Currently my equipment is as follows.
Dusker Cap
UV:Elemental Maximum
Dusker Coat
UV:Increased Shadow Low, Increased Curse low
Owlite Shield
Iceburst Brandish/Sealed Sword (Trying to decide which to use..) Maybe Calibur....
Uv:Damage v Undead high/None
Pulsar(I like the knockback but I wish it had a piercing version)
I like using the pulsar to push back my enemy and then use my sword to just beat down most enemies around me. But I really would like an exceptionally strong shield that can take a lot of punishment any ideas? I also do like trying to focus down one enemy while keeping others away with Sealed Sword's Charge attack....I feel like I need Piercing damage of some sort maybe a Magnus? Currently I'm debating on perhaps running a double sword build y/n?
The Owlite line is the gold standard for shields. If you are looking for pure tough try the Volcanic Plate Shield, but elemental attacks from Gun Puppies and other Constructs might break it more quickly compared to Grey Owlite.
For Piercing Damage - the Magnus line is beneficial for pure gunners, but those focusing on swords would benefit more from a Flourish/Snarble Barb.
Get another weapon slot so that you can take two swords + your gun into battle. That'll allow you to cover more damage types while still giving you a ranged option.