protection class and shields

In the protection class descriptions shields are included but in the point count shields are separate. What happens in melee then if you have 2 figs with say PC2 one with a shield and one without are they equal in PC class? Another example is PC1 automatically obtained with the purchase of a shield but in the point count a shield is 2pts and PC1 is 1pt.

Thanks
Daschuk

If you buy the shield you automatically get the PC1. This is basically the only way to get PC1.

If both figures have PC2 then they count to have PC2 no matter of the shield. On the other hand a shield can give protection (cover) when shot at.

I have in my hands the Italian version, and PC1 has no cost. The cost is the cost of the shield. While for PC or more the cost is without the shield.

Thank you for your reply. I think another option would be if both have the same PC the one with a shield would be superior in PC to the one without.