Smith and Wesson M&P Shield: A Comprehensive Review

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a popular choice among gun enthusiasts and concealed carry permit holders alike. It is a micro-compact pistol that is easy to carry, conceal, and shoot. The M&P Shield is known for its quality, reliability, and accuracy.

The M&P Shield comes in two models: M&P9 Shield M2.0 and M&P9 Shield Plus. Both models are striker-fired and have a polymer grip. The M2.0 model has a capacity of 7 or 8 rounds, while the Plus model has a capacity of 10 or 13 rounds. The M2.0 model is slightly heavier than the Plus model, weighing 20.8 ounces compared to 17.9 ounces. The M&P Shield is available in 9mm and .40 S&W calibers.

The M&P Shield is designed for concealed carry and self-defense. It is a reliable and accurate pistol that is easy to shoot and maintain. The M&P Shield is a popular choice among gun owners due to its quality, reliability, and affordability. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced shooter, the M&P Shield is a great choice for concealed carry and self-defense.

Key Takeaways

  • The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a micro-compact pistol that is easy to carry, conceal, and shoot.
  • The M&P Shield comes in two models: M&P9 Shield M2.0 and M&P9 Shield Plus, and is available in 9mm and .40 S&W calibers.
  • The M&P Shield is a reliable and accurate pistol that is designed for concealed carry and self-defense.

Design and Features

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a micro-compact pistol that features a sleek design and offers a range of features that make it a popular choice for concealed carry. Let's take a closer look at some of the key design and features of the M&P Shield.

Ergonomics and Aesthetics

The M&P Shield features a polymer frame with an ergonomic grip that is comfortable to hold and provides a secure grip. The grip texture is aggressive, which helps to prevent slippage during shooting. The grip angle is set at 18 degrees, which provides a natural point of aim and makes it easy to shoot accurately.

The M&P Shield also has a sleek, modern design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The black finish is durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for everyday carry.

Micro-Compact Build

One of the standout features of the M&P Shield is its micro-compact build. The pistol measures just 6.1 inches in length, 4.6 inches in height, and less than an inch in width. This makes it easy to carry concealed and ideal for those who want a lightweight, compact firearm for self-defense.

Despite its small size, the M&P Shield is still a reliable and accurate pistol. The barrel length is 3.1 inches, which is long enough to provide good accuracy and velocity. The micro-compact build also makes it easy to handle and maneuver in tight spaces.

Shield Plus

Smith & Wesson's M&P Shield Plus is an enhanced version of the M&P Shield 2.0 platform, which offers additional features that set it apart from the original and 2.0 Shield models. The Shield Plus has a larger capacity than the previous models, thanks to its extended magazine.

The extended magazine allows the Shield Plus to hold up to 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition, which is double the capacity of the original and 2.0 Shield platforms. The Shield Plus also features a polymer grip, a striker-fired action, and a 3.1-inch stainless steel barrel.

The Shield Plus is a micro-compact size, with a width of 1.1 inches, a length of 6.1 inches, and a height of 4.6 inches. It weighs 17.9 ounces, making it easy to carry and conceal. The Shield Plus also has white dot sights, which make it easy to acquire a target in low light conditions.

The Shield Plus does not have a safety, making it easy to use and quick to draw. It is available in black and has a polymer frame. The Shield Plus is not threaded for a barrel, but it is optic ready, allowing the user to attach a sight or scope.

Overall, the Shield Plus is a reliable and versatile handgun that is perfect for concealed carry or personal defense. Its larger capacity and enhanced features make it stand out from the previous Shield models, and its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and use.

Sights and Accuracy

The M&P Shield features white dot sights that are easy to see and provide good accuracy. The sights are not adjustable, but they are fixed and provide a good sight picture. The front sight is also serrated, which helps to reduce glare and improve accuracy in bright light conditions.

Overall, the M&P Shield is a well-designed and reliable micro-compact pistol that is ideal for concealed carry. Its lightweight, compact build and good accuracy make it a popular choice for those who want a reliable self-defense weapon or recreational shooting gun.

Carry Options

Concealed Carry Considerations

When it comes to choosing a carry option for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. One of the most important factors is concealment. The M&P Shield is a compact and lightweight pistol, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry. However, it's important to choose a holster that is specifically designed for the M&P Shield to ensure a proper fit and maximum concealment.

Another consideration is comfort. Carrying a pistol for extended periods of time can be uncomfortable, so it's important to choose a holster that is comfortable and won't cause any irritation or discomfort. Additionally, the holster should be easy to access and allow for a quick and smooth draw.


Performance and Reliability

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a reliable and accurate firearm that is suitable for concealed carry. It is a popular choice among gun owners due to its compact size and easy-to-use design. This section will discuss the performance and reliability of the M&P Shield, including its range performance, maintenance, and durability.

Range Performance

The M&P Shield is known for its accuracy and ease of use. It has a smooth trigger pull that makes it easy to shoot accurately, even at longer distances. The Shield's compact size makes it easy to carry, but it does not compromise on accuracy. It is capable of hitting targets at distances of up to 25 yards, making it a great choice for self-defense and target shooting.

Maintenance and Durability

The M&P Shield is a durable and reliable firearm that requires minimal maintenance. It has a stainless steel barrel and high-quality internal components that ensure its reliability and longevity. The Shield is easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for gun owners who want a firearm that is easy to use and maintain.

Regular maintenance is important to keep the Shield in good working order. Gun owners should clean and lubricate the firearm after each use, and inspect it regularly for any signs of wear or damage. With proper care and maintenance, the M&P Shield can last for many years without any problems.

In conclusion, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a reliable and accurate firearm that is suitable for concealed carry. Its compact size and easy-to-use design make it a popular choice among gun owners. The Shield's performance and reliability make it a great choice for self-defense and target shooting, and its durability and ease of maintenance ensure that it will last for many years.

Current Trends and Discussions

Recent News

Smith & Wesson's M&P Shield is a popular choice for concealed carry, and the company has been making headlines with the recent release of the M&P Shield Plus. This model boasts an increased magazine capacity, making it an even more attractive option for those seeking a reliable and powerful handgun for personal protection.

In addition to the release of the M&P Shield Plus, Smith & Wesson has also been in the news for its ongoing legal battles. The company has faced lawsuits related to gun violence, and has been criticized for its marketing practices. While these issues have not affected the quality of the M&P Shield line, they have sparked discussion about the role of gun manufacturers in promoting responsible gun ownership.

Promotions and Giveaways

Smith & Wesson frequently offers promotions and giveaways to entice customers to purchase their products. These promotions can include discounts on firearms and accessories, as well as free gifts with purchase. In addition, the company has been known to run contests and giveaways on social media, offering fans the chance to win prizes such as firearms and shooting accessories.

It is important to note that giveaways and promotions are subject to terms and conditions, and customers should carefully review the rules and regulations before participating. Smith & Wesson's promotions are typically open to legal residents of the United States who are 21 years of age or older, and who meet other eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What improvements does the 2.0 version of the M&P Shield offer over the original?

The M&P Shield 2.0 offers several improvements over the original model. It features an enhanced grip texture for better control and a more comfortable shooting experience. The trigger has also been upgraded, with a crisper, lighter pull. Additionally, the 2.0 version offers a more aggressive front sight for improved target acquisition.

What are the size specifications of the M&P Shield models?

The M&P Shield is available in several models, each with slightly different size specifications. The 9mm and .40 S&W models have a 3.1-inch barrel and an overall length of 6.1 inches. The .45 ACP model has a 3.3-inch barrel and an overall length of 6.5 inches. All models have a height of 4.6 inches and a width of 0.95 inches.

How does the M&P Shield Plus differentiate from the standard M&P Shield?

The M&P Shield Plus is an upgraded version of the standard M&P Shield. It features a higher capacity magazine, with a 10+1 capacity for the 9mm model and a 13+1 capacity for the .40 S&W model. The grip texture has also been improved, and the trigger has been upgraded to a flat-faced design for better control.

Can the M&P Shield 2.0 accommodate optics, and if so, which models are optics ready?

Yes, the M&P Shield 2.0 is designed to accommodate optics. It features a slide cut for easy installation of popular red dot sights, including the Shield SMSc and the JPoint. Other sights may also be compatible with the Shield 2.0, depending on their mounting requirements.

What options are available for integrated laser sights on the M&P Shield 2.0?

The M&P Shield 2.0 is available with an integrated red laser sight. This laser sight is designed to fit seamlessly onto the trigger guard of the pistol, providing a compact and low-profile option for improved accuracy.

How does the M&P Shield in .45 caliber compare to the 9mm versions in terms of performance and handling?

The M&P Shield in .45 caliber offers a larger caliber and increased stopping power compared to the 9mm versions. However, the larger caliber also results in increased recoil and a slightly larger overall size. It is important to consider these factors when choosing between the different caliber options for the M&P Shield.

Justin Hunold

Wilderness/Outdoors Expert

Justin Hunold is a seasoned outdoor writer and content specialist with CYA Supply. Justin's expertise lies in crafting engaging and informative content that resonates with many audiences, and provides a wealth of knowledge and advice to assist readers of all skill levels.

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