Shield, LC9 or G43

[Mr Drysdale]

I am shopping for a smaller concealed carry pistol. The above listed are on the short list. Any experience would be appreciated. Any other recommendations? I am very familiar with Glock as I own and have shot two extensively. Price is not much of a factor as there is only about $100 difference between them. If you have experience with more than one of these please tell me what you like or dislike.

Thanks in advance.

 

[HuntHarder]

I own the shield and the 43. If I am going strictly conceal the 43 gets the nod every time. My shield is in .40 s&w and is the performance center version. The trigger pull on it is phenominal. It also has hi viz sights and a ported barrel. I have made this my sidearm when hunting because I like the increased fire power of the 40 and it is still a pretty compact little pistol. The slide release on the shield can be a bear. The glock is a little more streamlined and no safety makes for a better concealed weapon imo.

 

[Jbehredt]

Maybe have a look at the new Sig 365 before making a decision. Same size platform with 4 more rounds on hand than a 43.... They’re pretty much unicorns at the moment but should become common quickly.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I own a shield and have shot the glock a few times at the range. It is a dead heat between the two for me. Slight edge to the Shield based on how it feels in my hands which is why I have stayed with it.

Have not shot the ruger but handled them a few times. I like my 10/22 but have a lingering distrust of their pistols since firing some of their old p89s years ago. They just didn’t seem well built or to function well. That was decades ago so maybe they are doing better in the QC department. Google rust problems on the LC9 and the LCP. Seems like they are having some surface rust issues.

 

[mcseal2]

Might look at Kahr too. I have one of the CM9, had two until one was stolen. They are pretty good and reasonably priced handguns.

The Ruger LC9S is another option. A group of us went together on one of those for a friend's wedding gift and that pistol had an amazing trigger.

Sig is always a good choice. I have several and have had zero complaints with any of them.

 

[SwampBone]

I second the Kahr that was brought up. I have a cm9 with around 300 rounds through it and not one hiccup. I also have a Kahr CW380 that I prefer to carry do to it’s smaller size.

 

[Apollo117]

I was in the same boat as OP a year ago. Trying to decide which pistol would be best. I rented the G43, LC9, and Shield at a range to test them all. After testing I narrowed it down to the G43 and Shield. Then after learning the difference between the G43 and the G26 is went with the G26. Very little difference in size, but the edge goes to the 26 for the increased ammo capacity. Difference in width (important for concealment) is negligible. 3 more oz of weight for the G26. Four more rounds capacity.

I also have the Shield in 9mm. Which is also a great choice. I got mine for barely over $200 shipping included when it was on sale at PSA.

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[Apollo117]

Maybe have a look at the new Sig 365 before making a decision. Same size platform with 4 more rounds on hand than a 43.... They’re pretty much unicorns at the moment but should become common quickly.

Definitely take a look at the Sig P365. Sig puts out some great pistols. I haven't handled a P365 yet, but the specs on the P365 look fantastic.

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[maninthemaze]

Don't forget Springfield Armory. I carry their XD mod 2. The trigger pull is sooo much better than anything Ruger puts out. My brother carries an XDS. Both of ours are 9mm.

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[Flojoe]

I'm in the same boat as the OP, but I'm probably gunna wait till I can get my hands on the new Sig before I make a decision.

 

[wind gypsy]

I own an original model lc9 and a shield 9 performance center. My mom carries a lc9s pro which is a nice upgrade to the original. I just liked the feel in hand better on the shield over the 43 and the performance center model trigger and night sites are great.

 

[Shraggs]

really like the shield and g43 - for me, the lc9 is out. as someone stated, how concealed would determine my choice of those two. inside pant the glock, if outside pant with longer shirt then the shield - for me.

ill third the kahr - pm9 and p380 for my mine carry options. those two are more money than cw series, but well worth it to me. refined edges, great trigger and very accurate. the pm9 nearly 1000 shots, not one hiccup...

 

[kaboku68]

sure like my colt cobra. old school but its nice.

 

[NDGuy]

I am shopping for a smaller concealed carry pistol. The above listed are on the short list. Any experience would be appreciated. Any other recommendations? I am very familiar with Glock as I own and have shot two extensively. Price is not much of a factor as there is only about $100 difference between them. If you have experience with more than one of these please tell me what you like or dislike.

Thanks in advance.

I would get the 43, I love mine. You are more familiar with Glocks and sounds like you like Glocks already. You want to be as accurate and comfortable as you can with your CC gun.

That being said I agree with everyone saying maybe wait to see the Sig 365. Sig has definitely fallen from grace but that gun looks pretty nice. Just make sure it doesn't have the drop fire issue just like the P320. That was some sketchy stuff.

 

[LightFoot]

My father has the 43 and likes it but still carries his ruger LCP most often. My cousin and uncle also have (and carry) the 43.

I however went with the shield. I liked the fit better, but also chose to go with the 45. Still, in the 9mm, I choose the shield. It fits me better and conceals the same as the 43.

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Although...
I am carrying a S&W Airweight in a pocket sleeve right now. (My belly doesn't rub down in my pocket ) It conceals much better than I expected.

 

[Ndbowhunter]

The shield can get an apex trigger that really makes it stand out.

Plus you an change backstrap to fit ur hand.

As of spring 2018 the sig p365 is still too unknown. If it all pans out it will be the winner. I'd wait to see more reviews. A few haven't been great.

If it's ur only handgun then for sure go shield, it's easier to shoot holds more and that apex trigger tho!! A glock 43 pairs nicely with larger frame brethren and the lc9... just not a fan compared to its competition.

As I found out slight differences in size seem enormous, until you put it in a holster. Then holster design takes over.

Something about a manual safety on the shield makes negligent discharges seem less likely on these smaller pistols..

 

[Ndbowhunter]

really like the shield and g43 - for me, the lc9 is out. as someone stated, how concealed would determine my choice of those two. inside pant the glock, if outside pant with longer shirt then the shield - for me.

ill third the kahr - pm9 and p380 for my mine carry options. those two are more money than cw series, but well worth it to me. refined edges, great trigger and very accurate. the pm9 nearly 1000 shots, not one hiccup...

Back when kimber first released the solo carry, I traded my pm9 and some cash to get the solo carry... that was a mistake.

Those kahrs are good guns. It got so bad in 2013 finding ammo in North Dakota we were molding bullets and loading them up with Lee loaders.. the kahr would eat anything it could strip off a mag. Wolf steel, umc, our shit reloads... anything.

The kimber... well let's just end it there.

The only reason I got away from the tiny single stack nines is because a slightly smaller 380 can pocket carry easier, and the shield carrys abou the same iwb but shoot way better.

Already stated, but that shield with an apex is unfrickin real. Oh and they run like a glock.

 

[kharb22]

I currently carry the 43, but have experience with most mentioned except the Kahr. I chose the 43 for me just strictly for the ability to conceal it easy. I spent 25$ and swapped the stock trigger for one made by ghost. Is has been 100% reliable. I run a sticky holster and I can even carry it when I wear basketball shorts. The shield is nice for capacity and price. I carried my dad's LC9 for a bit, and I liked it, but I just gravitate back towards the 43.

 

[Loco4dux]

I conceal carry a shield 9mm and like it. I did not like my LC9, the trigger is whacky, I sold it. I would probably own a 43 if i didn't live in a communist state where I cannot buy one.

 

[maninthemaze]

Just in case you haven't watched Hickok45 on YouTube. You should. He reviews just about every gun out there. In this video he reviews and compares the 3 guns you mentioned.

Glock 43 - YouTube

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