Probably the only reason my S&W Shield isn’t a hands down AIWB (appendix inside the waistband) favorite over my Glock 26 is the angle and placement of the rear sights on the slide.
From the Haus of Guns Instagram feed.
The rear portion and edges of the Glock slide is rounded and the rear sight is set forward roughly a half inch. Not to mention I installed a set of XS 24/7 Big Dot sights of which the rear portion is very low and subdued. SUPER friendly for concealed carry.
But the rear sight on the Shield is fully rearward, slopes out and back and the top corner edges of the sight are more sharp/pointy and jagged and they do a number on my stomach when seated. Whether or not I’m wearing an undershirt between the pistol and my skin.
Smith & Wesson no doubt does this to stretch out the sight radius for increased accuracy, but I’m not sure the trade off is sufficient.
Before you blame the fact that I’ve got a little bit of extra stomach in front, bear in mind that I don’t have the same issue with my Glock when seated, even though it’s a “thicker” gun. The Shield is fine when I’m standing, but because my posture is suspect on occasion and slouching accentuates my mid-thirty something layer it’s posed some carry dilemmas.
So far the only beef’s I’ve got with the Shield are grip traction, the ridiculous safety I NEVER use, and the stubborn rear sight pinch while I carry the piece. All of which are an easy fix or modification.
The OTG ADR Mark I AIWB holster I’ve paired it with is sensational. The S&W Shield is more accurate than I am. And the length of the grip is much better even without the extended magazine than my Glock 26 is without an extension.
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6 Responses to Smith & Wesson Shield Rear Sight Pinch
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I had the same problem with mine so I filed the edge off just a bit. It’s better, but the rear sight sucks. It’s absolutely worthless for one hand manipulations. As soon as the Claw EMS rear comes out for the Shield, I’m getting one.
Once I’m done reviewing it stock “as-is” I’ve got a laundry list of mods I’ll be doing rickey-tick. I’m watching for the EMS claw like you mentioned but I also want to see what 10-8 Performance comes out with when it drops. Are you running the claw on any other pistols?
Yep, on my Glock 19 and 17. Love it, reviewed it recently.
Rubber Talon grip is well worth the $15 for the shield. A little gorilla glue where the edges overlap and it has stayed put for months carrying it every day. definitely improves the grip but doesn’t chew you up when carrying with the grip against the skin.
I like the concept behind the Talon grip but will most likely go the pro custom stipple route for something a little more permanent. That said, I wouldn’t mind considering an add-on that would give me a little more girth to its grip. Right now it’s just a bit narrow for my liking. Obviously going from the 4×4 block-esque grip on the Glock 26 anything is going to be anemic.
“My mid thirty something layer.” Lol. Very diplomatic phrasing. I’ve got one of those, too. Which is why I can’t get comfortable carrying my G26 AIWB. I looked at replacing her with the Shield, but have decided there’s probably an XDs .45 in my future. A friend just bought one & can’t be quiet about it. And it’s a .45. Keep on keeping on, Ebbs. We appreciate the work you do.