Like a lot on the forum, I am a Glock guy. I just went through a comparison of a G43 and G42. I was looking for a smaller carry than my G26. The G43 won that argument. It just felt better. Now you guy have got me guess my decision on the G43. I would be interested in how the Shield compares. The G43 is a great firearm, so I want to be clear there. I would like to try a Shield to get another data point.
1) Do you own and carry a Glock 17 or 19?
and
2) Do you have a need for a very small auto?
If you answered yes to both get the G43.
Otherwise the shield is ready to go out of the box for $400. I have found the slightly larger size makes the Shield a bit nicer in the shootability department. I have seen many Shields show up at the range and all have been reliable for every size of shooter. People who I respect a lot no who are very knowledgable gun people have chosen Shields for their wives and daughters. That is an endorsement. IMO the Shueld is the finest $400 personal protection pistol on the market right now.