Glock 43 vs Shield?

Double Drops · January 23, 2017, 04:08 PM

I currently have a Shield, which I purchased before the G43 came out. I shoot it really well and have been carrying it IWB. It's pretty comfortable but I feel like the shorter height of the G43 might make it a little easier to conceal.
Honestly, I prefer Glocks, and have always been intrigued with the G43. For those of you that have shot (or owned) both, which did you prefer and why?
Would you sell a Shield just to get a G43? Are they that much different?

Ride Madone · January 23, 2017, 04:37 PM

I owned both and sold the Glock. I just liked the shield better, but never had a single issue with the G43. Having CC for 35 years, I will tell you the very small size difference will hardly be noticeable, if at all.

However, if you want the Glock, get it. You can't have too many guns.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

wizzamen · January 23, 2017, 05:03 PM

I am a Glock fanboy, but I recognize that the Shield is a great firearm also. This comes down to personal preference, they are both fantastic pistols.

Double Drops don't kid yourself, if you had to post a thread on the subject you know what that means. You will soon become a Glock 43 owner, that's the way us firearms people are when a new pistol catches our attention.

mikejonestkd · January 23, 2017, 06:01 PM

I just recently went though a similar choice- between all the single stack poly 9mms out there. My old LC9 just isn't working for me.

After handling a bunch of them, and shooting most of the ones that are out there I bought a new shield with Night sights.

300 rounds later and I am very impressed with the shield.

Mosin44az · January 24, 2017, 12:03 AM

I own a Shield and just bought a G43. I would not sell a Shield to get a G43. My Shield has been excellent, 100% reliable with a nice trigger, and very accurate, and is more comfortable to shoot than the Glock. And for IWB carry, I don't see the Glock as providing much advantage.

I bought the G43 because I am always looking for a 9mm to pocket carry, and the smaller size of the G43 might work for me. The Shield is just a bit too big and heavy for the pocket. I greatly prefer pocket carry in Phoenix, especially in the summer. And the last time I rented the G43, it felt much more comfortable to shoot than the first time. Sold.

But don't trade the Shield to get the Glock. If anything, get both.

Ibmikey · January 24, 2017, 12:19 AM

I have a Shield and love it also a G 42 that is great. I purchased a G 43 and was very disappointed with the handling of the pistol...one of those "just does not feel or shoot right for me" pistols. A friend traded me a Sig P238 and a dozen mags for it.

Texas45 · January 24, 2017, 07:09 AM

I shoot and carry a shield in 45.
My buddy has a G30S also in 45.
Cant stand the thing.
Grips to short
Terrible Glock trigger
Cant hit diddly with it.
My shield (to me) is more accurate more comfortable and easier to shoot.
Also cant stand Glock grip angle.
My 02 YMMV.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Targa · January 24, 2017, 07:10 AM

Can you try the Glock before deciding? I like the Glock better than the Shield but a couple of my range buddies prefer the Shield to the Glock. Its personal preference but I will say that I don't think the higher price of the Glock over the Shield is worth it, this is why I haven't ditched my Kahr CM9 for the Glock.

KennyFSU · January 24, 2017, 07:33 AM

I chose the Shield.

Higher capacity, better sights, cost less, tried and true.

DMK · January 24, 2017, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Would you sell a Shield just to get a G43?

Definitely not.

When I first bought my Shield, I was at the range getting comfortable with it and the guy at the next bench had a Glock 43. I let him shoot mine, and he let me try his. I shot the Shield much better. It's more controllable and just feels better in my hands. I did not like the G43 at all (though I didn't tell him that).

burrhead · January 24, 2017, 12:37 PM

I'm a Glock fan and have a bunch of them. My EDC is a G21. I can get a Blue Label 43 for about the same price as a Shield so the money is a wash. When I carry light it's a Shield 9mm. Over 1,000 rounds it's been 100% reliable and has better ergos than the G43. To me it was a no brainier.

subhuman · January 24, 2017, 01:17 PM

I have shot them both, I own the Shield

noonesshowmonkey · January 24, 2017, 01:26 PM

If you're seriously questioning between the Shield and the Glock 43, throw the Walther PPS into the mix. Great little single stacks.

O4L · January 24, 2017, 01:47 PM

I carry the Shield and I wouldn't sell it to get a Glock.

If I were new to the sub compact pistol market I might consider the G43 but why pay $100 more for the Glock.

The Shield works great for me and just today I found them online for $299!

Uncle Malice · January 24, 2017, 02:02 PM

I have owned both. Including the safety and non-safety versions of the Shield. I currently own the G43. Here are some of my personal observations...

The Shield is a little bigger, a little heavier, and a little softer shooting with slightly better ergonomics in my hand.
The Glock is... likewise.... a little smaller, a little lighter, and a little snappier in recoil.

I would actually say that fit and finish on the Shield is better than the G43. I have the TALO edition of the G43, so it has the bright outlined, tritium front sight - similar to Trijicon HD... so sights are better on my G43, but Shield wins on stock versions.

Triggers are kind of a wash. Both have decent triggers for the type. I do find the serrated trigger on the G43 becomes a bit aggressive and annoying when dry firing a lot or longer range sessions, but it's not designed for that, so that's not a huge deal.

The odd thing I found was that despite being smaller, lighter, and less ergonomic in my hands, I simply shoot the G43 more accurately. I don't think this is a result of mechanical accuracy... just the performance in my own hand.

Both are great guns. I actually do thing the Shield is the "better" gun... but I'm happy with the G43.

DubC-Hicks · January 24, 2017, 02:07 PM

When I had to choose, I went with the Glock 43. I shot it better, recoil seems less snappy, the trigger feels better, the slide is easier to rack, with better serrations, and it's smaller than the shield grip-wise, even with a +1 Taran Tactical baseplate to even up the capacity.

That said, if I already had the Shield, I don't think it's worth selling just to get the Glock. The Shield is a fine gun. The only way to really answer this question is to go try a 43 though, and see what you think.

ritepath · January 24, 2017, 07:12 PM

When the 43 first come out I went with a fist full of cash to pick it up and shelve my big bulky shield. Once I put my mitts on one, I spent the money on a much beloved CZ75.

For me it felt worse than a g26 I used to own and that's saying a lot...I hated the feel of that thing with a passion compared to the 19/23 sized guns I'd shot.

I'd save my money and see if Smith comes out with a 2.0 Shield, or buy a new CZ.

lunger · January 24, 2017, 07:44 PM

I chose between these two recently. I was lucky enough to try both. For me it was the 43. It just felt better in my hand and I shot it better.But not by much.

I could have been happy with either one.Would I sell a Shield to get the Glock , probably not. As everyone is different your results may vary.

Mastrogiacomo · January 24, 2017, 08:13 PM

I've held the Shield, couldn't release the slide to save my life...get the Glock...and it's not even close as far as I'm concerned...get the Glock...

Laura

TMD · January 24, 2017, 11:14 PM

I cant speak for a regular Shield but I can for the Performance Center version. My wife wanted a new carry gun a few months ago and this is what she picked. I have to say with that ported barrel you can rapid fire it and stay on target easily. It virtually had no muzzle flip. Only down side is with the ported barrel it's LOUD. I'm seriously thinking of ditching my G27 for their .40cal version.

IMightBeWrong · January 26, 2017, 10:52 AM

My favorite guns in this category are the Glock 43 for its overall small size and weight and the PPS M2 conversely for its extra weight that adds to shootability. The shield is somewhere inbetween, not as compact as the Glock and not as heavy as the Walther. Might be a sweet spot for you. It's all preference. My wife likes the 43, I carry a PPS M2, plenty of people out there love their Shields. Just pick what you like!

camsdaddy · January 26, 2017, 11:02 AM

I have both. I have thousand of rounds through my Shield and less than 250 through my 43. If I can get my POI to shift to the right my 43 will be the ticket. I say that I will only use the 43 for pocket but if I improve my shooting with it I may carry it other ways as well.

TailGator · January 26, 2017, 11:32 AM

Quote:

I purchased a G 43 and was very disappointed with the handling of the pistol...one of those "just does not feel or shoot right for me" pistols. A friend traded me a Sig P238 and a dozen mags for it.

I would buy a 43 just to trade it if I could get a deal like that.

DMK · January 26, 2017, 11:59 AM

Quote:

I've held the Shield, couldn't release the slide to save my life

With the 9mm Shield (and probably the 40S&W) the recoil spring is very tight when the gun is new. I would lock mine open every time I put it in the safe for the first couple months and that seemed to help. It feels like a normal gun now after a few hundred rounds through it.

My new 45ACP Shield didn't have that issue at all.

pete2 · January 26, 2017, 12:15 PM

I would buy the Shield because it has a safety. I think the Glock shoots better tho. I have an LC9, my choice for a new one would be the LC0s with the safety. The LC is a tad smaller than the others.

January 23, 2017, 04:08 PM	#1
Double Drops Junior Member Join Date: July 6, 2013 Posts: 8	Glock 43 vs Shield? I currently have a Shield, which I purchased before the G43 came out. I shoot it really well and have been carrying it IWB. It's pretty comfortable but I feel like the shorter height of the G43 might make it a little easier to conceal. Honestly, I prefer Glocks, and have always been intrigued with the G43. For those of you that have shot (or owned) both, which did you prefer and why? Would you sell a Shield just to get a G43? Are they that much different? Last edited by Double Drops; January 23, 2017 at 04:15 PM.

January 23, 2017, 05:03 PM	#3
wizzamen Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2007 Posts: 152	I am a Glock fanboy, but I recognize that the Shield is a great firearm also. This comes down to personal preference, they are both fantastic pistols. Double Drops don't kid yourself, if you had to post a thread on the subject you know what that means. You will soon become a Glock 43 owner, that's the way us firearms people are when a new pistol catches our attention. __________________ The Firing Line or bust! Last edited by wizzamen; January 23, 2017 at 06:14 PM.

January 23, 2017, 06:01 PM	#4
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,716	I just recently went though a similar choice- between all the single stack poly 9mms out there. My old LC9 just isn't working for me. After handling a bunch of them, and shooting most of the ones that are out there I bought a new shield with Night sights. 300 rounds later and I am very impressed with the shield. __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

January 24, 2017, 07:09 AM	#7
Texas45 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2016 Posts: 223	Glock 43 vs Shield? I shoot and carry a shield in 45. My buddy has a G30S also in 45. Cant stand the thing. Grips to short Terrible Glock trigger Cant hit diddly with it. My shield (to me) is more accurate more comfortable and easier to shoot. Also cant stand Glock grip angle. My 02 YMMV. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

January 24, 2017, 07:33 AM	#9
KennyFSU Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 114	I chose the Shield. Higher capacity, better sights, cost less, tried and true. __________________ Heavy is good, heavy is reliable. If it does not work you can always hit him with it. -Boris the Blade, on guns.

January 23, 2017, 04:37 PM	#2
Ride Madone Member Join Date: May 20, 2015 Posts: 85	I owned both and sold the Glock. I just liked the shield better, but never had a single issue with the G43. Having CC for 35 years, I will tell you the very small size difference will hardly be noticeable, if at all. However, if you want the Glock, get it. You can't have too many guns. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

January 24, 2017, 12:03 AM	#5
Mosin44az Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2,580	I own a Shield and just bought a G43. I would not sell a Shield to get a G43. My Shield has been excellent, 100% reliable with a nice trigger, and very accurate, and is more comfortable to shoot than the Glock. And for IWB carry, I don't see the Glock as providing much advantage. I bought the G43 because I am always looking for a 9mm to pocket carry, and the smaller size of the G43 might work for me. The Shield is just a bit too big and heavy for the pocket. I greatly prefer pocket carry in Phoenix, especially in the summer. And the last time I rented the G43, it felt much more comfortable to shoot than the first time. Sold. But don't trade the Shield to get the Glock. If anything, get both.

January 24, 2017, 12:19 AM	#6
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	I have a Shield and love it also a G 42 that is great. I purchased a G 43 and was very disappointed with the handling of the pistol...one of those "just does not feel or shoot right for me" pistols. A friend traded me a Sig P238 and a dozen mags for it.

January 24, 2017, 07:10 AM	#8
Targa Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Posts: 2,084	Can you try the Glock before deciding? I like the Glock better than the Shield but a couple of my range buddies prefer the Shield to the Glock. Its personal preference but I will say that I don't think the higher price of the Glock over the Shield is worth it, this is why I haven't ditched my Kahr CM9 for the Glock.

January 24, 2017, 12:37 PM	#11
burrhead Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 1999 Location: Chihuahuan desert, Texas Posts: 1,148	I'm a Glock fan and have a bunch of them. My EDC is a G21. I can get a Blue Label 43 for about the same price as a Shield so the money is a wash. When I carry light it's a Shield 9mm. Over 1,000 rounds it's been 100% reliable and has better ergos than the G43. To me it was a no brainier. __________________ Join the GOA, SAF and the TSRA I'm offended by people that are easily offended.

January 24, 2017, 01:17 PM	#12
subhuman Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 383	I have shot them both, I own the Shield

January 24, 2017, 01:26 PM	#13
noonesshowmonkey Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2014 Posts: 329	If you're seriously questioning between the Shield and the Glock 43, throw the Walther PPS into the mix. Great little single stacks.

January 24, 2017, 01:47 PM	#14
O4L Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2015 Posts: 646	I carry the Shield and I wouldn't sell it to get a Glock. If I were new to the sub compact pistol market I might consider the G43 but why pay $100 more for the Glock. The Shield works great for me and just today I found them online for $299!

January 24, 2017, 02:02 PM	#15
Uncle Malice Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2009 Location: Phoenix Posts: 4,580	I have owned both. Including the safety and non-safety versions of the Shield. I currently own the G43. Here are some of my personal observations... The Shield is a little bigger, a little heavier, and a little softer shooting with slightly better ergonomics in my hand. The Glock is... likewise.... a little smaller, a little lighter, and a little snappier in recoil. I would actually say that fit and finish on the Shield is better than the G43. I have the TALO edition of the G43, so it has the bright outlined, tritium front sight - similar to Trijicon HD... so sights are better on my G43, but Shield wins on stock versions. Triggers are kind of a wash. Both have decent triggers for the type. I do find the serrated trigger on the G43 becomes a bit aggressive and annoying when dry firing a lot or longer range sessions, but it's not designed for that, so that's not a huge deal. The odd thing I found was that despite being smaller, lighter, and less ergonomic in my hands, I simply shoot the G43 more accurately. I don't think this is a result of mechanical accuracy... just the performance in my own hand. Both are great guns. I actually do thing the Shield is the "better" gun... but I'm happy with the G43. __________________ Handguns: 2x Glock 19.4 \| Glock 26.4 \| HK USP 9 \| HK P2000 \| HK VP9 SK \| HK P30 \| CZ Shadow 2 \| CZ P-10 C \| CZ P-07 \| CZP-01 \| S&W 360PD Rifles: DDM4 \| SGL 21 \| SAM7K \| Draco \| PSA PDW SBR \| ASA Side-Charger SBR \| CZ Scorpion K SBR \| Aero M4E1 9" 300blk SBR \| Angstadt Jack9 SBR \| Savage Mark II FV-SR Shotguns: Mossberg 590A1 20" SP \| Mossberg Shockwave

January 24, 2017, 02:07 PM	#16
DubC-Hicks Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2009 Location: Backwoods, Northern MI Posts: 1,031	When I had to choose, I went with the Glock 43. I shot it better, recoil seems less snappy, the trigger feels better, the slide is easier to rack, with better serrations, and it's smaller than the shield grip-wise, even with a +1 Taran Tactical baseplate to even up the capacity. That said, if I already had the Shield, I don't think it's worth selling just to get the Glock. The Shield is a fine gun. The only way to really answer this question is to go try a 43 though, and see what you think. __________________ ”Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars.” ~Unknown

January 24, 2017, 07:12 PM	#17
ritepath Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,419	When the 43 first come out I went with a fist full of cash to pick it up and shelve my big bulky shield. Once I put my mitts on one, I spent the money on a much beloved CZ75. For me it felt worse than a g26 I used to own and that's saying a lot...I hated the feel of that thing with a passion compared to the 19/23 sized guns I'd shot. I'd save my money and see if Smith comes out with a 2.0 Shield, or buy a new CZ. __________________ There's only one...

January 24, 2017, 07:44 PM	#18
lunger Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Posts: 443	I chose between these two recently. I was lucky enough to try both. For me it was the 43. It just felt better in my hand and I shot it better.But not by much. I could have been happy with either one.Would I sell a Shield to get the Glock , probably not. As everyone is different your results may vary.

January 24, 2017, 08:13 PM	#19
Mastrogiacomo Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2002 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,297	I've held the Shield, couldn't release the slide to save my life...get the Glock...and it's not even close as far as I'm concerned...get the Glock... Laura __________________ "Luctor et Emergo" - Struggle and Emerge

January 24, 2017, 11:14 PM	#20
TMD Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,293	I cant speak for a regular Shield but I can for the Performance Center version. My wife wanted a new carry gun a few months ago and this is what she picked. I have to say with that ported barrel you can rapid fire it and stay on target easily. It virtually had no muzzle flip. Only down side is with the ported barrel it's LOUD. I'm seriously thinking of ditching my G27 for their .40cal version.

January 26, 2017, 10:52 AM	#21
IMightBeWrong Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Posts: 814	My favorite guns in this category are the Glock 43 for its overall small size and weight and the PPS M2 conversely for its extra weight that adds to shootability. The shield is somewhere inbetween, not as compact as the Glock and not as heavy as the Walther. Might be a sweet spot for you. It's all preference. My wife likes the 43, I carry a PPS M2, plenty of people out there love their Shields. Just pick what you like! __________________ "Intelligence is nothing more than discussing things with others. Limitless wisdom comes of this." - 山本常朝

January 26, 2017, 11:02 AM	#22
camsdaddy Senior Member Join Date: October 5, 2007 Posts: 397	I have both. I have thousand of rounds through my Shield and less than 250 through my 43. If I can get my POI to shift to the right my 43 will be the ticket. I say that I will only use the 43 for pocket but if I improve my shooting with it I may carry it other ways as well.

January 26, 2017, 12:15 PM	#25
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	I would buy the Shield because it has a safety. I think the Glock shoots better tho. I have an LC9, my choice for a new one would be the LC0s with the safety. The LC is a tad smaller than the others.

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