PCC Not PC

A Better Mousetrap? (with Colonel Smoothbore)
By angelamontana

Posted: November 15, 2015

unnamedI’ve been a fan of the Smith & Wesson M&P® Shield™ since its introduction several years ago. Chambered in 9MM unnamed2and .40 S&W, it is a very controllable and concealable handgun. I’ve read numerous reviews by some of the very best writers and self-defense experts and almost unanimously all agree that the Shield™ is the premier compact self-defense pistol, especially in 9MM. Glock® has introduced a great competitor with the new G43, but the Shield™, in my opinion, still reigns supreme.

unnamed3There are several Shield™ models available. Some of the features common to all Shields are a 3.1 inch barrel, stainless steel slide and barrel, low profile sights, polymer frame, and articulated trigger. All Shields come with two magazines, one flush fitting and an extended finger groove model that holds 1 more cartridge and gives better purchase on the grip. All guns come in a very nice plastic case.

unnamed4The M&P® Shield™ can be had with or without a manual safety, tritium night sights or Crimson Trace® Green Laserguard®. A limited edition Talo Kryptek® Typhon™ model is available. Kryptek® Typhon™ is a style of camouflage. Now the S&W Performance Center® has a Shield™ of its own. Here’s the scoop on this new model.

unnamed5The PC Shield™ comes with Hi-Viz® fiber optic sights, green front and red rear. I really like this combination as it makes front sight acquisition much quicker. S&W claims that the PC guns have an enhanced trigger; I always found the Shield™ triggers a bit better than the original M&P® triggers and if they made them even better, wonderful. Finally, the biggest unnamed6news with the PC Shield™ is the addition of a ported barrel and slide combination. This should aid the shooter by reducing muzzle jump and recoil, enabling a quicker return to the target. The best news is the PC Shield™ version is only $ 41.00 more suggested retail than the standard gun.

unnamed7unnamed8Now is this a better “mouse trap” than the original? I have not been able to fire one of the new pistols as they are not yet available, but I believe it might be with one possible exception. In low light scenarios the ported barrels most likely will emit more flash temporarily inhibiting the shooter’s vision. In a deadly force encounter this could be a BIG problem, but with the better sights, trigger, and ports, I’m really anxious to give this new gun a try. If it passes muster, a PC Shield™ in 9MM just might become my go to carry gun.

unnamed1Finally, on a personal note, as many of you know, my wife and I recently relocated to my hometown of Townsend. Earlier this week I was elected to serve as Vice President of the Broadwater Rod and Gun Club. This is a terrific organization and I’m looking forward helping in whatever manner I can with the club’s activities. We have lots of upcoming fun events and I’ll keep you informed about them. If you are in the Broadwater county area, be sure to check us out. Our website is www.brgcmt.com.

Be safe and good shooting.

Colonel Smoothbore

www.guncoach.net

 

New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing