TexasCHLforum.com

TexasGal wrote:I really like my original model Shield. I would be interested in a PC model if they came out with one that was not ported. In a self defense carry gun, I do not want a ported model. If things got hairy, I do not want the flash or the concern of hot gasses and debris thrown up into my face in a close quarters retention firing. Still, it's a personal choice and nice to have options. She can have the better sights installed on a basic model and the stock trigger is still a nice trigger in my experience. I like the thumb safety also. We ladies like to carry in positions that put more body parts at risk than the standard 3-4:30 popular with the guys so a safety is an important feature to me for reholstering. Just my 2 cents.

rotor wrote:I emailed S&W today and they sent me back this
"Dear Customer,

Certain ammo companies may use bullets that fragment. The ammo companies will make a note of this if you can use them or not in ported pistols.

Smith&Wesson values its customers and we are happy to have served you today. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require further assistance.

Regards, Rob"

I don't know if it is a legal thing or a real thing as many people report no problems with Blazer or Federal (not all Federal has the warning).

We took it to the range today. What a hot day. I had my Glock 43 and my wife the S&W. I shot the first mag, an 8 rounder. After 7 rounds the slide locked open. I could not get the slide to move. Magazine still had one round. Popped the magazine out and wasn't sure what the problem was. The slide was all the way back, further than it would be with a normal locked open. Finally just tapped the barrel ( bang things when all else fails ), the slide went forward. I believe that there may have been a little burr perhaps on the port that held the slide back. Then wife shot about 200 rounds of Fiocchi 115 gr 9mm ( goes on sale Wednesday at Atwoods for $10 a box and will buy more) and no forther problems. She loved the gun. I had my Glock 43 and to me they felt the same but the sights on the S&W were much better. We then picked up brass and almost died of heat exhaustion and the brass had all fallen in about the same area, thankfully. The gun is a keeper. Porting to me didn't make much difference. I found that standing directly behind my wife while she was shooting I could feel more impact with the ported S&W than with the Glock. All in all it was a fun experience for both of us and the better shot, my wife, loves the gun. She wanted a gun with a safety and that's what she got.