| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Nathan |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 11:50:53
"Smith & Wesson’s new M&P SHIELD™ is a slim, concealable, lightweight, striker-fired polymer pistol. Available in 9mm and .40 S&W, the new M&P SHIELD features a slim design combined with the proven and trusted features found in the M&P Pistol Series. From the pistol’s easily concealed one-inch profile to its optimized 18-degree grip angle, the M&P SHIELD offers professional-grade features that provide consumers with simple operation and reliable performance. Chambered in 9mm and .40 S&W for proven stopping power, the M&P SHIELD features a high-strength polymer frame with a black, Melonite® coated stainless steel slide and barrel. Both models are standard with a 3.1-inch barrel, which contributes to an overall length of 6.1 inches and an unloaded weight of 19 ounces. For fast tracking and smooth target acquisition, the M&P SHIELD is standard with a 5.3-inch sight radius and has been enhanced with a short, consistent trigger pull measuring 6.5 pounds. Featuring a quick and audible reset made possible by the striker-fired action, the M&P SHIELD allows multiple rounds to be placed on target both consistently and accurately. ALL BACKED BY OUR SMITH & WESSON LIFETIME SERVICE POLICY." - PRODUCT LINK
Capacity - 7+1, 8+1
Action - Striker
Barrel Length - 3.1#8243; / 7.874 cm
Overall Length - 6.1#8243; / 15.5 cm
Frame Width - .95#8243; / 2.413 cm
Overall Height - 4.6#8243; / 11.684 cm
Weight - 19.0 oz / 538.7 g
Front Sight - White Dot
Rear Sight - White 2 Dot
MSRP - $449
As my search for the perfect carry gun continues I was enthusiastic about the release of S&W's latest M&P, the Shield. My M&Ps have served me very well over the years so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. No matter how successful I have become at dressing around my gun, there are a few times when pocketable is ideal and that was the role I had in mind when I purchased the Shield. A small, pocketable autoloader in a service caliber with the reliability I've come to expect from the M&P line.
The gun comes packaged in a cardboard box. No molded hardcase.  It comes complete with an eight and a seven round magazine, lock, spent casing (who cares about the spent casing?), and an owners manual. I was disappointed in the packaging. I carry more guns to the range than what I happen to be carrying that day, and I don't intend on screwing around with this cardboard box. It looks like I'll have to purchase a hard-sided case.
New in the box the gun had an odd hangup. If I racked the slide forcefully the slide would stick in the rearward position. this hasnt happened since running a few hundred rounds through the gun, so for now I'm considering this a break-in issue. If it ever happens again I will update this review.
CLICK HERE for the video
Smith & Wesson did a good job enabling the aftermarket to prepare in advance for the release of the Shield. See the SHIELD ACCESSORIES link.
What I Like:
 Ergonomics: The familiar grip angle makes the Shield a truly natural pointer, and the grip texturing ensures a positive grip which gives the shooter good control with the extended magazine.
Overall Size: The Shield certainly meets my requirements of being small enough to pocket while being large enough to firmly grip with the extended magazine.
Trigger: The trigger is very decent on the Shield, and if it's like the rest of the M&P line it will only get better and better as it wears in.
Reliability: Although I've only 250 rounds through this gun, it cycled everything properly without regard to ammunition type or shooter position.
Melonite: I really like the durability of melonite treated stainless steel.
What I Don't Like:
Packaging: C'mon S&W, what's the deal with the crappy cardboard box? Give us a real carrying case!
Short Magazine: While shooting the Shield with the extended magazine was very good, trying to shoot it with the short magazine was awkward and even somewhat uncomfortable. In all fairness, this is more of a shooter issue than a gun issue; I don't like it if my pinky finger isnt planted firmly.
Manual Safety: I don't like manual safeties on carry weapons. Each time I remove the shield from my pocket I find myself fumbling with the safety to ensure it didn't engage by accident (leaving me with a gun that won't fire under the adrenaline dump of a defensive shooting). If I keep this weapon I will have to pay to get this removed. Peace of mind is a very fragile thing and the sub-conscious fear of an accidental safety engagement is enough to rob me of my peace of mind. In addition, the M&P line is built upon being ambidextrous so if you are going to have a manual safety, make it reversible. This safety cannot be reversed for a left hander making manipulation awkward.
How Does It Compare?
In order to determine overall value and appeal I am comparing the S&W M&P Shield to a comparable size Springfield EMP.
Ergonomics
M&P 
EMP 
Reliability
M&P
EMP
Accuracy
M&P
EMP
Trigger
M&P
EMP
Cost
M&P
EMP 
Concealability
M&P
EMP
Asthetics (irrelevant and relative)
M&P
EMP
Conclusion
The M&P Shield is a very good solution for anyone seeking an easily concealable, reliable, and reasonably accurate single stack 9mm/.40. While nothing about the Shield excites me, this gun is a very good value (I paid $419.99 for it at Shipton's Big R located in Billings, MT) and considering the value of my purchase I'm able to forgive its short-comings. While this little gun won't be replacing MY DAILY CARRY anytime soon, it is a great alternative for those few times when I just cannot dress around it. It is an ideal back-up gun, and at $420 I will likely purchase another for my daughter. I have no reservations recommending this gun to friends, family, or students for a very basic, reliable, compact, reasonably accurate defensive pistol. So long as your expectations are realistic (this isn't an all day shooter, a dedicated range gun, or a competition gun....this is a very basic compact defensive gun) the Shield will not disappoint you.
 |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Sean99TJ |
Posted - 06/18/2013 : 19:14:29
Hey Nate, If she is really looking for a 9mm with a sweet trigger........give her one of your Browning hi powers......triggers dont get much better....just saying |
| Nathan |
Posted - 06/18/2013 : 16:44:25
quote:
Originally posted by Sgfvr
Nathan, was that the 40 or the 9mm that had the failure for you?[quote]
9mm, but there is no difference in the parts that failed. |
| claimbuster |
Posted - 06/18/2013 : 16:40:23
Nice review. Bought a Shield a couple of months ago and I think I like it. I say that when this is only the second non-1911 auto I have ever purchased. Even 3" 1911's with alloy frames are heavier than the Shield. I have been carrying it some too.
BTW Nathan, I like cardboard boxes. I don't want to pay for some fancy plastic box that will be sitting on a shelf until the day I sell it. For me, there a a lot better and less recognizable way to transport my handguns. Both Les Baer 1911's and Freedom Arms SA's come in cardboard boxes. :) |
| Sgfvr |
Posted - 05/11/2013 : 12:19:50
Nathan, was that the 40 or the 9mm that had the failure for you?quote:
Originally posted by Nathan
quote:
Originally posted by pj0325
He has it down to either this or a PPS. In your opinion, which is better?
i had a first edition PPS...CLICK HERE...i sold it due to reliability issues. after the first catastrophic failure after 20 rounds (walther replaced the entire gun under warranty) it ran great for awhile, then it starting acting up again so i sold it.
...i should probably update that thread, too.
i would prefer the shield any day over the PPS.
|
| glockguy |
Posted - 04/10/2013 : 18:25:43
quote:
Originally posted by Nathan
quote:
Originally posted by glockguy
Would love to get your opinion on the range on it.
ask and ye shall receive. 
http://concealedcarryforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36552
holy cow. thanks for the review. you were fair. like i said i just really didn't think i was going to like it either but i love it. my accuracy with that gun is scarry good. it seems to be a screwed up gun until you get it the range. then all of a sudden it just lights up. found this to be true with everyone i have had shoot it (or them, i now have two). |
| Nathan |
Posted - 04/10/2013 : 18:13:27
quote:
Originally posted by glockguy
Would love to get your opinion on the range on it.
ask and ye shall receive.
http://concealedcarryforum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36552 |
| glockguy |
Posted - 04/10/2013 : 18:01:42
Got one and I like it very well too. The gun is made well and shoots very well. The short magazine does take some getting used to, I agree with you there. I completely understand what you are saying about the manual safety, but I am more giving on that topic. I think that a manual safety can be good for some people, but you have to train for it. The problem to me is having guns with and without, it is hard to build the proper muscle memory in that case. But there are situations where manual safety is, at least in my opinion, a good idea. The packaging...............doesn't mean  to me, they can send it to me in a pizza box as long as it is a great gun.
I bought it at the same time that I bought a Karhr CW9, and those are two very different and interesting guns. The Kahr, of course, has no manual safety, it relies on a long trigger pull as its safety. As a result of this "idea" by Kahr, you can not stage the trigger! I played with the trigger before range time and was pretty wary of it. The Kahr however is very similar in overall size and they both conceal nicely, although the Kahr conceals just a touch better. I took the Kahr completely apart and again, in my opinion, it just isn't made as well at the Shield. That concerned me a bit. The Kahr design also seems to all center around a need to depend upon what Kahr calls the slide stop spring. It is just a little bend of a thing and if you really look at the design, that spring is gonna be crucial. That concerned me a little. Then I went out to the range. The Kahr, with all its concerns, just shoots incredible. I am talking about the 25 yard line with a little conceal 9mm gun. I am so torn on that gun. Would love to get your opinion on the range on it. I don't like the gun until I shoot it..........then I love it. I want another one. My son and I both had four inch groups at 25 yards! Not a shock for him but for my old eyes it was pretty amazing. Loved the Shield too..........but, something kept drawing me back to that Kahr that I knew I would not like, but did. |
| commonwealth109 |
Posted - 01/17/2013 : 21:43:40
I couldn't shoot a Shield worth a darn compared to the Sig938 that I ended up going with - but I'm just used to 1911 type guns so I don't know that is a big surprise.
I do expect the Shield to be popular though as at $430ish it is a solid piece, just wasn't my cup o' tea. |
| accessbob |
Posted - 01/15/2013 : 18:22:24
quote:
Originally posted by pitbullman
Found a .40s&w shield for 469 is that a decent price for one?
Since it is hard to find them, it is probably okay. I think the MSRP is a bit less at $449. |
| pitbullman |
Posted - 01/15/2013 : 17:38:01
Found a .40s&w shield for 469 is that a decent price for one? |
| Gunslinger One |
Posted - 12/24/2012 : 08:16:16
Got one on order, hope the current gun control climate doesn't hold it up in production. Had a Kahr K9 ordered, but this firearm has all the things the kahr has , except of course the all SS construction. |
| accessbob |
Posted - 11/16/2012 : 10:47:19
quote:
Originally posted by cola490
Nathan, thanks for the quick reply. I was not asking about the quality of the pistols. I have rhumatoid arthritis and the recoil of the small 9mm is a real concern for me, but there size, as you stated make them great for carry. I would not trust one unless I could shoot it enough to trust it and the PF9 is tough to shoot even a short while. That is why I asked about the recoil of the Shield.
Recoil from the Shield is much better than the PF9. The PF9 hurt my wife's hand/wrist. When she got the Shield, she was a little nervous about shooting it so she had me take the first shot. I shot it and turned to her and said, "you're gonna love this." And she did, does and is actually excited to practice. |
| GaJoe1950 |
Posted - 11/07/2012 : 21:57:34
Have you (or any other distinguished shootists here) had a chance to shoot a Beretta Nano and if so, how does it stack up to the Shield? Thanks. |
| spaightlabs |
Posted - 11/05/2012 : 17:41:03
I put 200 rounds through my .40 Shield on Saturday as well as 100 through a Glock 23 - not really very much difference in recoil in my opinion. very comfortable shooter. |
| cola490 |
Posted - 11/02/2012 : 22:23:46
Nathan, thanks for the quick reply. I was not asking about the quality of the pistols. I have rhumatoid arthritis and the recoil of the small 9mm is a real concern for me, but there size, as you stated make them great for carry. I would not trust one unless I could shoot it enough to trust it and the PF9 is tough to shoot even a short while. That is why I asked about the recoil of the Shield. |
| Nathan |
Posted - 11/02/2012 : 20:23:10
quote:
Originally posted by cola490
could you compare it's recoil to a Kel Tec PF9?
you really couldnt. in my opinion, the kel tec is...well...the kel tec is closer to a hi-point than it is to an M&P. i know many have them and love them, but in my experience (and others can certainly contradict my conclusions) the kel tec is a lower shelf gun. not a bottom shelf, but certainly near it. |
| cola490 |
Posted - 11/02/2012 : 19:58:17
The Shield is still hard to find in my neck of the woods, could you compare it's recoil to a Kel Tec PF9? |
| Fighting_Seabee |
Posted - 09/09/2012 : 10:11:15
This was a great review. I am glad to see I am not the only one out there that like to have my pinky finger firmly one the firearm. |
| huntrl |
Posted - 08/13/2012 : 09:24:41
Have you looked at the Kahr P9? I have one and really like it. It is almost the same size as the Shield. I have put around 1000 rounds through it and have had ZERO failures. Just wondering how you would rate the Kahr against the Shield? |
| Keith |
Posted - 07/31/2012 : 07:58:32
Check out this video. It is very easy to take the safety out of the Shield. Thank you for the great review. I don't post much here but I do read a whole lot! Thank you for all the reviews and great knowledge that can be found here!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4bQfhiqkVo |
| badphydeaux |
Posted - 05/15/2012 : 12:56:30
It's great that you compared it to the EMP. Yeah EMP! |
| DaddyO16 |
Posted - 05/14/2012 : 07:28:45
quote:
Originally posted by cluznar
I have been thinking seriously about purchasing a Shield or a MP9c.
Since my Ruger SR9c has a 3.5 barrel I will probably go with the smaller Shield. Will fit in if I want a smaller 9mm.
Excellent review and I believe S&W will sell a ton of these.
I think most if not all here would strongly recommend replacing your .380 with some sort of 9mm at the very minimum as your carry weapon. |
| cluznar |
Posted - 05/14/2012 : 06:36:01
I have been thinking seriously about purchasing a Shield or a MP9c.
Since my Ruger SR9c has a 3.5 barrel I will probably go with the smaller Shield. Will fit in if I want a smaller 9mm.
Excellent review and I believe S&W will sell a ton of these.
|
| shipwreck |
Posted - 05/08/2012 : 07:30:47
Nice review. I picked up one early last week after renting one. I really like the gun a lot. Much softer shooter than the PM9 I had. I sold the PM9 on Sunday, in fact. |
| RandyM |
Posted - 05/04/2012 : 04:00:40
Great review as always!
I'm more excited to try one now. My wife keeps thinking a smaller 9 would be nice, by can't find one that feels good in her hand. If this has a better grip than our LC9 and she can work the slide, it'll be a winner. |
