I got the Shire with the original style stem. I had a problem with it and broke it off the first time I went to remove it.
Now I use the remnant as a stem on my Eaton, and it makes a terrific 'warden' style pipe!
The original stem had ridges along the sides on the tenon, and the twist and pull method of removing a stem failed me.
MM provided a replacement at no charge and I sanded off the ridges on that one.
I haven't been smoking the Shire much at all lately. It seems to have a problem keeping a good draft. It's way too opened.
I've just not packed it properly, likely, but it's been more hassle than other pipes in my rotation.