M&P Shield...4 Years Later...Still The King Of Concealed Carry?

Published on June 2, 2016
Duration: 21:00

This review assesses the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm four years after its introduction, comparing it against newer competitors in the single-stack concealed carry market. The speaker, an experienced reviewer with over 1500 rounds through the test unit, highlights the Shield's durability, excellent aftermarket support, and comfortable shootability for its size. While acknowledging minor faults like a distinct trigger reset and occasional magazine seating issues, the review concludes the Shield remains a top-tier choice for concealed carry due to its balance of reliability, value, and practical performance.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm remains a top-tier concealed carry pistol due to its thin profile, comfortable shootability, durable Melonite finish, and extensive aftermarket support. While its standard trigger has a 'false reset', its overall value and reliability make it a strong contender against newer models.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Intro & Shield Overview
  2. 00:29Market Context & History
  3. 02:50Out of the Box Features
  4. 04:20Shootability and Range Performance
  5. 07:28Range Testing and Accuracy
  6. 12:12Trigger Analysis and Comparisons
  7. 15:14Concealed Carry Comfort
  8. 17:34Faults and Quirks

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield a good concealed carry option?

The M&P Shield excels in concealed carry due to its thin and light profile, making it comfortable for all-day carry. It offers a good balance of shootability and concealability, backed by durable construction with a Melonite finish and extensive aftermarket support comparable to Glock.

How does the M&P Shield's trigger compare to competitors?

The standard M&P Shield trigger features a distinct 'false reset' that can be confusing. Competitors like the Walther PPS M2 and the Shield's own Performance Center variant offer superior, more positive triggers, though the standard Shield's trigger is still considered functional for its intended purpose.

What are the common faults or quirks of the M&P Shield?

Users may find it difficult to seat a loaded magazine without a firm slam. The slide can be stiff for some, and the grip angle is very thin, potentially not filling the hand as well as some competitors. A rare failure to extract was noted with specific ammunition.

Is the M&P Shield still relevant in the current concealed carry market?

Despite newer competitors, the M&P Shield remains highly relevant due to its proven reliability, excellent value, comfortable shootability for its size, and vast aftermarket support, making it a consistent top-tier choice for concealed carry.

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