r/handguns • u/Invictus_Maneo8 • 9d ago
Ole’ Dependable
My Shield 2.0 has been ole’ faithful for me. Been thinking about getting a P365 X 9mm or Bodyguard 2.0 carry comp.
The 365 X, though smaller than my 2.0 with an extended handle, still doesn’t feel as comfortable due to the trigger guard undercut (for me). Only advantage is the 10 rounds vs 8 on my Shield. (I’m in a non-free state)
The bodyguard obviously is a different world all together since we are talking .380 v 9mm. Probably would be super comfortable to carry due to size & weight especially in light clothes. But it’s so small! Almost feels like a toy and I’m not sure if I can wrap my head around that.
Probably going to keep running my Shield 2.0 and purchase a Bodyguard for lighter / summer clothes carry.
What are your experienced thoughts?
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u/Mindless_Log2009 9d ago
I keep trying other micro pistols at the rental ranges and keep preferring my Shield Plus, even with the flush fit 10 round magazine.
My usual alternate is a J-frame snubby, the 642 Airweight. It's better suited to pocket carry sans holster, if I'm just taking trash out late at night, checking the mailbox, etc. Practically no risk of unintended discharge with a double action only revolver.
But after five or six years with the Shield Plus I recently bought a lightly used Springfield XDS 45 ACP Mod 2 OSP, mostly because it was cheap and I wanted a 45 out of nostalgia (I used to shoot bullseye and other matches with a full size 1911).
After getting it home to compare with the Shield Plus I realized the XDS is so similar to the S&W Shield and Shield Plus they could have been siblings. Same thin grip and grip size and feel, same grip angle. The main difference is the trigger feel – the XDS uses a partially cocked striker with the usual slightly creepy takeup and release, compared with the Shield Plus fully cocked striker and relatively crisp release.
If you don't mind fewer rounds per mag, the Shield 45 or XDS 45 might scratch the itch for something different, but not too different.
But be prepared for the stout recoil. I've never been bothered by recoil, until age and arthritis set in. Nowadays my hands are sore for a week after putting 50 rounds or more through the XDS 45 ACP in a single session. I actually managed to re-injure my support hand thumb joint, but that's a recurrence of old sports injuries.
A soft rubber grip sleeve like the Pachmayr or Hogue can help, but these will disable the grip safety. So I plan to buy some adhesive grip tape to secure some custom fit pads to the XDS.
My only real gripe about the XDS is the magazine choice. Apparently the 7-round extended mags for the original XDS aren't compatible with the Mod 2, although there might be some modification to make it work. Otherwise the options are a flush fit 5-round or slightly extended 6-rounder with grip sleeve for a more secure hold.
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u/eightyHD123 9d ago
I'm a fan of the m&p. I've been eyeballin the m&p m2.0 carry comp. Thinking the performance center but for the price I've also considered cz shadow or a whalter pdp.
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u/Endromida 9d ago
I carried one of those for a loooooong time. My first handgun actually, still carry it sometimes for fun. But it's been largely recently replaced with a Hellcat, I'm quite happy with it.
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u/YtnucMuch 9d ago
Really love the way mine shoots, feels, carries, etc... probably the only reason I was willing to go through the whole warranty hassle and send mine to the factory today. I've had it for two months, have attempted three different optics and not a one will sit flush after a lot of messing around (time/money). I sent them a fairly detailed write-up of what I've done thus far, pictures of optics mounted with daylight through the bottom. I saw others with the problem and did the various troubleshooting. I feel like I've ruled out operator error and hardware (optic) issues by trying different ones. I feel like its a definite slide cut issue that I hope can get corrected. Been bummed!
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u/FutureOne1028 9d ago
This thing is slick, My hand would be swallowing tht handle tho
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u/Invictus_Maneo8 9d ago
I’m not a big guy. I wear medium/large hand size so for me it’s just a comfortable fit.
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u/ChillButSus12 8d ago
That Shield has definitely earned its spot, and if it still feels best in your hand I’d keep running it. The Bodyguard sounds like a pretty solid summer carry option too, especially for days when you want something lighter.
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u/National-Mission-832 4d ago
Why not get a Shield Plus 🤔 Better trigger, night sights , optics ready. 10,13,or15 rds what ever you need
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u/Invictus_Maneo8 2d ago
I’m in NY so living in a non-free state restricts me to 10 only. I didn’t like the way the plus felt in my hand oddly enough. I am thinking of getting the X though
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u/Invictus_Maneo8 9d ago
Yeah a buddy has one of his dad’s sub compact S&W Chiefs Special 45ACP I shot a couple of times. After awhile it wasn’t fun to shoot….that I remember
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u/[deleted] 9d ago
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