Glock 43 vs S&W Shield 9mm Pistols

The Glock 43 and the Smith & Wesson (S&W) Shield 9mm pistols stand out as top contenders. Both pistols are renowned for their reliability, compact size, and suitability for concealed carry, making them popular choices among gun enthusiasts. This article delves into the intricacies of these two firearms, comparing their features, performance, and overall value to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

Features

Caliber

Both the Glock 43 and the Smith & Wesson Shield are chambered in 9mm Luger, a popular caliber for self-defense due to its balance of recoil, capacity, and stopping power. This commonality ensures that users have access to a wide variety of ammunition types and brands suited for different purposes, from practice rounds to premium self-defense cartridges.

Capacity

The Glock 43 offers a standard magazine capacity of 6+1 rounds, focusing on slimness and concealability. In contrast, the Smith & Wesson Shield provides a slightly higher standard capacity of 7+1 rounds and can be extended to 8+1 with an extended magazine. This difference may be crucial for those prioritizing a higher round count in their concealed carry choice.

Barrel Length

The Glock 43 features a 3.39-inch barrel, offering a balance between compact size and ballistic performance. The Shield’s barrel is slightly shorter at 3.1 inches, but it is crowned, which helps protect the rifling and maintain accuracy. The barrel length impacts both the pistol’s overall size and its performance, with longer barrels typically providing slightly higher velocity to the fired bullet.

Overall Length and Height

The Glock 43’s overall length is 6.26 inches, and it stands 4.25 inches tall, making it a compact firearm designed for easy concealment. The Shield is marginally more compact in length at 6.1 inches but is taller at 4.6 inches, accommodating its higher capacity magazine. These dimensions affect how easily each gun can be concealed and carried comfortably throughout the day.

Width and Weight

The Glock 43 is 1.02 inches wide and weighs 17.9 ounces unloaded, emphasizing its design for users seeking a lightweight and slim profile for easier concealment under clothing. The Shield is slightly slimmer at 0.95 inches in width but heavier at 20.2 ounces unloaded, which may contribute to a feeling of stability and reduced recoil during shooting.

Frame and Slide Material

Both pistols feature durable polymer frames, which help reduce weight without sacrificing strength. The Glock 43’s slide is made of steel with a nitride finish for corrosion resistance, while the Shield’s slide is stainless steel with a corrosion-resistant finish. These materials ensure longevity and reliability under various environmental conditions.

Sights

The Glock 43 comes equipped with polymer sights, featuring a U-shaped rear and dot front, designed for quick target acquisition. The Shield boasts metal three-dot sights, offering durability and a traditional sight picture favored by many shooters. The choice between these sight types comes down to personal preference and perceived visibility in different lighting conditions.

Trigger Pull

The Glock 43 is known for its consistent trigger pull, typically around 5.5 pounds, with a clear reset, making it predictable for rapid follow-up shots. The Shield’s trigger is slightly heavier and has more creep, which might require some adaptation for shooters used to crisper triggers. However, this characteristic can also contribute to deliberate shot placement in high-stress situations.

Safety Features

Safety features vary between the two models. The Glock 43 incorporates trigger safety, drop safety, and firing pin safety, focusing on internal mechanisms to prevent accidental discharge. The Shield offers optional external manual safety in addition to its internal safety features, catering to those who prefer an additional level of security.

Disassembly and Maintenance

Glock 43 Maintenance

• Simplicity at Its Best: The Glock 43 follows the brand’s reputation for simplicity and durability. It has fewer parts than many other pistols, which means there’s less that can go wrong and less to clean.
• Field Stripping: Disassembling the Glock 43 for a routine cleaning is straightforward. You simply check that the firearm is unloaded, pull the trigger (in a safe direction), and then pull down on the slide release levers while pushing the slide forward off the frame.
• Cleaning Frequency: Glocks are legendary for their tolerance to neglect. However, for optimal performance, a good cleaning after every range session (or every few sessions if you’re not shooting much) and a more thorough cleaning and inspection every 1,000 rounds or so is recommended.
• Lubrication: Glocks don’t need much lubrication. A few drops of quality gun oil at the specified points in the manual will do the trick.

S&W Shield 9mm Maintenance

• User-Friendly Design: The S&W Shield is also designed with ease of maintenance in mind. It’s a bit more traditional in its design compared to the Glock, but still very much a modern firearm.
• Field Stripping: Similar to the Glock, field stripping the Shield is straightforward. Ensure the firearm is unloaded, lock the slide back, rotate the takedown lever, release the slide, press the trigger, and remove the slide from the frame.
• Cleaning Frequency: The Shield appreciates regular cleaning like the Glock, especially after range visits. It’s a bit more sensitive to neglect than the Glock, so keeping it clean will ensure its reliability over time.
• Lubrication: The Shield requires lubrication at the rails and a few other points, as detailed in the manual. It doesn’t need much, but paying attention to lubrication points is key for smooth operation.

Performance and Range Experience

When it comes to shooting performance, both pistols are capable of impressive accuracy and manageable recoil, considering their compact size. Users may find the Shield’s slightly heavier and thicker frame to offer a more comfortable shooting experience, while the Glock 43’s lighter weight and slimmer profile might be preferred for ease of carry.

Pricing and Warranty

The Glock 43 typically comes at a higher price point than the Shield, which can be a critical factor for budget-conscious buyers. Furthermore, the Shield benefits from S&W’s lifetime warranty, offering additional value and peace of mind compared to the Glock’s one-year warranty.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Glock 43

S&W Shield 9mm

Conclusion

The Glock 43 and S&W Shield 9mm are both exceptional firearms in their own right, each offering unique features that cater to the concealed carry market. The Glock 43 shines with its simplicity, reliability, and extensive aftermarket support, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who value performance and customization. The S&W Shield, on the other hand, stands out for its ergonomic design, slightly higher capacity, and value for money, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and a more traditional shooting experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, specific needs, and priorities such as concealability, comfort, capacity, and budget.

FAQs

1. Which is more reliable, Glock 43 or S&W Shield 9mm? Both pistols are known for their reliability. The Glock 43 has a long-standing reputation for durability, while the S&W Shield is praised for its consistent performance. The choice comes down to personal preference.
2. Can I customize the Glock 43 and S&W Shield 9mm? Yes, both pistols have a healthy aftermarket for customization. However, the Glock 43 has a wider range of aftermarket parts and accessories available.
3. Which pistol is easier to maintain? Both pistols are designed for easy maintenance, but the Glock 43 is often noted for its simplicity and fewer parts, making it slightly easier to clean and maintain.
4. Which has a better trigger, Glock 43 or S&W Shield? Trigger preference is subjective. The Glock 43 has a consistent and predictable trigger pull, while the S&W Shield’s trigger is slightly heavier with more creep but is preferred by some for its smoothness.
5. Which pistol is more comfortable to shoot? Many shooters find the S&W Shield more comfortable due to its ergonomic design and slightly heavier frame, which can help manage recoil.
6. Is there a difference in safety features between the two? Both pistols have robust internal safety mechanisms. The S&W Shield also offers models with an external manual safety, appealing to those who prefer an additional level of security.
7. What is the price difference between Glock 43 and S&W Shield? The S&W Shield often has a lower price point than the Glock 43, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
8. Which pistol has a higher capacity? The S&W Shield offers a slightly higher capacity, with standard magazines holding 7+1 rounds and extended magazines holding 8+1, compared to the Glock 43’s 6+1 round capacity.
9. How do the sizes of the Glock 43 and S&W Shield compare? Both pistols are compact and designed for concealed carry, but the Glock 43 is a bit lighter and thinner, while the Shield is slightly taller and offers a higher capacity.
10. What warranties do Glock 43 and S&W Shield offer? The S&W Shield benefits from a lifetime warranty provided by Smith & Wesson, while Glock offers a one-year warranty for the Glock 43. This could be a deciding factor for those who value long-term service and support.