S&W M&P Shield Plus: A Comprehensive Review of Performance and Features

The S&W M&P Shield Plus is a highly regarded compact handgun for concealed carry. Its ergonomic design and compact size make it ideal for reliable self-defense. With a reputation built on reliability and performance, the Shield Plus is a favored option among new and experienced shooters.

One of the standout features of the Shield Plus is its enhanced capacity. It offers a 13+1 round capacity with an extended magazine while maintaining a slim profile. This blend of firepower and portability ensures that users are well-equipped. Its patented take-down lever and sear deactivation systems make disassembly easy without pulling the trigger.

The Shield Plus also includes advanced safety features and an optional thumb safety model, providing peace of mind. The 9mm variant offers a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil, making it suitable for daily carry. Trusted by law enforcement and civilians, the M&P Shield Plus continues Smith & Wesson’s legacy of quality craftsmanship and innovative firearm solutions.

Key Takeaways

• The M&P Shield Plus is a top choice for concealed carry.
• It has a 13+1 round capacity with a slim, ergonomic design.
• Advanced safety features and easy disassembly increase its reliability.

Design and Ergonomics

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus features a well-thought-out design that emphasizes user comfort, ease of use, and safety. Its compact structure makes it ideal for concealed carry while still offering great handling and grip quality.

Grip Texture and Ergonomics

The M&P Shield Plus showcases a rigid polymer frame with ergonomic cuts, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The textured grip ensures that users maintain control even in wet or slippery conditions. The grip angle is designed to reduce wrist strain, which can benefit extended shooting sessions.

The back strap is modestly contoured to fit various hand sizes, and the finger grooves help with proper hand placement. This makes the gun both accessible to beginners and reliable for experienced shooters.

Frame and Construction

Featuring a polymer-framed body, the Shield Plus is lightweight yet durable. The frame houses a stainless-steel slide treated with an Armornite finish to resist corrosion and wear. This combination of materials ensures longevity and robust performance, even under harsh conditions.

The compact frame design allows for increased maneuverability and easier concealment. By maintaining a slim profile with minimal additions in width, the Shield Plus provides a balance between capacity and ease of carry.

Safety Features

The M&P Shield Plus has several safety mechanisms to ensure user confidence. It includes a manual thumb safety that can be easily engaged or disengaged. The integrated trigger safety also prevents accidental discharges if the firearm is dropped.

The magazine disconnect feature further enhances safety by ensuring the gun cannot be fired when the magazine is removed. These features combine to offer peace of mind for both new and seasoned shooters.

The Shield Plus's safety features, robust build, and ergonomic considerations make it a reliable and safe choice for personal defense.

Performance and Reliability

The S&W M&P Shield Plus excels in performance and reliability, making it a strong contender for a concealed carry weapon. It offers a reliable trigger mechanism and impressive accuracy, with a shootability that stands out against competitors.

Trigger Mechanism

The M&P Shield Plus's trigger is one of its standout features. Unlike older models, it has a lighter and crisper trigger pull, which enhances the overall shooting experience.

The improved trigger has a tactile and audible reset, allowing quicker follow-up shots. This makes it ideal for self-defense situations where speed and accuracy are crucial.

Compared to models like the SIG Sauer P365 and the Springfield Armory Hellcat, the Shield Plus holds its own, providing a satisfying trigger feel that many users prefer.

Accuracy and Shootability

Accuracy is paramount in a self-defense firearm, and the M&P Shield Plus delivers. The 9mm pistol maintains tight groupings at various distances, making it a reliable choice for beginners and seasoned shooters.

Its stability during rapid fire is commendable, partly due to its balanced weight and ergonomic grip design. Users report that it handles recoil well, ensuring prolonged shooting sessions remain comfortable.

When placed alongside other compact firearms like the Ruger Max-9, the Shield Plus shows a consistent edge in shootability, making it easier for shooters to stay on target.

Comparative Analysis

In a crowded field of micro-compact pistols, the Shield Plus stands strong. When compared to rivals such as the SIG Sauer P365 and the Springfield Armory Hellcat, each has unique benefits.

The Shield Plus is often noted for its reliable performance and user-friendly trigger. The SIG P365 is praised for its high capacity in a small frame, while the Hellcat is lauded for its innovative features.

Ultimately, the M&P Shield Plus delivers a balanced package of reliability, performance, and accuracy, making it a top choice for those needing a dependable self-defense firearm.

Carry and Daily Use

The S&W M&P Shield Plus is designed for everyday concealed carry, offering comfort, flexibility, and ease of maintenance. Its compact size, versatile magazine options, and straightforward care make it a reliable choice for novice and experienced carriers.

Concealability and Comfort

The M&P Shield Plus stands out for its compact and slender design, which makes it ideal for concealed carry. It fits comfortably in most holsters designed for micro-compact handguns, measuring just over an inch in width. The grip texture is enhanced for better control, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods without sacrificing concealability.

An 18-degree grip angle ensures a natural point of aim, which improves shooting accuracy under stress. The Shield Plus is also light enough for everyday carry but sturdy enough to handle regular use without discomfort.

Magazine Options and Capacity

One of the standout features is its flexible magazine capacity. The Shield Plus offers options for 10+1 or 13+1 rounds, surpassing many of its competitors, like the Glock 43X. This flexibility allows users to choose between a more compact setup for better concealability or an extended capacity for more rounds.

The single-stack design ensures that the handgun remains thin and easily concealed, even with the extended magazines. The magazine release is easily accessible and smooth, allowing quick reloads during high-pressure situations.

Maintenance and Care

Thanks to its user-friendly design, maintaining the Shield Plus is straightforward. The take-down lever makes disassembly simple, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance. Regular care involves routine checks and lubrication, which can be done quickly with basic tools.

The construction materials are designed to withstand daily use, reducing the need for frequent, extensive maintenance. Ensuring the firearm is clean and well-lubricated will keep it functioning reliably for years.

Consistent maintenance routines will also ensure that the Shield Plus continues to perform optimally, providing peace of mind to those who carry it daily.

Specifications and Accessories

The S&W M&P Shield Plus offers impressive features for everyday carry, focusing on reliability, comfort, and versatility in different shooting scenarios. Key specifications and accessories include enhancements for optics and sights, diverse barrel and caliber choices, and market factors.

Optic and Sight Enhancements

The M&P Shield Plus comes with various sight options to suit different needs. Fiber optic sights are available, providing bright visibility in daylight and improving target acquisition. Night sights offer glow-in-the-dark capability, making them ideal for low-light conditions.

For those looking for more advanced options, there are optics-ready models. These models allow for mounting red dot sights, increasing accuracy and speed in target acquisition. These enhancements cater to beginner and experienced shooters, aiming for precision in different settings.

Barrel and Caliber Options

The M&P Shield Plus is designed for flexibility in both barrel and caliber options. It features a 3.1-inch barrel standard, suitable for concealed carry without sacrificing accuracy. The pistol is chambered in 9mm, widely popular for its balance of power and recoil management.

Additionally, there is an option for the 30 Super Carry caliber, which offers higher capacity. The 9mm models come with 10+1 or 13+1 round magazines, while the 30 Super Carry models offer 13+1 or 16+1 rounds. Users can choose between standard or ported barrels for better recoil control and faster follow-up shots.

Market Considerations

Regarding market considerations, the MSRP of the M&P Shield Plus is competitive, reflecting its range of features and quality. It often attracts positive reviews for its reliability, comfort, and performance.

The pistol's design focuses on concealability and ease of use, appealing to a broad audience. Its strong support for accessories and enhancements positions it strongly in the market. Users also appreciate its various configurations and the reputable Smith & Wesson brand behind it.

In summary, the S&W M&P Shield Plus blends precision, flexibility, and reliable performance in a compact and user-friendly package, making it a popular choice for everyday carry and personal protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

The S&W M&P Shield Plus is a popular choice for everyday carry users. Here are some of the most common questions about its features, performance, and compatible accessories.

What are the magazine capacity options for the S&W M&P Shield Plus?

The M&P Shield Plus comes with two magazine options. The standard magazine holds 10+1 rounds, while the extended magazine holds 13+1 rounds. This offers flexibility for different carry needs.

How does the M&P Shield Plus differ from the original M&P Shield?

The M&P Shield Plus features several improvements over the original Shield. It features a higher magazine capacity, an enhanced trigger system for better accuracy, and a more ergonomic grip angle, making it easier to shoot and handle.

Can you mount an optic on the M&P Shield Plus? What options are available?

Yes, the M&P Shield Plus can accommodate optics. Several compatible options are available, including popular brands like Trijicon and Holosun. This allows for better target acquisition and shooting accuracy.

What enhancements does the Performance Center version of the Shield Plus offer?

The Shield Plus Performance Center version includes features like a tuned action for smoother shooting, an enhanced grip texture, and fiber-optic sights for better visibility. These upgrades improve overall performance and user experience.

What accessories are compatible with the M&P Shield Plus?

The M&P Shield Plus is compatible with a wide range of accessories. This includes holsters, magazines, and lights. Many manufacturers produce items designed to fit the Shield Plus, making it easy to customize your firearm.

How does the M&P Shield Plus compare to its competitors regarding performance and features?

The M&P Shield Plus stands out for its high magazine capacity and improved ergonomics. Compared to Glock 43X and Sig Sauer P365, it offers similar performance with some unique enhancements. Its improved trigger and grip angle are particularly noteworthy.