure is going to be hard to beat those 4 free mags, holster, & mag pouch, but it more about how it feels and shoots than free stuff.

If you are going to do it, get a Fulton Armory or something else with milspec receiver, op rod etc (all forged).
Springfield Armory uses sandcast recievers (yes, like a Raven pistol) and is the Kia of firearms companies.

Springfield is the Kia of firearms? :dunno: - had no idea, but I don't know much about guns either.
 

GR8 2B

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I'm about to get a Shield. I'm interested in the 40 re: stopping power, but there's more commentary here about the 9. Any opinions about the 40 vs. the 9?
 

AlexDaGator

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If you are going to do it, get a Fulton Armory or something else with milspec receiver, op rod etc (all forged).

Springfield Armory uses sandcast recievers (yes, like a Raven pistol) and is the Kia of firearms companies.

I didn't know that about Springfield. Very disappointing. I'd still like an M1A but I can't see dropping $2800 on one.

Alex.
 

URGatorBait

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I'm about to get a Shield. I'm interested in the 40 re: stopping power, but there's more commentary here about the 9. Any opinions about the 40 vs. the 9?
personal preference. If you're hitting them with either round...they are stopping :lol:
 

Detroitgator

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I'm about to get a Shield. I'm interested in the 40 re: stopping power, but there's more commentary here about the 9. Any opinions about the 40 vs. the 9?
I'm about to get a Shield. I'm interested in the 40 re: stopping power, but there's more commentary here about the 9. Any opinions about the 40 vs. the 9?
Given 3.1 barrel, I'd take 9 over 40
 

Detroitgator

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Thanks. I just decided to get a 9. Would you explain why that matters?
First, 9mm ammunition today is light years better than it was back when 40 came into fashion.

Second, a 3.1" barrel is going to have a LOT more felt recoil and muzzle flip than a longer barrel, even when comparing 9mm in 3.1 to 9mm in 4 or 5" barrel. That difference is magnified a LOT when talking 40 vs 9 in 3.1 barrel.

Bottom line, you'll get back on target faster with a 9 in 3.1 than you would with a 40 in 3.1. 40 in 3.1 is a LOT of snap
 

GR8 2B

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First, 9mm ammunition today is light years better than it was back when 40 came into fashion.

Second, a 3.1" barrel is going to have a LOT more felt recoil and muzzle flip than a longer barrel, even when comparing 9mm in 3.1 to 9mm in 4 or 5" barrel. That difference is magnified a LOT when talking 40 vs 9 in 3.1 barrel.

Bottom line, you'll get back on target faster with a 9 in 3.1 than you would with a 40 in 3.1. 40 in 3.1 is a LOT of snap
Fantastic! Thank you!
 

Swamp Donkey

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I didn't know that about Springfield. Very disappointing. I'd still like an M1A but I can't see dropping $2800 on one.

Alex.
Fal. Or one of the oldest Springfields like from the 80s. They built those off of milspec surplus receivers. Or AR10 tyle rifle.

Another option, buy the Springfield and replace the op rod, extractor, ejector and a few other parts with milspec forged stuff. Still stuck w the cast receiver.

Most people have no idea. I find them to be a disgusting company. Their 1911s are relabeled Brazillian Imbels, their XDs are relabelled HS2000 pistols from Yugoslavia/Croatia, and their M1as are ghetto quality. Then they put American flags on everything and imply but never say they are made in America. I think the are now doing on small part of the Brazillian 1911 receivers in house and claiming that makes them US made. Last time I saw an ATF trace on a newer Springer 1911 ATF still said it was made in Brazil which I think means the serialized frame, at least, was made there.

The is zero relationship with the old Springfield Armory which was a govt facility in Mass. Springfield Armory Inc is a company in Illinois who just appropriated the name.

They also like to imply that US troops (basically in every M1a advertisement) use their rifles when no one does.
 
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jeeping8r

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Get the 40...You can buy a 9mm barrel and mags and use them in the 40, Not the other way around. So you get the best of both worlds.
There's also a shield 45, Hear the recoil is more of a push while the 40 recoil is a bit sharp but not overwhelming, I have the shield 40.
Physically the 9 and 40 are the same size, 45 is a bit bigger.
 

Gatordiddy

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Went to "HQ" this morning.
NRA_Range.jpg


FINALLY shot my new S&W M&P Shield... shot like a dream.
Then went to Dick's for cleaning supplies. Now I just have to figure out how to clean the damn thing.
And...

Maybe it's just me but I had a hell of time getting all eight rounds into the mag.
Any suggestions on a loader? And what about an upgraded sight?
Thanks
 

Detroitgator

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Went to "HQ" this morning.
NRA_Range.jpg


FINALLY shot my new S&W M&P Shield... shot like a dream.
Then went to Dick's for cleaning supplies. Now I just have to figure out how to clean the damn thing.
And...

Maybe it's just me but I had a hell of time getting all eight rounds into the mag.
Any suggestions on a loader? And what about an upgraded sight?
Thanks
The mag loading has already been addressed, for cleaning between firing, get a boresnake... the guy that came up with that was an f'n genius! Given you said, "8", did you go with the 9?
 

jeeping8r

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Hint... You don't need to flip the little yellow lever to release the slide if you do it the "glock way"... IE pull trigger on empty chamber. And if you haven't found it yet go to smith-wessonforum.com
 

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