Smith & Wesson M&P Shield

[trematthew]

Just the other day Smith & Wesson announced their new M&P Shield, a slimmer, shorter and more compact version of the M&P. I was wondering what everyone else thought of it. I am very excited to fire one. My carry pistol now is an M&P .40c and I love it, but it is still a little heavy and chunky. I think it's about time S&W comes out with a single stack like this.

 

[Lowjiber]

...I think it's about time S&W comes out with a single stack like this.

I thought the Shield was double-stacked.

 

[onetuza]

Shield is single stacked. Comes with 7 round and 8 round mags. I had my local guy put it on my wish list. I've been waiting years for them to do this!

 

[selig2989]

Just picked it up at my local gun shop. They had nine in stock and sold out the same day. 450 out the door. Two mags... One flush 7+1 and one extended 8+1. Put 200 rounds of FMJ down the tube and not one failure. Everything I was looking for in a ccw backed by smith and wessons warranty. Think I got myself a winner

 

[mamacat2u]

A friend of mine got the S&W M&P Shield .40 for his birthday! I am so jealous. I would like to give it a go. I asked my local range and gun shop about them and they both say that the M&P is not what I need or want. I read all the time that people like the M&P on forums, Twitter, etc., but no one I deal with in RL likes them.

I have been lured into the Glock and Sig Sauer line of 9mms for my next gun. However, I really would like to give this new M&P a good go. I really support the fact that is 100% USA made, too.

 

[MilShooter]

A friend of mine got the S&W M&P Shield .40 for his birthday! I am so jealous. I would like to give it a go. I asked my local range and gun shop about them and they both say that the M&P is not what I need or want. I read all the time that people like the M&P on forums, Twitter, etc., but no one I deal with in RL likes them.

I have been lured into the Glock and Sig Sauer line of 9mms for my next gun. However, I really would like to give this new M&P a good go. I really support the fact that is 100% USA made, too.

I don't mean to demean those from your local range or gun shop, but YOU are the final arbiter of what you like and what you want to carry. How could they possibly know what's best for you?

Many of us have seen this behavior in gun shops and shooting ranges. And I would guess that most, if not all of us disregard their insistent opinions. In the end, all you've heard is opinion based on what THEY like. Can they tell you exactly WHY their choice is best for YOU? Most often, this behavior occurs when a neophyte walks into the store, asking for advice. If the salesperson likes Glocks, they try to sell the person a Glock. If they like Sigs, they'll steer them toward Sigs. Their bias is shameful.

I once watched a lady *almost* purchase a full-sized Glock in .40 cal for her self-defense gun. She had never shot a gun - never. But the salesperson, who resents me to this day - had her convinced that the Glock was "perfect" for her. I stepped-in and recommended that she rent one and shoot it before she bought it. She ended-up renting one and I helped her on the range. She hated the gun. She ended-up buying a used S&W revolver, which she could shoot well and conceal easily.

I can't shoot a Glock to save my butt. I don't know why, but I've tried many times. Probably, it has to do with the fact that I've shot 1911 and similar guns for too long. I'm not a Smith & Wesson acolyte, but they make quality firearms. To dismiss them because of some "gun brand bigots" is a disservice to Smith & Wesson.

By all means, try the new S&W. And let us know how you like it or why you dislike it. I am anxious to hear about it.

 

[Wesco]

Love it is all I got to say.

 

[upnorth]

I will be looking into one for my wife and a backup for me. I now carry a full size M&P 40, and think the M&P's are great guns, the correct choice for me.

 

[TlWheatley]

Held the Shield today at the NRA convention,seems like S&W has a winner.Found one today in a Mo. gunstore for $400.

 

[mamacat2u]

I don't mean to demean those from your local range or gun shop, but YOU are the final arbiter of what you like and what you want to carry. How could they possibly know what's best for you?

Many of us have seen this behavior in gun shops and shooting ranges. And I would guess that most, if not all of us disregard their insistent opinions. In the end, all you've heard is opinion based on what THEY like. Can they tell you exactly WHY their choice is best for YOU? Most often, this behavior occurs when a neophyte walks into the store, asking for advice. If the salesperson likes Glocks, they try to sell the person a Glock. If they like Sigs, they'll steer them toward Sigs. Their bias is shameful.

I once watched a lady *almost* purchase a full-sized Glock in .40 cal for her self-defense gun. She had never shot a gun - never. But the salesperson, who resents me to this day - had her convinced that the Glock was "perfect" for her. I stepped-in and recommended that she rent one and shoot it before she bought it. She ended-up renting one and I helped her on the range. She hated the gun. She ended-up buying a used S&W revolver, which she could shoot well and conceal easily.

I can't shoot a Glock to save my butt. I don't know why, but I've tried many times. Probably, it has to do with the fact that I've shot 1911 and similar guns for too long. I'm not a Smith & Wesson acolyte, but they make quality firearms. To dismiss them because of some "gun brand bigots" is a disservice to Smith & Wesson.

By all means, try the new S&W. And let us know how you like it or why you dislike it. I am anxious to hear about it.

I completely understand what you mean. There is one gun shop owner, who, if I ask directly about a particular gun, will tell me that it is totally up to me. Sometimes that drives me a bit nuts, but I respect his ability to not lean toward one manufacturer or another. Mainly when I ask, I would like to know if there are significant tear-down issues (i.e., is it a royal PITA), feed issues (i.e., stovepipes consistently or is finicky with regards to ammo), etc. I feel like then I am able to make an informed decision.

As for the others, it does appear that their opinions are based on their experiences with a particular manufacturer. I do plan to buy another 9mm and am between the M&P Shield 9mm and the Sig P250. I already own a Sig, and have had to send it back to them for a repair issue. Their service was second to none! I really appreciate that. I do not have any S&W guns but love the fact that they are produced in the US.

If my gun range gets a S&W M&P Shield 9mm, I will most definitely rent it and give it a whirl. I love my Springfield XD9 sub-compact to pieces. It fits my hand just right and is easy to clean, etc.

Many thanks and I will let you know!!!

 

[The_Outlaw]

Just the other day Smith & Wesson announced their new M&P Shield, a slimmer, shorter and more compact version of the M&P. I was wondering what everyone else thought of it. I am very excited to fire one. My carry pistol now is an M&P .40c and I love it, but it is still a little heavy and chunky. I think it's about time S&W comes out with a single stack like this.

Very sweet...
I have been hoping that Glock would come out with a single stacked subcompact 9mm or .40 for years.
Looks like my next pistol may actually end up being a Smith & Wesson.
Never say never I guess.

 

[SmithKoWitz]

To dismiss them because of some "gun brand bigots" is a disservice to Smith & Wesson.

Thank you! I too am annoyed by all those out there who think everything but what they shoot is 2nd rate or junk. I drive a Ford and like Smith & Wesson; Made in The USA. When I went and bought my first handgun, the guy wants to show me a Glock and a Sig. I was like, have any S&W's? I have an M&P9 FS (full size), had it since early 2009, love it. Have an M&P 40 Compact & M&P 45 Compact as well only holds 8, they're great. I own one Sig, more problems with it than even my low buck Rock Island Armory 1911. No problems with the Rock. I carry a Kahr MK40 or SA EMP40, the EMP gets a little weighty if walking a lot. The MK40 is smaller than even the M&P Shield, in all dimensions, but weighs 4.9 oz. more; the MK is all Stainless Steel. When I first began handgun shooting I didn't want a 40, swore I would never buy one. It was going to be 9's and 45's. So much for that, I have 40's by Kahr, S&W, Springfield and CZ. Like the MK the best still, the EMP is easier to conceal than the S&W or CZ, but the M&P is definitely a sweet firearm and a little lighter, until you carry 10 rounds vs 6 in the Kahr or 8 in the EMP. I've also checked out the Kimber Solo, too finicky with it's choice of food (ammo) and pricey vs the M&P Shield. I've had live phone quotes from $389 to $499 for the M&P Shield 9 from gun dealers in my region (PAC.NW). They're selling like hotcakes at a Pancake Breakfast (not the $499 one).

 

[MilShooter]

Thank you! I too am annoyed by all those out there who think everything but what they shoot is 2nd rate or junk. I drive a Ford and like Smith & Wesson; Made in The USA. When I went and bought my first handgun, the guy wants to show me a Glock and a Sig. I was like, have any S&W's? I have an M&P9 FS (full size), had it since early 2009, love it. Have an M&P 40 Compact & M&P 45 Compact as well only holds 8, they're great. I own one Sig, more problems with it than even my low buck Rock Island Armory 1911. No problems with the Rock. I carry a Kahr MK40 or SA EMP40, the EMP gets a little weighty if walking a lot. The MK40 is smaller than even the M&P Shield, in all dimensions, but weighs 4.9 oz. more; the MK is all Stainless Steel. When I first began handgun shooting I didn't want a 40, swore I would never buy one. It was going to be 9's and 45's. So much for that, I have 40's by Kahr, S&W, Springfield and CZ. Like the MK the best still, the EMP is easier to conceal than the S&W or CZ, but the M&P is definitely a sweet firearm and a little lighter, until you carry 10 rounds vs 6 in the Kahr or 8 in the EMP. I've also checked out the Kimber Solo, too finicky with it's choice of food (ammo) and pricey vs the M&P Shield. I've had live phone quotes from $389 to $499 for the M&P Shield 9 from gun dealers in my region (PAC.NW). They're selling like hotcakes at a Pancake Breakfast (not the $499 one).

I can't help but admire your open-mindedness with firearms. You seem to have something from every manufacturer, in every caliber. You are definitely my hero. Thank you very much for posting such a missive. I learned something today from you - I was under the impression that the EMP was a lightweight gun like my Colt Defender.

For me, I am a Colt collector. I only have one handgun that is not made by Colt; a Ruger Mark II. But that does not mean that I don't admire other guns or the people who own or carry them. I always enjoy talking to other guys at the range (and even the occasional woman) who shoot something I'm not familiar with.

In fact, during my last range visit, I was in a lane next to a woman who began shooting before I got a look at her pistol. Upon the first "BOOM", I had to back off, empty my gun and stand behind her to watch. I was in error - that big "BOOM" was from a friggin' hand-cannon of a Smith & Wesson .460 hunting revolver with a scope. I never heard anything so loud, and I wear not only ear muffs, but in-the-ear hearing protectors as well. And let me tell you something; when she was done with her 5 shots, she was grinning and I must have looked like a dog who discovered bacon. Her target was one damned hole, dead center in the bulls eye target. And it was a BIG hole. She let me handle her gun - I guess I looked harmless enough - and it was magnificent. But I knew that I could never shoot one accurately. It is just too damned big and weighty. Plus, I shoot revolvers about as well as I shoot Glocks; I can't hit cardboard at 25 yards, let alone the target. She was preparing to go on a Dall Sheep hunt in Idaho, with her Smith & Wesson. I actually dreamed about her that night! (smile)

Anyway, thanks for writing with your story. I enjoyed hearing from you.

PS - I drive either my 1991 Corvette ZR-1 or my 2010 Dodge Ram 4x4 truck. I'm a "buy American" type of guy also.

 

[JimA]

A friend of mine got the S&W M&P Shield .40 for his birthday! I am so jealous. I would like to give it a go. I asked my local range and gun shop about them and they both say that the M&P is not what I need or want. I read all the time that people like the M&P on forums, Twitter, etc., but no one I deal with in RL likes them.

I have been lured into the Glock and Sig Sauer line of 9mms for my next gun. However, I really would like to give this new M&P a good go. I really support the fact that is 100% USA made, too.

The .40 M&P Shield is not available yet. The 9mm just came out last Friday. I got one on Saturday. It shoots great.

 

[mamacat2u]

The .40 M&P Shield is not available yet. The 9mm just came out last Friday. I got one on Saturday. It shoots great.

Hrmmm . . . he said he got one at Cabela's. Maybe I misunderstood him, though, which totally could be.

Glad to hear that you think the 9mm shoots great. It is definitely one of my picks for the next 9mm.

 

[robstid]

I'll wait till I see a review from hickok45 on this pistol b4 I make up my mind on purchasing one. I'm sure he will be doing one soon, I can smell it. Lol

 

[SmithKoWitz]

I was in error - that big "BOOM" was from a friggin' hand-cannon of a Smith & Wesson .460 hunting revolver with a scope. . . . she was grinning and I must have looked like a dog who discovered bacon.

I couldn't help but reply to this, since I too own an S&W 460V (5" barrel, no scope). After the first time I shot it, I was like; WOW! this brings back childhood like feelings of complete excitement and huge smiles. It's one powerful piece of equipment! The nice part, you can shoot 45LC, 454 Casull or 460 S&W magnum. I prefer to shoot it outdoors, due to the percussion wave and decibel level. I've even felt heat on my face shooting it outdoors. They are very accurate weapons, as are most S&W revolvers I have shot. As for the EMP being heavy (built like a tank), compared to the Colt Defender, it is. The EMP weighs 33oz vs 24oz for the Defender. I've been thinking about a Colt New Agent for years now. How do you like your Colt? Any issues with it?

 

[FTWNY]

I got my Shield in 9m two days ago and I am really looking forward to shooting it this weekend in NH at NEShooters Summit. I have a full size 9mm M&P a compact M&P.40C, the Shield is ten times easier to carry then the 40C in my opinion so far. I think S&W has really come up with a winner with this new M&P.

 

[MilShooter]

I was in error - that big "BOOM" was from a friggin' hand-cannon of a Smith & Wesson .460 hunting revolver with a scope. . . . she was grinning and I must have looked like a dog who discovered bacon.

I couldn't help but reply to this, since I too own an S&W 460V (5" barrel, no scope). After the first time I shot it, I was like; WOW! this brings back childhood like feelings of complete excitement and huge smiles. It's one powerful piece of equipment! The nice part, you can shoot 45LC, 454 Casull or 460 S&W magnum. I prefer to shoot it outdoors, due to the percussion wave and decibel level. I've even felt heat on my face shooting it outdoors. They are very accurate weapons, as are most S&W revolvers I have shot. As for the EMP being heavy (built like a tank), compared to the Colt Defender, it is. The EMP weighs 33oz vs 24oz for the Defender. I've been thinking about a Colt New Agent for years now. How do you like your Colt? Any issues with it?

I like the Defender quite a lot. It is one of the first models, though, without the current Novak sights. I prefer the Defender to the New Agent because of the Hogue grips. They are very comfortable for shooting. I tried several other grips on it but the gun torqued with every shot and my grip had to be readjusted. But the New Agent is a very slick gun - nothing but the necessities. My Defender developed some reliability problems after 500 rounds. First, it began ejecting spent cartridges directly into my forehead. Then, it started a habit of stovepipes. I returned it to Colt, together with a request to work a bit on the trigger for a smoother pull,to eliminate over travel, and reduce the pull to about 4 1/2 pounds. Since I got the gun back from Colt, it has worked flawlessly until the present day. The cost for the repairs and adjustment was $0.00.

I like the gun because it is a compact, comfortable pistol, easily concealed and of the highest quality. Plus, it holds 7 rounds in the magazine + 1 in the chamber. There aren't many compact .45 caliber pistols that can compete with it (in my opinion). I am also a big fan of single action pistols that I can carry cocked & locked. I have small hands and short fingers, so the DA/SA pistols out there are usually too big in the grip-to-trigger measurement for me.

 

[Frank716]

As soon as I saw the promo video for the shield I started calling around to see which dealers had them in.

Popped into my local shop on Monday to take a look at the thing up-close.
They only had the 9mm in stock, and MAN, that thing is SMALL.

I picked up a full size M&P 9mm in December, and I absolutely love the thing.
Shoots like a dream, the ergonomics are perfect for me...the thing is just all around awesome.

I originally wanted an M&P 40c, but the dealer was out of compact models. I had just received my permit and didn't want to wait any longer (waited 10 whole months for the permit to begin with). So I opted for the full Fran model in 9.

Since then, I've been wanting to pick up a compact model, but haven't gotten around to it.

Now that the Shield is out, I dont have an excuse to not get one. Granted the semi single stack limits the capacity a bit, but the Shield is more compact than the compact M&P....so that's to be expected.

I wouldn't exactly call the Shield a "pocket pistol", per se, but it's substantially smaller than the compact. And it's the same design and format as the rest of the M&P line.

So, as soon as the dealer gets then in, I'll be picking up a Shield in 40.