Listen, in the time of the wonder 9’s we often say there is no reason to carry a .45 ACP. We’ve also heard that the .45 was made to stop a horse and nothing beats it in a gun fight. The truth is somewhere in between. What if you have a stock pile of .45 ACP ammo? Or you believe in the .45 ACP and would never choose to carry anything else. Smith & Wesson didn’t forget you.
The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield is a popular choice for those in search of a reliable, compact, and accurate .45 ACP pistol. Designed for concealed carry, it boasts a slim profile and lightweight construction, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize comfort and convenience.
With a capacity of 6+1 or 7+1 rounds, the M&P 45 Shield packs a punch in a small package. Its micro-compact frame size and low profile make it easy to carry and conceal, while its textured grip ensures a secure hold even in adverse conditions.
The M&P 45 Shield is built to perform, with a durable stainless steel slide and barrel, and a polymer frame that is resistant to wear and tear. Its trigger is designed to be smooth and consistent, while its sights are easy to acquire and provide a clear sight picture. Overall, the M&P 45 Shield is a reliable and accurate choice for those in search of a .45 ACP pistol for concealed carry.
Key Takeaways
- The M&P 45 Shield is a reliable and accurate .45 ACP pistol designed for concealed carry.
- Its micro-compact frame size and low profile make it easy to carry and conceal, while its textured grip ensures a secure hold.
- Built to perform, the M&P 45 Shield boasts a durable stainless steel slide and barrel, a smooth and consistent trigger, and easy-to-acquire sights.
M&P 45 Shield Specifications
The M&P 45 Shield is a micro-compact handgun that is designed for concealed carry. It is chambered in .45 ACP and features a polymer frame, making it lightweight and durable. Here are some of the key specifications of the M&P 45 Shield:
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 6+1 and 7+1 (extended magazine)
- Length: 6.45 inches
- Height: 4.88 inches with flush magazine
- Width: 0.99 inches
- Barrel Length: 3.3 inches
- Weight: 22.7 ounces with empty magazine
- Trigger: ~5.5 lb.
- Sights: 3-Dot steel
- Safety: RH-side thumb safety
- Slide: Black, stainless steel Armornite™ finish
- MSRP: $479
The M&P 45 Shield is a reliable and accurate handgun that is ideal for self-defense. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, while its .45 ACP caliber provides plenty of stopping power. The polymer frame is both lightweight and durable, making it a great choice for those who want a handgun that is easy to handle and maintain.
Design and Features
The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield is a slim and lightweight pistol that can be comfortably carried all day. The pistol incorporates the design features of the M&P Shield line of firearms. The grip texture on the M&P 45 Shield is aggressive, providing a secure hold on the firearm. The grip angle is 18 degrees, which provides a natural point of aim.
Grip and Frame
The M&P 45 Shield features a polymer frame with an aggressive grip texture. The grip texture provides a secure hold on the firearm, even in wet or slippery conditions. The grip angle is 18 degrees, which provides a natural point of aim. The pistol also features front cocking serrations, which provide a secure grip when racking the slide.
Trigger and Safety
The M&P 45 Shield features a trigger with a ~5.5 lb. pull weight. The trigger is smooth and crisp, providing a consistent trigger pull every time. The pistol also features an external safety, which is located on the right-hand side of the firearm. The safety is easy to engage and disengage, providing an added level of safety when carrying the firearm.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield is a reliable and accurate firearm that is perfect for concealed carry. The pistol is slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry all day. The aggressive grip texture and front cocking serrations provide a secure hold on the firearm, while the trigger is smooth and consistent. The external safety provides an added level of safety when carrying the firearm.
Performance and Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield is known for its accuracy and reliability. The slim profile of the gun makes it an excellent option for concealed carry, but it doesn't sacrifice performance for size.
The M&P 45 Shield has a 3.3-inch barrel and a 6.5-inch overall length, which makes it easy to handle and maneuver. The gun has a low bore axis, which helps to reduce muzzle flip and makes it easier to control during rapid fire.
The trigger pull on the M&P 45 Shield is smooth and consistent, which helps to improve accuracy. The gun also has a fixed white-dot front sight and a low-profile carry rear sight, which makes it easy to acquire and maintain a sight picture.
Overall, the M&P 45 Shield is a reliable and accurate handgun that is well-suited for concealed carry. Its slim profile and excellent performance make it a popular choice among gun enthusiasts and law enforcement officers alike.
Recoil and Handling
The M&P 45 Shield is a compact, single-stack pistol chambered in .45 ACP. Despite its small size, it handles the recoil of the .45 ACP round exceptionally well. The contoured polymer grip frame is stippled all around for an excellent non-slip grip surface, which helps to mitigate recoil. Additionally, the weight distribution of the gun is balanced, which further reduces felt recoil.
For those who are particularly sensitive to recoil, the M&P 45 Shield is available with a ported barrel. The porting helps to reduce felt recoil by venting gases to the sides and up. While this option may not be necessary for most shooters, it is a nice feature for those who want the most comfortable shooting experience possible.
Overall, the M&P 45 Shield is an easy gun to handle. Its small size and light weight make it easy to carry, and its balanced weight distribution and excellent grip make it easy to shoot accurately.
Concealed Carry Considerations
When it comes to concealed carry, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. The first is the size and weight of the firearm. A larger, heavier firearm may be more difficult to conceal and carry for extended periods of time. The Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield is a compact and lightweight option, making it a great choice for concealed carry.
Another important consideration is the caliber of the firearm. The M&P45 Shield is chambered in .45 ACP, which is a larger caliber round that offers greater stopping power than smaller caliber rounds like 9mm or .380 ACP. However, it's important to note that larger caliber rounds typically have more recoil, which can make them more difficult to shoot accurately, especially for newer shooters.
In addition to size and caliber, it's important to consider the type of holster that will be used for concealed carry. A good holster should be comfortable, secure, and allow for quick and easy access to the firearm when needed. The M&P45 Shield is compatible with a variety of holsters, including inside-the-waistband (IWB) and outside the waistband (OWB) options.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield is an excellent choice for concealed carry, offering a compact and lightweight design, a powerful .45 ACP caliber, and compatibility with a variety of holsters.
Loading and Upgrades
Loading the M&P 45 Shield is a straightforward process. The magazine holds six rounds, and the user can load the rounds into the magazine by pressing them in one at a time. The user can then insert the magazine into the magazine well of the pistol until it clicks into place. The user should then pull back on the slide to chamber a round.
There are several upgrades available for the M&P 45 Shield that can enhance its performance and usability. One popular upgrade is the addition of night sights, which can improve accuracy in low-light conditions. Another popular upgrade is the installation of a trigger kit, which can improve the trigger pull and reset.
Magazine extensions are also available, which can increase the capacity of the magazine from six rounds to eight or nine rounds. This can be particularly useful for those who carry the M&P 45 Shield for self-defense purposes.
Other upgrades include magazine base pads, which can improve the grip and ergonomics of the pistol, and competition spring upgrades, which can improve the speed and reliability of the pistol's slide.
When considering upgrades for the M&P 45 Shield, it is important to ensure that they are compatible with the specific model and caliber of the pistol. It is also important to ensure that any upgrades are installed correctly and safely, either by a professional gunsmith or by following the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Comparison with 9mm Variant
The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0 is a popular choice for those looking for a compact and reliable .45 ACP handgun. However, some may wonder how it compares to its 9mm counterpart, the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus.
One of the main differences between the two handguns is the caliber. While the M&P 45 Shield M2.0 fires .45 ACP rounds, the M&P 9 Shield Plus fires 9mm rounds. This means that the 9mm variant has a higher magazine capacity, generally less recoil, and lower cost per round.
In terms of dimensions, both handguns have similar lengths and heights, but the M&P 9 Shield Plus is slightly thinner than the M&P 45 Shield M2.0. This can make it easier to conceal and carry for some individuals.
Another difference between the two handguns is the trigger pull. The M&P 45 Shield M2.0 has a trigger pull weight of around 6.5 pounds, while the M&P 9 Shield Plus has a trigger pull weight of around 5.5 pounds. This means that the 9mm variant may have a slightly smoother trigger pull.
Overall, both the Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0 and the M&P 9 Shield Plus are reliable and well-designed handguns. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. Those who prioritize magazine capacity and lower cost per round may prefer the 9mm variant, while those who prioritize stopping power may prefer the .45 ACP variant.
Sights and Optics
The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield is a popular choice among gun enthusiasts, and having the right sights and optics can make all the difference in accuracy and precision.
There are a variety of aftermarket options available for the M&P 45 Shield, including night sights, laser sights, and red dot sights. One popular choice is the Crimson Trace Laserguard Green Laser, which is designed specifically for the M&P 45 Shield and provides a bright, visible laser for quick and accurate target acquisition.
Another popular option is the Trijicon HD XR Night Sights, which feature a high-contrast front sight and blacked-out rear sight for increased accuracy in low-light conditions. These sights are also designed to be durable and long-lasting, with a shock-resistant design that can withstand heavy use.
For those who prefer a red dot sight, the Burris Fastfire III is a popular choice. This compact and lightweight sight provides a clear and bright aiming point, and is designed to be easy to use and install.
Ultimately, the right sight or optic will depend on individual preferences and needs. Whether you need a bright laser sight for quick target acquisition or a durable night sight for low-light conditions, there are plenty of options available to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M&P Shield come in 45 caliber?
Yes, the M&P Shield is available in .45 ACP caliber. The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield is a slim and compact handgun that is designed for concealed carry. It features a 6+1 or 7+1 capacity, depending on the magazine used, and has a 3.3-inch barrel. The M&P 45 Shield is known for its reliability, accuracy, and durability.
Does Smith and Wesson make a 45 shield?
Yes, Smith & Wesson makes a .45 ACP version of their popular M&P Shield handgun. The M&P 45 Shield is a slim and lightweight pistol that is designed for concealed carry. It has a polymer frame, a stainless steel slide, and is available with either a 6+1 or 7+1 magazine capacity. The M&P 45 Shield is known for its accuracy, reliability, and ease of use.
How much is the M&P 40 shield?
The price of the M&P 40 Shield varies depending on the retailer and any promotions that may be available. As of October 2023, the MSRP for the M&P 40 Shield is $479. However, it is important to check with your local gun store or online retailer for current pricing and availability.
How much does a M&P 9 shield cost?
The price of the M&P 9 Shield varies depending on the retailer and any promotions that may be available. As of October 2023, the MSRP for the M&P 9 Shield is $479. However, it is important to check with your local gun store or online retailer for current pricing and availability.
What is the review of the Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0?
The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0 is an updated version of the popular M&P 45 Shield handgun. It features a number of improvements over the original, including an improved trigger, better grip texture, and a more durable finish. Reviews of the M&P 45 Shield M2.0 have been generally positive, with many reviewers praising the gun's accuracy, reliability, and ease of use.
What is the performance of the M&P Shield 45 Performance Center?
The M&P Shield 45 Performance Center is a high-performance version of the standard M&P 45 Shield. It features a number of upgrades, including a ported barrel and slide, a fiber optic front sight, and an enhanced trigger. Reviews of the M&P Shield 45 Performance Center have been positive, with many reviewers praising the gun's accuracy, reliability, and overall performance.