The Shield Plus Vs Glock 43X Isn't Even Close!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
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I’ve owned both. The G43x feels better in the hand but the Shield just shoots and conceals much better.
I couldn't have said it better. Also, I HATE the trigger on the 43x. The flat trigger on the Shield is much more comfortable, which I think puts it over the top.
Agree i have both and the 43x just feels great in the hand, but the trigger and overall shooting is better on the Shield.
I have a Glock collection , but I just got done running 100 rounds through my Shield Plus and some more through several Glocks. 100%, the Shield trigger is superior to all my Glocks.
When I bought my shield plus, got the package that came with 5mags ,
1-10 rnd and 4- 13 rnd mags. I absolutely love that sidearm. Love my glocks too. Trust them both .
@75greenfish62 a collection of hi points where they all look the same is one boring collection.
I went from a Glock 43x to a Shield Plus.. no regrets. Both are great guns I just like the M&P alittle more.
“No regrets.”. People always offer up such a catchphrase opinion. To me, all this means is you feel much better with one over the other.
@@sudilos1172No shit… that’s why he said he doesn’t regret. He obviously feels better about the Shield.
Same. Anyone want to buy a 43x?
@@miked-upyes!!
The S&W Shield also has TWO MORE advantages over the Glock 43X. First, the Shield has less felt recoil (and less muzzle flip) than any other compact 9mm. Second, the Shield costs about a hundred dollars less than the Glock.
Not always so. The 48 and 43x glocks are on sale for 395 locally brand new!!!
@@Wildwestwrangler but in general shields are cheaper . I got mine with night sights and optics ready for $400 last month.
Uhmm I’d say the A&M’s is more snappy but they are really really close but truth be told the glock hits the target a lot more often both are great though and are a tough decision but with the shield arms mags man the 43x and with the option too throw a 48 slide
Shield does not have less recoil. Also Glock just works forever. Not a fan boy, just saying.
Blocks:
- Overpriced
- Outdated
- Overrated
- Throw them in the trash 🗑 where they belong and get a real gun. 🛡+
I have tested a lot of micro compacts and the Shield plus is the most ergonomic comfortable for me to carry. The grip angle and distance of it from the back to the trigger and width are for me like no other. The only gun worth having for cc is the one that works for you, feel comfortable with and the one on you at the moment of truth. Some of my friends own cc’s that are useless if sitting on a shelf at home. I don’t carry unless tested with over 500 rounds without a single issue. I have to know is 100% reliable. Everyone needs are different. There is no wrong choice here. I’m so confident with the Shield I have 2, black and fde.
I carry the 43X as my EDC. Feels good, looks good and works great.
Very comfy, just very snappy.
@@enzogarcia6675Too bad the Shield Plus doesn’t feel good in my hand. My G43 (not X) with pinky extension feels better, shoots better, weighs less, and is definitely more concealable-more so than the 43X. The Shield is larger/heavier! I carry two factory mags on weak side so I p’m not concerned about “capacity.”
I got the 45X love the pistol 🔫 😊
@@skionen1781 45X ?
Good video. I just upgraded from a G43 to a Shield Plus. Mine came with one ten round and one 13 round magazine and has Truglow sights. Great trigger, great sights, great ergonomics, fantastic little gun!
How’s the difference feel in regards to carrying? Isn’t it heavier and bigger than the 43?
@isaakjunkeer785 Icant feel any difference really
Ive got the same except my 13 round mag only takes 12. Do you have the same?
@@Ebiru2387 no. Mine holds 13.
Just bought mine, also picked up a couple 15 round mags
I own both and like them equally. However, the Shield Plus feels more at home in my hand.
How is the grip circumference between the two? Which one is bigger? Just curious because I have zero experience with the Shield, Shield Plus. I have a G19 and I understand the 43X is a 19 grip frame with a 43 slide?
@@sisleymichael The Shield Plus is a little bigger in the grip. However, they fit my hand about the same. What I love about the Shield is the stippling on the grip, it's very grippy, it's much better than the 43X, in that regard. As for the G19 and 43X, I have a Gen 5 G19 and it's physically bigger than the 43X, grip and slide.
I agree. The Shield Plus has a little better grip texture but I shoot both of these pistols equally well.
I own the shield plus performance center model, it was just $20-30 more at my local shop, fiber optic sights, ported barrel, and worked trigger. My wife (5'2") and kids 13 and 15 first time shooting where right on target, my friends are always impressed. It just shoots how you expect, consistently, with no surprises or drawbacks.
The ported model was what I was originally going to go for... Then i made the decision that since it's an EDC that porting was an actual disadvantage. In a arms length struggle, porting can be a disadvantage and end up burning you, affecting your sight, as well as the holes give more of a chance of failures due to junk getting inside of the holes in the slide.
Since it's a 9mm - it's already manageable enough. If it was a .40 or .45 then I would consider the ports more effective since those cartridges have a much higher felt recoil impulse.
I got the 3.1 inch pc model ported and with CT red dot. So far, I really like it. I'm still pretty new to guns, so I can't compare to much. I do enjoy shooting it quite a bit.
Just bought a Shield plus after testing it at the range. It fits firm and solid in my hand, being a senior citizen with a lot of arthritic issues the glock grip gives me a hard time to take repeat shots. Very glad I finally found what fits me best.
Had a 43X for awhile, and liked it a lot. First Glock that felt great in my hands. But, ultimately, I sold it and got a Shield Plus. Thinner, good trigger, and shoots like a bigger gun. I carry it with the 13 round mag and it fits my hands very well. Also, despite all the glowing reviews for the P-365 and its variations, the Shield Plus is my choice for everyday carry.
the shield plus i a great gun period.. i think i might get one soon i have the Shield 45 love it...Not a fan of the SIG P365 either lol it just felt weird to me i didnt like the trigger
Same here. Had them both at one point and kept the Shield Plus which's my summer carry. P365X is my Winter carry. The height of that grip really was an issue for me on the 43X.
Why get rid of it when you could have both? Never gets rid of any gun bro!
Have you tried it with the 15 round equalizer mag
I didn’t find the Shield Plus to be thinner than the G43 X. I prefer the Smith tho.😮😮
Shield plus for me. I love it, i have optic ready with night sights. It shoots great, no hang ups on around 500 rounds so far.
I own both. Like both. Your opinions are right in line with mine in both. I carry both depending on clothing, where I am going and so on
I have the M&P Shield Plus 9mm and I love it.. I love everything about it..
Love mine too, great pistol.
I own the original or first gen Shield 9 and own the Performance Center Shield 9plus...love them both...Glock is falling behind..S&W is really stepping things up...there's nothing like a Shield from S&W in any caliber..I currently own 4 different Shields..Shield 9..Shield 9 plus..Shield 40 that i bought used w/ Hyve technologies upgrades and I recently bought a Shield 45 2.0 ..they're perfection right out the box and you can't go wrong with any of the 2.0 fullsize either thats why I also have an M&P 40 2.0..team S&W for life
I just got the Shield 2.0 EZ .9mm. It's my 1st handgun. I love it. So easy to handle.
@@DanielSmith-gv4kl Congratulations on your first GUN.. the EZ is great as a started GUN. It will be easy for you to operate the pistol all around without any problems… I’ve shot the EZ and I loved it.. remember take yourself to the gun range and practice every chance you get. The more you practice the more comfortable you will be with your own gun.. Again congratulations and enjoy it. Go checkout my TH-cam Channel you will enjoy that as well.. 🦾🦾🦾
@@god_guns_glory thanks! I definitely will.
Agree....the Shield was and is a game changer in the compact handgun market. For some reason I have always enjoyed shooting The shield more than any other compact.
Every gun that comes out is called a "Game Changer"
I was at the gun store the other day. I lined up a hellcat, Shield & 43x. The 43x felt so natural in my hand. I’m a big guy. 6.3 270. The grip was like it is was made for me. All three sights were great. I really liked the hellcats rear sight. Capacity was all within a round or two. If your buying a gun based on another round in the mag you aren’t training enough. So after about half an hour of deliberation I weeded out the shield first. As it felt the blockyest and cheapest. Which it is cheaper so that may be a selling point to some people? It was a tough decision between the hellcat and the 43X but I went with the glock. The natural feel and the fact that glock will run forever and are so easy to disassemble is what put it over the top for me. I hear complains about the glock trigger. But every glock I’ve ever owned the trigger was great.
Stock Glock triggers are serviceable. Reliable aftermarket triggers can take your Glock shooting game to another level, without a lot of extra practice. It's kind of cheating in a way.
I own all 3. My fav is the hellcat, then the shield…but love all 3. Also own the 365. Nice but the trigger is a little different which makes me shoot a little off with it…
It's all a matter of preference.
The Glock feels odd in my hands, haven't tried the Hellcat, but my Shield fits me perfectly!
@@Nerotique Exactly! For instance, in a shoutout, let's just say it was 99% of humans with 15-rounds vs Hickok45 with 10-rounds, I'd take Hickok every time.
If you put a overwatch precision trigger in it it makes it even better got one in mine and ameriglo night sights, trl7 sub because I have the mos version and shield arms 15 round mags.
I have the Shield Plus, and it is very accurate up to 25yds. I just haven't had a chance to shoot further than that. I love this gun.
Hello sir! Just found your channel and I really like your honesty, for sure! No sugar coating and I love it! I recently got a Shield Plus and that trigger is ‘butter’ for sure! I have a Taurus G3C as well, but that trigger on the G3C is like waiting patiently for a long shot in a horse race to finish! Thank you for a great video!!👍🏻
huh?! the G3C has a pretty decent trigger imho
@@blackticalmayhem8461 half these people will forget about 'trigger pull' in a gun fight and the other half will not care. Bullets by their ears will make them think of more important priorities.
I carry the G2c and with practice I don't worry about the trigger.
Practice till your brain forgets and body remembers.
The plus is great with 13 round mag..capacity is everything
Really great, comprehensive video. I still carry the original shield with the 7 rounder. Both seem like great pieces and would work wonderfully.
I got the shield 2.0 and every time I think of replacing it, I can't because it's reliable and I trust the quality.
I got the shield plus optics ready and a holosun 407k and still have my O.G. gen 1 shield
@@sebenro12 Your silly oPtiCs ReAdY and Holosun is a waste of $.. You will 99.9% never use it in a self defense encounter
I have both. I prefer the Shield Plus. Better trigger, better sights, and better angle grip for me. Both are great guns though.
I carry both of these guns (not at the same time). I love them both and as said in the video, they both have their merits. What he didn't cover is with the 13 round magazine of the Shield Plus, you get extra capacity and the length of the grip is essentially the same as the 10-round G43X. That, along with the trigger, makes it my primary carry.
I have changed the sights on both of these firearms, but the point made in the video is valid to the Glock sights. I wish Glock would change their view on their sights... but again, it is all personal preference. thanks for the video.
If glock could only: change the sights, mags, trigger, and grip, then it would be so good!!!!!!
I've become somewhat of a MP Shield fan boy... I've owned the original shield, sold that, purchased the standard Shield Plus, and recently the Shield Plus Performance Center with optic, and 4" ported barrel... Both Glock and SW MP feel great in my hand, and I feel the Glock 19 and 43X recoil is slightly more comfortable, but like you, I prefer the shield plus grip texture and overall grip feel and my shot placement is much better with SW MP Shield.
I appreciate your comment. Would you say the 4" performance center has a big improvement over the standard Shield Plus? Is there less recoil or is it easier to shoot accurately at longer distances?
I've been looking at upgrading and I'm deciding between these two.
@@1GiPhoner I have shot both, one after the other for comparison . The performance center is slightly less snappy than the standard shield plus, for sure. But more snappy than a larger full sized pistol. Accuracy is phenomenal, but I have a red dot on the performance center. and learning how to use it. I’ve been able to hit a steel target at 25-30 yards consistently. Taking my time to aim of course. I attribute any misses to my own lack of shooting fundamentals.
@@1GiPhoner I have a plus and my brother has the PC Plus. I shot both side by side. I shoot both equally as well. The PC has a little less recoil not a huge difference in the trigger either. I will stick with the plus.
I bought a 43X for my birthday back in late April this year and I'm very satisfied with it...700 rounds through it and so far no hiccups.
Am I the only one who actually loves the factory Glock ball and basket sights? It just lines up so naturally to my eye.
You’re not gonna use your sights in an actual self defense shooting anyway. It will be a quick point and shoot.
It’s called muscle memory. Some will and some won’t. Those who practice will those who just carry to be cool won’t.
I’ve always been able to shoot great with the Glock factory sights.
I’m fine with the factory sight style… just wish they’d make them steel.
Seen too many go flying off at the range.
I too love those stock Glock sights,… Maybe I’m weird also?🤔
I have both. They both have positives and negatives but i prefer the 43x. Both excellent guns though
For me the grip angle on the Glock is the game changer. Different people have different wrists. Glocks naturally point in my hand. I do the same minor sight correction when I shoot the 1911. Pick the one that is on target when you point shoot. It like a shot gun. It should hit what you look at without focusing on the sight picture.
100 percent agree. I hear people talk crap about the glock grip angle but I love it. I wanted to get and like the p365 but I hate how every sig feels in my hand cause of the straight down type of grip
I had both of these guns and the grip angle of the Glock is one of the several reasons why I got rid of the Shield. The only thing I liked better about the Shield was the trigger, the 43x beat it in every other way for me.
@@joebauers3746 yeah man I love the 43x and the 48 I think one of them might be my next purchase
Yeah I'm not sure why literally no one else has the same grip angle as Glock. It would make other brands a lot more attractive.
@@BrightGlandsBristleMange CZ is close. I have P-07 and it points REALLY well for me.
Trading in my Shield 2.0 for a Plus. I’m convinced this is the best daily carry gun at any price.
Great video! My Shield Plus pretty much retired my other concealed carry options with it's size, handling, trigger, and the 10 and 13 round mags. I did have to install a Hogue grip so that its rough surface wouldn't tear me up in my IWB holster. I do own several Glocks, with the original 43/6 rounder. I still like it, the Shield Plus rocks.
Sandpaper.
I have the original Shield M&P .40c (compact) I've used as my EDC for almost 10 years now. I've never been more dead-on accurate out of the box with absolutely zero failures or jams. I have big hands (need XXL) gloves and the clip they provided with the pinky extension fits like a dream in my hand.
I got the shield 2.0 in 9mm. Used in all types of training to just plinking, have never had a single jam or malfunction. I would prefer a larger gun, but I live in Texas and it's so damn hot it's hard to conceal larger pistols wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Colder climates I would choose a larger gun with more opportunities to conceal.
You need to try the shield plus performance center and you will feel a lot better different just a recommendation
Just got the Sheild plus and love it!!!
I have the Shield Plus performance center (4 inch barrel) for my edc and I absolutely adore it! It feels great in my hand, the extra inch of barrel length is great for the outside chance of a long shot encounter, and that trigger…wow. Never jammed on me. Love that gun!
Interesting analysis. The 43x I have experience with but not your first pick. The reason I like the Glock is that I can all my fingers on the grip. To my thought, that gives me better control than a smaller gun would have.
How much did you pay, out the door, if I might ask?
The nice thing about the shield plus is how I can get a different grip length depending on whether I put a 10, 13, or 15 round magazine in it.
It was close for me owning both.. but then I put the magguts +2 pinky extension on the shield plus and it’s perfect.
Don't forget the shield comes with an option for a manual safety
which is a plus if you're worried about accidentally to Dante Discharging the weapon.
Just recently bought the Shield Plus, haven't even shot it yet, but I already love the feel of it in my hand, it just feels natural, and the trigger, as you pointed out, has a great feel to it, too.
The ONLY complaint I had was the thumb safety (I prefer a thumb safety, I've always been uncomfortable with the trigger safety), it was stiff, and hard to get a grip on with my thumb. I have since extended the safety using some Loctite Gel superglue, and now it's perfect - easy to flick on and off reliably every time, and it's not sticking out too far.
I've owned mine for a year, the safety came stiff out the box but will flick with ease in time, its a smooth shooter btw your gonna love it an conceales so nice
@@deamon152 I figured it probably would, however I still didn't like that it was so flush to the frame, nothing for my thumb to hit. I've been used to the thumb safety on my 1911 for years, and the Shield's safety, as I said, was too flat for me - on top of the stiffness at present.
But I have NO problem operating it now since I did the Loctite thing. It only sticks out about 1/8th", but the whole length of the safety, a sure grip on it when disengaging or engaging it.
I've also had a set of Truglo TFO sights installed, and gotten a Pearce extension for the 10 round mag. Waiting for my IWB holster from Wright Leather Works.
I may have to do something with the trigger though, it feels "gritty", a lot of a grinding, rough surface feeling.
Compare and contrast works for me. Thank you for your content 😊
I have to agree with you on the Shield Plus. As my carry gun I have total confidence that it will go bang any time that I need it. I rented a Glock 19 at the range (don’t have a 43 in the rental case) and found that it doesn’t feel as good in the hand and the trigger and sights were not as good as the Shield Plus. Shot pretty well with the 19 but it is not a Shield Plus.
I really like the long and thin smith & wesson grips. I think they generally fit mens hands better. I do know people (men) that are uncomfortable with them though. With Glocks (double stack) the grip is too wide for the rounding of my thumb, so if i have a really good grip I can't get to the mag release without changing my grip. It's even worse on the PF940 versions and the P320-x frames. Isn't a problem with the G43/G48 models or the P320 subcompact frame. Can't really beat the shield plus though.
Glock 43x for me all the way
Lighter, thinner, handles recoil better, & shield arms 15 round magazine flush fit
I felt like the 43x had better controls. The grip is more natural and it feels like shooting a full-size 9 vs a pocket carry gun.
handles recoil way way worse. I’ve shot both
I bought the Shield Plus, because it feels incredible in my hands!
No Apex or any type of aftermarket trigger is needed, the Shield Plus trigger is amazing!
People will ultimately carry what they can conceal the best, based on their body type and clothing. That's why .22s, .25s and .380s are so popular. I can carry a 9mm fortunately, but there's just something so convenient about carrying a pocket pistol. It's all about shot placement, not dumping your whole mag as fast as you can without discretion like in police videos.
Been shooting a very long time with many other calibers, have owned the original single stack 43 and the "replacement" 43x and shot a S&W Shield at the range with a friend a couple of times. The old 43 fits my hand the best of any small carry I have ever owned and, inside of 7 yards, if you need more than 6 a bigger mag is unlikely to help. Put the rounds where they need to be. Nothing against the Shield, it is a fine weapon, and, frankly, don't really buy all the Glock hype, but the 43 is my EDC.
Just a helpful tip from a firearms instructor. I was watching the trigger control with both of you shooting and noticed something I have seen happen with many shooters that makes their accuracy suffer. There are several reasons this happens, but the end result is that shooters get the movement from trigger reset to trigger pressure backwards. It can happen with good shooters over time. What I mean is, shooters get slow trigger let off to reset, then as soon as they get to the reset, they pull the trigger rapidly. this is opposite to good trigger manipulation. Quick to trigger reset, then slow increase of trigger pressure is what should be happening. I am sure you guys don't realize that you are doing it. If you work on reversing those trigger movements, your shooting accuracy will go way up! Great video and content!!!!
I appreciate the tip brother. Thank you
You just made me realize i do this, thanks!
Best part about Glocks is it's a freaking Glock automatic win
I have both. I like the shield just a bit better. Both outstanding choices in my opinion.
Glock 48 because the pros of the additional barrel length/fps and sight radius way out weigh the weight you gain. They carry the same.
The 4" shield is better
43X with a mag catch change and shield arms 15round mags is my go to! I took my Sig P365XL and my 43X to the range expecting to fall in love with the Sig…..it did not happen!! I’m always looking for something better but for the moment 43X is it! I may look at FN in the future and try that out.
I love the slide release on the Shield Plus moreso then the glock which my Taurus G3X has as well.
How does the Taurus g3x compare to the GLOCK/ OR SMITH WESSON. THANKS
I love my Shield plus, it's my go to CC 💪
Great video. The Hellcat has the shortest height for 15 round capacity out of any pistol that I'm aware of. That is why I was attracted to it. But I do not shoot it very well, even after 2k rounds. I switched to the Shield and it works much better for me. I shoot it almost as well as my G26 and G19.
When I shot the hellcat, it felt like someone was hitting between my thumb and index with a hammer. Ended up sticking with my 365.
get a magguts +3 for the 10 rd mag..
I only buy factory stock mags. I've I had too many issues with aftermarket stuff
@@357mag84 I definitely understand that position and do the same for all guns, only exception is the magguts kits which i have lots of rounds though and high confidence..
@@marcg611 Thanks for the info. I'll give them a try.
I wanted to get a 43X but saw the Shield Plus on sale plus a rebate so was only like $350. So far only put maybe 100 rounds through but I love how it feels. This video helped reinforce my thoughts so glad I made the right choice. I’m not well versed in all the fine points but shot my G2C afterwards and immediately realized how much I love the M&P trigger
I have the exact opposite experience with the 43x and the original Shield !! The grip on the shield was too short (for me) to shoot accurately and comfortably. The 43x is much more comfortable in my hands. That said, it's a matter of personal preference. Some gun stores/ranges will allow you to rent a firearm at their range. This is the best way to find out if a pistol is right for you.
43X fits my hand perfectly as well. my pinkie finger sits right where i want it and i'm very comfortable firing it 1 handed. Comfort and controllability are key.
Right , I’m not sure what people are smoking in here to think the shield is better. Naked , these 2 aren’t 2 far apart but once u add aftermarket support w Glock, there’s no longer a debate.
That g43x can turn into a G48 with a simple slide swap(giving you a slim grip g19)
People always say that the Glock has better aftermarket support. Which is true, but Some people want a good gun out the box and don’t want to mess with aftermarket parts ( cause then you are messing with reliability) and also to make a Glock run like a shield plus you end up spending more money with aftermarket parts. aftermarket glock triggers are $100, $90 for new sights, new slide is $150. I used to be a Glock fan boy. I have a Glock 19x trust me I been through it. But I ended up spending well over $950 to make it a suppresor ready gun when I could have spent $650 on a tactical ready Springfield Xdm elite, ready to go out the box. Having both a 43x and shield plus, the trigger and sights are far better on the shield plus and my shield plus is an mos. A shield plus is $550 vs glock 43x is $450 out the box. Now add an aftermarket slide, trigger, and sights and now that $450 gun just became a $800 gun. So now you comparing a $550 gun vs $800. The value on the shield plus is insane at that price.
@@jimmym1782 I can only speak on the original Shield. I just couldn't shoot it well. That trigger was the same quality as the G43X. I will say, I was a fairly new shooter when I owned the original Shield. I'm more experienced now and that could possibly affect my opinion somewhat of the original Shield. I think the grip is still too short for some shooters. Peace
@@Ahch. ahh I see, yeah the new shield plus is loads better than the original. They upgraded the trigger, more capacity and longer grip.
Pulled the 43x & Shield + triggers at my dealer, bought the S&W, still love my Glocks, they are Machines that keep consistently working! S&W finally listened to their customers and now offers a decent trigger, will buy a 43x in the future to add to the rotation, IMO, both are great guns, Thankful we have several options to choose from!
Unfortunately here in CA we are very limited in what we can carry. I own the M&P shield and I love it.
I've shot both of these models and the 43x was a whole lot better in my hands and the little longer handle doesn't make concealment any more difficult. Also the 43x Mos has a rail and spot for a red dot and Sheild Arms makes a 15 round magazine which put the 43x over the top for me. It's my everyday carry and I love it
I have both, and used to carry the Shield single stack for years. Overall I'd give the advantage to G43x MOS due the the rail, front serrations and more importantly that it handles and shoots almost as well as a full size. The Shield still has the advantage on concealability. In terms of trigger it really depends on your specific gun.
both are great options lol
@@blackticalmayhem8461 they're virtually the same for concealability and I don't see how there's any advantage at all with only fractions of an inch difference. The 43X does shoot really well and I can easily handle it even with 1 hand, even my weak hand. Can't speak for the Shield since I have never fired it but I love my 43X. Works well for me!
The goal is to shoot enough that it doesn’t matter which gun is in your hand.
Definitely a glock guy !
For me I go with the 43x. The grip is perfect and it's the one I'm used to best. Nothing wrong with everything else just I'm more familiar and used to the glock
I get slide bite with Glock 43x. Trigger Safety is also thin and sharp and gives me blisters.
@@mmafanatic-tz5or You must be shooting a LOT of rounds to get blisters from the trigger safety.
@@mmafanatic-tz5or How do you get slide bite with that beavertail? I'm pretty sure you've never shot the 43X.
@@esteban1487 I have. I actually bought one. Lol. Then I ordered the 15 rounds shields mag bit just got tired of the blister from the trigger and slide bite. Maybe because I'm 6'6" and and have thick 9 inch hand
@@mmafanatic-tz5or Blister from the polymer integrated trigger safety? lol
That shield plus is so good i gotta believe it was an accident by Smith and wesson. It always seems that all guns leave something out but they nailed it all. Heck my hellcat has an optic but i still find myself carrying the shield plus most of the time with just iron sights.
Other than a rail I agree
I threw a laser light on mine it’s perfect. 👍🏻
My preferred carry is the 43x. A natural (to me) downsizing of my beloved and still carried Glock 19. The 43x just fits my hand better. As for round count, I use factory 10 round mags in the 43x and for my lifestyle, I’m good with it. Side note, the 43x and spare mag in a Tier 1 concealed axis slim is exactly 1.2 pounds lighter than my Glock 19 and spare mag in the same axis slim rig for it. MUCH more comfy for “all day” carry. Also, if you appendix carry, grip length is not near as important for printing as strong side carry.
Love both and have both. Carry my 43x MOS with a halosun 507 optic mainly because my duty weapon is a 23. Still qualify with the shield and 2.0 compact in case I want to switch it up.
I couldn't figure out which one I would rather have and bought both myself. Got the shield in the 4-in it's nasty. I think the 43x trigger is better than he says but it's nothing like the shield
@@cin426 I have the apex trigger in my shield and the 2.0 compact has a decent trigger. I'm very accustomed to the glock trigger, so if it isn't a super short reset, I leave it alone.
The shield+ is an amazing example. The shield really defined a category and the trigger/capacity/size of the shield+ is excellent.
In this market, P365, Shield+, or P365xL. People can get what they want, but other than Shield EZ, that is all I recommend.
Anyone saying the 43x is better handgun obviously knows nothing about handguns. I like Glock but the shield plus is superior in every way except maybe, anecdotal preference in grip. 43x is easily the worst firearm Glock has ever made.
I bought a 43 as my first carry pistol. I hated the trigger, upgraded it but still hated it. sold the 43 and bought a Shield 2.0 and I love it! it's been my EDC ever since! Will probably get a Plus sometime in my future. I also never liked the glock polymer mags. he's showing the 43x releases pretty good, but I hated those in the 43 too.
43 is no comparison to either in this video
Shield Plus is my carry, and I have the Glock 43X. I just don't use it as my carry.
When I bought my 43X, I really thought I was going to carry it a lot but I don't shoot it as well as other semi-autos, including the Shield Plus. I ended up favoring my HK P30sk with 13 round magazines and my go-to for a subcompact pistol. I still carry the Shield Plus sometimes and I agree it beats the 43X hands down. Great video.
1 year late to the party. Purchased my S&W Shield Plus yesterday and banged off 100 rounds. Never owned a Glock so I can't and will not speak against them. Buy American, cause this baby is humming.
You can’t even put into words the difference in the triggers. I have always been an M&P over Glock guy so I never even looked at the 43X when I bought my Shield+ OR. I’ve been carrying it a few months with no issues and a buddy bought a G43X a few weeks back, he brought it over and I was afraid I may like it better. After handling it and dry firing, that worry is gone. The trigger alone is a deal breaker. I also don’t care about the cost so much as long as it’s close for the features but the Shield+ is the same price with the Optics Ready package (both the slide cut and night sights) as the G43X with no optics ready capability and plastic sights. Unless you just have to have a Glock for some reason, I don’t get why you’d go with the 43X over the Shield+, brand loyal or not.
Shield is too small, full size m&p is too big. Glock 48/43x is that Goldilocks zone. Sometimes I need something small like the shield but in terms of having a gun to fight with I don’t think it’s much of a competition I want my Glock 48 over the shield plus every single time
@@aleffel9668 with the extended mag in, the only thing smaller about the Shield+ is .3” of barrel IF you don’t get the 4” version.
@@milspecmike8440 the pinky extension doesn’t feel the same as a molded grip. I want them to make a shield with a flush fit 13 rounder so it would be that same length. I’m sure with how the market is trending, they might consider making something like that
Also. If you wanted a grip that's as long as the 43X on your shield plus. Smith & Wesson. includes a 13 + 1 magazine. You get two 10 round mags with the Glock 43 X. And I'm not talking about third party Excessories.
Been carrying my Glock 19 for years. I like Glock, but I'm not a "Glock Guy". I'm open to anything that fits my hand, is reliable and puts shots on target. I will be picking up a Shield Plus in a few weeks to compare. Great comparison video! I'm more used to a Glock trigger, but with training, I'm sure I can get used to a SW trigger. All comes down to what you train with.
Before I watch this video, I'll give you my take. I have both firearms. The Glock is a very nice gun. I purchased steel mags for it to increase the capacity, (from 10 to 15) changed the mag release from factory plastic to steel, upgraded the sights, replaced the trigger, got a tungsten guide rod, larger slide release and bought a magwell attachment to protect the thin plastic of the magazine well. Decided that the tungsten guide rod wasn't needed. The new trigger wasn't all that, so I reinstalled the factory trigger and original guide rod. After all that the price of my Glcok increased significantly. So, I made changes to the Glock and fired it in both factory and modified conditions. Some mods were nice, some not so much. Nice gun the Glock. Very nice gun. Now for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. I have a gen 1. Love it, no mods. Got a M&P Shield Plus in 9mm with the longer barrel. Love it, no mods. Got another in 30 Supercarry. LOVE IT! No mods. My take is that both guns are great but the S&W needs no mods as compared to the GLock.
Agree, i did much the same… i will say once you mod the 43x for the 15 round metal mag, they recommend you swap out the mag release with a metal one as well… however using the metal mag release with the OG polymer mag is an issue… they need to make a flush metal mag to compensate… maybe they do and i dont know but if so its just another aftermarket purchase for my 43x while my Shield is still all OG
I agree. Same thing. What made me switch to the shield in the end was the trigger. $150 after market trigger made very little difference. Smith and Wesson trigger is way better.
Though you didn't need to do any mods to the 43X, I would have, too. But, I'd say that all you needed to do was the mags and mag catch, and sights. Longer slide release if you have tiny hands or if you just want it, but I've never needed it, nor the guide rod, nor the trigger, nor the magwell attachment...that might be a great addition, but I don't even know what that is. I love the 43 (with the pinky extension) and 43X, not due to capacity as I'm not infected with the current capacity illness that has permeated the Internet. Among micro 9's nothing handles recoil as well, nothing is as soft shooting. Grip angles, most triggers, most accessories, most sights, some of these can make a difference, but as a rule they do not for me. How the weapons shoots, it's recoil impulse, how straight back or how much muzzle rise, all of that stuff is far more important to me.
I'm glad that you enjoy both weapons and wish I could. We rented a Shield Plus at the local range and it was the most awkward weapon to fire. Terrible trigger, very long pull to the point that it was actually awkward. It may be that my hands are just a bit to large in some dimension, though I do not have huge hands. I shoot the Sig P365 series, Canik MC9 and Glock 43/43X with no issues. Due to it's perfect size and thinness (
Glock is 40 year old design and needs updating.
@@encinobalboa I can completely understand that sentiment. But I also feel that with 30+years of performance around the globe, in every environment imaginable, Glock constitutes the ultimate example of, "If it works, don't fix it."
Great video. People need to know the differences between the guns & what they are getting for their money.
I'll easily take the 43x. However, I did replace the trigger with a Tango Down flat faced set up, which made a world of difference!!
I did the same with mine.
Great review sir, and love the intro music!
As a person who started with Glock 18 years ago I must say that M&P has surpassed Glock in many stock features. Glock refuses to innovate while S&W M&P, Sig Sauer, H&K, Walther, etc do. Glock will always be respected as the gold standard for reliability, but when it comes to stock features like sights, Trigger, etc they are lacking compared to their competitors in 2022.
The Shield Plus is a superior gun to me for EDC. Better grip texture, more concealable, better trigger, same capacity in a smaller size, better sights, better slide serrations, and better ergonomics. If you're getting a Shield Plus, I highly recommend getting the Optics Ready model for $25-50 more even if you don't care about optics because that model comes with excellent night sights straight from the factory.
Even though the Shield Plus is a superior gun, I would still take a Glock 43X even though it's not as great simply because I shoot it better. If my life was on the line, I trust myself being able to hit my shots with tighter groupings with a Glock 43x more. I've been shooting Glocks since I was 4 and it's difficult to overcome 19 years of training/experience. For those who shoot the Shield Plus better or don't have as much experience with Glocks, I would recommend the Shield Plus more.
I just got the shield plus with Tru glow night sights and I put my 43x in a drawer. The plus is an amazing firearm and a perfect conceal carry in my opinion. Both great guns but I looooove my shield plus!
43x for me. Slimmer and higher capacity with shield arms magazines (my 3 have worked with zero issues of 550 rds between all 3).
The shield plus has a rail for a micro light or laser and also has a significantly shorter grip which is key for those of us who are not overweight trying not to print
Just bought the Shield Plus and although it is a nice weapon, I have to say that I am not impressed with how hard you have to slam the 13 round magazines in order to get them to lock into the mag well. At first I thought it was just a bad magazine, but I bought a second 13 round mag and had the same issue. When I only load 12 rounds in either of the magazines I have no problems whatsoever. This isn't a deal-breaker for me, but when Smith's claim to fame is due to the increased mag capacity, there shouldn't be any issues with the metal magazines "swelling" with the last round that causes a loading issue. I still prefer the 43X.
I bought both but got the performance center shield plus and I ended up only shooting one mag out of the Glock. For me the shield just felt better and was dead on out to 20 yards. I ended up finding 15+1 mags and it’s very easy to carry. I love how M&P has stepped their game up.
My 43x has a Factr usa trigger, ameriglo night sights, my slide was sent and milled and I’m running a 507k and got 2 shield arms 15 round mags it’s a game changer.
There’s nothing wrong with the 43x. It’s a good shooter. I was just severely let down by the length of that grip and only holding 10 rounds standard when you have guns like the Sig P365 which can hold that standard with substantially less grip length. I think it’s still a nice quality firearm, being a Glock, just with the bar having already been raised, the 43x fell short of expectation and wound up feeling more gimmicky than ever.
There is a company now making a 15 round magazine for the G43X & G48. PSA Micro Dagger 15 round magazines. It’s a game changer for the G43X & G48
Great review thanks. I just got both the G43X MOS and the Shield Plus. Have not shot them yet. I am changing the trigger and sights on the 43X MOS. I am also getting the CR920X to complete my micro collection. 😁
Glock 43x/48 are perfect for me. The grip length makes draw strokes, weapon manipulations and recoil control just so much better. Sometimes you need to go small, but I want a carry gun that I’m confident in fighting with, and that’s the Glock 48 for me every time over the shield plus. Hope S&W make a 4” model with a flush fit 13 round capacity so it holds the same footprint as the Glocks or like a hellcat pro
If you notice the MP has a more smooth trigger guard compared to the 43x. If you shoot the 43x with your opposite index finger on the outside of that guard, you can notice a substantial increase in control and recoil reduction. If I were doing this comparison, I would have to hold these two guns differently while shooting. I may be biased but I LOVE my 43x and it let's me stay on target while also maintaining more control. Also have to mention the perfect track record of reliability which in turn, grants the confidence needed should a situation occur.
I tried switching over to the M&P series of pistols years ago. They all shoot nice but I still went back to Glock. It’s all about what platform happens to work for each individual. Training with the firearms is the key to ANY firearm you decide to use.
Each has their place. I prefer my G19 at home, but prefer to carry the Shield.
Both great guns can’t go wrong with either.
IMO, they are both great guns, the better is the one you train to be proficient with. In a defensive gun, I think it doesn't matter much smalls details. If you train like you should, you will learn how to aim with any sights, to pull any trigger, to adjust any angle, to control the recoil. The gun just need to work every time you pull the trigger. The weight of bullet, the velocity, the energy, will be the same when hitting the target and will lead to the same result.
I haven't tried a Shield Plus, and primarily carry a P365XL. But my duty gun was a Glock 23, and we weren't allowed to change sights or triggers. Glock simply has not kept up with changes in handguns, and I can't think of a reason to buy one today. I still sometimes carry my personal G23 in cold weather under heavy clothes, but that's based on the caliber and my familiarity with that particular gun.
One thing you should've mentioned is the Shield Plus also has the option of an OEM 13 round pinky extension magazine. Huge bonus over the 43X.
Except for the shield arms gen 2 15bround mags. And I've never had an issue with any of mine.
Pearson sells an extend grip for the flush 10 rd on the Shield + and it is great. You get the same full grip like you get with the 13 rd.
@@patrickkelly7371 That's the risk that you decided to take not going OEM and that's totally ok. I however do not depend my life on anything other than original parts designed specifically for the weapon.
@@mke259 I have 6 each S15 magazines which have been flawless.
@@patrickkelly7371
Except magguts makes extensions for the shield which also gives you 15 rounds. And also gives you 13 in the standard 10 round flush mag.
All while still being thinner and having the versatility of being able to shorten the grip with the flush mag for easier concealment.
So even taking the S15 mags into account the shield still comes out on top.
I installed Apex Tactical trigger kits on the Shield 2.0 and the plus. It's so much nicer now and it cured the weak reset on the plus
I agree with the weak reset. But I also bought another shield plus... The bug out bundle and it's reset is very tactile and audible.
@@mmafanatic-tz5or I got the plus in the bundle to.
I think the reset is perfect.
The trigger as a whole is definitely as good as the Apex that I put in my 5" 2.0
I've owned and shot both. I preferred the Glock. I really like the Glock sights and I hit better with the Glock. They are both nice guns and I don't think there is enough difference to make a difference in a gun fight. I've actually stepped down to a Glock 42 these days though.
I carried an M&P as a duty gun for several years. It was garbage. Numerous fail to feed, failure to lock back and fails to fire at the range, plus numerous other problems like sheered off strikers, sights drifting, parts rusting, and broken extractors on other officers duty guns. Never had a malfunction with any of the numerous Glock products I have carried and tens of thousands of rounds I put through them. Every time I checked out a Shield at a gun store the triggers were garbage., gritty and mushy. I wouldn't trust my life with any S&W product. Just my 2 cents
I have both. My Glock has shield arms mags and Ameriglo night sights. They both have Talon grips, and the Shield has factory steel sights. With that being said they are pretty much even. Any difference is basically negligible
I have both and prefer Shield Plus
I have and like them both, but yes the Shield is the better out of the box option. If you don’t like or want to make upgrades to your carry gun that would be the one I’d recommend. With some tweaks and better sights I like running the 43x in the winter cause I get a better grip.
That glock trigger work good for me, it let me know when its bout to go off so im on point
It’s hard to believe that the Smith’s trigger is better than a 1911’s trigger. I have some Gen 1 Shields with the old hinged trigger which is surprisingly good, even compared to an aftermarket trigger I eventually put in one of them.
My 43X came with the worst trigger I have ever experienced. So gritty and tough as to be un shootable. Glock perfection? Nope.
Although not OEM, I love my 43x paired with the SA15 mag. Over 500rds and no issues.
I’d like to try out the hellcat pro since it’s 15rds from the factory.