Shield Arms S15 magazine in the G48 is a game changer and put the G48 in a class it's own. I believe in having more "party-favors" than fewer especially when the two guns are nearly dead-on the same size wise. My G48 is set up with AmeriGlo Night Sites (orange front blade, blacked out rear) - Talon Pro Grip (lightly sanded down on the left side) - Larry Vickers Extended Slide Release (because I am an old Marine 1911A1 guy) - Shield Arms aluminum mag release - Ghost 3.5# Connector Bar
“If you’ve ever watched a video comparing two guns you have no interest in but the reviewer still managed to make the topic interesting go ahead and hit that subscribe button.” I like the thinner and lighter single stack pistols for carry, especially for summer or long time periods, but I’d rather see more companies come out with full grip models like the Glock 43X and Kahr CW9. I dislike holding onto the magazine as part of the grip, although my Walther PPS M2 is one of the few that locks the magazine in place pretty solidly. Mossberg MC1X, maybe? Well done video, this.
Thank you VERY much Jake! You made my day man. I also appreciate the full size grip more and more every day. As for the Mossberg, I finally shot it. Video should hopefully be coming out soon. Cheers as always!
KSGunGuy Lol, no problem. I hear good things about the MC1, unless you’re MAC or...some channel I never heard of. Both had mechanical difficulties. I can’t believe no one commented on the Garand Thumb reference, especially since he just came out with a “If you’ve ever...” compilation.
A few years back, I got the only copy in the U.S. of the "soon to be announced" Springfield Armory XDS 4" 9mm for a rush review. Loved it, and thought it had a place in the world and always intended on buying one. Never got around to it. But to my knowledge, that model has been discontinued by SA, presumably due to less than expected sales. Interestingly, since then, everyone else is scrambling to offer the same configuration. I guess I'll just watch with interest to see whose marketing department is worth their salary. FWIW, if the SA 4" were available again in the Mod.2 configuration it might well beat both of these.
I've thought about that SA a few times while working with these guns. Funny how all of that worked. I think that it was ahead of its time and then the whole mess happened with them. Oh well! Thank you and cheers brother!
A few months ago, I purchased a new XDs 9mm with 4” barrel. It is a fantastic pistol. I like it for the same reason as the new 4” Shield, you can increase or decrease the length of the grip as desired simply by changing magazines. Similar to the G48, the 4” XDs also points more naturally for me than a similar pistol with a shorter barrel. The extra sight radius and velocity are welcome features. The 4” Shield should sell well. I have ordered a Shield with 4” barrel w/o the slide cut for the optic in 45 Auto and I expect that it will be an exceptional carry pistol.
Two really great choices for EDC. I have been training and conceal carrying the 1.0 Shield 9 Performance Center for years. The trigger has smoothed out and has improved with wear in.
for competition shooting you need a fine-tuned trigger for defensive shooting, you need a trigger that will make you conscious of your intent to shoot. also, a 6 or 7-lb trigger will never be a problem for anyone that is under stress and your adrenalin will give you muscle power beyond your dreams. you will not even notice if it was a 2lb trigger pull or a 10lb trigger pull. US Army Veteran 1966/1969 ( Vietnam war Era ) also over 55yrs of shooting experience. also when it's close up and personal, you will never engage your sights or red dot. this is why people need to practice point shooting as well! Be Safe and Shoot Straight!
You need a different mag release for the Shield Arms mags, since they are all metal. The maga will tear up the Glock factory mag release. And if you want to use the factory mags, the Shield Arms mag release will tear up the magazines. Once you are using the 15 round magazines, it is only two ounces lighter than a fully loaded Glock 19, which can then use 17 and 33 round magazines.
Ryan Carlson they have been making aluminum mag releases for Glocks way before the S15 mags came out so I don’t see why theirs will tear up factory mags when other aluminum mag releases haven’t in the past and the 2 oz thing, yes it ain’t much but the gun is thinner and 2 oz is 2 oz. lastly you don’t have to like the Glock 48 but that doesn’t discount the benefits of it.
Ryan Carlson Same amount of rounds as G19 but thinner and lighter(as you said 2oz lighter), for conceal carry world, it is absolutely one of the best choices. But it will be totally different topic if you can carry 33 rounds mag consistently
Add another. I think the 48 has a great grip to accommodate proper grip and not rubbing your skin raw on a concealed carry. IMO, people who doth cry overmuch about grips (with some few exceptions) are just Monday Morning Quarterbacks...they have nothing to do and no genuine insight.
I've had the original shield and didn't mind it but sold it for the original Walther pps. Had that for awhile then eventually sold that for the Sig P365 in which I just bought it about a month ago. Excellent for my needs. But hey great comparison video but I think you'll do a video on the P365Xl when you get it. Then you'll make a comparison video on that vs the G48. Great insight once again KS!
@@Athecubus I think I was just waiting for a more capacity type gun in a very thin package. When I first started carrying it was the XDS .45. If I was going to carry less rounds then I'm going to have heavy firepower. But things change and weight came into consideration. The ergos on the pps was better also. I also wanted something different too so changing it up is part of the fun!
Hello Mr. KS Great video, love both firearms, glad Glock did some small changes, front serrations for one, Rounding the front muzzle ect, both great choices. Be well
Thanks for the honest review. I love my 43x. As with all Glocks the sights, trigger swap are a must for most. Now with the shield arms 15 rounders and the +2 extensions for those coupled with the black slide offering it changes the game for many.
Oh wow. Honestly, you shocked me. I told my children you would chose the Shield. Good vid. Thanks. I will be shocked also if S&W doesn't offer the 9mm in the 45 Shield frame soon. I believe they will likely get the coveted 10 rounds in the extended mag. Time will tell.
The 26 ruined me for other glock frames. Moving the "hump" up, it hits me EXACTLY where I want it. G26 with the g19 xgrip is the perfect shape glock grip however stock with the magpul 12 rounds are fine. I do like the longer slide, I have a g19 slide on the 26 frame with the lone wolf dust cover incoming.
@@KSGunGuy01 how would your opinion change of the 48 and 43x if that co Shield comes out with those mags that are flush fit 15rd for them. Maybe best ccw at that pt?
I’d skip both, and keep my P365. These pistols are both as large as their double stack counterparts, and not as easily carried as the P365. In fact, I simply put my P365 in a Nemesis holster, and drop it into a smallish pocket on my slacks. Thanks for sharing!
The main reason why I like Glock Gen 5 are the fact that’s it’s so simple. For example I bought the G48 because I appendix carry it. The G48MOS doesn’t have an aggressive grip which makes it comfortable enough to wear all day and I still hold it great and shoot it well enough to the point I feel confident that me and my family is safe. The point of the Gen 5’s is it is easier to add than to take away. That why I love that they also took away the finger grooves. If you like them you can add the finger groove textured grip easily. I love what Glock did and it made me a fan on the Gen 5’s. I’ve never been tied down to one manufacturer in handguns because I truly love them all but Glock Gen 5’s are at the top of my list now with Sig being a close second for edc.
The review is great. I’ve seen a ton of videos just like this and almost everyone had a S&W bias so the Glock had no shot. I was very surprised you picked it.
Thank you for another great video. I own a Glock 43 and 48 and Shield 1.0. In this case I, too, would pick the Glock 48 for the reasons you cited and its lower bore axis and higher capacity. I really like the original Shields and shoot mine well. They are often a great value, but I slightly prefer the Glocks. I think S&W needs to offer a 10rd magazine option. For some reason, the 4" Shield does not appeal to me at all. However, competition is a good thing to keep manufacturers improving their products and keeping prices low.
Thanks Shane! I do agree that 10 rounds in the Shield would have made it a bit more tempting. The balance seems off without the longer grip. Great point about options though and it’s good to see so many choices. Cheers!
My first pistol was a Smith & Wesson .38 and I will always have a bias for S&W, it would be my choice in this contest. Great video and thanks for sharing it.
Believe it or not, I've never owned either one of these guns. I did have the first generation Shields, but just went away from single stacks in general. Both of those pistols look awesome, as the texture of the 2.0's are amazing. The Glock 43X/48 are definitely good options as well but the grip is lacking for me. Another great comparison brother, and very nice quality resolution. This was definitely a toss up, but I would probably go for the Glock as well. Mainly due to the higher capacity and the longer grip. I can deal with both the triggers but I am more used to the Glocks. When it comes to the 2.0 full-size pistols it's an easy win for S&W. Sorry for the lengthy comment, you know how I like to blab. Have a great weekend brother!
I’ve shot both , but the 48 points better and after break end the trigger seems better . But night sights are a must change mod . What a good holster for the 48 ? Thanks 👍
It's really amazing isn't it, how the koolaid works? Let me sum up this video: in eight of 10 head to head categories, I like the Smith better. Therefore, I choose the Glock.
The Glock 48 is the best for control and grip. The 48 shoots straight and goes bang at a good price. Glock just had a super reliable track record even with the Shield being a nice shooter to.
Aside from being thinner, it is about the same size, with the 8rd mag, as my 2.0 compact. Having bigger hands, the Compact fits me better. I would still take the Shield over the G48, as nice as it is. Thanks for the video, bud.
Danny Landrum I own a Shield 1.0 and several Glocks. I prefer the Glocks for many reasons, but to directly answer your question, my wife and I both prefer striker fired guns over double action hammer fired. Also, doing maintenance on the S&W’s is a pain in the butt compared to my Glocks, which I can take completely down with a paper clip. It’s just a better design. I still love my Shield though once I put an Apex trigger in it, which made it more expensive than the Glocks. Lol
Nice review. I have no problems with the Glock goal post because I'm used to them. My G48 came with the fiber optic sight which is a great addition. I like the fiber optic sights on the M&P though. My pick the G48 with it's sudo 1911 style works for me.
Your firing lane always looks like one of those steakhouses where you throw peanut shells on the floor in the waiting area. I just got a PPS M2 LE and am pretty happy with it so far. Did you sell the one from your 2017 videos?
Shield is a lot less $$$ than Glock. Prefer the grip texture of the M&P over Glock, but I work with my hands all day and have pretty rough hands. I put a MagGuts spring kit in the M&P magazine, and now have 10+1. Works great. The trigger is good, and I installed some night sights in lieu of the standard M&P steel sights.
I have a Glock 48. I have never shot a shield though I do nw on an M&P gen 1. I have carried a couple of Glock pistols as a law enforcement officer for years before I retired. They were my guns with the exception of one and I never felt the need to change the sights or do anything to the trigger. On the G48 the front sight was bogeyed up from the factory when I got it. I did order a set of replacement sights. Ameiriglo I believe. I got the front sight installed and it has an orange outline with a green tritium vial. I liked the setup with the original Glock factory rear sight so much I left it on and just kept the blacked out rear for a spare. The trigger did seem heavier than any other Glock trigger I have had but Ibased on past history it will break in with time and pulls.
Glock triggers can get uncomfortable? Glock triggers DO get uncomfortable to shoot after a while. After an 8hr course with a G19, I had to sell it, my finger was really sore, almost blistered. Better stock triggers out there. Also, why would you change the trigger on either of these carry guns? I thought that was a no-no. The only thing going for the G48, to me, is the capacity. And currently there are actually aftermarket 15-rnd mags for it. That's huge. For the Shield, what is there? Magguts +2 springs? So you get 10 rnds instead of 8 in the longer mag. The difference is significant, but to me everything else you mentioned is in the Shield's favor. I can't stand that bright slide on the 48. Good video, I appreciate your breakdown of these two.
Wow! I would have lost my bet with "1776 or Bust." Glad no one took me up on it. This is why when I find a Glock I like, I usually buy the M&P version, too. Or is it the other way 'round? I don't know...I'm conflicted. Maybe, I just need a laxative.
Very good video on the G48, but keep in mind that there is a 15 rd. magazine available. I’m on the fence about how I like or dislike the grip texturing and when you talk about carrying and overall rubbing a rough texture it makes the argument a bit more fair for Glock. I love my G48 and when I heard there is a S15 15 rd magazine available (although back ordered!) it was an easy sell for $500! I can’t find any real faults in the newest Glock for what it is. Add palm swell means it prints and rubs more for carrying. Even open carrying I find the G48 much more comfortable than any other pistol I’ve carried. It’s a win!
Always wanted to see a “If I could only have one” comparing the shield 4” to the original shield(s). Curious if the sight radius, better trigger, and extra weight make a difference. Already got holsters and mags that would fit it, just wondering if it’s worth the upgrade?
*Model 50 (32 GAP)* Warming to the Model 48 as it is a really good size, though I don't like the silver colored slide or forward slide serrations near the muzzle. I prefer the Model 19 as it fits my hand well and has a markedly higher magazine capacity, but for people with smaller hands a Model 48 makes a lot of sense, though if people with small hands also have hand strength issues then the 9x19mm round will have too much recoil for optimum control. I would like to see Glock introduce a variant with a high capacity 17 round magazine in '32 GAP' - a lengthened (22mm case) high pressure version of the .32 ACP round (60-gr bullet at 1,500-fps) - tentatively called the 'Model 50', which would have much of the performance of the 9mm round but with markedly less recoil (much as the .327 Fed Mag has much of the performance of the .357 Mag but with markedly less recoil), along with a Model 43 sized variant with a 12 round magazine, and a high capacity 25 round magazine that both can use. It should also have a rail like on the Model 19 so it needs a full length frame.
@@KSGunGuy01I sent the national sales manager at Glock Inc. (Bob Radecki) a letter requesting such a round and pistols to suit, with a Photoshopped image of the proposed Model 50 with a black slide, no serrations near the muzzle, and a rail on an extended frame, so if you like the idea you might like to let him know.
Revisiting this question with a Shield Plus - it's no comparison. 10 rds to 13 rds. Much improved trigger. When it comes to a 4'' performance center Shield Plus with an Overwatch Precision 3lb trigger like my current rig.. I don't see it being even a competition. Remember you can always change sights on a gun too.. I built my 4'' slide custom so I have the M&P OEM Shield Night Sights on it with an orange circle front sight.
I have a Springfield Xd Compact .45 in my opinion it's a very smooth shooting and easily concealed carry option for a .45 Cal. My only gripe is the Cal. I'm currently in the process of buying a Glock 48 9mm for my everyday carry choice.
I see you accepted 1776’s challenge...Another outstanding If I can Only Have One, love this series. I always look forward to your videos. The Ameriglo Bold sights that came on my Glock 48 are the absolute best sights I’ve ever had on a pistol, Wish I could get them for my CZ P01
@@KSGunGuy01 I love glocks, but also love s&w m&p series!!! a lot of people will tell you, at least in my area that glock is a better semi auto and go with s&w for revolvers, but I've noticed that you don't see Jerry Miculek running glocks!!! Jerry has been with Smith&Wesson for a very long time, and as good as he is, he could go shoot for any manufacturer out there and write his own ticket, but he's stayed with Smith&Wesson for a reason!!! like I said, I love glocks as well, but I'm tired of people trying to convince me that glock is a better made gun than Smith&Wesson!!! I don't think either is more durable or better overall, but the Smith&Wesson is always going to be more refined out of the box!!!
I really liked your comparison. I haven’t handled or fired either one and not sure that I really see a need for a long slide version of either, I like the fact that the Shield can be carried with the 7-round when concealment is a major concern. I have carried Glocks concealed for almost 30 years, and found that regardless of what some people say, the longer the grip, the harder to hide. I appreciated the Glock 19 over the 17 because that half-inch reduction on either end DOES make a difference. The chops to make the 26 made it even less likely for the grip to print, although it became harder for some to shoot it accurately with standard base mags. Same with my M&P9c - great pistol to conceal, despite the fact that all of the chopped full size double stack pistols are still thick. For your sights on the Shield, consider a 10-8 Performance rear sight - no distracting dots, fiber, or tritium - just serrations. Again, a good “no nonsense” comparison. Although Glock simplicity is hard to beat, in this case, I would go with the Shield.
I really miss the 9c. I keep hoping they will bring it back in a 2.0 version. Really good size for a do all gun. Good suggestion on the sights. I’ll check them out. Thank you and cheers!
The OAL of the Shield looked exactly the same to me. I feel that with the right clothing and holster you can reduce the overall print area of your EDC. Regarding the issues with sights would it be better to have black sights on rear so that eyes can focus directly on the front one. Thank you for the review.
Yeah i think the shield is the better choice. The shield has two magazine options that effect the grip length and that's a big deal in edc . So that's why it gets my vote..
I like the 48 but I'd rather have more of a versatile grip because with the shield I can run the 7rd flush fit mag and it won't stick out, if I wanted more of a grip I can just go with the 8rd pinky extension or a customize +2. I'd rather be able to make the grip shorter if I wanted instead of having one that's to long.
KS & other viewers: I had an interesting issue a few days ago. I have 2 M&P 40s I carry & a 45 Shield on occasion. My 40c is main edc but I will opt to carry Shield for comfort. When I compared the 2 back to back in the same holster, the 40c was noticeably more comfortable. I was surprised. Holster is a custom leather made for the 40c but the Shield fits great also. IWB 4 o' clock. Have you any experience like that?
That’s very interesting! I wonder if it’s because the holster is specifically made for the 40? Hopefully others will chime in on this as well. Thank you and cheers!
Is there a cost difference between the pistols? It seems like I've heard the 4 inch Shield is ridiculously expensive. For where I live and travel to I'll keep my 2.0 Compact. It only cost me $400 otd with and extra (3rd) magazine. I have a Shield 1.0 that mostly sits unused now. In fact, I carry the full size 5 inch more than the Shield at this point.
The 4 inch with the optic is expensive but this one and the G48 are similar in price. It’s tough to beat the 2.0C... you know it’s one of my favorites. Thank you and cheers Texican!
Wise choice , I wish companies would put good sights & triggers on their pistols. I wouldn’t mine paying a little more either . A pistol right out of the box you don’t have to do a dog gone thing too ! Is there one out there?
My daily carry is a shield in 9mm performance center. Bought the 48 last year for my girl but for the first time a glock actually fits my hand. In any case, I still prefer my M&P stock per stock. The biggest difference for me is the trigger on the glock. It's horrendous compared to the shield imho. I know it's an easy replacement but that creates two problems. One, you have to pay more. Two, you may run the risk of legal ramifications if you ever had to use it.
the legal ramifications have been debunked so many times in self defense!!! now if you customize with certain things like a punisher logo on your gun that'll look bad, or if you customize your trigger and it's so light that it accidentally goes off or you have a bad shoot then you'll be hearing about it, but if the shoot is justified then they won't be able to touch you just because you improved the trigger, cause they can't hold it against you for wanting a better trigger so that you'd be as accurate as you can so that you're as safe as possible for those around you I you're forced to defend yourself or someone else!!!
I'm so confused. Everyone says the G48 has a horrible trigger but the one I tried at my local range felt incredible. It was a display gun so it hadn't been fired and thus broken in. I don't know if I just happened to feel a good one or if I have a weird taste in triggers lol.
From what I understand, there is a small tolerance allowed when the firearm is made. It could be either then: weird taste in triggers or you just happened to get a good one.
Wow I've had about 4 shield and will be getting the 4in with ports and red dot soon... The armornite coating is unbelievably great ... I have almost 9000 round through my m&p 2.0 compact and the barrel looks like it hardly has 1500 round through it . I work around bleach and salty water and put my sheilds on and off through the day. I can't wear it while washing but my cloths have the bleach on the all day and I have never .. never ..never seen the slightest sign of rust or any corrosion. So I assume maybe the first generation shield was what you were told about .. so you should mention that .. that can send ppl away from a gun that will not have that issue .. just my thoughts from extreme conditions around my shieds and m&ps so. Thanks I love these videos and love the 5in shield can't wait to get mine
I’d have to try them both, but as a Shield v1.0 owner/lover I’d go with the Shield since I already know and like the product, plus I already have extra regular and extended mags, holsters etc. I did swapped the sights to FO, and trigger to Apex on my shield, but that may not be necessary with this one as it comes from the factory, may be the trigger itself but not the mechanism. Awesome video though.
If you already like the fiber optics, you are pretty good out of the box. I’d change the trigger, but to many... it’s not necessary. Thank you and cheers!
A lot of people aren't a fan of that particular color for the Glock. It makes it closer to Bling territory with your gun. The 2-Tone look is also meh for some people. Glock should have released the 43X and 48 with a black slide.
I'd pick the Shield because of the lower price, but yet a little better quality, I've had Glocks but never had any malfunctions with them but just wasn't a fan of them, but if I got a glock again i'd but a midsize like the G19 9mm or G23 40, but comparing features of both guns and the price, I'd go with the Shield
KS-----I really like the fiber optic sights on my PC Shield 1.0....I put on Talon Grips and the trigger is decent....my son keeps pushing the 365 on me but I am sticking with the Shield..........enjoy the weekend my friend
Right on Russ! I am impressed with the trigger on the PPC Shield though I don’t care for hinges (just a personal preference). Great shooter regardless. Thank you and cheers brother!
I’m looking forward to the day when these guns have accessory rails. The TLR-6 light takes up too much space inside the trigger guard for my hands/fingers. It also has a negative effect on offhand grip (lowers it). With all of the amazing light options nowadays, manufacturers need to create small and powerful lights that attach to proper rails on these guns.
Honestly, in my opinion, I see no need for a light on a single stack carry piece. Or on any carry piece for that matter. I do however have an x300u on my p10c bedside gun. There, I really see a need for a light.
45 shield 4" all the way. Slimmest 45 ever with a 4" barrel and the same capacity as a G43. If your going to carry 6-7 +1 why not in a 45! I love Glock but smith and Wesson is all I carry lately.
Great video but I really have to say that the warranty should make a difference. If you plan on swapping out sights and triggers anyway, a one year Glock vs. a lifetime S&W warranty makes a really strong argument for the Smith.
“Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. I got spare time. But for now, for your customer's sake, for your daughter's sake, ya might wanna think about buying a quality product from me.” -Tommy Boy or Gaston Glock, I don’t recall which...
The 4 inch shield may be my first S&W I buy, very impressed with it in store The 48 I can do without, I'm not a glock guy and never have been and no glock thus far has ever kept my interest long
I'm actually about to replace my crotch carry gun - and trying to decide, believe it or not, between (1) Sig P365, (2) Shield 9 PC 4", (3) Shield EZ 380 PC - even though I dislike .380 immensely, and (4) Ruger Security-9 Compact (so I can use the same mags with the Ruger PC9). Will probably go with the Sig. I've had many in this role (crotch carry / possum pouch - smartcarry) over the years, ALL of which I liked: two Shield 9 standards, Kahr MK9, Kahr CM9, Kahr 380, Taurus 709 Slim.
