How'emsoever -- after more reading and futzing around at the local gun-counters -- the Shield is closing in as the main contender. For one, I want a safety -- now. Two -- it has to be 'grippable' and chambered under the present 'hands' condition. Making the rounds of the 'big three' this weekend for side by side comparisons.

I was amazed at the first range trip with my Shield in that I shot it just as well as my full sized M&P9. A buddy who is a big M&P fan finally bought a Sheild after saying it's close enough to his compact and now that he shot it, I
He's super happy he bought the much slimmer gun.

I shot an LC9, and owned a couple of Kel Tek 9's both the single and double stack and even with my big hands, I had to reaquire a grip
After every shot, not a good thing on a last ditch defensive pistol!! I would like to shoot a G43, but I seriously doubt it'll replace my Sheilds, which have for the most part replaced my 442 Smith...

If they introduced a single stack built to the same standard as their double stack, and gave it a better grip, we could sell tons of 'em. But as it stands, I scarcely move a half-dozen a year. Maybe Washington shooters are pickier?

Shields? I sell a couple of dozen per year. LC9S? About the same. Glock 43? Every single one I can get my hands on, which isn't many, supply does not match demand. Oh, and the Taurus PT111G2? We buy those a dozen at a time. Don't sell quite as well as the aforementioned pistolas, but the demand is still significant.

The standout in all this is the XDS. Sales are only a bit better than a SCCY! Not sure why the heck that is?

Otony

Our sales are typically predicated on two factors, fit in the hand and price. The Shield and the Ruger are identical in price, with both being $100 less than the Glock. Typically, the Glock sells either to fanboys or to those whose hands feel it is most comfortable. Of the three, the Shield is the largest, and also the one that seems to cause the most comments regarding fit. A great deal of our customers find the Shield grip uncomfortable in some measure, which leads them to either the Ruger or Glock. Then it boils down to money, with fit being a toss up between the two.

If you have access to an accurate scale (we do, it is a pawn shop after all) you will find the Glock and the Ruger weigh in almost identically. As well, both are quite close in height, weight, and thickness. The Shield is a smidge thinner, but is both taller and ever so slightly longer. Note that when comparing sizes the Glock and the Ruger are virtually identical EXCEPT for magazine capacity, with one extra bean in the mag of the Ruger.

In the end, it comes down to what feels best. Oh sure, we get the customer for whom price is such a factor that they end up buying a Taurus PT111G2, or worse, a Sccy. The Keltec seems to be a nonparticipant these days, very, very few calling for it.

Ya pays yer money and ya takes yer chances, eh?

Otony

It's fine.

It goes bang.

Every time.

So far (few hundred rounds).

There is no love as far as I'm concerned. Although I certainly don't hate it. I'd put it above the LCP and that rides with me a lot. (No real love for that one either.)

We did shoot the 43 and, to me, it's a 42 but more of it. I'm sure I'd feel about the same about that'un as well.

Now, being in the full flush of the romance of a new acquisition, I can say I REALLY like the Ruger LC9-S. Small enough to go away when needed. Big enough to feel like, sorry, 'a real pistol' when shot. In fairness, I haven't shot it enough to say it's 'the one' but it sure is a leading candidate right now.

I am told the Shield is very close but have not fondled one.

Main reason interest is FLAT, more than it being Glock, tho I do pre-suppose that the model 43 is reliable, etc. Also, new neuro-muscle considerations are happening. Bigger guns/grips may become a bigger bit of a handful than is 'handy'. So far, the snubby J's work OK, especially in a pair. AND, I'll be perfectly happy if it stays that way, tho' the left hand is...in need of a de-tingling/numbness/cold fixer. Quoth jr-grade MD: "Well, we'll have you in for more testing."

How'emsoever....I will look into the Shield more closely, and go play with some at Cabela's/ Bass Pro / Gander Mt. ---- Will let y'all know what I think of it -- for my sitty-ation, after more digging , as i know it is well regarded.

thanks for the thoughts.

But if you think you're looking for a g43, check out the S&W Shield first.

This brain/no brain 'personal entertainment', is up for review with even more docs, techs, etc. They get challenged-up about not being able to 'find the rabbit-hole' where wherein info i wish to retain, unpredictably vanishes.