Shield Plus VS 43x

[Vapor]

Full disclosure, this choice will be my first handgun. I've fired handguns before, but it's been a few years. Still, I know I want this size becuase I will actually carry it.


I handled both the 43x and the shield plus today. Both were just big enough, but I feel like rhe 43x maybe just had a tad more grip room. The upside to the shield plus is the better factory capacity with the 13 round mag

The 43x does have those aftermarket 15 round mags, but that's a further investment.


If I hurry, I can get the 3 free extra mags from smith.


Both have strong holster and aftermarket support along with good track records.


What about you guys? Any angles I'm not seeing here?

 

[Podmonkey]

Long griped, short slide pistols have always seemed stupid to me anyways. I'd choose a G48 over a 43x. The exception being in the case of compensated pistols. Aside from that I find the Shield Plus to be an excellent firearm. It's slightly larger/heavier dimensions make it a smoother shooter than other pistols in the category at no penalty to concealment. As you point out the Shield gives 3 additional rounds in the same vertical space as the 10 round 43x while giving you options for flush fit 10 rounders and also extendex 15 rounders. I also find the overall ergonomics to be outstanding as well. In fact I would like to see the refinements of the Plus filter through the rest of the M&P line.
I think you will be entirely satisfied with your choice here and I encourage you to shoot your Shiled recreational as it's handling and accuracy are conducive for a fun range trip.

 

[Parzival]

Shield seems like a great buy, especially with the extra mags.

Glock just missed on the 43x, grip is just a bit too long and narrow, for me, for an edc. The 15 round mags are great but expensive.

Since you aren't looking for the smallest, check out a Glock 26 before you decide. Can't go wrong with a Shield though.

 

[Vapor]

I supposed there's also the p365 and the ruger max 9, but I feel like the smith is a really refined pistol and the perfect size.


I'd like a glock 19 or psa dagger compact eventually too, but I think the shield plus is more of a size I'm actually likely to put onto my side every day.


Once the baby is born, my wife will need an option too. Maybe 2 sheilds are in the future.

 

[Doc8404]

did your wife handle them both too?

my wife shot the 19. We had two of those.
Then she shot my new 43x MOS. loves it. So a second one is the next purchase.

 

[Vapor]

did your wife handle them both too?

my wife shot the 19. We had two of those.
Then she shot my new 43x MOS. loves it. So a second one is the next purchase.

No she's very pregnant. I'll wait until after the little man comes for hers. She cab have whatever she wants as long as it's reliable

 

[Vapor]

Thanks to pods well reasoned post, I'm leaning shield plus right now. It was big enough even for my large hands.


Then I want a glock 19 or a dagger compact.


After that maybe a gp100.


Freedom is nice.

 

[Mk44]

Sold my G26 after I brought a shield plus. I like the way the shield plus fits in my hands (& I wear a size large glove). It's also slimmer for conceal carry. The G26 was more chunky.
I have a G19 for HD. I don't carry it because the shield is easier to conceal.

 

[Beerman]

My brother has a Shield Plus. I have a SIg 365X. We shoot together a lot. The S&W is a nice edc gun. It’s accurate, cycles tons of different brands of ammo, runs great. I love my 365X. I wouldn’t own a Glock if someone gave it to me free.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Shield Plus 100%.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Can't go wrong with either.

But don't discount a g48. Its just a longer barrel and slide than 43x but that makes very little difference in concealing and noticably improves shooting.

Really can't go wrong with a shield plus or 43x/48.

Don't forget to fondle a 365x or 365xl either.

It's easy to just cherry pick guns you like, but if I could do it over again I would have put in more effort to spend my resources procuring a "system" or family of guns instead of piece meal.

What I mean is instead of buying a shield plus an a g19, instead of that Get a family.

Go g43x/g48, g19, g17 etc then buy a g44 for training and plinking
Or, shield plus, m&p compact, m&p full size, m&p 22 etc.