S&W Shield vs. Arkansas Handgun Qualification

[@logicaredux5205]

Rotating intro’s is a good idea. Good to see my every day carry being featured.

[@hrfunk]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

Outstanding as always! I like the new intro and I definitely like the Shield. It's truly a capable and versatile option.

[@hrfunk]

I’ve liked my shield during the 5 1/2 years I’ve owned it. Other than the single malfunction in this video, it’s been 100% reliable. The trigger is not as good as those on my other M&P’s, but that should be cured in the new 2.0 version.

[@survivalcomms]

Very cool ! These compact autos really perform well. The sights aren't a Mascot rib but they are light years ahead of their predecessors. Thanks for sharing !

[@hrfunk]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@18wheeler77]

I too love my gen 1 shield. It’s what I qualified with and it’s still my primary carry. It’s been four years now.

[@hrfunk]

I know what you mean. I've had the one in the video for about 5 1/2 years.

[@pauloventosa1486]

Nice choice!!!! Rotating is a superb idea

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@virginia7370]

Once again, thank you. Enjoying seeing the various courses. May be just me, but seems like the time limits on this one are just a little bit on the generous side. Still an interesting course of fire. For my small pistol I have the Ruger LC9s for EDC (or an EC9s). Both with manual safeties. My compact is an FNS-9c, again with manual safety. Occasionally carry a Ruger SP101 as well. Don't know why, but just not too crazy about the Shield. It's a good gun, but just not my cup of tea.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you. The times are pretty forgiving this time around.

[@FuelTankerMan]

Possibly the jam was from shooting it one-handed... it looked like a stovepipe jam which polymer framed pistols can do if they're not held firmly. I'm sure you know that already... but that's my guess as to how that malfunction occurred. You could probably duplicate it by holding the gun loosely and firing it, and see what happens. Great video as always! :)

[@hrfunk]

I don't think that was the case with this malfunction. I THINK it was ammo related. The Shield has a pretty stong recoil spring, and that 147 grain Nosler ammunition I was shooting didn't feel very stout (that's the first time I tried that stuff). The malfunction was a failure to eject, and the fired case was trapped between the breech face and the barrel hood. I suspect an underpowered round just failed to fully cycle the slide. Thanks for watching Dan!

[@chrispetersen113]

Glad you will use all the introductions going forward. The b&w were great!

[@hrfunk]

Thank you. That was my favorite too!

[@kenkong4545]

Once again you shared a great video with us, like the new intro also. That was good shooting as well...thanks again

[@hrfunk]

You're welcome Ken. Thanks for watching!

[@PPISAFETY]

I really enjoyed this one HR. It is good to see someone shoot a standardized course of fire with something that people are really carrying, either as a private citizen's carry gun, or an off-duty choice. Oddly enough, my best friend bought my original 1.0 Shield 9mm from me last night because he needed something smaller to carry while at his office job. I've just sent him the link to your video and suggested that the simple course of fire you shot might be a good starting point for an evaluation of his performance with the smaller gun. He is "downsizing" from a full-sized 1911 because his work attire requirement has changed. Thanks for doing this video. P.S. - my original Shield had a very occasional problem with 9mm rounds with very long cartrdge OAL's in aome very few 147 grain loads. I have had no problem with anything in any weight in the gun with cartridges from Speer, Federal, or Winchester in 124 grain or 147, mine choked twice on off-brand 147's though.

[@hrfunk]

That's interesting Tom. The shooting I was demonstrating in the video was the first time I've shot the 147 grain Nosler in the Shield. My strong suspicion is that the stoppage was ammo related. As I said in the video, I don't remember ever having a malfunction with the Shield before. Then again, I typically shoot it with either 115 grain or 124 grain ammo.

[@elblancobasura]

I definitely want to see this. It's a nice change of speed from standard sized guns on the course. I know a lot of people shoot the Shield well, I'm just not one of them. I could sure stand to use a lot more practice time with one. This should be very interesting. Mr. Funk, perhaps since you're going down this road you might consider some guns that plain clothes officers of years past have carried as well. 36's, snub 10's, Colt Cobra's or Agent's, Beretta Tomcat's in .32, model 81's or 84's, Walther PP's in .32 or .380, things of this nature. Maybe even 642's, 638's or 7's, or an LCR. Maybe from a more recent era but still behind us or moving that way as an issued backup/plainclothes option for forces that use the 21, the Glock 30. I'll have to go back through this series and see if you've done any of these already and I hadn't noticed. Have a lovely day. Setting reminder now.

[@hrfunk]

I’ve recorded a few qualification videos already with compact handguns. If you look back through the series, you’ll find them. Thanks for watching!

[@springbloom5940]

Oooooooooh, a CZ82 😃. Chances are almost 100% that any CZ82 he could get his hands on, is a surplus police piece. Not necessarily a US service weapon, but still a superb pistol.

[@adaywitjay1]

Man you are a Beast!!! I’m getting ready to take my enhanced test with my Shield .40 I’m definitely about to use this video to train and practice! Thanks for this!!!

[@hrfunk]

You’re welcome!

[@douglask7665]

Nice work on this Arkansas Course. Glad to see you shoot these courses no practice and still score very high on the qualification score. Shows us viewers how much you are extremely proficient in the use of LEO Duty Handguns. I’m sure you would of scored 100% if you used a full size duty carry instead of a compact. Either way S& W Shield nice firearm. Good Shooting.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@mikethomas5412]

Recoil control of your double taps, with the Shield, are excellent. Great video. Thank you.

[@hrfunk]

Thanks Mike!

[@talkingrock7011]

I bought my first generation shield in 40 caliber because the 9 mm were hard to find it’s still a good weapon good shooting

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@springbloom5940]

That rifle sling up in the intro, was so 1990s

[@hrfunk]

Spring Bloom Ha, ha! Yep. Kind of like me!

[@elblancobasura]

After viewing this I've come to the conclusion that my inaccuracy with my Shield is me 100%, Shield 0%. Thanks for the video.

[@hrfunk]

So often that’s the case. Coming to that realization is really quite helpful because now you can concentrate on improving your shooting without having to worry about the pistol. Good luck!

[@TheBenny1683]

Lol. Me too.

[@russelder9743]

BZ ....Marine.....you sure can shoot. I have a P.C.Shield 9mm and its my EDC....happy to be back watching you

[@hrfunk]

Happy to have you back Russ. I hope your wife is doing well.

[@Edmo130]

Watching from central Arkansas...

[@hrfunk]

Thanks for tuning in! Join the live-chat if you can.

[@woodrow1037]

Very good video as usual. Good to see failure drills. In my humble opinion failure drills are extremely important but rarely practiced. A very wise man once told me that the loudest sound in a gunfight is a hammer falling on an empty chamber. Blessings brother

[@hrfunk]

Thanks Woodrow!

[@G273Outdoors]

Nicely done! Good idea on rotating the intros, as others have said already. I just got back from the range and while watching this video, I had my gun soaking in Ballistol. Enjoyed this video and now, time to clean a gun!

[@hrfunk]

Thanks for watching. Now get that gun cleaned!

[@jwc00789]

Excellent Shooting! Hope that your S&W Shield continues to perform well! If you do decide to replace the Magazine Springs, I recommend and use Wolff +5% strength Magazine Springs.

[@powdermonkey5183]

Your malfunction also could have been a limp wristing issue as you were shooting with only one hand non supported, which is a common issue when shooting in a rapid succession with one hand only. Great shooting as always. I have a Shield also same one you have except I put a Hogue grip on mine and installed a fiber optic sight which makes a huge difference.

[@hrfunk]

I don’t THINK I was limpwristing. I’ve watched that clip several times and it doesn’t appear that I am. I think it was an underpowered round of ammo.

[@powdermonkey5183]

@@hrfunk yeah I replayed it several times in slow motion and didn't see it either

[@davidhawthorne7423]

Another great video. I enjoyed watching you use the Shield.

[@hrfunk]

Thanks Dave!

[@mauricestatom5931]

Great video

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@jkadude2010]

Would love to see this again WITH the B-27 target since scored and using typical duty weapon. Great video.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@davidg.6751]

I also CCW a Shield for awhile until I tried a Red Dot pistol. Now I am hooked on Red Dots. You are right the course did not use many skills and the time allotment was generous. But you did well. I am sure you would like to use your Delta Point more often. Thanks for the entertainment HR.

[@hrfunk]

You're welcome David. Thanks for watching!

[@BLACKRIFLEREVIEWS]

another outstanding video.

[@chrischiampo7647]

The New Intro Was Awesome HrFunk 😀👍🏼😎👍🏼😊👍🏼 Great Shooting a Nice Intro into 2020 😀😃😊

[@hrfunk]

Thanks Chris!

[@Rif_Leman]

Thank you Marine. I am actually surprised to learn that my State's handgun qualification is anything beyond getting the pistol loaded without accidentally shooting anybody.

[@hrfunk]

Ha, ha! It's a fairly basic course, but it's better than some I've seen. Thanks for watching!

[@kiloalphasierra]

This course was developed two or three years ago by putting the former 25 yard stage at 15 yards and switching some of the stuff at the former 15 and 7yard stages. Most of the times are the same on strings of fire that got moved up. The official reason according to CLEST was too many police chiefs were complaining about officers they sent to the academy failing to qualify on the old course. Unofficially it is widely believed that CLEST and a few larger agencies wanted to cut ammo budgets due to some never mentioned facts about cadets having issues qualifying at the academy.

[@hrfunk]

@@kiloalphasierra And those are the EXACT same reasons our course here in Ohio was dumbed down from the former 60 round course (which was pretty good) to the current 25 round course that is a joke. I'm not sure when/where the various officials in our state government lost concern for the safety of officers and the citizens we serve.

[@tedmattingly7564]

Very nice shooting sir, I'm a huge S&W fan and the shield is one of the pistols we're looking at for a compact pistol for my wife to carry while she's trail running.

[@hrfunk]

I'm not sure where your wife runs, but she might be better served with one of the titanium J-frame revolvers (11.5 oz.) or maybe one of the newer micro-compacts like the Sig 365 or the Springfield Armory Hellcat. Any of those would be a little lighter than the Shield. That might make a difference to a runner. Thanks for watching!

[@tedmattingly7564]

@@hrfunk she actually carries a S&W 642 (38spcl) and I carry either a S&W 340PD (357mag) or a Keltec PF9 (9mm). She has tried all of them and they're not quite comfortable enough for her. We're just on the lookout for something she can carry without weighing too much or being too bulky. Of course, holster or carry method makes a big deal with it too. I've even considered a Ruger LCP2 380acp, but it just goes against everything for me. I've never been much of a fan of 380, but from what I understand the more recent offering for ammo is better. And I definitely have a sour feeling for Ruger. I currently have a Ruger 44mag revolver in my gun safe with the cylinder and top strap blown apart. That happened with the 16th shot out of a brand new box of Winchester off of the shelf at the gun shop it a was purchased at, at the same time the revolver was bought. Ruger warranty claims I used over pressure hand loads and they won't warranty it. And the gun shop won't stand behind their sale, and they were right there when it malfunctioned. Needless to say, Ruger isn't on the top of my list.

[@hrfunk]

@@tedmattingly7564 I can see why. I'm surprised they won't warranty it when you have a witness to confirm you were shooting factory ammo. You might try calling Winchester and see if you have any luck with them.

[@tedmattingly7564]

@@hrfunk I did contact Winchester and they sent me another box of ammo and that's it. They weren't interested in doing anything else. This isn't the first time I've had "bad luck" with Ruger warranty services. I have a problematic 10/22 and a friends Mini 14. The 10/22 was sent in for extractor issues and it was sent back with literally nothing done to it. When I called and asked, the guy got really pissy because I said they never did anything. But when I told him I had put paint marker on the internal parts to see what they replaced, he changed his tune. I had them just send me the new extractor and I would take care of it. But when it came in the mail, there was a bill with it.

[@hrfunk]

Ted Mattingly Wow!

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Very impressive shooting with a Sub-Compact S&W Shield series 1, Hrfunk !!!!!!!!!!

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@3Pillers]

Another great video, great shooting. Would you ever consider publishing / making available the courses that you’re using? Thanks for posting. GB

[@hrfunk]

Since I don’t have any actual rights to these courses, something tells me I shouldn’t publish them. I have a feeling that might lead to some problems.

[@pgg0024]

Those are really generous times in this course

[@hrfunk]

They are certainly not the most challenging times I've seen.

[@cdecro00]

I’m an Arkansas LEO who’s also a firearms instructor. I can send you a copy of my department’s course of fire. We start off by shooting 6 rounds from the 25yd line.

[@hrfunk]

Thank you! I appreciate your offer, but my goal with this series is to demonstrate each state's mandated requirements. There is no way I could ever fire a course from every department in every state. Thanks again, and stay safe!

[@traviscochran6280]

The Shield doesn't seem to be a bad pistol. The one I had was in .40 S&W, and I think that a compact pistol like that is better served chambered in 9mm. You did show that I can't blame my scores with it on the shorter barrel though. Good shooting!

[@hrfunk]

Thank you! I agree, when you get into pistols of this size the 9mm is more size-efficient.

[@scottperson9487]

Nice. If assume that you used the safety when holstered. If so, good job as the Shield safety can be a little difficult to use.

[@hrfunk]

No. Actually I never use the safety on the Shield. I prefer to have it in the same condition as my duty pistol which doesn’t have a safety. Thanks for watching!

[@scottperson9487]

@@hrfunk If a law enforcement officer carries a gun with a safety are they required to use the safety? I believe I was told that was the case by a policeman at my local range once. That was the requirement so they were used to disingaging the safety and would not have a situation where the gun is needed and the safety was accidentally engaged leaving the officer trying to fire a gun that was not able to fire.

[@hrfunk]

Scott Person That’s one of those things that varies from department to department. For me, I carry an M&P with no safety, so my muscle memory has developed accordingly. When I bought the Shield nearly 6 years ago, S&W only made it with a safety. If there would have been a no-safety version available, I would have gone with that. Eventually the did offer a “safety-free” Shield, but I never felt the need to go back and purchase one. Instead, I just ignore to one on the Shield I own.

[@me2bfc]

@@hrfunk I tend to do the same to match my full size M&P 9mm, which has no safety. Habe you ever had the safety engage accidentally? I also shoot primarily left handed, so moving my thumb around to get the safety risks dropping the whole thing.

[@hrfunk]

@@me2bfc I've never had the safety accidentally engage. I suppose it's theoretically possible, but the safety lever is short and its movement is rather stiff, so that tends to keep it from engaging. Also, if I'm carrying it, it's in the holster you saw in the video. That further protects it from inadvertent movement. For a lefty, I can imagine the non-ambi safety on the Shield could be a bit of a challenge.

[@me2bfc]

I've had my Shield just over a year now. It's a challenging little piece to shoot well, but you did a good job. I noted the first dozen or so hits were heart, spine, or aorta hits. Could you see those on the target? I plan to get my ccw this year, but I'm not quite confident enough with the Shield to shoot the qualification or carry it in public. My full size M&P is much easier for me to shoot well, but much heavier. My goal is to be able to shoot them both as well as I can my Victory target 22. Not likely, but I'm trying.

[@hrfunk]

The Shield is a great carry piece, but it lacks the shooting and handling capabilities of the larger pistols (as do most all sub-compact pistols). Taking it back to 15 yards was a bit of a challenge given its short sight radius (as you saw). Had I practiced that stage a few times, I'm sure I would have not had those 3 misses. Still, as distance grows, the shorter barreled pistols are not as easy to shoot accurately as the longer ones. At the closer stages, I can see the outline of the various anatomical features of the target, but I wasn't really aiming for them. Rather, I was centering the sights on the target and trying to get a good trigger press. That seemed to work out pretty well. Thanks for watching!

[@keithreh9338]

shield 1.0 w/safety...my fav 9mm; actually my only 9mm...mine is a leftover 2017 vintage

[@jeffmaynard3059]

Dear Sir, Great shooting, as is your excellent custom. I very much appreciate the integrity you demonstrate by not practicing the course ahead of time. Thank you. I did note a couple of things, related to reloading, that may be worthy of noting. Your tactical reload, though done belatedly, due to the distraction of the rare malfunction, seemed awkward, and it appeared as if you almost fumbled the transition. Under stress, the two-magazines in one hand could be quite dubious and I wonder if a more basic approach would be in order. Secondly, it appeared that in the combat reload, the magazine in the shield did not drop free, and you had to strip it to the ground. Was that a malfunction of sorts, or is this the nature of the Shield? Thanks for the continued series. I enjoy watching. Jeff Maynard

[@hrfunk]

Thanks Jeff! Both of your observations are accurate and they are related to the size of the Shield's magazines and its grip. The "Tactical Magazine Exchange" or "reload with retention" as it is sometimes known, is intended to be employed with full-size duty pistols. The rather diminutive magazines used by the Shield are a little more difficult to manipulate through the exchange. That drill just requires a bit more dexterity with those small mags and, indeed, the drill you saw in the video was the first one I ever remember doing with the Shield. As to the "Combat Reload", the grip of the Shield is short enough that the bottom portion of my palm is actually in contact with the side of the magazine base. When I pushed the magazine release, my own shooting hand (palm) prevented the magazine from falling free. I was aware that the magazine had not fallen free as I was reaching for the second one, and I pretty much instantly knew what had happened. It was a failry quick and simple matter to strip out the old magazine and complete the reload. I suspect I would have experienced a similar situation with pretty much any other pistol possessing a grip with the same dimensions as the Shield. Thanks for watching!

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Very good with a subcompact

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@VirgoKing1987]

Nice groupings

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@WGH-ef5ze]

I guess you pack that Shield some. Good shooting

[@hrfunk]

Thank you!

[@167idpa]

I didn’t read through all the comments, but most AR agencies using the B-27 score the course at actual point value. Hits in the 10 ring get 10 points, 9 ring 9 points, etc. makes the course a bit harder overall, and much harder to get 100% on. The Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy scores actual point value as well. At least they did a couple years ago when I last checked.

[@hrfunk]

Shooting a B-27 for score is fine if you want to train people to be better marksmen for match purposes. However, I'm not sure it does anything to better prepare them for a gunfight.

[@167idpa]

Agree with that 100%, was just noting the disparity in scoring. Really, qualification courses aren’t intended to prepare people for defensive use of a firearm anyway. They are liability reduction tools for the employing agency.

[@kissitnow898]

Have you considered the air Marshall course? The time allowances are much less generous and are tough even for experienced shooters

[@hrfunk]

Yes. I have a copy of it, but I want to finish the state courses before I venture into those from federal agencies.

[@intel-qw3ee]

Up to this point, what would you say has been the most difficult Qualification course.

[@hrfunk]

There have been a few that were quite challenging. If you look at the two eval videos I've already recorded you'll find a lot of detail regarding the courses to this point.

[@jkadude2010]

After this would you be open to doing a patrol rifle version of the quails?

[@hrfunk]

That has long been on the back burner for me. Maybe sooner or later I will actually start to produce those.

[@paintriversaint1932]

Just for fun, once you complete all the qualification courses, pick and choose the best scenarios to create what you would consider the best qualification course.

[@hrfunk]

I’m planning to do just that.

[@rg58]

Not only did it not have a lot of variety, but the times seemed to be a little liberal. Miss my Shield, but still glad I traded it for a tricked out M&P Pro 9 with six mags and a shooting belt. :)

[@hrfunk]

If that was an even-up trade, you got the best end of it!

[@rg58]

@@hrfunk I thought so. I am still competing with it 4 years later.

[@markeffend165]

hey gunnyfunk just bought a mp shield but gunny i hate safeties our finger off the trigger is our safety

[@briancarroll3288]

During the Arkansas CCW qualification will they let you draw from appendix carry ? Hope you can answer !

[@hrfunk]

I’m sorry, but I don’t know. Maybe someone from Arkansas will see your question and reply.

[@briancarroll3288]

Arkansas CCW instructors told me appendix carry for qualification is fine.@@hrfunk

[@deltadragon2335]

Nice to see my edc do well in the course kind of alarming to see a malfunction. So I have a question do you mind doing an update if the shield fails agian

[@hrfunk]

No problem. I’m going to keep an eye on it. I think the malfunction was ammo related. The shield has a pretty stiff magazine spring and the 147 grain Nosler ammo didn’t feel particularly potent. The fired cartridge failed to eject, which is what caused the stoppage, so I think that particular round didn’t have quite enough oomph to completely cycle the slide.

[@hrfunk]

I meant to say a pretty stiff recoil spring.

[@deltadragon2335]

@@hrfunk ok good to know do you have a review of the shield on your channel

[@deltadragon2335]

@@hrfunk ok good to know also I have another request if you still have the firearm could you do a qualification vid with the sd9ve or sd9.

[@hrfunk]

Delta Dragon2235 Yes, you’ll have to go back a ways to find it. But I recorded a review of the Shield when I first got it back in the Spring of 2014.

[@TheMotorick]

Has a Shield ever been a duty weapon?

[@hrfunk]

I’m reasonably sure there are detectives/plain clothes officers carrying a Shield.

[@powdermonkey5183]

@@hrfunk Yes where I live in PA I know several detectives that carry Shields for duty and other officers that carry a Shield as a backup gun "BUG". A very reliable and concealable package.

[@apbiggins8mm]

I would mind getting g a shield myself

[@hrfunk]

Mine has been a good pistol, the lone malfunction in this video aside.

[@apbiggins8mm]

I think I'm gonna pick one up

[@hrfunk]

Be sure to let me know what you think of it!

[@aerialeggbeater2644]

I have two gen 1 Shields. I use them for edc. My favorite now has an Apex duty carry trigger which i installed. It is very shootable, and I have had no ftf, or fte problems. My edc rotation includes Shield, Glock 43X, Glock 42, and Sig 365. How I’m dressed usually dictates what I carry.

[@lcsjr6040]

Not as challenging as others e.g. no shooting from 20 or 25 yards or from behind obstructions. although you did shoot both dominant and non-dominant hands and you used a primarily self-defense firearm, so interesting.

[@hrfunk]

Thanks Larry. That's the main reason I used the Shield for this course.

[@craigbenz4835]

They could have easily given up some of the 3 yard stuff to have some 25 yard. Kind of a disappointing course.

[@WImob420]

After all 50 states how about FBI, CIA, or some other Federal course?

[@hrfunk]

Yep, alreadey thinking about that.

[@kiloalphasierra]

Unless the instructors at ALETA have completely changed how they do this, you have to assume the low ready position and during the mag changes you have to drop the mag in the gun on the ground unless it specifically mentions retaining the magazine. 🙄

[@hrfunk]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@tommcqueen3145]

👍

[@willoutlaw4971]

Try an intro using a flamethrower and a bazooka. Make your viewers feel safe and "manly".

[@hrfunk]

Ha! I'd probably hurt myself!

[@burnyburnoutze2nd]

I know it's not a US state, but I have the Canadian Armed Forces qualification course for the Browning hi power pistol. Spoiler; it's a complete joke even when compared to some of the weakest tests you've covered so far.

[@hrfunk]

It still might be fun to shoot and it might make for an interesting video. If you would be so kind as to email it to me along with any history of the course you might know/have, I'd be happy to take a look at it. Thank you! (email: [e-mail] )

[@burnyburnoutze2nd]

@@hrfunk Sent. If you want i can also send the three tests we use for our C7 rifles (AR pattern rifle) which are very interesting courses of fire, especially the third one, PWT 3.

[@hrfunk]

@@burnyburnoutze2nd I sent you a reply.

[@burnyburnoutze2nd]

@@hrfunk Receved and sent.

[@bthompson1767]

Open carry for me